Altra Superior 6 - Women's Review

The Superior 6 allows zero-drop fanatics to run in a shoe without a ton of extra cushion. With a total stack that we measured at 22mm, this wide toe-boxed shoe is great for short, quick efforts but might not provide enough tech for runners looking to up the ante.

Performance Comparison

Foot Protection

The toe box of the Superior 6 is wide. The width provides an initial barrier of support and is reinforced by a uniquely designed toe cap. The toe cap is dual-layered; the primary layer is somewhat soft and flexible, with bilateral bumpers on either side. The outsole extends up the toe cap just enough for protection so the entire toe side of the shoe is protected but in a mindful, minimalistic way. The upper mesh is tightly woven and breathable.

In the case of the Superior, these elements marry well to create a line of defense between your socks and trail debris and water. While not truly water-resistant, the upper does a pretty good job at deflecting droplets, provided you don't totally submerge your foot. The heel cup has a laminated coating and a Velcro gaiter trap, both of which provide another level of protection. This minimalistic shoe lacks a rock plate, which is pretty noticeable. It rides close to the ground and offers sensitivity without the dampening effect of a rock plate. While this bodes well for its sensitivity rating, it inhibits some of the protection strength.

Traction

The outsole of the Superior 6 is made of MaxTrack rubber, which provides ample traction. The lugs are specifically placed, helping to compensate for their smaller sizing. We've noticed over time that outsoles with multidirectional lugs tend to fare far better. This is true in the case of the Superior — its lugs provide extra grip on slick surfaces. Perhaps our favorite traction feature is the fin-like pattern at the heel. The staircase-style protrusions allow for extra control and grip when taking tight corners and pushing for PRs. Overall, the traction of the Superior is alpine-ready, provided you want to tackle the backcountry in a minimally-constructed trail shoe.

Sensitivity

Since the Superior 6 rides relatively close to the ground and doesn't have a rock plate, it provides serious sensitivity. That said, this sensitivity feels less balanced with protection when compared to other shoes that scored high in this metric. After each long run in the Superior, we felt the soles of our feet aching in ways that aren't typical after running in more protective, balanced trail shoes. That said, the Superior feels as similar to a barefoot running shoe as you're going to get without taking the plunge, so if that appeals to you, so might this shoe.

Stability

The Superior 6 feels super stable because of how the laces work with the sides of the shoe to lock your foot in place. The heel cup is a bit wide, which could allow some runners to feel their feet shifting around, though this was fairly easy to remedy for our testers. The toe box is extra-large, which allows toes to splay and work as you run. This, combined with its zero-drop differential and lace-locking feel, come together to create a super stable, low-profile trail running shoe.

Comfort and Fit

The elements that make up the Superior 6 created polarized opinions for each of our testers. The partially adhered tongue creates a bootie-like fit that this shoe is known and loved for. The tongue and lace bed provide abundant comfort, as does the perfectly cushioned heel cup. The Superior has a small amount of arch support, with its interior providing a comfortable but minimal amount of cushion. But toward the front of the shoe, things start to feel a bit off. The upper is quite flexible, and the lateral seam, where the edging and lace bed meet, is incredibly imposing. Even after 20 miles in the Superior, the thick and bendable seam niggled at us with every step. This shoe has long been beloved for its svelte, glove-like fit. While this holds true for the mid-to-rear foot, the toe box is a bit too wide to fit into the aforementioned description. While having space for toes to splay is a benefit, the internal hook-like shape of the toe box is a bit overdone. The extra toe box space and shape are all too easy to catch on rogue roots and rocks, so be sure to run with caution.

Weight

Each women's size 6.5 Superior 6 weighs 7.75 ounces, which is on the lower side for trail running shoes. Since the Superior lacks some of the tried-and-true protective elements and cushion, this weight is pretty expected. The weight is well-rounded enough to provide a comfortable ride, so if a moderately light shoe without ample protective features sounds right, this might be the shoe for you.

Should You Buy the Altra Superior 6?

The Superior 6 rides like other relatively niche shoes in that it really won't be for everyone, and it isn't right for all runs. While this shoe has plenty of awesome elements, its lack of protection and imbalanced fit won't suit all runners. If you want to prepare your feet for barefoot running, we recommend taking the Superior for a spin, but we certainly would not recommend it to new runners in search of their first pair of trail shoes.

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?

If you love the idea of a zero-drop shoe, we wholeheartedly recommend the Altra Lone Peak 7. The Lone Peak has a similar fit to the Superior but with a lot more cushion and protection, making it more suitable for long-distance trail running. If a wide toe box appeals to you, but you aren't sure about zero-drop shoes, the Topo Ultraventure 3 offers room for toe splay, great traction, and a 6mm drop for a more traditional feel. If you are motivated by sensitivity, we love the fit and feel of the La Sportiva Bushdio II and the Nnormal Kjerag. Both of these sensitive superstars excel in different ways but offer a bit more overall comfort than the Superior.