REASONS TO BUY
Versatile
Great midfoot bounce
Stable
REASONS TO AVOID
On the expensive side
Low-drop won't suit all runners
Not as wide as other Altra shoes
Altra Vanish Tempo - Women's Review
Perhaps not a universally-beloved runner, this low-drop, natural-feeling shoe is great for uptempo runs that roll right into lifting sessions
With comfortable versatility, the Altra Vanish Tempo is a great do-it-all road shoe.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Women of 2024
Our Verdict
The Altra Vanish Tempo is an anomaly that will appeal to a subset of runners. A lightweight, well-executed training shoe overall, Altra purists will despise its slimmer take on a “foot shape” fit. Altra has also taken an interesting approach to this “zero-drop” shoe, defining it as how your foot sits when standing still rather than the actual stack height below your heel and forefoot. Moreover, speed-focused runners who want a plated speed demon to accompany them to their race start lines will find the flexibility of the Vanish Tempo to inhibit their maximum paces. Runners who exist in the middle of the spectrum and want a versatile training shoe with a low drop, racing capabilities, and a trampoline-style midsole will enjoy the minimalistic feeling pep of the Vanish Tempo. It is on the more expensive side, making its versatility that much more enticing.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Altra Vanish Tempo - Women's | |||||
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| Awards |  Best Low-Drop Road Running Shoe |  Best Overall Running Shoe for Women |  Best Value for a Women's Road Running Shoe | Best Balance of Comfort and Responsiveness | Most Versatile Road Running Shoe |
| Price | $121.91 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $140 List $139.95 at Amazon | $119.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $180 List $179.95 at Amazon | $139.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | With just enough midsole bounce to be speedy, the natural-feeling ride that the Vanish Tempo offers is perfect for runners who want a low-drop and uncomplicated running experience | This running shoe offers the performance technology and comfort needed to be your go-to shoe, no matter your running goals | Affordable and minimally-minded, the updated Kinvara is a great everyday shoe that is suitable for a myriad of running situations | Though it lacks the lightweight tech of super shoes, the balance between its responsive midsole and lateral stability makes this a powerful everyday trainer | For epic versatility in a single shoe, we recommend this lightweight superstar |
| Rating Categories | Altra Vanish Tempo... | Asics Novablast 4 -... | Saucony Kinvara 15... | Brooks Hyperion Max... | Hoka Mach 6 - Women's |
| Landing Comfort (30%) | |||||
| Responsiveness (20%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Upper Comfort (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Traction (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Altra Vanish Tempo... | Asics Novablast 4 -... | Saucony Kinvara 15... | Brooks Hyperion Max... | Hoka Mach 6 - Women's |
| Measured Weight | 7.26 oz | 7.36 oz | 5.44 oz | 7.17 oz | 6.27 oz |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 35 mm | 38 mm | 27 mm | 35 mm | 33 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 7 mm | 8 mm | 3 mm | 8 mm | 7 mm |
| Plate Type | None | None | None | Full length plastic | None |
| Rocker Angle | 25.0 deg | 22.0 deg | 25.0 deg | 24.5 deg | 24.5 deg |
| Rocker Apex Location | 65.0% | 69.5% | 64.7% | 65.0% | 65.4% |
| Style | Racing | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer | Daily Trainer |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered knit mesh | Mesh | Mesh | Creel jaqquard |
| Midsole | Altra EGO PRO | FF Blast Plus Eco | PWRRUN | DNA Flash v2 | Supercritical EVA |
| Outsole | Rubber | AHAR outsole | Rubber | Rubber | Rubber |
| Heel Tab Type | None | Finger loop | None | Extended heel pull | Extended heel pull |
| Sizes Available | 5.5 - 12 US, regular |
5 - 12 US, regular | 5 - 12 US, regular |
5 - 12 US, regular |
5 - 11 US, regular & wide |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Vanish Tempo offers a subdued version of Altra's signature wide toe box, low drop shoes. Weighing in at 7.26 ounces, the nitrogen-infused midsole, and strong midfoot lock make this shoe a comfortable companion for uptempo runs, mellow recovery miles, or HIIT workouts at the gym.
Performance Comparision
The Vanish Tempo is propulsive enough to make you think it has a plate, but the energy return comes from a bouncy Altra EGO midsole.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
Landing Comfort
The underfoot cushion of the Altra Vanish Tempo is one of the most notable qualities upon slipping your feet into these shoes.
The midsole material is soft to the touch and has just enough bounce to inspire you to get running. The AltraEGO midsole is infused with nitrogen for added bounce and comfort, transforming the way your feet feel cared for as you run. The underfoot stack rebounds well through the midfoot, making it comfortable on long runs.
All of the elements of this shoe come together to make it one of the most easy-to-wear zero-drop shoes on the road running market.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Vanish Tempo's total stack is 35 mm, though it feels more minimal underfoot. Interestingly, Altra has a unique definition of “zero-drop” that qualifies this shoe as such despite having different stack heights below the heel and forefoot. Altra's version of zero-drop is having your heel and forefoot at the same level when standing in a neutral position. While that's certainly true of the Vanish Tempo, once you start moving, the forefoot stack is actually shorter than the heel stack, creating a functional heel-toe differential. Our in-house testing team measured that difference at 7 mm. While this may not be what die-hard zero-drop fans are looking for, it does make these shoes more comfortable and easier to get used to for folks new to the zero-drop lifestyle. The mid to forefoot zone feels comfortable and springy, though the cushioning feels a bit scant in the rearfoot. This did not change how we felt about running in the Vanish Tempo, though we could see this being a potential drawback for heel strikers who want plush heel protection.
