Altra Experience Flow ST | £130

We tried the stability version of Altra's lightweight daily running shoe to see how it performed...

Altra are one of the newer running shoe brands. Within 10 years, they’ve gone from using a toaster oven and a sander to make a prototype, to making some of the best running shoes out there. Their shoes focus on what’s known as a ‘natural fit’. They have a wider, more foot-shaped toe box and zero or low drop that’s said to promote natural running form.

Their Experience Flow model (now in its third iteration) is known as their entry-level shoe. It’s a lightweight daily trainer with a 4mm drop that’s ideal for those who are transitioning into low- and no-drop running shoes. We tried out the Experience Flow ST: the stability version of this shoe. Here’s how we got on…

Altra Experience Flow ST technical details

RRP: £130
Weight: 208g
Drop: 4mm
Foam: Altra EGO™ P35 midsole foam

Who and what are the Experience Flow ST for?

As we mentioned, this shoe great for runners who are interested in shoes with a more ‘natural’ foot shape and a lower drop. This model includes stability as well, which is ideal for those who over-pronate or who want a shoe with support for recovery runs. It’s a road running shoe that’s lovely and lightweight.

How do they fit?

I’ve been testing out a lot of natural fit shoes recently, and these were up there in terms of how they fit. They offered support in all the right places around the heel and ankle.  There was a nice lot of room in the toebox that allowed for footsplay. This is Altra’s ‘standard’ fit – they offer an even wider toebox option in their ‘original’ fit. My feet are on the wide side and these fit comfortably. Someone with wider feet may get on better with one of their ‘original’ fit designs.

Are the Experience Flow ST comfortable?

Immediately yes. You know when you can just tell that a shoe is going to be comfy as soon as you put it on? That was the case with these. I took them straight out for a 5KM run when I got them. They felt as comfortable as a pair of shoes I’d been running in for months.

Altra Experience Flow ST run test

I had my second baby last year and during the pregnancies my feet got wider and flatter. Unfortunately, I think they’re staying that way! As a result, more traditional running shoes are sometimes not wide enough for me. I’ve been on a bit of a ‘natural fit’ running shoe streak to see if I can find something that suits me better. I also really appreciate a bit of stability, as I’ve started over-pronating a little, too.

These shoes from Altra are a lovely balance of everything I’m looking for. A lot of stability shoes I’ve tried feel quite thick and clunky. These felt so lightweight underfoot – yet offered all the support I needed.

I’m a big fan of the wider toebox. They allow for footsplay, but I didn’t feel like my feet were slopping around in all that extra space. There’s a lot of discussion out there about how much ‘natural fit’ shoes do help (or hinder!) your running form. I think it’s ultimately down to personal experience and preference. For me, I feel as though I do run a lot more naturally in these shoes, which makes it feel easier to run and change pace.

And if all of this wasn’t enough, they look absolutely gorgeous. While testing, other runners have stopped to admire them and ask where they’re from, which is always a good thing!