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7.8 ounces / 0mm drop / $95
The Dirt: The versatile Superior sports several Altra trademarks, including its zero-drop platform and a removable rock plate under the insole to customize your ride. While lightweight and minimal in construction, the Superior offers ample cushioning and rock protection for handling a wide variety of terrain.
Across the board, testers raved about the shoe’s out-of-the-box fit, describing it as akin to slipping into moccasins or slippers. Said one tester: “I felt like I could wear this shoe to sneak up on elk.”
Best For: Most testers agreed the Superior was most responsive on flats and less technical terrain. Said one, “It is a great shoe for runners looking to experiment with zero-drop, minimal shoes without giving up the confidence afforded by underfoot protection”.
Traction: The checkerboard outsole performs competently on most terrain, short of very slick conditions, providing good grip on descents, but not quite enough “pull” on climbs.
Fit: The shoe runs a half to a full size short, but plenty wide throughout, with ample space for the toes to splay.
The Downsides: A few testers complained of feeling loose in the heel.
Tester-Monial: “On what type of terrain could these shoes not be your first choice? I’m still trying to figure that out.”
—Louis Brenner, Pocatello, ID
Check out the other 10 shoes in our Spring 2013 Shoe Review.