Altra Experience Flow 3 - Women's Review

Built for road running and walking, these are very light and have enough cushion to keep your feet happy on hard surfaces. For long walks, these prevent the fatigue that heavier and stiffer shoes are known for. These were our pick for every long walk due to the natural-shaped toe box that let our toes splay. Still, they are a solid choice for days that you'll be upright for extended periods, like traveling or running errands.

Comfort

Right away, the Experience Flow offered a comfortable fit - no break-in required. The accommodating toe box means no squished toes due to the foot-shaped fit that Altra is known for. Notably, the cushion underfoot is both relieving and stable, without being overly plush. We had no pressure points during testing, and every walk was enjoyable in these shoes.

Compared to the previous version, these have a less narrow fit, returning to the original Experience Flow's more neutral shape. Still, these aren't as wide as other popular Altra shoes, like the Lone Peak line. They also aren't zero drop. Instead, they have a 4-6 millimeter drop depending on where you measure (in our lab, we measured 6mm, while Altra states 4mm). They also have a gentle rocker shape that lightly glides you forward. All of this basically means that this shoe is neutral and accommodating for various foot shapes and widths. Those with narrow feet can cinch the laces enough to get a snug fit, while those who prefer wider toe boxes can splay their toes without being squished.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

Support

The Experience Flow 3 has neutral support and moderate cushioning. It isn't designed for over- or underpronation, but it offers enough stability and support for most walkers.

In testing, it was notably stable due to the natural foot-shaped design and wide outsole base. We never felt like we were going to roll an ankle thanks to the secure foundation. Plus, the cushioned heel collar and stiffer heel cup meant our foot was locked into the shoe - no slipping out of it when properly tied.

The support offered by this shoe is notably in the shape of the shoe. They allow a proper toe splay, which means your big toe doesn't get pressed inward, and the rest of your toes aren't squished together. Think of how your foot looks walking barefoot. This is how your toes move inside the Experience Flow 3, which most shoes don't offer. The benefit is more natural strength provided by your feet. Your feet act as the foundation, and you have more balance without the need for a stabilizing shoe. That said, if you need a corrective shoe, this isn't it.

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The Altra Experience Flow 3 is more flexible than others in our walking shoe lineup, especially around the toe. We don't see this as a downside. It lends itself towards a more athletic fit for fitness walking and even jogging. However, if you're after a shoe for extended periods of standing, something more stiff throughout might be a better choice.

Durability

We were pleased with how much the Experience Flow 3 endured, considering its athletic build. Most engineered mesh uppers can show wear after extended use, but these did just fine. We didn't notice any major concerns in the upper, and the midsole held its shape walk after walk.

Because these are designed as a road running shoe, there are no exposed lugs to wear away like seen on trail shoes. Still, they aren't immune to wear and tear. With time, the outsole and midsole will begin to wear down. Because the EGO P35 midsole is cushioned, but not plush, it'll compress down eventually, but in our experience, this will take longer than the ultra-cushioned shoes.

Traction

For hard surfaces like road, concrete, and tile, the Experience Flow 3 is a winner. These shoes are designed for walking and running on hard surfaces, and that is where we found them to excel in testing.

The only surface you might find challenging is very loose dirt. We walked on hard-packed dirt and gravel walking pathes, which weren't a problem for these shoes. That said, these are road shoes; they have no exposed lugs underneath to bite into the earth. For primarily hard surface walks, these are a solid choice.

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Weight

At 6.82 ounces per shoe (size 6.5), these are among the lightest shoes in our lineup. For long walks, these are a great choice because they don't feel clunky as the miles build up.

The lightweight upper is notably breathable, which we appreciated on long walks and on warmer days. The mesh expelled heat with no trouble.

Should You Buy the Altra Experience Flow 3?

If your priority is fitness walking or staying comfortable while on your feet for extended periods, the Altra Experience Flow 3 is a great choice. If you primarily stand still, with little steps, you might prefer a more stiff-soled shoe. Still, we found few faults with the Experience Flow 3 and love the anatomical design that kept our feet happy for hours on end.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?