Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn moreTrainers are to runners what suitcases are to frequent flyers: highly essential, incredibly individual and yet a poor choice can make the overall experience either a seamless or underwhelming one.Since I got into running seriously two years ago, I've tried out a range of the best running trainers alongside our team of expert reviewers, to test which would most improve my performance. This includes the fantastic Brooks Glycerin 23, Brooks Flex, as well as the highly sought-after Nike Vomero running trainers.We've also put a series of the best running socks, running leggings and running headphones to the test, so if you're looking for a complete set-up, be sure to give those a read too.The Altra Experience Flow ST road stability trainer, reviewed here, offered something different from my trusty Brooks; stability and strength over bouncy speed.As someone who will never hold a world record for sprinting - and who does struggle with knee pain and unstable ankles - I was intrigued. I put the newly released shoes to the test - read on to see how they fared.Altra Experience Flow ST road stability trainer: At a glance The shoes are comfortable - and are potentially great for anyone seeking a wider modelAltra Experience Flow ST road stability trainers★★★★★Product SpecsMaterialEngineered mesh, Altra EGO™ P35, Durable rubberWeight300.5gWhat we loveStabilityFeels very secureWhat could be betterBounceThere's a lack of spring to these shoesOur verdictOverall, these are a solid pair of running shoes - solid being the operative word. I normally like a bit of bounce in my trainers, so I was intrigued to try these out. They are designed to build stronger, more capable feet, giving runners greater control, confidence and longevity in how they move. It sounded appealing!They definitely live up to this - I felt my legs working harder than usual to get my speed when running 5k. I was nervous to use them for sprints, but actually found the stability gave me extra control and didn't affect my pace negatively at all.These won't be for everyone, though - they are completely different to bouncy running shoes, such as the Brooks models. But if it's stability you're after, the Altra Experience Flow ST road stability trainer is a great choice. How we test To test these trainers, I took them for a spin outside and jumped on a treadmill in the gymWhen testing sports and health products like trainers, we try them out thoroughly and use them exactly how we would on a typical day. We give them the sort of challenges they are likely to face.To test these running shoes, I did a variety of workouts. I started by running a 5k outside, a typical training run for me.I also did some sprint intervals as well as normal running on a treadmill, to see how the shoes fared under various conditions. Altra Experience Flow ST road stability trainer reviewFirst impressions The trainers were very comfortable, and I didn't get any knee pain while runningI think these are aesthetically some of my favourite running trainers. The colours are bright and fun - especially the white and orange. Top tip - if you run mainly on trails and in woodlands or in rainy areas, the white will get dirty fast, so opt for a different colour. There are three to choose from - black and white, orange and white, and blue and white. The shoes initially seemed very stable and compact, too, making them easy to throw in my gym bag without worry.Comfort and cushioningThe Experience Flow ST pairs a 4mm drop platform with Altra’s signature roomy toe box, great for anyone with wider feet. Designed to support natural biomechanics, it’s built for runners who value longevity, strength and connection - not just speed. Running in these shoes was both stable and comfortable, and I found them lightweight tooThey were comfortable in a stable way - not bouncy or springy, but certainly solid. I'd recommend them for anyone who needs the GuideRail technology (support built into the trainers that acts almost like bowling alley bumpers to keep the body aligned), or anyone with dodgy ankles.Speed and performanceThe purpose of these shoes is not to increase speed but to create stability.'When your feet are doing what they're designed to do, the rest of the run gets quieter,' said Kylee Barton, head of product at Altra. 'With Experience 3, we weren't chasing artificial lift or propulsion. We focused on creating a smooth, responsive and stable foundation so runners can stop compensating and start experiencing that effortless, locked-in feeling people chase when they run.' This is accurate - I felt supported, my arches especially, but they weren't the springiest running shoes, and I didn't get any personal best speeds while running in them. However, I will add, these are not for everyone - they lacked the bounce I love in my Brooks trainers. The trainers fared well both outdoors and on a treadmill inside in the gym - although they were at their best insideValue for money For £130, these are not budget-friendly shoes; but nowadays, it's a pretty standard price for a pair of running shoes.The quality is good, so if the features work for you - stability and comfort - these might be worth investing in.Altra Experience Flow ST road stability trainersHow does it compare to similar productsOnline reports suggest the Topo Ultrafly 6 (£134.99) is an excellent alternative - it's in a similar price bracket too, so it might be worth trying both and seeing which is better for you.Other Altra models might also fare well, depending on what you desire.The Experience Flow 3 (Road) (£116.99) is a lightweight, responsive and cushioned road shoe built for everyday miles and rhythm-driven runs, delivering smooth turnover without forcing pace. Alternatively, the Experience Wild 3+ (Trail) (£116.99) is a more rugged trail option featuring a Vibram® Megagrip outsole with Traction Lug and an integrated toe bumper for durability and confidence in demanding environments. How does it rate online?These shoes have a 4.4/5 star rating on Altra's website, which bodes well.One rave review says: 'I'm mostly a trail runner, but I also spend time on the treadmill and run on crushed gravel paths, and I've been pleasantly surprised by how much I've enjoyed the Altra Experience ST for non-trail runs.'Few people have tried these shoes, though, so more reviews should be consulted in the future as the product gets better known. Why trust us At the Daily Mail, our team of expert testers have been researching, reviewing and writing about their respective specialisms for years.Erin has lots of experience reviewing and writing about a range of products from travel to beauty. All of her reviews are honest, impartial and give a full-rounded opinion of the products she tests.Are Altra trainers good for everyday use?Altra trainers are great for everyday use.In my experience, their perks include comfort, soft cushioning and stability. As such, they can be used for most running scenarios, including everyday use.
Painful knees & weak ankles? Try these strength-building trainers
Travel writer and amateur Erin Deborah Waks tests out the Altra Experience Flow ST road stability trainers designed to support and strengthen weak knees and ankles.








