Are you a runner? Are you looking for the perfect running shoe?
Throughout my many years of running, I’ve tried just about every brand of running shoe out there. I’ve loved using lots of different brands, but none more than Altra. During my schooling, Biomechanics was one of my favorite subjects. I was so intrigued by the huge cascading effects that heel elevation could have on the body. So initially, the Zero Drop™ feature of Altra running shoes was what sold me on my first pair, but their excellence is what has kept me wearing them race after race, year after year.
My Favorites: The Top 3
FOR THE TRAIL
The Superior 2.0
This is the perfect lightweight trail running shoe. It weighs in at only 7.5 ounces, has incredible tread to keep you from sliding around on even the slipperiest of slopes, and comes with a removable StoneGuard™ to keep your feet from feeling any sharp and pointy rocks. When it comes to rough terrain, this is my go-to shoe. Whether I’m running, or just going for a technical hike, the Superior 2.0 is a great option for a breathable trail shoe. Plus, when I put this shoe on for the first time, I couldn’t believe how great it felt. It’s like it was made for my foot!
FOR THE ROAD
The One 2.5
If you want to feel fast, then this is the shoe for you. The One offers incredible flexibility and is the lightest shoe in the Altra line-up weighing in at 5.2 ounces. This shoe surprised me from the instant I picked it up. It hardly feels heavy enough to be a shoe, but it’s an exceptional one. The One allows for your foot to flex in the shoe, which can help strengthen and support your arches, and allows for a more natural running form. This is my favorite shoe for shorter road runs and any speed work. It can also double as a racing flat since it’s so lightweight.
FOR THE LONG HAUL
The Torin 2.0
When it comes to marathon running, this is the shoe that has the support to keep your feet healthy and happy. The Torin is a high-cushion shoe, and still relatively lightweight at 7.5 ounces. Altra did a great job with keeping good flexibility in this shoe, especially considering the higher stack height and robust appearance. For those long training runs, or even on race day, this shoe is great for an endurance road runner.
Why Altra?
Altra is an up-and-coming shoe company with quality shoes that are backed with some serious education. There’s nothing left up to chance with these shoes. They are running shoes made by very educated and very experienced runners. That’s why they’re on the forefront of footwear innovation.
Zero Drop™ Advantage
Every Altra running shoe features the Zero Drop™ platform. This means that the heel and forefoot of the shoe have an equivalent stack height and there is no elevated heel, unlike just about every other brand out there. This encourages a forefoot or midfoot strike, rather than the heel striking with every step. In the long term, this not only helps with your entire body alignment, but it can immensely reduce the force that travels through your body.
FootShape™ Toe Box
The FootShape™ Toe Box on Altra shoes gives your toes the room they deserve! Your toes can splay and keep your natural form on point. After running in my Altra shoes, every other pair of running shoes seems to cram my toes into a narrow and pointy toe box (I even have fairly narrow feet!). In my mind, once you go Altra, you’ll never go back.
To learn more about Altra’s technology and innovative designs, visit altrarunning.com.
Becca Capell
iFit Head Trainer
WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article
