Bottom Line
The Altra Experience Wild 2 trail shoe is an affordable, versatile choice with plenty of cushioning. Diverging from the traditional zero-drop, Altra offers a shoe that balances support and comfort with a minimal 4mm drop, making it even more appealing to a broader range of runners.
During our test hikes in New Hampshire’s Monadnock State Park, even in the sweltering East Coast heat and humidity, the breathable upper and spacious toe box kept our feet cool and comfortable.
We tested a variety of trails, from soft pine needle paths to rocky scrambles, and the Experience Wild 2 performed well on all of them. The built-in gaiter trap is a useful feature for those who prefer to wear gaiters for trail debris. The MaxTrac outsole provides excellent traction except in wet conditions.
Our only concern is that the lightweight upper may not be very durable, despite overlay reinforcements. Overall, the Experience Wild 2 is a great value trail shoe that appeals to a wide range of users at an affordable price.
To see many other options, check out our guide to the best trail running shoes for women.
How We Tested
We tested the Experience Wild 2 on trails in New Hampshire’s Monadnock State Park, including the slabby scramble to the summit.
We also logged miles on packed gravel and singletrack while recovering from a long backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail.
Quick Specs
Women’s Altra Wild Experience 2
Best Minimal Drop Shoe for Wide Feet
CleverHiker Rating: 4.2/5.0
Price: $140
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. 1 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4 mm
Cushioning: High
Best For: Mixed Terrain
Pros
- Cushy midsole
- Highly breathable
- Plenty of room in the toes
- Budget friendly pricing
Cons
- Not as grippy on wet surfaces
- Slightly sloppy feeling in the forefoot
- Bright colors may not be appealing to everyone
Traction
The Altra Experience Wild 2 features a MaxTrac outsole and deep lugs for excellent traction across various terrain types. We tested these shoes on everything from muddy trails to the slabby rock ascent of New Hampshire’s Mount Monadnock and were impressed with their consistent performance. While slightly less grippy on wet rocks and boardwalks, they still outperformed most comparable models. Even on the steepest slab ascents, we felt securely connected to the rock.
The Experience Wild 2 performed well on moderate terrain, losing some traction in very muddy conditions, but this wasn’t a dealbreaker. In fact, the slightly less aggressive lugs make it a versatile trail runner, especially if your routes include paved or gravel surfaces, since it doesn’t “catch” on smoother surfaces like more aggressive tread might.
comfort
The comfort category truly distinguishes the Altra Experience Wild 2 from similar models. The thick cushioning provides plush comfort underfoot without being overly high. Additionally, Altra has added a minimal heel-to-toe drop (4mm) to this model, making it more comfortable for a wider range of wearers compared to their classic zero-drop platform.
The midfoot fits more snugly than other similar models, offering a secure fit that is never sloppy while still allowing plenty of room for toes to spread out. Most runners will find the regular width to be more than sufficient, as it’s already wider than a typical women’s shoe, which is beneficial since the Experience Wild 2 is not available in wide width like other Altra trail runners.
Weight
The weight of the Altra Experience Wild 2 is fairly average among the trail runners we tested. This is impressive given the thickness of the midsole and the spaciousness of the toe box.
The use of ultralightweight molded EVA foam gives max cushion without a weight penalty keeping your feet fresh even on long days. Even after an all day romp on the state park trails, we hardly noticed we were wearing shoes at all.
Durability
While the super lightweight materials help keep your feet from getting fatigued on long efforts, they can also be vulnerable to damage from trail debris and rocky terrain. Altra has added TPU overlays to the Experience Wild 2 upper, along with a sturdy toe rand, to address this issue.
We found these features perfect for the rugged terrain of New Hampshire trails, but we were slightly skeptical that the overlays alone would be sufficient. Blowouts around the upper/midsole attachment point have been a common problem with Altra shoes over the years. However, even after dozens of challenging miles, the Experience Wild 2 shows no signs of wear in that area.
Breathability
The Experience Wild 2 is a highly breathable trail runner that kept our feet cool and ventilated on a sweltering day in a July heatwave on the East Coast. Even when wearing them with thicker socks to fill some of the extra space, our feet never felt swampy.
The mesh upper allowed moisture to wick away while moving and helped disperse heat build-up easily. Although this might reduce durability, we found it to be a worthwhile trade-off for intense workouts in the heat–especially on less demanding terrain where snags weren’t a concern. If you often run in hot, humid conditions, this shoe has you covered.
Responsiveness
We found the rocker-style platform of the Experience Wild 2 to genuinely help us pick up the pace on our runs. The lightweight foam was never cumbersome underfoot, and we felt surprisingly agile in such a well-cushioned shoe.
The high level of cushioning protected our feet without compromising our connection to the ground. We felt nimble even on rooty terrain and stable despite the stack height.
Our only real complaint is that the shoe is designed for smooth, fast movements and can be a bit harder to maneuver when you need to slow down on very technical terrain. However, having a shoe built for speed is never really an issue, and the Experience Wild 2 will definitely give you a boost.
Should You Buy the Altra Experience Wild 2?
Runners looking for a smooth, fast ride on mild to moderate trails will find the Altra Experience Wild 2 to be a top performer. The shoe provides ample room in the toe box paired with a more secure midfoot, which some may find slightly snug.
However, the average runner will see these as the Goldilocks of fit—not too wide, not too narrow in the right spots. The high cushioning, rocker-style platform, and minimal 4mm drop all help increase your pace and reduce fatigue.
Plus, the highly breathable mesh upper makes this a great trainer for hot weather. Its lower-than-average price adds to its value as an all-arounder. However, those seeking an extra-wide fit, more volume in the midfoot, or running on highly technical trails may want to look elsewhere.
What Other Women’s Trail Runners Should You Consider?
If the Altra Experience Wild 2 isn’t the shoe for you, check out these similar trail runners that combine performance cushioning with trail approved traction.
Topo MTN Racer Review: An Editor’s Pick, this trail shoe is ideal for technical terrain, offering aggressive traction and exceptional cushioning.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review: If you’re looking for an even wider shoe, slip into a pair of these. With excellent trail traction and maximum cushion these shoes are a perennial favorite on trail.
New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro x v9 Review: Looking for a Vibram grip with maximum cushion? These shoes will take you from dry trails to wet pavement with ease.
