Altra Superior 6 Introduction
The Alta Superior 6 is the newest replace to considered one of Altra’s extra in style path footwear.
This model of the Superior continues the custom of being a light-weight and minimally cushioned path shoe.
As is the case with any Altra shoe, the Superior 6 is constructed on a zero-drop platform.
The shoe additionally has Astra’s normal foot-shaped toe field, however as has been one thing of a development in lots of Altra’s currently, the toe field feels noticeably narrower than earlier fashions of the identical shoe.
Altra Superior 6 Impressions
The Altra Superior 6 is strictly as marketed: a light-weight and minimally cushioned path shoe. And as one would anticipate with a light-weight/low-cushioned shoe, this shoe is ideal for going quick off-road.
All that stated, I haven’t worn the Superior 6 for any quick path working/racing up to now, and I’m nonetheless greater than glad with this shoe.
As talked about beforehand, the Altra Superior 6 was snug out of the field and continues to really feel good on my ft with each run. What stunned me essentially the most with this shoe is how snug the Superior 6 is on extra technical terrain. With earlier fashions of Superiors, I’ve at all times had points working over rockier terrain/paved sections of path. I’ve had no such points within the Superior 6 on extra technical terrain.
On the subject of traction on the path, the Superior 6 will get the job carried out. I wouldn’t say the Superior 6 is the most effective shoe I’ve ever worn on the subject of aggressive treads and good traction, however that’s a obligatory trade-off to be able to have a shoe that’s as responsive and quick. I haven’t had any points with traction working in moist grass or greasy clay, however I additionally didn’t push my luck in situations the place traction was more likely to be a problem.
The one situation I’ve had with the Altra Superior 6 is that it’s a bit slender within the toe field/forefoot of the shoe. To be clear, I wouldn’t name the Superior 6 slender on the whole, nevertheless it’s undoubtedly slender for an Altra shoe.
When you’ve been a fan of the roominess within the toe field of earlier editions of the Superior, it’s possible you’ll end up a bit disenchanted within the Superior 6.
Altra Superior 6 Safety
The safety supplied by the Altra Superior 6 exceeded my expectations for a light-weight and minimally cushioned shoe. There are different path footwear that can present extra safety to your ft, however none that I do know of are as light-weight, snug, and responsive because the Superior 6.
The only of the Superior 6 is a mixture of EVA molded foam midsole and maxtrac outsole that mix to do job of defending the ft from the inevitable path particles. Whilst you can nonetheless really feel the bottom beneath your ft, and the rocks or roots that you simply’re working throughout, your ft will nonetheless be good in fine condition after a day on the paths in these footwear.
The mesh higher of the Superior 6 is strengthened across the toe cap and heel to offer a bit of additional safety the place it’s usually wanted on the path.
On comparatively well-kept trails, you shouldn’t have any points within the Superior 6. However when you’re doing a little severe bushwhacking, the extent of safety that the higher of this shoe supplies might not be ample.
Altra Superior 6 Sturdiness
I’ve had zero sturdiness points/considerations with the Altra Superior 6. My footwear are exhibiting virtually no put on after many miles on the paths, protecting quite a lot of surfaces from gravel to rocks to roots to sand to clay.
On the subject of race day, or simply lengthy days on the path, I believe the Superior 6 can be a nice selection for distances as much as about 50k. When you’re used to working longer distances with a minimally cushioned shoe I’m positive you may put on this for an extended race, however I believe I’d go for a shoe with a bit extra cushion if I used to be going past the 50k mark.
Moreover, whereas I’ve discovered the Superior 6 to do job of defending my ft on extra technical sections of the path, I’m unsure I’d just like the Superiors for a race for a really technical path.
Altra Superior 6 Responsiveness & velocity
The Altra Superior 6 actually shines on sections of the path the place you’ll be able to open up your facet and simply run. These footwear are mild and responsive, and there’s no cause you’ll be able to’t race laborious/quick in these footwear on a runnable path.
Uphill or down, irrespective of the floor, if the situations of the path are favorable for working quick, the Superior 6 is the shoe you need to be carrying.
Altra Superior 6 Consolation and match
The Altra Superior 6 is a cushty shoe to put on. The higher is a sturdy mesh that varieties nicely to the foot, with sufficient cushion within the heel cup to maintain your foot safe whereas out to your run.
The only unit of the Altra Superior 6 feels good on the ft, although there’s not very a lot between your ft and the bottom. When you’re used to an opulent sole with a number of foam, this shoe isn’t for you. However when you like a minimally cushioned shoe, you’ll discover the Superior 6 to be lots snug in your runs.
Total, the Superior 6 runs true to measurement.
The one consolation/match situation I’ve had with the Altra Superior 6 is the relative narrowness of the toe field. The footwear aren’t overly slender, however they aren’t as roomy because the earlier fashions of Superiors that I’ve worn.
Altra Superior 6 Conclusions
Total, I used to be pleasantly stunned and fairly pleased with the Altra Superior 6. I’ve been a fan of the Superiors for a very long time, however solely when working of very non-technical trails.
I’ve at all times had points with the dearth of cushion within the soles of earlier fashions of the Superiors when working on technical sections of trails, however these points have been resolved on this model of the shoe. Due to this, I’ll be persevering with to put on the Superior 6 recurrently going ahead.
When you’re in search of a light-weight path shoe that gives a fairly good quantity of safety to your ft on some technical trails, you’d be hard-pressed to discover a shoe that’s higher than the Altra Superior 6.
