A meaningful improvement over the original Vanish Carbon — full-length carbon plate, real rubber outsole, more stack — but Kofuzi finds it not quite rigid enough to compete with top-tier carbon racers, and at $260 thinks it's overpriced. — Kofuzi
Matt's favorite Altra racing shoe and one of his top racers of the year — durability, plate, foam, and fit are all meaningfully improved over v1, though $260 is still steep.
Best for: Runners who want an anatomic, zero-drop super shoe for racing — especially those with calf/ankle strength to handle zero drop at speed
A meaningful improvement over the original Vanish Carbon — full-length carbon plate, real rubber outsole, more stack — but Kofuzi finds it not quite rigid enough to compete with top-tier carbon racers, and at $260 thinks it's overpriced.
Best for: Zero-drop runners and runners doing road or mixed-surface ultra distances who want a comfortable but fast carbon racer
A long-distance step up from v1: more stack, full-length carbon plate, lighter weight, and a more accommodating slim fit make it Steve's pick for half-marathon and marathon racing in the Altra lineup.
Best for: Half marathon and marathon racing for runners who like Altra's foot-shaped fit and zero-drop platform
Reviewers note: Foot-shaped toebox; slimmest of Altra's foot shapes used in their racers, but still room for the toes. Thin, breathable wire mesh upper with TPU toe cap, gusseted tongue, and unstructured heel.
Per Kofuzi.
The Altra Vanish Carbon 2 weighs about 215g (men's 9), has a 34.0mm heel stack and a 0.0mm heel-toe drop.
Reviewers compare the Altra Vanish Carbon 2 to Altra Vanish Carbon 1, New Balance SC Elite v4, Saucony Endorphin Pro 4.
Per Kofuzi, Run Moore, Doctors of Running.
Next Pair aggregates 3 expert reviews of the Altra Vanish Carbon 2, including Kofuzi, Run Moore, Doctors of Running.
Per Kofuzi, Run Moore, Doctors of Running.
Compared to other road racing in the same lane.
