Long time 0 drop stalwarts Altra have been experimenting with carbon plates and low drop shoes. Let's see what the Altra 2024 line up brings
Altra 2024 – Experimenting with the tried and true
The brand that began their 0 drop careers by heating and trimming shoes in a toaster oven have come a long way in the past decade or so. Along with the adherence to a 0 drop ideology, Altra have also created a last which is designed to be more natural fit for a runner’s foot. Whilst keeping to their company’s ideals, Altra have kept innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Let’s see where 2024 is headed!
Altra 2024 Vanish Carbon
Altra’s first carbon plated race shoe is back for another year. Retaining the traditional 0 drop. The long distance speed shoe offer Ego Pro foam and a Carbutex plate. You can read Alex’s review of the first version here.
Specs:
Stack height 36mm
Full carbon plate
Sample weight 229g/7.1oz
Release price: $260
Release date: March 2024
Changes:
3mm more foam across the board. The carbon plate goes from a half plate to a full plate. All of this adds about 23g to the shoe.
Altra Mont Blanc Carbon
As the name might suggest, this is Altra’s entry into the carbon plated trail super shoe market. An all round upgrade on the current Mont Blanc model for pushing the pace when the terrain gets tough.
Specs:
Vibram Light MegaBase grip.
Ego Pro nitro infused midsole foam.
0mm drop
30mm Stack height
Sample weight: 10oz/283.5g
Release date: March 2024
Release price: $260
Changes:
The upgraded foam and carbon plate should make this a fast shoe. Vibram grip will always keep you attached to the trail.
Altra 2024 Experience Flow
Altra’s first foray into the low-drop world was last year’s FWD Experience (read the review here). This time we have it in three flavours. The first is the Flow. This is the neutral daily trainer with a 4mm drop.
Specs:
Same midsole as the first version.
Stack height: 32mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot for a 4mm drop.
New upper.
Release date: May 2024
Release price: $140
Changes:
The new upper seems to be the biggest change here.
Altra Experience Form
As the name may suggest, this is the stability version of the Experience line.
Specs:
As above.
Release date: May 2024
Release price: $145
Changes:
A new offering for those who want some stability and a little extra drop in their Altra Experience.
Altra 2024 Experience Wild
Following on from the last two shoes, it doesn’t take a genius to guess that this is the trail version of the Experience line.
Specs:
As the Flow and Form.
Release date: May 2024
Release price: $145
Changes:
The outsole takes the Experience off road. Low drop, thick cushion and a firm fitting foot shape.