REASONS TO BUY
Super light
Comfortable
Improved upper durability
REASONS TO AVOID
Wide fit is less secure in technical terrain
Less support when ascending or descending
Altra Superior 6 Review
With low cushioning and high energy return, this trail runner is one of the fastest zero-drop models on the market
Credit: Matthew Richardson
RELATED: Best Trail Running Shoes for Men
Our Verdict
Providing a snappy feel and zero drop, the Altra Superior 6 is the fastest model we've tested from Altra. Low cushioning and minimal stack enable great support and stability even on technical terrain. We are happy to see increased upper durability over the previous version and a slightly more aggressive lug pattern, improving on some previous complaints. The slimmer foot shape gives confidence at speed on technical terrain due to lessened movement, but some will find it less comfortable than other offerings from Altra, which are wider and have more volume. We still prefer the Lone Peak, but if you desire speed, we recommend the Superior for zero-drop fans.
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Altra Superior 6 | |||||
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| Awards |  | |  | ||
| Price | $129.95 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $72.50 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $139.04 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $129.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $100 List $99.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | The lightest zero-drop model we've tested leads to fast performance and great sensitivity for all styles of trail from buffed to technical | If you've stayed away from La Sportiva running shoes in the past, this model offers an alternative fit to their narrower, low-volume models | Unrivaled traction makes this a one-stop shop for mountain athletes and off-trail runners | With great responsiveness without feeling harsh, this model is our favorite for long runs that are focused and fast | Some more advanced runners may find this shoe overbuilt with stiffness and support, but we love the protection and comfort |
| Rating Categories | Altra Superior 6 | La Sportiva Karacal | Salomon Speedcross 6 | HOKA Torrent 3 | Brooks Divide 4 |
| Foot Protection (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Sensitivity (15%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Comfort and Fit (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Altra Superior 6 | La Sportiva Karacal | Salomon Speedcross 6 | HOKA Torrent 3 | Brooks Divide 4 |
| Measured Weight (per shoe, size 10.5) | 10.17 oz | 10.58 oz | 11.08 oz | 9.60 oz | 10.82 oz |
| Measured Lug Depth | 3 mm | 4 mm | 5.5 mm | 4 mm | 2.5 mm |
| Sizes Available | 7 - 15 US | 38 - 48.5 EU | 7 - 14 US | 7 - 15 US | 7 - 15 US |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 0 mm | 9 mm | 12 mm | 6 mm | 9 mm |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 22 mm | 32 mm | 33 mm | 28 mm | 32 mm |
| Measured Forefoot Stack Height | 22 mm | 23 mm | 21 mm | 22 mm | 23 mm |
| Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop | 0 mm | 7 mm | 10 mm | 5 mm | 8 mm |
| Claimed Heel Stack Height | 21 mm | 29 mm | 32 mm | Not stated | Not stated |
| Claimed Forefoot Stack Height | 21 mm | 22 mm | 22 mm | Not stated | Not stated |
| Measured Outsole Length | 11.88 in | 11.75 in | 12.31 in | 11.94 in | 11.86 in |
| Measured Outsole Width | 4.60 in | 4.23 in | 4.25 in | 4.47 in | 4.58 in |
| Upper | Vamp mesh | Mesh | Synthetic mesh, ripstop, TPU | Mesh | Mesh |
| Midsole | Compression Molded EVA | Compression-molded EVA/1.5 mm dual-density EVA | Salomon EnergyCell+ EVA | EVA | DNA LOFT |
| Outsole | MaxTrac | La Sportiva FriXion AT 2.0 | Salomon Mud Contagrip | Rubber | TrailTack Rubber |
| Measured Outsole Hardness | 70 | 68 | 71 | 62 | 68 |
| Rock Plate | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Heel Tab Type | Finger loop | None | None | None | None |
| Wide Version Available | No | No | Yes | No | No |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The least cushioned model in the Altra lineup is the Superior 6. From our experience, this generally means increased technical performance but limits comfort. After extensive testing, we found this to hold true. If you are a zero-drop fan looking for an agile companion to the Lone Peak series (or something similar), the Superior is for you. We recommend this latest version for tempo runs or days when you feel fresh and energized. The Superior 6 has a newly revamped upper and tread pattern over the Superior 5.
