Altra FWD Experience vs Altra Torin 7: Zero drop vs low drop daily trainers

[@NicholasHallows]

This video, along with the full FWD review, has been very useful. I'm very used to zero drop as i often run in Vivobarefoots, Altra Escalante Racers and use the Rivera for recovery runs. I've just bought a pair of the FWDs to add a bit of variety. Even if they're not the most exciting shoes, i have to prioritise the foot-shaped toe box as every other daily trainer i've tried from big brands squish and rub my big toe. Maybe, because I usually run in minimalist shoes and avoid squishy shoes, these feel way plusher, softer and springier than all the reviews make out.

[@fransera]

How would you compare the width of the FWD to the Racer?

[@NicholasHallows]

​@fransera It feels very similar to me, although I have to cinch the laces a bit tighter on the FWD, as I think the FWD has a bit more width across the middle and top of the foot.

[@LancePeterman]

I love that you did this comparison. I own both (plus the Paradigm) and have had a lot of fun in all. I'm a below-average runner and I've actually found the rocker geometry & the efficiency you mentioned to be a nice bridge for me into a racing shoe (I may give that escalante a try with their 24 model). GIven my slower pace, I don't know that the super shoes would benefit me much.

[@chrisbates8943]

Great comparison. Think I’ll get both 😂

[@amandaball7116]

Really helpful thanks. It would be great to have a midsole comparison between TOPO Zipfoam and Altra’s EVA both being on the firmer side. Then a comparison of both companies higher end foams eg pebax ego pro

[@JohnBirtchetSharpe]

Great review , I was wondering how these two compared as they look to be chasing the same market.

[@343gabe]

Perfect review! Thank you!

[@mayadethabrew-hutton4342]

For me the Torin 5s were a bit of a flop. Whilst they felt cushiony and great to start with, after just 200 miles they feel 'dead' in the mid-sole and not very responsive. I ended up returning to my Torin 4s, which were still giving me a better run and were more responsive even after 500+ miles. Do you think the Torin 7s are better than the 5s and do you think the mid-sole will give good energy return past the 200 mile point?

[@GTE_Channel]

I like my pair of FWD's definitely a bit firmer than my other Altras, but really stable and works great with a lot of paces. The only issue I see is the Altra Vanish Tempo. Maybe a bit more expensive, but personaly really love that shoe.

[@nejolo9563]

Your right tried them on. Those heel pads are annoying. The toe box feels too snug and they need to update the foam sole. Looking forward to the FWD experience 2 and hope Altra makes the right changes. It does feel faster and has its advantages in faster pace and giving you a sense of proper form.

[@stuartwebster2203]

Thanks Run Testers, another helpful video. I love my Torin 7s as part of my daily shoe rotation, not sure I especially want a firmer / faster shoe but worth a thought and lots of helpful information.

[@TheRunTesters]

Hi Stuart (Kieran here) if you’ve got the Torin I don’t think you’d be adding much with the FWD.

[@stuartwebster2203]

Thanks Kieran. That was my conclusion. I do like the 7s too.

[@slavasss2189]

3:53 interesting....imo fwrd is much shorter and narrower than torin

[@r.cordis8251]

It seems that the Altras midsole (I have some) are a little "dead" like some old Hoka EVA midsoles, Rincon, bondi, clifton or do you think there are any of these hoka better, bouncier than the ego or egomax Altras midsole? Not comparing with the vanish series that people says have a livier midsole. Thanks

[@nejolo9563]

Has anyone here had to size up with the FWD. It feels a bit too slim. I haven’t run in them yet. I’ve been wearing Torins for the past 3 years now so I’m used to that wide tow box. Aside from that it feels nice. I may go up a 1/2 size.

[@eagle63-94]

Mes dernières Altra Torin étaient des 5. Mais je m'arrete là. Altra ne fait plus des chaussures aussi larges qu'avant et, pour ma part, la couture des lacets me gene au niveau des métatarses. Mes ortels sont à l'aise, mais une sensation de "blocage" plus haut. Ce que je leur reproche le plus : aucun dynamisme, amorti trop mou. Elles n'incitent absoluement pas à "envoyer". Le mesh est solide, plutot aéré (sauf pour les Paradigm) et leur semelle tient très bien sur sol glissant. Même mes Hoka Challenger ne tiennent pas dans les virages sur bitume mouillé. Mes Altra tiennent très bien sur tout bitume glissant. Donc, je reste fidèle aux New Balance, très grande qualité : semelle intermédiaire confortable et dynamique,spacieuses, drop raisonnable.