Altra Rivera

Review Score
77%
πŸ… Highly Rated
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+6
Frank LaraJeff BrowningNikki JohnstoneZach Bitter
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Altra Rivera: Review

β€œA versatile running shoe for daily training and speed workouts.”

Overview


The Altra Rivera is a versatile running shoe designed for daily running and speed training. This shoe is part of the Altra Rivera family, known for its zero-drop design (where the heel and forefoot are the same height off the ground) and natural foot shape. The Rivera offers a balanced cushioning platform, making it suitable for runners who prefer a more natural running experience.

Key Features:

  • Zero Drop: The heel and forefoot are the same height off the ground, promoting a natural stride.
  • Altra EGO Midsole: Provides a responsive and cushioned ride.
  • FootShape Toe Box: Allows toes to relax and spread out naturally.

The Altra Rivera is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a natural running experience and need a shoe that can handle both daily training and speed workouts. Its breathable mesh upper and responsive midsole offer comfort and performance for various running activities.

With an average review score of 77%, it's in the lowest rated 30% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the cheapest 30% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Altra Rivera


The Altra Rivera is a well-rounded running shoe that excels in providing a comfortable and responsive ride. Reviewers appreciate its plush cushioning and roomy toe box, making it suitable for daily running and even walking. The zero-drop design promotes a natural stride, although some runners may need time to adjust. The shoe's breathable mesh upper and Altra EGO midsole contribute to its overall comfort and performance. However, the Rivera's wide midfoot and lack of a secure lockdown may not suit everyone, especially those looking for a shoe for speedwork. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Rivera is a solid choice for runners seeking a versatile and comfortable shoe for various running activities. Overall, the Altra Rivera offers excellent value for money and is a great addition to any runner's rotation.

Comparable Shoes


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The Altra Escalante 3 is a good alternative for runners seeking a more secure lockdown and a shoe better suited for speedwork. While the Rivera offers a plush and cushioned ride, the Escalante 3 provides a snugger fit and more responsive feel, making it ideal for faster paces.

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The Altra Torin 7 is a better option for runners looking for a more breathable shoe with a consistent zero-drop experience. The Torin 7 features a more ventilated upper and a slightly higher stack height (the thickness of the shoe's sole), providing a cushioned and comfortable ride for longer runs.

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The Altra VIA Olympus is a suitable choice for heel-strikers who need a broader rearfoot platform for stable landings. While the Rivera offers a narrow heel base, the VIA Olympus provides a more stable and supportive ride, making it ideal for runners who require additional stability.

10 Altra Rivera Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Great for easy runs
Superb comfort
Plush cushioning
Peppy and responsive
Flexible and forgiving ride

5 Cons

Lockdown needs a lace lock
Laces get untied easily
Not great for speedwork
Wide midfoot
Upper lacks structure

In Depth


Upper

The Altra Rivera features a breathable engineered mesh upper that ensures excellent ventilation during runs. This breathable design helps keep feet cool and dry, making it suitable for warm weather conditions. The mesh material also provides a lightweight feel, contributing to the shoe's overall comfort. However, some reviewers noted that the upper lacks structure, which may affect the shoe's lockdown and fit for some runners.

Midsole

The Rivera's midsole is made from Altra's EGO foam, known for its responsive and cushioned ride. This midsole material offers a balance of softness and energy return, making it ideal for both daily training and speed workouts. The zero-drop design promotes a natural running stride, although it may take some time for runners new to this style to adjust. Overall, the midsole provides a comfortable and supportive experience for various running activities.

Outsole

The outsole of the Altra Rivera is made from durable rubber, providing excellent traction and grip on different surfaces. This makes the shoe suitable for road running and other paved surfaces. The outsole's design includes a grid of grooves that enhance flexibility, allowing for smooth transitions during runs. Reviewers found the outsole to be durable, with minimal signs of wear even after extended use.

Size/fit

The Altra Rivera offers a roomy toe box, thanks to its FootShape design, allowing toes to splay naturally. This makes the shoe comfortable for runners with wider feet. However, some reviewers noted that the midfoot area is quite wide, which may affect the overall fit and lockdown. Runners with narrow feet might find the fit too loose, while those with broader feet will appreciate the extra space.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Altra Rivera. The shoe's plush cushioning and roomy toe box provide a comfortable experience for daily running and even walking. The breathable mesh upper adds to the overall comfort by keeping feet cool and dry. However, the wide midfoot and lack of a secure lockdown may affect the comfort for some runners, especially during speed workouts.

Cushioning

The Altra Rivera offers excellent cushioning, thanks to its Altra EGO midsole. This cushioning provides a soft and responsive ride, making it suitable for various running activities. The zero-drop design ensures that the cushioning is evenly distributed, promoting a natural running stride. Reviewers found the cushioning to be plush and comfortable, providing ample protection for longer runs.

Breathability

The engineered mesh upper of the Altra Rivera ensures good breathability, keeping feet cool and dry during runs. This breathable design is ideal for warm weather conditions, preventing overheating and discomfort. However, some reviewers noted that the breathability could be improved, as the mesh material is not as porous as expected.

