Speed Shoes

Speed Shoes for Fast Miles and Natural Movement

Altra’s legacy is built on trail running, but we also have speed shoes built for fast, efficient strides. With Zero-to-Low Drop cushioning and FootShape™ Fit, they’re designed to let you move the way you were meant to—while going faster than ever in the process. If you value keeping your natural stride while running on the roads, these are your go-to shoes for crushing PRs and quick road races. 

Check out our Vanish and Mont Blanc models. The Mont Blanc is our all-day trail racer, lightweight but grippy enough for technical trails. The Vanish races on roads, and with EGO™ PRO midsole foam, it’s more flexible and lightweight than ever. Shop our complete lineup of road running shoes for men and women.

Shoes That Are Light, Responsive, and Ready to Race

It’s simple physics: Lighter shoes go faster. For agility at race pace, these speed running shoes are built with ultralight uppers and responsive midsoles. Whether you need marathon shoes, race day shoes for your 5K, or speedsters for your tempo runs and track workouts, you’ll find the right pair with us. 

Our two main speed shoes are the Altra Vanish Carbon for road racing, and the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon for trail running. As their names indicate, both have carbon plates to add speed to your steps. We have partnered with expert carbon plating manufacturer Carbitex™ to make plates that flex with your feet, adding extra propulsion. 

In addition to the carbon plate, the Vanish Carbon's rocker shape geometry helps propel you forward with every step, and its Slim FootShape™ Fit gives your foot a relaxed fit. And the Altra EGO™ FOAM is our lightest cushioning, adding comfort to your runs. All of these features are perfect for race day, adding speed for even long-distance races.

The Mont Blanc Carbon features a full-length Carbitex™ Monoflex carbon plate to add both speed and stability. It has great midsole cushioning, with Altra EGO™ MAX in the rim and Altra EGO™ PRO in the core. And the grippy Vibram® sole keeps you steady on the trails. 

If you are looking for faster running shoes, but without a carbon plate, you might want to check out our Altra Escalante Racer, which comes in both men's and women's models. This shoe has all the comfort and fit you've come to expect from Altra Running shoes, but with a lower stack, which is perfect for race day. 

We know how to build shoes that run fast. For a responsive, lightweight, and flexible shoe for pushing yourself to your fastest, look no further than this collection from Altra.

Adding Speed Shoes to Your Running Shoes Rotation

It's important to have more than one pair of running shoes, as you need different shoes for different types of runs. Speed shoes are a key part of a good running shoes rotation, along with daily trainers and shoes for long runs. Fortunately, we have Altra models for every type of run, from high-cushion models for all-day comfort to the hardiest trail shoes that go on thru-hikes. 

Shop Altra’s Speed Running Shoes Collection

Browse our selection of lightweight running shoes designed for momentum, from carbon-plated racers to tempo-run workhorses. Just like you’re reaching for new record times on the track and during Saturday races, we’re always refining and updating our speed runner shoe lineup with lighter, faster models.

Shop Altra for all your running needs. Whatever your goals, our selection of men’s running shoes and women’s running shoes emphasize natural alignment for better, longer careers. Learn more on our Run Better blog. To push the pace, find your next pair of speed shoes today.