Altra Rivera Review
Lightweight Responsive Cushioning for Any Run
Likes
- Responsive ride
- Breathable engineered mesh
- Comfortable for nearly any run
Dislikes
- Wide upper
What's New
Are you seeking a lightweight performance trainer that offers extra protection for your faster daily training runs while maintaining a natural feel and a zero-drop design? Well, look no further than the all-new superbly balanced Altra Rivera. Featuring a full-length AltraEGO foam midsole, the Rivera has the responsiveness to handle speed days while also offering enough cushioning to tackle long runs. Strategically placed rubber along the outsole provides substantial durability and grippy traction. The Natural FootShape design is spacious throughout the forefoot, offering unrestricted comfort. To round out this comfortable and versatile package, Altra built the upper with a lightweight and breathable mesh that brings a dialed-in fit to any run.
The Bottom Line
Altra has come a long way over the years, but through it all, the brand has stayed true to the simple, natural design sensibility that has attracted a loyal following. To give runners a lightweight performance trainer that fills the gaps between the Torin and Escalante, Altra has introduced the all-new Rivera. The shoe's full-length AltraEGO foam midsole is moderately stacked, providing runners with a cushioned yet responsive ride that exhibits top-notch versatility. Altra has built the Rivera with a new foot last that is still luxuriously spacious but also hugs the foot in all the right places for a secure lockdown that allows for distraction-free running. All in all, the Rivera is a successful trainer that Altra fans will go crazy for. Additionally, given its versatility and affordable price, the Rivera would make a great option for beginner runners curious to try a lightweight shoe with Altra's signature zero-drop ride.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Wide | Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 8.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.0 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 28 mm (Heel), 28 mm (Forefoot)- includes removeable sock liner | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Ben: "The Rivera fits into that middle ground between the Escalante and Rivera. It is softer and more cushioned than the Escalante, but it still has the slight firmness that is common with most lightweight trainers and uptempo shoes. As a fan of highly cushioned shoes, I found the Rivera a tad on the firm side for me."
Ride/Energy Return i
Ben: "The Altra engineers put a layer of responsive foam in the midsole of the Rivera, and it performs well. I can tackle tempo runs with ease, and the Rivera puts a slight spring in my step. I would have no problem running a fast 5K in the Rivera once races start again."
Underfoot Protection i
Ben: "The Rivera is designed with only a moderate stack height, which is good for shorter tempo runs or races when a lower weight shoe matters. I took the Rivera on several 6 kilometre tempo runs and my joints felt fine, but I would be hesitant to run over 32 kilometres in these trainers due to their level of cushioning."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Ben: "As a lightweight trainer, the Rivera does not have the highly cushioned midsole typical of most daily trainers. This makes the shoe pretty flexible while running but not enough to be uncomfortable or too unstable."
Upper Feel i
Ben: "The engineered mesh creates a breathable and light upper. The inside dries out pretty quickly. However, the upper fits loose around my narrow feet. I have to wear thicker socks to run comfortably."
Men's Altra Rivera Running Shoes
Women's Altra Rivera Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
For the runner looking for a tempo shoe at an affordable price, the Rivera is a really good option. This lightweight trainer allows for a large amount of energy return, making faster paces easier. While the cushioning level may make longer runs a bit more challenging, there is plenty of cushioning for shorter tempo runs and 5K to 10K distances.