Type a shoe name, like Pegasus, Clifton or Kayano.

Altra Rivera 2

Daily trainer · Neutral · Road · 7.1 oz · 27/27mm stack

Discontinued — we no longer see this shoe in stock. The Altra Rivera 3 replaced it

How it ranks

The Altra Rivera 2 ranks below most daily trainers in our data. Value and durability are its strongest sub-ratings. The rating rests on 3 runner reviews and 2 other rated shoes in the Rivera product line. Another 9 reviews would set the confidence on this shoe's own reviews.

Altra Rivera 2

of 4

Current estimate: Decent

73/100
Overall
73
Value
80
Durability
76
Comfort
76
Cushioning
74
Appearance
57
Confidence

Confidence

How settled the rating is against every other rated shoe. A shoe can rate high on confidence with relatively few reviews of its own when its product line has a long record and external ratings from retailer sites agree. Confidence will score low when we have few ratings or when runners disagree.

See the product line's history

Confidence

13/100

13

Based on product-line history, external ratings, and 3 runner ratings.

What runners say

“Comfortable on longer runs yet unobtrusive enough for faster, shorter efforts”
4/5 Full review 25 mpw training for a half marathon came from the Altra Rivera
“Every time I put on the Rivera 2 I want to go fast”
5/5 Full review 30 mpw training for a marathon came from the Altra Rivera
“Less sloppy underfoot, and feels lighter”
4/5 Full review 25 mpw training for a half marathon came from the Altra Rivera
“Also comfortable as I am a bigger runner”
5/5 Full review 30 mpw training for a marathon came from the Altra Rivera
“Stable without being clunky”
4/5 Full review 25 mpw training for a half marathon came from the Altra Rivera
“Great ride and fits true for me”
5/5 Full review 30 mpw training for a marathon came from the Altra Rivera

Prefer this shoe over another

50% 2/4

Where to buy

No offers available

Affiliate links included. They never affect our ratings.

Prices updated daily. Last checked Sep 14.


Pros

  • Two reviewers find it comfortable on long runs yet quick enough for shorter, faster efforts, one having done a 12 mile tempo in it at 240 lb.
  • Both of those reviewers call it an improvement on the original Rivera, less sloppy underfoot and lighter feeling.

Cons

  • One of the three reviewers rates it 1 out of 5 across the board, saying the laces on two pairs would not stay tied.
  • Overall ratings average 3.3 out of 5, and appearance the same, the lowest marks of any dimension.
  • The Rivera 3 after it scores 84 on two reviews against its 70.

Rating & Confidence vs. other shoes for sale

Each dot is one rated shoe for sale, placed by its rating and by how much evidence sits behind it. Shoes toward the top right are both well rated and well established.

Confidence
50 60 70 80 90 100 25 50 75 100

Better Shoes Rating

Rivera 2 rates 73. This shoe has very low certainty. See how we rate shoes.

Better Shoes Rating of prior versions of the Altra Rivera

Each dot is one version of the Rivera, placed by its rating and release year. The gold dot is this shoe.

Rating

Release year

We use the reviews of past versions to inform this shoe’s rating. See why.
  • Rivera 3

    2023 · 2 reviews

    85 Good

    24 Confidence

  • Rivera 2 This shoe

    2022 · 3 reviews

    73 Decent

    13 Confidence

  • Rivera

    2021 · 2 reviews

    73 Decent

    19 Confidence

Reader Ratings

3 ratings
5/5 1
4/5 1
3/5 0
2/5 0
1/5 1

Specs & fit

Sizing and ride details at a glance.

Weight
7.1 oz
Release
2022 Q1
Stack Height
27mm heel - 27mm toe

Runner reviews

Write a review

Showing 1–3 of 3 written reviews

Laces dont stay tied!!!!!!!

1/5

Overall

I bought 2 pairs of Rivera 2 shoes, neither of them have laces that stay tied NO MATTER HOW TIGHT I TIE THEM!

Anonymous runner · Dec 27, 2023

10 mpw

Comfort
1/5
Cushioning
1/5
Durability
1/5
Appearance
1/5
Value
1/5

A Versatile Trainer

4/5

Overall

Comfortable on longer runs yet unobtrusive enough for faster, shorter efforts, the Altra Rivera 2 is stable without being clunky.   It’s traction is impressive on a variety of surfaces, although I wouldn’t recommend it for very technical trails.  It performs admirably on uneven packed earth, however.  If you’re looking for a zero-drop shoe in which you won’t feel every pebble but can still run fast, the Rivera 2 is for you.  In addition, it’s an improvement on the original Rivera  - - less sloppy underfoot, and feels lighter.

Anonymous runner · Nov 27, 2023

25 mpw training for a half marathon came from the Altra Rivera

Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
4/5
Value
5/5

Always want to go fast

5/5

Overall

Have the Rivera 1 and purchased the Rivera 2.  Rivera 1 has more midsole and stack height and I use them for long runs.  Every time I put on the Rivera 2 I want to go fast so I have to be careful as I don't want to peak too early in my marathon training.  So I am strategic when I wear the Rivera 2.  Great ride and fits true for me (12.5, but wear 13).  Also comfortable as I am a bigger runner (240lb/16-17 stone).  Have done a 12 mile tempo in them. Loved them so much I bought a second pair and am always on the lookout for sales of the 2 instead of buying the 3.

Anonymous runner · Jul 21, 2023

30 mpw training for a marathon came from the Altra Rivera

Comfort
5/5
Cushioning
5/5
Durability
5/5
Appearance
5/5
Value
5/5

Alternatives

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Compared to other shoes

See how this shoe compares to others like it.

Current shoe
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Newest
Best overall / Best comfort / Best cushioning
Shoe properties
Type
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Daily trainer
Pronation
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral
Weight
7.1 oz W Lightest
10 oz M
8.5 oz M
Stack
27/27mm
28/28mm
40/35mm
Drop
5mm
Release
2022 Q1
2024 Q1 Newest
2023 Q1
MSRP
$145
Best price
$149.99
Ratings
Overall
Decent (73)
Exceptional (99) Best overall
Comfort
Decent (76)
Exceptional (99) Best comfort
Cushioning
Decent (74)
Exceptional (99) Best cushioning
Durability
Decent (76)
Very good (92) Best durability
Appearance
Bottom-tier (57)
Very good (91) Best appearance
Value
Decent (80)
Good (88) Best value
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