Altra Vanish Tempo 2: A Shoe Built for Fast Training

After the highly acclaimed launch of the Vanish Carbon 3, Altra comes back strong with the Vanish Tempo 2, a second-generation model that changes almost everything. It now features a 4 mm drop, an all-new FAST TRN foam and a PEBAX plate. Four years after the original Tempo, which had neither a plate nor a drop, this release was eagerly awaited by fans of the American brand. Designed for fast sessions and long-distance running, the shoe has been available in Europe since September 30 for €200, bringing even more speed to an increasingly versatile Vanish lineup. Here’s everything you need to know about the Vanish Tempo 2.

A split PEBAX plate brings propulsion without compromising natural foot movement

This is certainly one of the major updates in this second version. A PEBAX plate now sits in the midsole. Altra chose this material for a very specific reason: to add forward propulsion without changing the foot’s natural movement. As a TPE plastic compound, PEBAX offers more flexibility and elasticity than a stiffer carbon plate. Here, the plate is split and designed to work with the foot rather than impose a single running pattern. Like the Vanish Carbon 3 and its split-toe plate, Altra stands apart from most of its competitors with a distinctive plate design specifically developed to let the forefoot do its work.

FAST TRN, a new dual supercritical foam

FAST TRN most likely stands for Fast Training. This new underfoot foam differs from the one used in the Vanish Carbon 3 (FAST RCE) and the Vanish Pulse (FAST PCE). Altra describes it as a lightweight dual supercritical foam designed to deliver high energy return over long distances. It should therefore hold up over the miles while providing enough bounce for marathon-style workouts. With this new foam, Altra delivers a performance-focused shoe with a lively ride.

A 4 mm drop: Altra’s new performance signature?

Altra is still closely associated with zero drop. For years, the brand built its identity around this feature, designing shoes to promote natural body alignment and distribute weight evenly across the feet. But the market has evolved in recent years, and runners are increasingly drawn to more dynamic models. Altra appears to have heard the message. While the Tempo 1 had a 33 mm stack and zero drop, this second version opens the door to a broader audience with a 4 mm drop.

An upper built for running

For comfort and breathability, Altra uses a technical mesh designed for hard efforts. The padded heel and lower eyelet help lock the foot in place, while the flexible tongue keeps things comfortable. With this construction, the brand appears to be aiming for the right balance between performance and comfort. The fit is similar to the Vanish Carbon 3, with enough room for the toes to spread out, a defining feature of Altra shoes.

Altra’s Vanish Tempo 2 combines FAST TRN foam, a PEBAX plate and a 4 mm drop to speed up training and long-distance runs.

Key specs: Altra Vanish Tempo 2

Category: Fast training shoe with a plate
Use: Tempo sessions, fast long runs, road racing
Plate: Split PEBAX
Foam: FAST TRN (dual supercritical foam)
Upper: Breathable technical mesh, padded heel, flexible tongue, independent lower eyelet
Fit: Racing FootShape
Drop: 4 mm
Stack height: 34 mm at the heel / 30 mm at the forefoot
Outsole: Rubber
Weight: 243 g men's / 208 g women's
Price: €200
Release date: September 30, 2026

Tempo 2 or Carbon 3? The full Vanish lineup

Compared with the Vanish Carbon 3, the Tempo 2 costs €50 less, has 6 mm less stack height and weighs 23 g more. It can clearly be seen as the training and everyday-use version. The Pulse, released this summer, completes the trio while retaining zero drop. Launched on August 17 for €150, it features new FAST PCE foam, a low 22 mm stack and a zero drop. Across the Vanish lineup, Altra has therefore moved to a 4 mm drop on its plated models, along with a higher stack. It’s a smart way to create a clear product range while staying true to the brand’s philosophy.

	Vanish Pulse	Vanish Tempo 2	Vanish Carbon 3
Plate	None	Split PEBAX	Split-toe carbon
Foam	FAST PCE	FAST TRN	FAST RCE
Drop	0 mm	4 mm	4 mm
Stack	22 mm	34 / 30 mm	40 / 36 mm
Weight M	238 g	243 g	220 g
Price	€150	€200	€250

Who is it for?

Runners preparing for a road-racing goal who want a shoe for quality workouts such as tempo runs, threshold sessions and fast long runs.
Vanish Carbon 3 fans who want the same drop and fit for training.
Fans of the brand and the Tempo 1, despite the move to a 4 mm drop.
Runners with wide feet looking for a versatile plated shoe that can also handle race day.
Runners looking for a dynamic shoe built for long distances with plenty of forefoot room.
Runners wanting a dynamic racing shoe from the 5K to the marathon without necessarily opting for a carbon plate.

With the Vanish Tempo 2, Altra does more than update a model that has been awaited for four years: the brand has completely reworked the original version. A split plate, 4 mm drop and Racing fit deliver the same philosophy as the Vanish Carbon 3, but in a more versatile package that costs €50 less. The two models complement each other perfectly: the Tempo 2 for training, the Carbon 3 for race day. The question is whether loyal fans of the first Tempo, accustomed to zero drop, will follow the change. But for runners looking for a fast plated shoe without giving up freedom for their feet, the Vanish Tempo 2 makes a strong case.

The Vanish Tempo 2 is available on altrarunning.com for €200.