Customer Reviews Altra Superior 4.5

Rating Summmary:

89 total reviews

Review Breakdown:

53%5Rated 5 stars out of 5

6%4Rated 4 stars out of 5

16%3Rated 3 stars out of 5

13%2Rated 2 stars out of 5

12%1Rated 1 star out of 5

Customer Fit Survey:

61%"Felt true to size"

81%"Felt true to width"

88%"Moderate arch support"

Additional Reviews

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Overall3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Comfort2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
This Superior 4.5 has very similar attributes to my last pair of Superior Altra shoes but it is more narrow and smaller than my last pair which is very disappointing because the whole reason I loved this brand and style was the fact that it was a shoe that was wide and allowed enough space for my toes to spread out. Another complaint is that Altra changes the fit of their shoes even if it is the same style from year to year or every two years. The consistency of their product is just not there. I thought I found a brand that I could stick with but I think this is the last time I'll buy from this
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14 found this review helpful.
Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Comfort2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I've been a big fan of Altra Superior running shoes, but these did not meet my expectations. The best feature of Superior's is the large toe box. My 4.0s were great, but they were wearing out so I bought 4.5s. Unfortunately, they did not have the same feel at all and the toe box was tight. I hope the next generation brings back the roomy toe box.
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10 found this review helpful.
Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
The 4.5 model has some real wear issues (see photo). These shoes were purchased March 2020 - so, about 4 months of wear. I have 3.0 and 3.5 Lone Peaks and never had wear problems like the 4.5. Altra shoes are a must for me (neuroma problems), but wear as bad as this could affect future purchase decisions.
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3 found this review helpful.
Overall3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Comfort4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Style4Rated 4 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Really mixed feelings on this shoe, most of which may be chalked up to my foot type. I have a narrow, medium arch, morton's toe (longer second toe, really feels more like shorter big toe to me). 1. Because of dramatic toe box curve back towards outside of foot, I had to go up 1.5 sizes (normal 11, Altra 12.5) to keep toes 2-5 from hitting rubber toe bumper. That's a lot, but I don't feel like the shoe is too long (no tripping on things for example). Just a heads up if you have longer toes 2-5. 2. Soft (lack of) heel cup, flat insole surface and very slick synthetic upper material allows almost entire foot to rotate inside of shoe at walking speed over uneven terrain. I ended up putting a 3/8 met pad on a thin insole under the Altra insole and that gave enough contour to hold my foot in position inside the shoe but they still feel like they have too much leverage side to side over uneven surfaces at walking speeds somehow. 3. Sole very slick when wet on hard surfaces ie rocks, roots and pavement. Scary slick. Protruding trapezoids on sides of soles collect and hold on to mud very effectively. All that said : these are amazing to run trails in. Love the lacing system and laces, love the dynamic feel of the shoe, love the (dry) grip of the tread, love the breathability, toe bumper is an excellent mix of flexible yet effective, conforming heel and midfoot with wide toebox, high quality materials and construction. I don't recommend for wet climates because of the slippery when wet behavior of the soles. But you can really hang it out with these on dry trails! I also don't recommend these as walking/hiking shoes, as mentioned above I don't really understand why but I feel unstable in these at walking speed. I was hoping these would be a better all around shoe but they are so good as a trail runner that I am going to try a few other styles from Altra (walker and hiker) to see how they go.
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2 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Not even a runner but I decided to snag a pair for these for work since I walk around 15,000 steps a day as an Aircraft Mechanic and I'm about that barefoot/zero drop life. Bought them a year ago and have walked/hiked countless miles in them and they're just about at the end of their life. Was pleasantly surprised to see them last this long to be honest! Looking to get my fifthly hands on the Lone Peak's for work just out of curiosity once I walk a hole through my Superior's. A dang fine shoe I have to say for the work place!
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Great looking shoe and very comfortable. Bought for son, landscape architect, on his feet alot. He loves them!
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
While they are listed as a medium width they run true to the Altra form of having a wider toe box which is why I bought these, even though they are listed as medium width. This is my fourth pair of Altra (Escalante's previous 3 times) and enjoy the fit and feel of these shoes.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
I wear these when I need a shoe that is light as a feather and fits like a second skin. I cant imagine wearing socks with these, so if you’re the type to pull your white tube socks to your knees, keep shopping.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
