Altra Experience Flow 2 Review

The upper is made from a lightweight engineered mesh that balances airflow with support. It’s not overly padded, but it holds the foot well: especially through the midfoot and heel. The tongue is gusseted, and the laces allow for an easy lockdown. I live and train in the Mojave Desert, so breathability isn’t optional...it’s a dealbreaker. Thankfully, the Flow 2 lets air in, which is essential in triple-digit temps.

As usual with Altra, the toe box gives your toes room to move and spread naturally, thanks to the “Standard” last. That said, it doesn’t feel quite as roomy as some older models. It’s still wider than most brands, but on the narrower side compared to shoes like the Torin or Olympus.

The upper is well-done: it disappears on the foot. I haven’t had any issues with rubbing or blisters. Straight out of the box, I ran over an hour without a problem, which says a lot about the step-in feel and build quality.

For sizing reference, I usually fall between a 10–11 wide in most running brands. The size 11 in the Flow 2 was the best match, consistent with other Altras I’ve worn. If you’ve run in Altras with more generous widths, this one might feel a bit snugger by comparison.

The most noticeable upgrade comes in the midsole. Altra swapped in their new EGO P35 foam, a PEBA-based blend that’s livelier than what they’ve used in the past. The difference is immediate...it has more give and bounce. Compared to the original Flow, which felt flat and uninspiring, the Flow 2 feels like it has real energy return.

With a moderate stack height and a soft but stable platform, the shoe does a solid job absorbing impact without feeling mushy. The 4 mm drop works well with the softer foam, providing a natural underfoot feel without straining the calves. It's ideal for everyday mileage, steady efforts, and even some light tempo runs.

Where does it fit in my rotation? It’s a solid workhorse. While I’ve done strides and progression runs in it, I think it excels most on daily efforts. It's not flashy, but it gets the job done.

Altra added more rubber coverage on the outsole compared to the previous version. The heel now features a wider rubber area that improves durability and traction. There’s also a medial triangle near the arch that offers a bit of stability: subtle, but helpful if you slightly overpronate.

The forefoot uses flex grooves that correspond with how your foot naturally moves. It grips well on pavement and even holds up okay on mild trails. I’ve taken it on dirt roads and non-technical paths without issue. I wouldn’t bring it to a trail race, but for easy off-road miles, it holds its own.

Based on wear so far, I estimate they’ll last around 400 miles. I’ve run about 100 in them already, and the outsole and foam still feel solid. Altra shoes typically hold up well for me, and this one seems to follow suit.

The Altra Experience Flow 2 is a fresh take on what a daily trainer can be from Altra. It’s soft without being sloppy, responsive without being harsh, and built for versatility. The new midsole gives it a modern feel, and the breathable upper performs well even in extreme heat.

If you’re curious about Altra but haven’t wanted to commit to a zero-drop setup, the Flow 2 could be your best entry point. It blends tradition with innovation and feels like a true evolution in the Altra lineup.

Who Should Try the Altra Experience Flow 2

• Runners seeking a soft, flexible, and smooth low-drop trainer
• Athletes who want a wide toe box and more natural foot shape
• Those looking for a reliable daily trainer that can also handle faster paces when needed

Who Might Skip It

• Runners who prefer high-drop shoes or a rocker-style ride
• Those looking for a super-firm or highly aggressive tempo shoe
• Fans of ultra-wide Altras who need the extra room in the forefoot