Altra Experience Flow 2 Review
The Altra Experience Flow 2 is a mid-cushioned road running shoe designed for everyday training. Altra makes shoes that are built to work with your body. They allow your feet to function inside the shoe, which helps your ankles, knees, hips, and lower back move more naturally—improving posture and reducing the risk of injury and general wear and tear.
Many other running shoe brands design shoes that do some of the work for your feet or legs. This alters a runner’s natural movement pattern. So, in effect, you’re running in an Altra shoe, whereas with many others, you’re more riding them—the rocker does the job of your calves and lower legs, and the soft cushioning takes over for your feet.
To give your feet the space to spread and function properly, the Altra Experience Flow 2 features a broad, rounded toe box. It’s roomier than the previous version, thanks to both the wider fit and a much softer upper. This adds to the sense of freedom you feel in your toes. If you’re used to running in shoes with a narrow, pointed toe box, these will feel noticeably more spacious. And if you’ve been in restrictive footwear for a while, it might take time for your feet to remember how to spread on impact—but once they do, you’ll appreciate the space.
The heel tab slopes away from the Achilles to reduce the chance of irritation. The heel cup is stiffened and well-padded, and that padding continues around the collar, giving the Experience Flow 2 a very soft, cushioned step-in feel. The tongue is much more padded than on previous Altra models, further adding to that plush first impression. It’s partially gusseted, with a tab that the laces thread through to keep it in place and prevent slipping during runs.
There’s also an extra lace hole at the top for a snugger heel fit or to use a butterfly lacing technique. I found the heel fit nice and secure, and once laced up, the upper pulls in around the midfoot to create a snug wrap. Even though the toe box is roomy, the shoe never felt too big. I’ve worn shoes with a broad, rounded toe box for years and have relatively narrow feet, so I often find these fits feel quite open—especially when switching between shoes in my rotation with more pointed toe boxes. But here, the soft upper and secure heel/midfoot lock-down make the Experience Flow 2 feel more connected to my foot than the previous version—especially through the midfoot and just behind the big toes.
The other major update in the Flow 2 is the midsole foam. Altra has introduced EgoP35, a much softer and more flexible compound than before. When you stand in them, the softness is immediately noticeable. On the run, impact feels noticeably reduced, and the midsole flexes naturally to allow the foot to move where it wants to. There’s no stiffening in the midfoot and no forced flex point—so whether you have long toes, short toes, high arches or low, the shoes adapt to you.
The Experience Flow 2 is one of Altra’s 4mm drop models—most of their shoes are zero-drop (completely flat from heel to toe). A 4mm drop still promotes a midfoot strike and a high degree of foot function, but it reduces the load on your plantar fascia, Achilles, and calves. In a zero-drop shoe, your foot spreads on impact, the plantar fascia stretches like an elastic band, then recoils to spring you forward. That 4mm of extra foam reduces how much work those tissues need to do, making it easier for runners who are newer to this kind of movement. It still allows the foot and lower leg to work—and therefore get stronger—but with a gentler learning curve. I find that when I run in shoes that let my feet move and flex, my knees bend more and my hips engage more naturally.
The midsole still has a slight rocker shape, though far less pronounced than in many other brands. Because it’s so soft and flexible, you can’t just ride the rocker—you have to actually run in them. The shape subtly reminds you to lift your feet using your hamstrings when they touch the ground. It’s very gentle—almost unnoticeable. In fact, the rocker was more noticeable in the previous version, where the foam was firmer and stiffer.
The stack height remains unchanged at 32mm heel / 28mm forefoot for men, and 30mm / 26mm for women. However, the weight has dropped significantly: 198g in a women’s UK 6.5, and 230g in a men’s UK 9.5. Combined with the soft cushioning and natural feel, they almost disappear on your feet.
On my first run, I was surprised by how soft they felt—so much so that I thought I wasn’t moving very quickly. But when I checked my pace after the first mile, I was actually running a bit faster than usual. That said, the Experience Flow 2 isn’t built for speed. The midsole doesn’t push you forward—it’s more like running barefoot across a soft grass field. The cushioning compresses, but not so much that you can’t pick up the pace if needed. It’s just not the shoe’s primary purpose. This is a shoe for easy runs and long runs—comfort over speed.
Altra has added more outsole rubber on the base for durability, but it hasn’t made the shoe feel stiff. The midsole still bends freely in all directions, supporting foot movement and function.
If you’re new to running in shoes that allow your feet to move naturally, it’s a good idea to ease in gradually. Rotate them with your current shoes to avoid overstressing your feet and lower legs. Like introducing a new gym exercise, your body will need time to adapt—but it will get stronger in the process.
Altra’s sizing is similar in length to Topo, Brooks, Saucony, and 361. If you usually wear New Balance, Hoka, Inov-8, or La Sportiva, we suggest trying half a UK size smaller to get a similar fit. For example, an Altra UK 11 is about the same length as a Hoka UK 11.5.
In Summary
The Altra Experience Flow 2 is a very different fitting and feeling shoe compared to its predecessor. It offers a softer, more natural ride with a snugger but roomier fit. It’s ideal for easy miles and long runs, but you can pick up the pace if needed. A great option for runners who want comfort and natural movement in equal measure.
Other Considerations
Hoka Clifton 10: A similar level of softness but, the rocker and 8mm heel to forefoot drop controls the runner’s gait more than the natural gait that is encouraged in the Experience Flow 2. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-clifton-10-review/
New Balance 880v15: A firmer feel to the cushioning and a rocker controlling the runners gait. Available in three width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-880v15-review/
Saucony Ride 18: A much narrower toe box. Similar level of softness in the forefoot. 8mm heel to forefoot with a rocker. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/saucony-ride-18-review/
361 Meraki 6: A firmer more responsive feel to the cushioning but, with a rocker to control the gait. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/361-meraki-6-review-361-degrees/
Inov-8 RoadFly: A broad rounded toe box has a similar roomy fit and soft midsole. Despite the 6mm drop the Inov-8 RoadFly feels a little flatter and the midsole a bit softer with less bounce. So, they don’t cruise quite a nicely. When running quickly you do get a more responsive ride from the RoadFly. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-roadfly-review/
Karhu Ikoni 3 : The Karhu Fulcrum gives a level of propulsion and helps to encourage a more natural gait. A firmer and more responsive feel to the midsole. A good all-round running shoe. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-ikoni-3-review/
Brooks Ghost 17: A 10mm heel to forefoot drop makes the Ghost 17 very different to a lot of everyday road running shoes on the market at the moment. A 10mm plus was normal drop 10 years ago and due to the popularity of the Ghost 17 has remained. The ride is cushioned but, responsive and bouncy. Available in three width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-ghost-17-review/
Topo Phantom 3: The Topo Phantom 3 is the best-selling neutral road running shoe in Northern Runner now. The cushioning is firm and responsive which bucks the trend for soft feeling running shoes. The toe box is broad and rounded to allow your feet the room to spread on impact and function inside the shoes. They aren’t as flexible as the Experience Form 2. The heel to forefoot drop is 5mm to encourage a more midfoot landing. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-phantom-3-review/
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