Stability

The Altra Rivera provides moderate stability, thanks to its zero-drop design and balanced cushioning platform. The shoe's wide base and roomy toe box contribute to a stable ride, although the wide midfoot may affect the overall stability for some runners. The shoe's torsional rigidity (resistance to twisting) and heel counter stiffness offer additional support, making it suitable for various running activities.

Durability

The Altra Rivera is built to last, with a durable rubber outsole and sturdy heel padding. Reviewers found the shoe to be durable, with minimal signs of wear even after extended use. The double-layered mesh upper, however, showed some vulnerability in durability tests, particularly in the toebox area. Overall, the Rivera offers good durability for its intended use.

Grip

The Altra Rivera's outsole provides excellent grip and traction on various surfaces, making it suitable for road running. The durable rubber material and grid of grooves enhance the shoe's grip, ensuring a secure footing during runs. Reviewers found the traction to be reliable, even on wet pavement, making the Rivera a dependable choice for different weather conditions.

Flex

The Altra Rivera offers good flexibility, thanks to its engineered mesh upper and grid of grooves on the outsole. This flexibility allows for smooth transitions and natural movements during runs. The shoe's midsole also contributes to its flexibility, providing a responsive and dynamic ride. Reviewers found the Rivera to be more flexible than the average road shoe, making it suitable for various running activities.

Who should buy the Altra Rivera?


The Altra Rivera is ideal for runners looking for a versatile shoe that can handle both daily training and speed workouts. It's a great choice for those who prefer a natural running experience, thanks to its zero-drop design and FootShape toe box. Runners with wider feet will appreciate the roomy fit, while those seeking a comfortable and cushioned ride will find the Altra EGO midsole appealing.

Who should not buy the Altra Rivera?


Runners who need a secure lockdown for speedwork may find the Altra Rivera lacking in this area. The wide midfoot and lack of structure in the upper may not provide the necessary support for faster paces. Heel-strikers (runners who land on their heels) might also find the narrow heel base less stable. For those seeking a more breathable option, the Altra Torin 7 could be a better choice. Additionally, zero-drop purists might prefer the Altra Torin 7 for its more consistent zero-drop experience.

Altra Rivera: What's it good for?


The Altra Rivera is well-suited for daily running and speed workouts on road surfaces. Its breathable mesh upper and responsive midsole make it a comfortable choice for various running activities. The zero-drop design promotes a natural running stride, making it ideal for runners who prefer a more natural feel. The shoe's cushioning and flexibility also make it suitable for longer runs and tempo sessions.

5 Altra Rivera FAQs


Is the Altra Rivera suitable for daily running?

Yes, the Altra Rivera is designed for daily running and offers a comfortable and cushioned ride for everyday use.

What type of runner is the Altra Rivera best for?

The Altra Rivera is best for neutral runners who prefer a natural running experience with a zero-drop design and a roomy toe box.

How does the Altra Rivera perform in terms of breathability?

The Altra Rivera features a breathable mesh upper that helps keep feet cool and dry, although some reviewers noted that the breathability could be improved.

Is the Altra Rivera good for speed workouts?

While the Altra Rivera can handle speed workouts, some runners may find the wide midfoot and lack of a secure lockdown less suitable for faster paces.

Can the Altra Rivera be used for long-distance running?

Yes, the Altra Rivera offers ample cushioning and comfort for longer runs, making it a versatile option for various running distances.

Altra Rivera alternatives

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released
Released
Feb 2021
Jun 2024Jun 2024Jan 2024
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users
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+8
Nikki JohnstoneZach Bitter
Weight
Weight
M: 238 g
W: 190 g
M: 269 g
W: 218 g
M: 241 g
W: 207 g
M: 215 g
W: 184 g
M: 196 g
W: 167 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
26 mm
36 mm
30 mm
27 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
5 mm
6 mm
Heel
Heel
26 mm
44 mm
35 mm
33 mm
Usages
Usages
Daily runningSpeed training
Daily runningDaily runningRacingSpeed trainingDaily runningSpeed trainingRacingSpeed training
Brand
Brand
Altra
NikeNew BalanceASICSASICSadidas
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
LightweightLow dropZero drop
ComfortableMaximalistLightweightMaximalistComfortableLightweightLightweight
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Rocker
Rocker
Techs
Techs
New Balance Fresh Foam
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
0

Altra Rivera: what the experts say (3 reviews)

Altra Rivera characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainRoad (+1362)
UsagesDaily running (+1132)Speed training (+302)
BrandAltra (+66)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1115)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
Shoe TypeLightweight (+409)Low drop (+277)Zero drop (+95)
FitMedium toe box (+854)
FeaturesBreathable (+753)
MaterialsMesh (+942)
ColorwaysBlack / Grey, Blue, Grey / Black, Grey / Orange, Grey / Turquoise, Navy Blue, Red / Black, Red / White, Teal / Green, White / Coral
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Feb 2021
Measurements
Weight
M: 238 g
W: 190 g
Heel to toe drop
Heel
26 mm
Forefoot
26 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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