Altra Solstice XT 3 Review: Improved But Still Not Great

The Altra Solstice XT 3 is what I’d describe as a pivotal training shoe for this line. What I mean by that is that the Solstice Xt 2 was a little lackluster at times, especially considering the issue they have with their outsole durability.

My big hopes for the 3 revolved around three things. Fixing the tongue so it stops sliding, reworking the outsole, and improving the upper to give it more security when cross-training.

Sadly, we only got one of these changes in the 3. However, I will say the Solstice XT 3 has been stronger overall in the gym, and it’s been better for the most part, but I still have some complaints that I’ll detail below.

Who Should Buy This Shoe?

1. Zero-Drop Enthusiasts: Athletes seeking a true zero-drop training shoe with more cushioning than barefoot options will appreciate the flat platform and medium-density midsole.
2. Wide-Footed Athletes: The wide toe box and not crazy aggressive taper make this shoe particularly suitable for wider feet, especially those struggling with traditional training shoe fits. It should be safe for up to 3-4E widths.
3. Hybrid Training Athletes: Those mixing strength work with cross-training and short runs will like this shoe’s versatile performance characteristics and its relatively stable platform.

Who Shouldn’t Buy This Shoe?

1. Narrow-Footed Athletes: The spacious upper and wide toe box, while great for wide feet, will likely create excessive movement for narrow feet, compromising overall security when cross-training.
2. Outdoor Training-Focused Athletes: The forefoot hasn’t been reworked in this model, so outdoor-focused athletes, beware. I haven’t had issues yet, but it’s something I’m keeping a close eye on.
3. OCD Lifters and Athletes (like me): If tongue security, and more specifically, tongues that slide around, bother you a ton while training, then you’ll want to pass on this shoe. The tongue security is FRUSTRATING, especially with lateral stuff.

Specs to Know

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
• Weight: 10.25 oz (size 10)
• Removable Insole: Yes

Sizing and Fit Thoughts

Narrow Feet Recommendations

• Sizing Call: True to size, but may be too wide for some.
• I don’t recommend them for super narrow feet due to their upper volume.
• My Why: Limited ability to achieve proper lockdown even with tight lacing.

Medium Width Feet Recommendations

• Sizing Call: True-to-size fit works well for medium-width
• You still may experience some volume issues in the toe box.

Wide Feet Recommendations

• Sizing Call: True to size. Accommodates up to 2E-3E and sometimes 4E widths comfortably
• There is a bit of a midfoot taper, but it’s not super pronounced, so even flat, wide feet should be okay in these.

Size these similar to your normal training shoes from Nike, Adidas, Topo, or other Altra models. For barefoot shoe wearers, size these similar to Xero Shoes.

Performance Assessment

Decent for General Strength Work

The Solstice will work just fine for most strength training asks for beginners and intermediate liters, in my opinion. During squats up to 315 pounds and deadlifts up to 455 lbs, the midsole did a pretty good job. You’ll notice a little compression, but at these thresholds, it didn’t completely hinder this shoe’s performance.

The outsole did a good job of providing grip on machine platforms and wooden platforms. The medium-density midsole strikes a good balance between being firm enough for strength work and maintaining enough responsiveness for dynamic movements. However, when pushing into truly heavy loads or explosive movements, the upper’s security becomes a limiting factor.

Stand-Out Strength Elements:

• Zero-drop is great for barefoot shoe lovers who want a little midsole/a flat training shoe.
• Medium-density midsole balances stability with comfort pretty well.
• “Lower” stack height helps a little bit with ground feel compared to other trainers on the market.
• The wide toe box is nice for natural toe splay under loads.

Strength Limitations I Found:

• May lack maximum stability for elite-level lifting despite being flatter.
• Tongue movement affects consistency during sets of power cleans and power lifts.
• If you like train and lift outdoors beware of the outsole’s durability at the forefoot.

Better for Cross-Training Than the 2

The cross-training capabilities of the Solstice XT3 is definitely improved over its predecessor. During my HIIT sessions and full-body workouts, the improved upper construction provides better lateral stability than the XT2. You still get a little spillover at times. However, it’s WAY less overall.

The outsole grip pattern performs exceptionally well across various training surfaces, from rubber gym floors to wooden platforms. I’ve particularly noticed enhanced performance during kettlebell flows and jump rope sessions, where the responsive midsole provides adequate bounce while maintaining stability. As mentioned above, the tongue movement becomes particularly noticeable during lateral movements and quick transitions.

Stand-Out Cross-Training Elements:

• The synthetic and TPU overlays do give the toe box a nice boost for lockdown.
• The midsole facilitates dynamic movements pretty well and is comfortable.

• The wide platform provides a stable base during quick transitions, and the stack height is low enough not to feel super “platform-y.”
• As a whole, this shoe has good flexibility and if you like more articulation in your trainers then you’ll appreciate this,

Cross-Training Limitations:

• Non-gusseted tongue can be super annoying for lateral movements and for feet that don’t fill these shoes out.
• Upper may feel less secure during aggressive lateral movements. There can also be some midfoot bunching during quick directional changes.

Running and Daily Wear Performance

The running performance in the Solstice XT 3 is solid for forefoot and midfoot strikers. Through multiple interval sessions and pre/post-workout runs, the zero-drop platform and responsive midsole give you a comfortable ride for distances up to 3-4 miles.

The shoe excels particularly in faster-paced efforts where forefoot striking is natural. For daily wear, the toe box and medium-density midsole provide all-day comfort, though the tongue issues persist even in casual settings.

Stand-Out Running/Daily Wear Elements:

• Zero-drop platform favors natural running mechanics.
• The responsive midsole enhances shorter distance running.
• Wide toe box allows natural foot splay during longer wear.
• Flexible forefoot promotes natural gait cycle and they’re comfortable for extended periods of standing.

Running/Daily Wear Limitations:

• Not ideal for heel strikers or longer distances.
• Tongue movement becomes irritating during extended wear.

Construction Details

Upper Construction

• Multi-layered synthetic overlays
• TPU reinforcement across toe box
• Six-eyelet lacing system with seventh lace-lock option
• Padded mesh tongue without gusset or guide loop
• External heel tab

Midsole Engineering

• Medium-density EVA foam
• Zero-drop platform
• Full-length cushioning
• Innerflex Tech

Outsole Development

• Rubber coverage with flex grooves
• Extended forefoot wrap
• Multi-directional traction pattern

Final Verdict: Would I Buy Again?

Probably not.

The Altra Solstice XT3 represents both progress and missed opportunities in the training shoe market, IMO. At $130, it fills a unique niche for wide-footed athletes seeking a zero-drop trainer with moderate cushioning.

The improvements in upper construction are nice boosts over the XT 2, but the persistent issues with tongue movement and the outsole not being changed whatsoever raise some durability concerns for me regarding the 3’s long-term value.

For indoor training focused primarily on strength work and general cross-training, the shoe performs well. If you want a wide zero-drop shoe for general training, I’d invest in these. They’ll get the job done and have good versatility. I also think they can be great for barefoot shoe lovers who want a traditional trainer to rotate it.

The unaddressed durability concerns and persistent tongue issues make it difficult to give an unreserved recommendation, especially at the full retail price point. Those are my main hang-ups. Did Altra not read any of the negative reviews about the 2?

If you have additional questions on this shoe, drop a comment below or reach out via Instagram!