The Altra Experience Flow 2 is a daily trainer that quietly gets the job done. It’s not trying to be anything beyond a reliable, comfortable shoe for your everyday road miles. And honestly, that’s what makes it work so well, overall.
I’ve been testing them for recovery runs, relaxed long runs, even some dog walks with our border collie, and it has performed well across the board.
If you’ve run in the popular, and dependable Saucony Ride 18, the feel underfoot is quite similar; soft enough to protect, firm enough to feel stable, and smooth enough to just keep on cruising.
Key specifications
- Price: $140 at Altrarunning.com / DSG / Sportsshoes.com (UK)
- Weight: 8.4 oz (238g, US M9)
- Drop: 4mm
- Stack height: 28mm forefoot / 32mm heel
- Upper: Engineered mesh
- Midsole: Altra EGO™ P35
- Outsole: Rubber with rounded heel edges
- Extra attributes: FootShape™ toe box, rocker geometry, articulated heel counter, neutral support
Sizing and fit
The Experience Flow 2 fits true to size for me but it's worth noting that the midfoot feels snug and secure straight out the box, while the toe box is classic Altra; wide enough for natural toe splay without feeling sloppy.
The fit around the collar and heel counter is particularly comfortable, with soft padding and a secure heel lock down.
Performance review
Where the Experience Flow 2 really shines is on slow to steady runs where comfort and predictability are a priority.
The new Altra EGO P35 midsole foam delivers what I’d call a “balanced” ride.
There’s a soft, protective underfoot feel that cushions landings, but it’s not mushy or energy-sapping. It's not particularly bouncy or overly energetic either, and that’s actually a strength here.
It just feels stable and grounded in a way that lets me relax into my stride, especially on cruise-control runs.
This isn’t a shoe I’d grab for intervals or faster efforts, but for recovery jogs, relaxed long runs, and even easy double days, it’s ideal.
I found the rocker geometry, although subtle in its appearance, does help with smoother transitions, especially when paired with the rounded heel edges that guide each step without slapping the ground.
Traction has been solid on road surfaces, even in wet conditions. The rubber outsole grips surprisingly well while making sharp turns, even if your footstrike tends to hit the edges first.
I really notice how stable they feel when landing slightly off-center, which adds to the overall confidence on uneven pavement or quick direction changes.
Another noteworthy detail is the articulated heel counter.
It has just enough structure to keep my heel locked in, but it’s soft and flexible enough not to put pressure on my achilles. Combined with the plush collar padding, the heel area just disappears on the run, and it makes the shoe super easy to slip on.
The mesh upper mesh breathability is average at beast, and is an area that could be improved for hot weather runs. Its comfort level, however, is a bigger win than its ventilation, and I’m fine with that for this type of shoe.
Overall, the Experience Flow 2 feels simple and dependable. It’s lightweight while remaining durable, cushioned without being sluggish, and secure without being restrictive.
Alastair Dixon
My verdict
If you’re looking for a no-fuss daily trainer that handles easy miles with consistency, the Altra Experience Flow 2 is worth a look.
It’s not trying to wow you with tech or speed, it’s just super comfortable, smooth, and built to handle lots of miles without demanding too much from you.
Runners who enjoy shoes like the Saucony Ride 18 or Brooks Ghost will feel right at home here, but with Altra’s signature toe box and low-drop feel - so if you're a fan of Altra already, I think you'll enjoy this latest daily trainer offering.
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