Altra Superior 6 Introduction
The Alta Superior 6 is the newest replace to certainly one of Altra’s extra widespread 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 commonplace foot-shaped toe field, however as has been one thing of a pattern in lots of Altra’s these days, the toe field feels noticeably narrower than earlier fashions of the identical shoe.
Altra Superior 6 Impressions
The Altra Superior 6 is precisely 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 happy with this shoe.
As talked about beforehand, the Altra Superior 6 was comfy out of the field and continues to really feel good on my toes with each run. What shocked me essentially the most with this shoe is how comfy 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.
With regards to 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 as regards to aggressive treads and good traction, however that’s a vital trade-off in an effort 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 circumstances the place traction was more likely to be a problem.
The one concern 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 generally, nevertheless it’s positively slender for an Altra shoe.
If you happen to’ve been a fan of the roominess within the toe field of earlier editions of the Superior, you could end up a bit disillusioned 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 toes, however none that I do know of are as light-weight, comfy, and responsive because the Superior 6.
The only real of the Superior 6 is a mixture of EVA molded foam midsole and maxtrac outsole that mix to do a superb job of defending the toes from the inevitable path particles. Whilst you can nonetheless really feel the bottom beneath your toes, and the rocks or roots that you just’re working throughout, your toes 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 supply 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 in the event you’re performing some critical bushwhacking, the extent of safety that the higher of this shoe offers will not be adequate.
Altra Superior 6 Sturdiness
I’ve had zero sturdiness points/issues with the Altra Superior 6. My footwear are exhibiting virtually no put on after many miles on the paths, protecting a wide range of surfaces from gravel to rocks to roots to sand to clay.
With regards to race day, or simply lengthy days on the path, I feel the Superior 6 can be a high quality alternative for distances as much as about 50k. If you happen to’re used to working longer distances with a minimally cushioned shoe I’m certain you might put on this for an extended race, however I feel I’d go for a shoe with a bit of extra cushion if I used to be going past the 50k mark.
Moreover, whereas I’ve discovered the Superior 6 to do a superb job of defending my toes on extra technical sections of the path, I’m undecided I’d just like the Superiors for a race for a really technical path.
Altra Superior 6 Responsiveness & pace
The Altra Superior 6 actually shines on sections of the path the place you’ll be able to open up your aspect and simply run. These footwear are mild and responsive, and there’s no purpose you’ll be able to’t race arduous/quick in these footwear on a runnable path.
Uphill or down, irrespective of the floor, if the circumstances of the path are favorable for working quick, the Superior 6 is the shoe you need to be sporting.
Altra Superior 6 Consolation and match
The Altra Superior 6 is a snug shoe to put on. The higher is a sturdy mesh that kinds effectively to the foot, with sufficient cushion within the heel cup to maintain your foot safe whereas out in your run.
The only real unit of the Altra Superior 6 feels good on the toes, although there’s not very a lot between your toes and the bottom. If you happen to’re used to a luxurious sole with numerous foam, this shoe isn’t for you. However in the event you like a minimally cushioned shoe, you’ll discover the Superior 6 to be lots comfy in your runs.
Total, the Superior 6 runs true to measurement.
The one consolation/match concern 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 shocked 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 shortage 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 commonly going ahead.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a light-weight path shoe that provides a fairly good quantity of safety to your toes on some technical trails, you’d be hard-pressed to discover a shoe that’s higher than the Altra Superior 6.