Performance Comparison
The Altra Superior 6 is an ultralight super fast zero-drop model we would recommend for tempo and speed workouts.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Foot Protection
Minimal cushioning and a lower stack lead to more impacts being felt when your foot doesn't land just right. Often, these are easy to shake off, but sometimes the sharpness has enough of an edge to be painful. Luckily, this is largely avoidable, though it can certainly happen when running hard. We think it's important to be realistic about what you hope to achieve when using this shoe. It's great for technical terrain but must be driven, otherwise the minimal nature can beat you up. For more relaxed efforts in technical terrain, we'd choose something with a bit more cushioning and protection.
With softer foam, you can expect more trail sensitivity from the Superior 6. This creates good precision but over time can fatigue your feet, especially on technical terrain.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Traction
While the lug on the Superior 6 changed slightly over the previous version, we didn't notice a huge difference in traction. We've found that on minimal shoes such as this one, traction is largely dependent on your running style. When running hard and focused, the traction is solid but fast — but when you start to fatigue, there is less to help compensate. The outsole material has a nice blend of stiffness and hardness without lacking some give for wet conditions. That said, due to the smaller lug depth, this shoe isn't ideal for snow and mud.
Due to the neutral zero drop platform, you can except good traction even without large lugs.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Sensitivity
It's no surprise that the sensitivity on the Superior is great, given the low stack and minimal cushioning. This makes the shoe feel precise and perfect for hard, fast running. We prefer sensitive shoes for hard running because your brain receives more feedback with each footstrike, and you often can subtly change your position and receive signs when you are running over your limit. For off-trail or serious technical terrain, you may prefer something with more protection.
This low-cushioned model has great sensitivity allowing you to feel a lot of the trail improving footing and positioning.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Stability
Given the wide platform, the Superior feels well-planted and secure. The lower stack gives more confidence on off-camber terrain like rocky ridgelines, but it also provides a stable feel on flat runs. We find this level of stability perfect for this style of shoe, feeling firm but not overly rigid. We appreciate when stability comes from well-considered width and cushioning rather than just a bunch of added materials that increase stack height. As with all zero-drop shoes, your legs and muscles are what contribute most to stability, so if you need ample support, we'd recommend a different model.
Comfort and Fit
The increased durability of the upper on this newest version resulted in more creasing of the forefoot fabric, but once it softened, we didn't have any hotspot issues. With a wide toebox and neutral platform, this is one of the most comfortable models we tested — if your body is used to the design. If you aren't accustomed to zero-drop, you will most likely feel limited and more fatigued in your calves and Achilles until your body strengthens and adapts. And, even for those that are used to this style, long runs can feel fatiguing. We think of this shoe as a speed training tool and save our more cushioned models for big days in the mountains.
The wide upper that Altra is known for allows the Superior 6 to provide great comfort for a variety of trails and running styles. If you are a fan of zero-drop and are looking to pick up the pace consider this model.
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Weight
The Superior 6 is one of Altra's lightest models, coming in at 10.17 ounces per shoe for a size 10.5 US. This weight is one of the lighter in our lineup and made our feet feel fresh and lively. The upper got a little thicker in this iteration, so a few grams were added, but we think this was a good use of weight as the previous version had some durability concerns. While not as durable as other options, those looking to supplement their footwear with a light and fast model should consider this purely for its low weight.
The Altra Superior 6 is the lowest cushioned model in Altra's lineup. If you need to update your quiver to include a race/tempo model consider this one!
Credit: Matthew Richardson
Should You Buy the Altra Superior 6?
If you are a zero-drop fan looking to buy a shoe that's best for speed and tempo workouts, we'd recommend the Superior 6. Although we still prefer the Lone Peak, the Superior series has a spot in our quiver for fast outings or days when we want something light on our feet.
What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?
As mentioned, we recommend the Altra Lone Peak 7 for more technical terrain or long-distance efforts. This is an ultra favorite for those who put in big miles and want additional all-day comfort. If you want a smaller heel-to-toe drop without going full zero-drop, have a look at the Saucony Peregrine 13 or Hoka Torrent 3.
—
Matthew Richardson
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