I loathe to call these "budget" but these perform better than kicks costing $30, $40 or even $50 more. I had never heard of this brand and usually sport On, inov8 or Topo but these kicks may have just moved to the to top of the list.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall4Rated 4 stars out of 5
I'm a trail runner. I think the minor changes that were made over the Superior 4.0 were mostly for the better. The biggest change is the narrowing of the toe box. I think it was a needed change because the toe box of the 4.0 was too loose and caused some slapping when descending. The new narrow shape fixes that problem completely, as well as giving a degree of added confidence on uneven terrain (no more random ankle rolls). However, in my opinion Altra made it slightly too narrow. I say this because I got a blister on my big toe during my first run in the 4.5. I never got a blister with the 4.0 and I've run a couple hundred miles in them. Everyone has different feet and so opinions will vary but in my opinion the slightly too narrow toe box is a price worth paying for the added benefits of the 4.5. If you have very wide feet then I would recommend buying the 4.0. Other changes are the removal of the weird eyelet chain, replaying it with a normal setup. I liked both, but the new version is a little easier to lace up. The upper feels different too, but I can't say I noticed a big difference in ventilation, which was a minor complaint with the 4.0. I'd like to have more ventilation but it only becomes a problem on really hot days. Overall I really like this shoe and will be buying another pair (hopefully the 5.0) once they wear out.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall2Rated 2 stars out of 5
I have bought many Altra shoes. This is my least favorite shoe. It does not fit like the other styles
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall1Rated 1 star out of 5
This shoe is definitely smaller. They also are harder to put on because one side of the tongue is permanently sewn to the side of thee upper. As to quality the laces go through small cloth loops sewn or glued to the upper instead of eyelets through the upper. About a month in, one of the loops pulled loose and there is no way to fix. I'm thinking of returning if I can find a box. Look sharp though ... blue with yellow trim.
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1 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I really like this shoe a lot would recommend them.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I’ve grown to love these shoes. At first I thought it was weird that the tongue is attached on one side but it doesn’t bother me after wearing these for a while. And they’re really comfortable
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Running personality shoes.!!!
I'd also recommend:
On could
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Amazing shoes. Very comfortable. Wide toe box.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I love Altras and this style is the best....color and fit perfectly and just right for my orthotics, too.
I'd also recommend:
Altras
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Altra comes through again. Solid shoe my son wears every day to school and runs cross country in.
I'd also recommend:
Olu Kai (for leisure)
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
I normally wear size 14 but always go up to 15 with Altras. This shoe fits the same as the others. Good fit, comfortable, nice shoe.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Feet have hurt for years …these shoes are perfect for my many trips up and down the stairs
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort3Rated 3 stars out of 5
Style2Rated 2 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Good fit, true to size, good looking. A wonderful shoe.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
first pair of trail shoes I have ever owned. feel really good and my trail runs have been more enjoyable by me not slipping and sliding around as much.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
True to size and width without the pressure.Usually shoes want to make their presence known, you feel them. The 4.5's protect, cover and support with such a light "footprint" I can, and do, put them on in the morning without feeling "pressured" to do so. You see, ordinarily my 66 year old feet don't like to rise and step into the day. I've had major foot and toe problems since I was 28 years old. In the past my solution was barefoot. The minimalist of another company worked ok, but no support. My feet at this age are breaking down a bit and in the morning the center of the front pad on my right foot can wake so hard I limp. Enter the 4.5's! I actually look forward to covering my feet with them. I became alarmed that Altra might stop making themjust bought a second pair!
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Coming from Five Fingers, the Lone Peak 4, and Nike Terra Kiger 6s... I can say that I have found the first 100 miles in the superior 4.5s to be a wonderful ride and a breath of fresh air. Ordering multiple pairs of these to cycle through for training. I also plan on racing a 100 miler in this design in the fall.
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0 found this review helpful.
Overall5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Comfort5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Style5Rated 5 stars out of 5
Runs SmallRuns Large
Runs NarrowRuns Wide
Poor SupportGreat Support
Had the 3.5s before and like this one as well. It complements the Lone Peaks well. Lighter with less stack but still cushy and comfy. Great trail shoe! Would buy again.
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0 found this review helpful.

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