7 minute read
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the Altra Rivera is designed for daily running and offers a comfortable and cushioned ride for everyday use.
The Altra Rivera is best for neutral runners who prefer a natural running experience with a zero-drop design and a roomy toe box.
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.
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.
Yes, the Altra Rivera offers ample cushioning and comfort for longer runs, making it a versatile option for various running distances.
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bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
priceBand | Price band | |||||
similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
released | ReleasedFeb 2021 | Jun 2024 | Jun 2024 | Jan 2024 | ||
expertReviewScore | Expert Review Scoreβ β | β β | β β | β β | β β | β β |
productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
Weight | WeightM: 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 | Forefoot26 mm | 36 mm | 30 mm | 27 mm | ||
Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop | 8 mm | 5 mm | 6 mm | ||
Heel | Heel26 mm | 44 mm | 35 mm | 33 mm | ||
Usages | UsagesDaily runningSpeed training | Daily running | Daily running | RacingSpeed training | Daily runningSpeed training | RacingSpeed training |
Brand | BrandAltra | Nike | New Balance | ASICS | ASICS | adidas |
Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike |
Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweightLow dropZero drop | ComfortableMaximalist | LightweightMaximalist | ComfortableLightweight | Lightweight | |
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 | ||||
Common characteristicsRoadNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archBreathable |
Characteristics | |
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Sports | Running (+2049) |
Terrain | Road (+1362) |
Usages | Daily running (+1132)Speed training (+302) |
Brand | Altra (+66) |
Support Type | Neutral (+1603) |
Pronation Type | Neutral pronation (+1578) |
Strike Type | Fore/Midfoot strike (+1115) |
Arch Type | High arch (+1525) |
Shoe Type | Lightweight (+409)Low drop (+277)Zero drop (+95) |
Fit | Medium toe box (+854) |
Features | Breathable (+753) |
Materials | Mesh (+942) |
Colorways | Black / Grey, Blue, Grey / Black, Grey / Orange, Grey / Turquoise, Navy Blue, Red / Black, Red / White, Teal / Green, White / Coral |
Specifications | vs Average | |
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Released | Feb 2021 | |
Measurements | ||
Weight | M: 238 g W: 190 g | |
Heel to toe drop | ||
Heel | 26 mm | |
Forefoot | 26 mm |