Altra Experience Flow 3

The Altra Experience Flow 3 is the gateway to Altra for anyone who wants to try the trademark wide forefoot without jumping straight to zero drop, a feature that widens its market and eases the transition for those used to higher drops. It keeps the 4 mm of the whole Experience line and a moderate stack height, making it a simple daily trainer that does not impose any particular running style. Within the road range it complements the Torin 9, the zero-drop option for everyday running, and sits above the Escalante 5, which has a lower stack and is designed for those looking for a more natural ride. Anyone who wants to take the same platform off road has its trail counterpart, the Experience Wild 3.

Compared with the Experience Flow 2, the changes are in the details, but they show. The technical mesh upper is new and more breathable according to Altra, although several testers found it somewhat thick and warm on hot days. The tongue is now stitched to the sides instead of being held by two small elastic straps, and the heel collar loses the tall, rigid piece of the previous version, with a slightly more reinforced counter to compensate: it is more comfortable for walking, although the heel feels looser and it can take a while to get the lacing right. The base is slightly wider, especially in the midfoot, and the FootShape™ Standard last feels roomier than before, almost halfway to the Original, the widest of the brand. The insole also improves, thicker and of better quality; those were the days when some brands advertised collaborations with makers such as OrthoLite®.

The midsole again uses Altra EGO™ P35 foam, with 32 mm at the heel and 28 mm at the forefoot, giving a comfortable ride, although it is hardly the most responsive on the market. The rubber outsole covers more surface than the previous model and withstands wear well, with good grip on wet asphalt, although it falls short off road. Ideal for easy runs for light and medium-weight runners, and for those taking their first steps towards a low drop who also want a wide, toe-friendly fit.