Keith: Seeing as the original version of the Altra Experience Wild and I traveled across the entire state of Michigan together, sharing a total of 223 miles of trail, pavement, dirt road, and sand (so much sand!!!) over a four day span, you’d be right to assume that I am a big fan! So I’m genuinely very excited that the successor only boasts changes to the upper of the shoe and leaves the platform underfoot the exact same as the original!
ON THE RUN
Keith: Running in the Altra Experience Wild 2 is an enjoyable and familiar experience. With a soft enough and responsive enough ride for any type of trail run, it’s taken on the bulk of my daily training miles. I notice a difference in how my feet feel after running in these compared to some of the more traditional options out there, which tend to squeeze my foot in just the wrong spot. It’s almost like this shoe has a solution for everything! Cramped toes? Here’s a wide toebox for you! Sore feet? This shoe provides plenty of support and ample cushioning in both the heel and the forefoot. Do you feel clunky and clumsy on the trails? Not in this smooth rocking and well balanced dirt ripper!
Most of my test runs have been on the local mountain bike trails around the Milford and Brighton areas of Michigan. While these are by no means the Himalayas or the Rockies, they do provide plenty of obstacles, including short steep climbs, sharp dropoffs, and lots of switchbacks and tight turns on mostly loose, rocky dirt and clay. In the Experience Wild 2, I have felt well cushioned, nimble, and secure in both the fit of the shoe and traction provided by the MaxTrac outsole.
Sidney: I won’t name names or call out any brands, but when I swapped my shoes at mile 25/50 for the original Experience Wild, it felt like my feet were saved. After 25 miles in a high-cushioned, overly soft, wide-based shoe that left my feet aching, slipping into the Experience Wild was like finding my Cinderella slipper. The lightweight feel, balanced cushioning, roomy toe box, and smooth, propulsive ride made me feel brand new—even after a marathon's worth of miles.
The Experience Wild 2 brings back that same magic. It’s the full package—checking every box—with subtle updates that only make it better.
THE FIT
Keith: The Altra Experience Wild 2 fits like an Altra! It is true to size for me at a Men’s 10.5. The toebox is Altra’s standard, which means it fits like the Torin, Flow, Mont Blanc, etc. It isn’t their widest but it does the job of creating room for most piggies! One of the touches I loved in version 1 was the way the pillowy heel cushions provide support and lock the fit in. Version 2 maintains that excellent heel fit. The more breathable mesh makes the upper feel a bit more open and roomy. Most people, I think, will love it and want their foot to live in it!
Sidney: The second iteration brings an even more dialed-in, balanced fit. Somehow, the shoe hugs my foot even better than before. The toe box feels slightly shallower than the original, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There’s still plenty of room for my toes to move and breathe, but now my foot feels more locked in—perfect for carving through berms at speed and bombing down steep descents.
THE FEEL
Keith: Smooth. It’s as simple as that! It makes weaving through twists and turns on the trail feel easy and fun. The midsole hits that sweet spot: cushy enough to keep things comfy on rough terrain, but supportive enough that it doesn’t get all wobbly when you're cornering hard. I can plant my foot, pivot, and push off without a second thought; no sketchy ankle-rolls causing a sudden trail exit. It’s like the shoe just works with me.
Sidney: I was honestly surprised to hear the foam hadn’t changed from the first version. The overall feel of the shoe just felt so much better. I’m glad Altra opted for subtle, fine-tuned updates instead of overhauling what already worked. The smooth ride is still there, and the cushioning strikes that perfect balance—plush, yet responsive. It's a shoe I'll wear for running speedy around local trails but also climbing mountains out west.
THE NITTY GRITTY
Keith: This is the part where I’m supposed to nitpick and be a little critical, but honestly, that’s a tall order with this shoe. If I had to reach, I’d say I wish the outsole lugs were just a touch more aggressive for tackling the hardcore stuff out there. But that’s me really digging. Everything else? Nailed it. Even the price is nice! This shoe’s a trail beast and easily ranks among the top dogs in the game.
Sidney: I am constantly in limbo deciding which shoe to put on my feet as I stand at the trailhead at the start of my run. Experience Wild or Experience Wild 2. Both did not skip a beat and knocked it out of the park. This shoe will forever be a staple in my lineup and I don't see that changing.
THE RUNDOWN
Keith: When it comes to the updates, I’ve gotta say, I’m totally onboard. Zero complaints here! The new mesh feels lighter and more breathable, which actually makes the roomy toebox feel even more spacious. Big win in my book.
They’ve also beefed up the toe bumper for extra protection. I didn’t necessarily need it, but hey, no downside to a little extra armor, so I’m all for it.
One cool tweak is the gaiter connection. They ditched the old metal ring by the bottom lace and instead let you hook the gaiter right into the lace itself, just like the Altra Lone Peak 9. Simple, clean, and it totally works.
Overall, these changes come together to make an already solid shoe even more comfortable. And the stuff they left alone? Yeah, good call; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Props to the team for improving the right things and leaving the rest untouched!
Sidney: A shoe built for just about everyone—whether you're racing a speedy 5K on the trails or chasing an FKT over 100 miles. It delivers that light, fast feel while still giving you just enough soft cushion without ever feeling bogged down.
Like Keith said, I’m thankful Altra didn’t mess with a good thing. This is a shoe I’ll keep counting on for all my trail runs—from 4 miles to 100. I know it’ll keep my feet happy the whole way.
