Altra FWD Experience

The running universe has been surprised by the unexpected arrival of the Altra FWD Experience, marking a significant change for a company as relevant as Altra.

Altras DNA

Altra is known for two distinctive concepts:

• Generous and friendly design of its running shoes to provide more room for the toes.
• Traditional and characteristic "Drop 0": one of its main hallmarks.

The space for the toes gives a specific shape that makes Altra running shoes models easily remarkable at a glance. This wider area is called "toe box".

As for the 0 drop, it should not be confused with minimalism. Altra, while moving decisively towards maximalism in terms of sole thickness, remains true to its 0 drop DNA.

What is 0 drop?

The drop in running shoes refers to the difference in height between the heel and toe of the sole. This characteristic, measured in millimeters, can vary from one model to another. In general, the drop varies from 6 to 12 mm.

The drop influences the biomechanics of the stride, favoring transition and forward propulsion. Few manufacturers offer shoes with a 0 drop, as this requires a particular running technique on the part of the runner. Few runners adapt quickly to shoes with a 0 drop, having been used to conventional drops for years.

What is the difference between a high and a low drop?

Brian Beckstead, co-founder of Altra, shares a secret with me

However, Altra has always prioritized the 0 drop, seeking to offer a more natural running experience. During UTMB 2023 in Chamonix, Brian Beckstead, founder of Altra, revealed to me in an interview, "drop 0 is natural. When you wake up in the morning, you start your day with a drop 0, walking naturally around your house barefoot." This interview had many motivational anecdotes and shocking statements, as we can imagine from this disruptive American entrepreneur.

And, at the end of the interview, in a theatrical way, he quietly shared in the middle of the Chamonix hustle and bustle during UTMB, a confidence about Altra's evolution towards running models with a 4 mm drop, thus breaking with its 0 drop tradition.

He made me promise that until the launch of the Altra FWD Experience I couldn't say anything. It was a huge coup in the running world, and for me, excellent news. Having never run with a drop of less than 6 mm, I could imagine running in a few weeks in Altra shoes, without risking directly with the 0 drop.

The innovative Altra FWD Experience, in review

The FWD Experience represents a radical departure from Altra's classic models. Visually familiar but with noticeable modifications. It caught my attention right from the start: a pleasant feeling of natural movement took hold of me, without any pain, even with a 4 mm drop, a real surprise for me, that I'm used to higher drops.

Comfort and performance

The running experience with the FWD turned out to be different. Its generous cushioning, with a height of 32 mm in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot, has also a point of hardness. Its light weight (242 grams) made daily workouts and even pace changes dynamic.

The lacing is a classic lacing, but well taken care of with 7 holes that give way to flat and elastic laces. This, combined with a padded tongue with a very soft interior feel.

Between this heel support and protection and the efficiency of the lacing/tongue pairing, I had the feeling of excellent comfort and a perfect shoe connection.

The Achilles heel is very well protected with a padded part that protrudes a bit exaggeratedly and the lateral areas of the heel are protected by two lateral areas of foam.

The 4 mm drop encourages a faster stride, surprising me by the feeling of speed, used to higher drops. Also, this lower drop made me feel closer to the ground, despite a generous sole, following the maximalist trend.

Technology and quality

The technical design of the seamless upper and the quality of the EVA foam midsole ensured remarkable comfort.

The versatility of the outsole, grippy on all surfaces, has been an asset in varied races on different surfaces ranging from asphalt to certain paths on clay or compacted sand.

Final conclusions about the Altra FWD Experience

All 0 drop specialists insist that a progressive transition is necessary to go from running with higher drop to running with 0 drop. This is what Altra offers with this FWD Experience model, an open door to new possible horizons.

This experience with the Altra FWD has been totally enriching. It marks a change for Altra, although some of the faithful may initially be puzzled by these changes. However, this running shoe presents itself as an exhilarating alternative for those who wish to explore new horizons in the running world, and perhaps one day reach 0 drop.

At The Running Event 2023 in Austin, Altra has unveiled one of the most comprehensive running and trail ranges around, and guess what? We can't say anything but more news is on the way.