The RW Takeaway: The Rivera 2 has a snugger, more secure fit than the first iteration. Its slipper-like comfort, however, remains intact.

  • Soft and durable Altra Ego midsole
  • sandals refresh 69539 red
  • Pressio 2n1 Ārahi running shorts

Type: Road
Price:
$130
Weight:
8.1 oz (M), 6.6 oz (W)
Drop:
0 mm

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Altra Rivera 2

Rivera 2

Altra Rivera 2

$130 at Amazon
Pros
  • Slim fit
  • Ample toebox room
  • Moderately cushioned
  • ALDO love planet Woema double strap sandals in black
Cons
  • philipp plein embroidered skull high top sneakers item

I loved the original Rivera from my very first run. The shoe catered to two of my favorite aspects of today’s cushioned trainers: shockingly lightweight yet forgiving, and supportive on my soles. Even after I tripped on an uneven sidewalk and took a nasty fall, scraping my already heavily scarred knees and creating a half-inch hole in the shoe, I didn’t blame the Rivera. In fact, when the 2 dropped in for testing, I laced up and raced out of the office to see how it stacked up to its predecessor. Fans won’t be disappointed; the Rivera 2 has no dramatic changes. The main updates are stitching around the saddle for a snugger fit and improved padding in the heel.

altra rivera 2More Photos
The 2 is updated with a snugger saddle for a more secure fit.
Thomas Hengge

The 2 has the same Footpod outsole that’s tacky and grooved to prevent slippage (my tumble was caused by mindless running, not poor traction). It also uses the same last—the foot-shaped form around which a shoe is constructed—as Altra’s carbon fiber-plated Vanish Carbon. As a result, it shares that racer’s streamlined design. Unlike the Vanish Carbon, which runs short, the Rivera 2 is true to size, with plenty of room in the toebox. Plus, it keeps its Ego midsole, which provides an incredibly plush platform for such an ultra-slim shoe—and our testers couldn’t stop raving about it.

“The Rivera is super comfortable, with the perfect amount of cushion,” said a tester. “It can go for miles but still feels like a slipper.”

altra rivera 2More Photos
The shoe has Altra’s zero-drop balanced cushioning.
Thomas Hengge

Testers’ Takes

Lisa K. | Tester since 2017
Arch Height:
Medium | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot

“The Rivera is just super comfortable with, what I believe to be, the perfect amount of cushioning. The shoes were just as comfortable on the road as the rail trail. I have run in other Altras like the Lone Peak and Escalante, and while I always liked running in them, I always wished they had just a tad more—or a tad softer—cushion. I don’t prefer max cushioned shoes, such as the Olympus, une sneaker en suède.”


Ahmad N. | Tester since 2012
Arch Height: Medium | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot

“I would recommend the Rivera for a neutral runner. The feature I liked most is the lightweight feel on my feet. When I wore these shoes I could accelerate at a faster pace. My last pair of running shoes were heavier and did not allow for a smooth ride and transition like the Riveras do. My least favorite feature was the lack of support in the forefoot area, and I also think these running shoes lacked some durability. If I were to continue longer runs, I’m convinced that the outsole would wear down quickly.”

Headshot of Amanda Furrer
Amanda Furrer
Test Editor

Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.