Altra Rivera 2
Buy Altra Rivera 2 at today's best price (men's/women's)
4 minute read
Overview
The Altra Rivera 2 is a lightweight running shoe designed for daily running and speed training. This shoe is known for its zero-drop design, offering a natural and simple feel underfoot. It's part of the Altra Rivera family aimed at runners who prefer a light, well-cushioned shoe that can handle long miles on the road.
Key Features:
- Zero-drop design: Promotes a natural running stride.
- EGO foam midsole: Provides a smooth and responsive ride.
- Innerflex grooves: Increase flexibility and movement in the forefoot.
- Mesh upper: Offers breathability and flexibility.
- Wide toe box: Accommodates natural toe splay for comfort and balance.
The Altra Rivera 2 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a natural, ground-contact feel and lightweight design for their daily and speed training. Its mesh upper offers breathability, making it suitable for warmer conditions.
With an average review score of 78%, it's in the lowest rated 30% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just above the median price of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Altra Rivera 2
The Altra Rivera 2 is a versatile running shoe that offers a natural and simple feel underfoot, making it a great choice for daily running and speed training. It's lightweight and well-cushioned, capable of handling long miles on the road. The shoe's zero-drop design and EGO foam midsole provide a smooth and responsive ride, while the Innerflex grooves in the outsole increase flexibility and movement in the forefoot. The updated fit and improved mesh upper make the shoe more snug, supportive, and breathable. Overall, the Altra Rivera 2 is a reliable, do-it-all daily trainer that delivers a natural-feeling run.
Updates to Altra Rivera 2
The Altra Rivera 2 features a few key updates from the previous model. The most notable changes are the new and improved upper and a slimmer fit that hugs your heel and midfoot. The mesh upper offers more breathability and flexibility, enhancing comfort during runs. The fit is overall more accommodating than the previous model, particularly around the heel and midfoot. Despite these updates, the latest version of the Altra Rivera still feels strikingly similar to the original Altra Rivera.
6 Altra Rivera 2 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Altra Rivera 2 features a new and improved mesh upper that offers more breathability and flexibility. This mesh upper is softer and more pliable, providing a more accommodating fit. The shoe still features the wide toe box that’s typical of Altra, allowing for natural toe splay and enhancing comfort during runs.
Midsole
The midsole of the Altra Rivera 2 is made of Altra’s signature EGO foam, providing a smooth and responsive ride. This material is known for its durability and resilience, ensuring that the shoe can withstand long miles on the road. The zero-drop design promotes a natural running stride, making it a great choice for runners who prefer a ground-contact feel.
Outsole
The outsole of the Altra Rivera 2 features Innerflex grooves that increase flexibility and movement in the forefoot. This design allows for a more natural foot movement during runs, enhancing comfort and efficiency. The outsole also provides reliable traction, making it suitable for road running.
Size/fit
The Altra Rivera 2 offers a snugger fit compared to the previous model, particularly around the heel and midfoot. However, it still maintains Altra's signature wide toe box, accommodating runners with wider feet or those who prefer a roomier fit. The shoe is available in both medium and wide toe box options.
Comfort
With its updated fit and improved upper, the Altra Rivera 2 offers enhanced comfort for runners. The soft, pliable mesh upper provides a snug yet accommodating fit, while the wide toe box allows for natural toe splay. The EGO foam midsole ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, making the shoe suitable for long runs.
Who should buy the Altra Rivera 2?
The Altra Rivera 2 is a great choice for runners who prefer a lightweight, well-cushioned shoe for their daily running and speed training. It's particularly suitable for those who enjoy a natural, ground-contact feel during their runs. The shoe's zero-drop design and wide toe box make it an excellent option for runners with neutral pronation or high arches.
Who should not buy the Altra Rivera 2?
The Altra Rivera 2 may not be the best choice for runners who prefer a shoe with a high heel-to-toe drop or those who require additional support for overpronation. It's also not ideal for runners who prefer a narrow fit, as the shoe features a wide toe box. Runners who prefer a heavily cushioned shoe might find the Rivera 2's minimal cushioning less comfortable for longer runs.
Altra Rivera 2: What's it good for?
Everyday running and speed training on the road. The Altra Rivera 2's lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of runs.
3 Altra Rivera 2 FAQs
What is the Altra Rivera 2 best for?
The Altra Rivera 2 is best for daily running and speed training on the road. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of runs.
What is the fit of the Altra Rivera 2 like?
The Altra Rivera 2 offers a snugger fit compared to the previous model, particularly around the heel and midfoot. However, it still maintains Altra's signature wide toe box, accommodating runners with wider feet or those who prefer a roomier fit.
What is the drop of the Altra Rivera 2?
The Altra Rivera 2 features a zero-drop design, promoting a natural running stride. This makes it a great choice for runners who prefer a ground-contact feel during their runs.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | |
| released | ReleasedMar 2022 | Jan 2025 | Feb 2025 | Feb 2025 | ||
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
| Weight | WeightM: 241 g W: 196 g | M: 218 g W: 184 g | M: 266 g W: 238 g | M: 269 g W: 230 g | M: 261 g W: 207 g | M: 281 g W: 235 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot26 mm | 28 mm | 23 mm | 29 mm | 33 mm | 35 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop | 8 mm | 10 mm | 8 mm | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Heel | Heel26 mm | 36 mm | 33 mm | 37 mm | 39 mm | 41 mm |
| Brand | BrandAltra | Brooks | adidas | Saucony | New Balance | New Balance |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweightLow drop | ComfortableLightweight | Comfortable | Maximalist | ComfortableLightweightMaximalist | ComfortableLow dropMaximalist |
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Techs | Techs | New Balance Fresh Foam | New Balance Fresh Foam | |||
Common characteristicsRoadDaily runningSpeed trainingNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
- Feb 2023
- Mar 2022
- Feb 2021
