Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. Altra’s Experience line of running shoes offers a natural running experience for users with added support and comfort in three unique models: Flow, Form and Wild. With the recent release of the second iteration in May, we put the Wild 2 to the test on trails throughout Central Oregon.
Updates to the second version of the Wild include an engineered mesh upper with an increased TPU overlay for added protection on rough and technical terrain, especially around Altra’s standard roomy toe box. This added layer of TPU kept our feet well protected when traversing rocky sections of trail and rough portions of technical single track. While the engineered mesh also provides adequate coverage for protection on the trails, it’s surprisingly breathable in warmer weather with our feet staying relatively cool during long summer miles. The shoe’s traditional lacing system has been updated to include extra eyelets for a smoother path to customizing the perfect fit.
Altra designed the Experience models with four different running experiences in mind: Feel, Float, Forward and Fast. The Wild 2 falls under the “Forward” experience, which promises a smooth, efficient and light effort. The shoe’s rocker shape geometry and lightweight compression-molded EVA both help with that forward feel. At just 8.8 oz with a 4mm drop, the midsole on the Wild 2 offers a connected, cushioned toe-off while providing solid support across the trails. Our testers felt the Wild 2 assisted them on faster, shorter trail runs due to the lightweight propulsion, but also kept them going on longer mileage days by allowing a smoother, more efficient stride.
The shoe’s MaxTrac outsole and moderate lug height worked effectively for stability when traversing rocks and more technical terrain, even when fine, dusty dirt covered the trails in the middle of summer—one of the reasons why we also appreciated the added GaiterTrap in the back for easy attachment.
The Wild 2 is a go-to shoe for picking up the speed on a shorter training day or a steady, cushioned shoe for a longer one if additional mileage is in the cards. As one of Altra’s most cost-effective models, the Experience Wild 2 runs as it was intended—a lightweight, cushioned trail shoe that provides maximum stability while also propelling you forward. Find the Experience Wild 2 at altrarunning.com.
Features and Specs:
- Weight: 8.8oz women’s / 10.35oz men’s
- Stack Height (heel/toe, in mm): 26/30mm (women’s) / 28/32mm (men’s)
- Heel-Toe Drop (mm): 4mm
- Upper: engineered mesh with TPU overlay
- Midsole: Lightweight compression-molded EVA
- Outsole: MaxTrac
- MSRP: $140