Experience Flow

I tried on the Experience Flow 1. Not sure about if there is enough cushioning. Is the second version softer? Also, not sure if the large toe box is for me

I need help... I can't find a good running shoe. I was running on the Mach 5 for over 6 years but can't find any more pairs of them. I didn't love the 6 because they were a little too stiff. From there I went to a local running store to try and get help and tried the Hoka Clifton 9, New Balance Fuel Cells Rebels, and the Altra Flow 3. Hoka Clifton 9 - to plush really aggravates my ball of foot pain New Balance Fuel Cells Rebels - I have been loving but after only 40 miles they're irritating my arch Altra Flow 3 - good on my arch but lost feeling in my toes Again I loved the Mach 5 and I have the NB DynaSoft Nitrel v6 as my trail running shoe that also has been working super well for me. I have a high arch and pretty wide toe. My main issues are arch pain or ball of foot pain.

Something by Altra or Topo might be what you’re looking for. I like the Altra Experience Flow 3 for daily easy runs, just picked up the Topo Specter 2 to try out for longer and/or speedier sessions. I need a very wide toe box and these are the only brands that work for me.

Some of their models have 4mm drop. Check out the Experience Flow 3, and FWD VIA 2. They both have 4mm drop, but slightly different foot shapes and different amounts of cushioning. They both use the new EGO foam (see my conversation with u/jjaksha in this thread.) Altra also has a "shoe finder" quiz on their website. And they do free shipping with free returns within 30 days.

Let me start by saying that any recommendations by anyone are because that’s what works for THEM. You need to find the thing that works for you. First of all try purchasing shoes from REI or Running Warehouse Because of Their Excellent Return Policies, so If a shoe Doesn’t Work for You You Can Send It Back. I love the Altra Experience Flow 2& 3 for my road shoe, but that’s just me. The 2 seemed to have held up well except for a little wear on the exposed foam on the sole.

I’m loving my Altra Experience Flow 3’s for my road runs and Hoka Speedgoat 7’s for the weekend trail runs. The Flows have been the absolute best road shoes I’ve bought in over a decade and the Speedgoat 7 finally seems to have gotten back on track to the shoe they once were! I always say a shoe that works for me isn’t necessarily the shoe that will work for you, but it’s rare that I’m super happy with both my road and trail shoes.

I was a LONG TIME Kinvara wearer! I always say it doesn’t matter what shoe I wear, it’s what is comfortable for you, but if you like the Kinvara feel, the Altra Experience Flow 2 or 3 have been the best shoes I’ve bought in a decade! They have the same 4 MM drop as the Kinvara, the same lightweight responsive/fun feel, but they have that slightly wider natural foot shape forefoot that makes them feel like heaven to run in! Just go try a pair on and you’ll see exactly what I’m talking about.