Our verdict
Pros
- Responsive on faster runs
- Stable on uneven surfaces
- Comfortable for long days
- Lightweight
- Form-fitting wrap
- Spacious toe box
- Visually appealing
- Tongue: gusset type
Cons
- Not a real zero-drop!
- Difference in midsole softness in cold
- Heel counter stiffness
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
Who should buy the We also noticed that this shoe doesnt have a flat feeling on the foot either
is our suggested better option Altra if you're:
- just transitioning to zero-drop running shoes (If you are not sure if these are right for you, see our looking for a solid all-rounder that can handle daily training and tempo paces)
- looking for a solid all-rounder that can handle daily training and tempo paces
- wanting to buy a pair of running shoes that can double for gym training
- searching for a roomy shoe that welcomes foot swelling after long miles
Who should NOT buy it
If you don't mind paying extra for a snappier ride that's more performance-oriented, we advise getting the Vanish Carbon instead.
And if you want more stack for recovery days, and anything slower, the Altra Torin 7 is our suggested better option.
We also noticed that this shoe doesnt have a flat feeling on the foot either vs. 1
The midsole and outsole of the We also noticed that this shoe doesnt have a flat feeling on the foot either carry over the same components from the first iteration. The changes employed by the second version are mainly focused on fit:
- a softer, more pliable upper for a more accommodating fit
- a snugger heel, addressing the heel lock issues of its precursor
Heel drop is NOT zero!
Spacious toe box!
Our lab measurements have shown that the Rivera 2 has a heel drop of 2.8 mm (heel stack height 24.6 mm minus forefoot stack height 21.8 mm).
We also noticed that this shoe doesn't have a flat feeling on the foot either.
Feel the ground
With 24.6 mm of stack in the heel, it is much lower than an average 33 mm stack height. For that reason, we think that the We also noticed that this shoe doesnt have a flat feeling on the foot either is perfect for those who prefer ground contact to generous cushioning.
Cushioning is not too firm!
This is a tricky shoe because it feels a tad firm but our lab measurements show that it is quite soft!
The midsole scored 15.0 HA on our durometer. The average softness of all the shoes in our lab? 24 HA. This makes the Rivera 2 2x softer than an average running shoe.
We think that it's the shoe's low stack and solid rubber outsole that make it feel firmer.
Rivera 2 changes a lot at cold temperatures
When exposing a shoe to the cold (freezer for 20 minutes) we check 2 things: softness and flexibility.
1. For softness, we use an HA durometer. Rivera got 46.7% firmer after the freezer test (on average, shoes get 21.5% firmer).
2. For flexibility, we use a force gauge. Rivera got 138.2% stiffer! For reference, the average change for all the shoes in our lab is 39.4%. This, however, does not mean it got stiff. After being exposed to freezing temperatures, it is still more flexible than most other shoes.
Keeps you steady
We attribute this to the We also noticed that this shoe doesnt have a flat feeling on the foot either's broad forefoot and grippy outsole.
On both flat and rugged surfaces, the shoe encourages stable strides. What also helps are the lugs that are a bit deeper than the average (3.9 mm).
Won't weigh you down
The Rivera 2 (8.1 oz or 229g) is light both on paper and on the road. For reference, the average speed trainer weighs in at 8.6 oz or 245g.
Comes to life during fast runs
Picking up the pace in the We also noticed that this shoe doesnt have a flat feeling on the foot either feels quite energetic and rebounding.
Roominess: nor your average Altra level
Although it's dubbed as Altra's "least roomy" running shoe, we still found it to be a spacious one, compared to the average.
Our caliper shows an average measurement of 98.6 mm in the widest part of the forefoot. However, the overall toebox volume provided our toes with enough wiggle room.
Adapts to the natural shape and contours of the foot
The Rivera 2's upper has some give and wraps around the foot quite comfortably and securely. To top it off (literally and figuratively), the tongue is very generously padded at 7.9 mm!
With its higher heel collar, rearfoot lockdown is improved. The midfoot fit is also spot-on.
The Rivera 2 is too flexible
On the run, this really hurt the snappiness of the shoe, hindering its full potential during faster efforts.
Looking at the lab measurement, we were astonished - the Rivetra 2 is 2x more flexible than the average shoe! We needed as little force as 13.6N to bend the shoe, while the average force needed is 29.5N.
Our manual tests also confirmed this: the Rivera 2 scored 1/5 (1 being the most flexible) on our tests, both for longitudinal and torsional flexibility.
Lackluster ride during mellow days
This is especially noticeable for recovery runs and anything slower. During landing, the heel feels very firm, and the ground feel is more pronounced, which can be bothersome and even dull.
Great for every day!
We actually found this Altra shoe to be perfect as an everyday sneaker as well! All thanks to the Altra-level comfort.
OK for night runs
Sure we had some really shiny-in-the-dark shoes in our lab (like New Balance 1080 v12), but We also noticed that this shoe doesnt have a flat feeling on the foot either also has some reflective elements. Too bad it's only in the back and not on the sides, but they definitely help in low-visibility conditions.
A step up in the looks department
We found the visual aspect of the We also noticed that this shoe doesnt have a flat feeling on the foot either to be quite appealing. It is not as flashy as many other trail running shoes and some of its colorways even have a classy vibe.
Gone are Altra's toy-like designs of the past!