The underfoot stack is comfortable and protective, though it feels slightly lower in the rear.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Responsiveness
The Vanish Tempo surprised us in this metric. As a low-drop shoe without a plate for propulsion, we expected the performance to be middling at best.
While not the outright fastest shoe in our lineup, the Vanish Tempo holds its own thanks to its nitrogen-infused Altra EGO midsole and subtle yet powerful rocker.
The Vanish Tempo is more responsive than we expected, providing an energetic bounce with each stride.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
The rocker apex sits at 65% forward from the heel when measured in the center, which is on par with some of the most responsive shoes we've tested. Jutting upward at 25.0 degrees, the Vanish Tempo is on the higher side of average, giving it a slightly more aggressive tilt. Both of these figures fall in line with some of the most powerfully propulsive shoes on the market.
Despite not having a plate, the Vanish Tempo is a solidly responsive shoe that we don't hesitate to reach for during longer-distance races and moderately-paced workouts.
After the first two runs, we were convinced that the Vanish Tempo contained a carbon fiber plate because of how propulsive it feels. It runs on trampoline-inspired energy return, an agility-promoting midfoot lock, and just enough space to allow your toes to splay and flex as you run. The elements combine to form a shoe that may not be the ultimate race-day choice but one that invites you to add extra miles to your run purely for the enjoyment of it.
The rocker shape and location help one footfall roll into the next, creating a smooth and powerful ride.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Stability
One of the most beloved attributes of Altra-made shoes is their stability. The Vanish Tempo offers the same famed stability in a slightly more subtle package.
Stability shoes are often bulky or overly wide, but the Vanish Tempo delivers a sleek, minimalistic ride instead. The widest part of the shoe is 3.90 inches across, which is actually one of the narrowest in our lineup. The toe box gives average feet plenty of space for toes to splay as you run, though the forefoot is notably less voluminous than the average Altra shoe. The midfoot, which is of average width, and its lock are secure and comfortable, allowing you to run without making adjustments as you go. The heel collar has just enough rigidity to maintain its shape with wear, providing a comfortably stable running experience.
Without structures for lateral support, the Vanish Tempo is neutrally supportive. If you want a shoe that is stable without the weight and bulk or a true stability shoe, the Vanish Tempo has our vote. On the flip side, if you want a speed-ready shoe that provides more security than the high-stack super shoes, the Vanish Tempo might just fit the bill.
The low drop and double-layered midfoot provide stability in the Vanish Tempo.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
Upper Comfort
The Vanish Tempo is the kind of running shoe you can lace up and forget about, offering a no-fuss experience. Its upper design is simple yet effective, featuring engineered mesh that's breathable, flexible, and supportive.
The tongue is cushioned just right, preventing any discomfort from laces, while the smartly placed eyelets help relieve pressure on the upper foot—crucial during longer runs. An additional overlay across the midfoot enhances the shoe's lock-in fit, adding both comfort and agility. The heel collar is well-padded and contoured, providing a secure yet lightweight fit that feels just right.
The upper mesh of the Vanish Tempo is simple, but it allows for breathability and overall comfort.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Users across the internet have mentioned that the Vanish Tempo runs small, and we agree. It is narrower than a typical Altra shoe, but we didn't really have any qualms with the width. The length, however, seems to be about a half size short. We recommend buying a half size up when it comes to the Vanish Tempo, knowing that this will keep your toes happier in the long run.
The Vanish Tempo runs a bit smaller than the average shoe. We encourage you to buy a half size up to ensure a proper fit.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
At 7.26 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe, the Vanish Tempo is on the heavier side of average when it comes to road shoes.
In terms of shoes marketed for racing, the Vanish Tempo is on the heavier side. If all of the elements it offers align with your needs, the extra bit of weight is comfortably worth it.
Though not the lightest, the well-distributed weight of the Vanish Tempo is worth running with if the rest of the shoe makes sense for your needs and budget.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
While certainly not a shoe built to tackle alpine terrain, the Vanish Tempo offers decent traction on wet roads and loose gravel.
Its rubbery outsole features a zigzag pattern that is notably less abrasive and grippier than some of its competitors. A few runners left online reviews expressing durability concerns. After over 50 miles in the Vanish Tempo, we have not noticed the trampoline effect pack out, or the traction wear in any remarkable way.
It isn't a trail shoe, but for a speed-centered road shoe, the Vanish Tempo has a pretty grippy lug pattern.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
Should You Buy the Altra Vanish Tempo?
The Vanish Tempo is a lovable shoe with a lot to offer, though it won't suit every runner's needs. At its high price point, the Vanish Tempo is definitely a shoe you want to be sure about before committing to. It offers solid versatility and comfort, which is worth the price if that is what you are looking for. If you choose to buy the Vanish Tempo, we think you'll love the bouncy midsole, comfortable midfoot, and svelte foot shape during your running efforts.
While we don't predict the Vanish Tempo to be a winner for all runners, its versatility, comfort, and fit will make many runners incredibly happy.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
The most similar shoe in our lineup is the Saucony Kinvara 15. Both the Kinvara and the Altra Vanish Tempo are uptempo running shoes without plates. The flexible natures of the undercarriages of these kicks make them ideal for runners who don't prefer the rigidity of plated shoes but still want to push their paces. The Kinvara costs notably less than the Vanish Tempo. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has a full-length plastic plate but maintains a soft bounce that is similar to the Vanish Tempo. The slightly narrower and marginally more responsive Endorphin Speed costs nearly the same amount as the Vanish Tempo.
—
Ally Arcuri
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