Altra

Are you confused with all the barefoot options in the market? Fear not! I’ve conducted practical tests on numerous barefoot trail running shoes, evaluated them, and compiled a list of the top 5 choices in the barefoot running world of 2024!

The Altra Lone Peak series has long been a staple for trail runners and hikers. It offers zero-drop comfort with a spacious toe box.  With the introduction of the Lone Peak 9+ alongside the Lone Peak 9 (only available in the US), some are left wondering whether the 9+’s Vibram outsole is worth the upgrade.…

Altra running shoes have come a long way since the original Altra Lone Peak. It was a game-changer in the running shoe market, but to be honest, it had durability issues.  All that’s changed now.  Altra offers a wide range of different road and trail shoes that last a lot longer than old models used…

Minimalist shoes and trails seem like an unlikely combination to some. They might ask, “What about sharp rocks and roots?” However, it is entirely possible to run trails in minimal shoes. In fact, many options are available on the market for this purpose.

It’s that time of year when we start to see what Altra has in store for us in 2024!  I was in person at The Running Event in Austin and got my hands on many of these shoes. And I, for one, am excited to see these out in the wild next year. So, let’s…

With the Rivera 3 released at the start of the year and the Torin getting a huge update, it’s time to start talking about the best Altra Road Running shoe of 2023.  Sorry, high stack friends. The Via Olympus 2 is not on the list! It’s tough to come up with the “best” because a…

With the newest version of Lone Peak 7 released at the start of 2023 and the Superior 6 that came soon after, it’s time to start thinking about the best Altra Trail Running shoe of 2023.  It’s tough to say which shoe is the “best” because it depends on personal preference, but certain aspects can…

When I saw the rumors about a 4mm Altra shoe earlier in the year, I thought it was a joke.  But gradually, as we inched closer and closer to a prospective release date, I started to worry.  Altra has been promoting their zero-drop platform and barefoot-style shoes all this time. How could they throw all…

If you’re in the market for a zero-drop, wide toe box neutral road running shoe, you’ve likely considered both the Altra Rivera and the Altra Escalante.  Both of these shoes fit the bill perfectly, but choosing between the two depends on the fine details you’re looking for.  In short, the Rivera : Has a higher…

In this head-to-head comparison, we explore the distinct features of Altra’s Lone Peak 8 and Superior 6 trail shoes. Find out which shoe best matches your trail running needs, from cushioning to fit, and make an informed decision on your next pair of trail champions.

At first glance, you might think that Altra and Nike designs are worlds apart, but when you dig deeper, you find many similarities. But the few differences we do find are vast and fundamental to foot strength and longevity in the sport, making the decision between Altra and Nike obvious to me.  In this post,…

If you’re looking for a foot-shaped, near-zero-drop running shoe, you’ve likely encountered two brands: Altra and Topo Athletics. Both have much wider toe boxes than the rest of the industry and have a heritage in the minimal running scene, but things have drastically changed for both companies.  While both are likely beneficial for foot health,…

The Superior 6 is now available! More of the same Superior, with some essential upgrades. Read the Full Review Shop Altra Superior 6 It’s not long now until the Altra Superior 6 will be released! Rumors are that we’ll be seeing the first shipments in May, and I want to be first in line to…

Altra’s come in all shapes and sizes. Original fit, Standard fit, Slim fit. But the 3 “fit” system doesn’t tell the whole story.  You’d imagine a huge difference if we compare the Escalante (a Standard fit) and Olympus (an Original fit). But in actuality, there’s little difference in how the two fit. As for the…

Altra has revamped its lineup consistently for the last few years, and 2023 doesn’t seem to be any different.  Some of the new Altra shoes coming in 2023 are due for an upgrade, and some need an update to fix issues from previous versions. We can only hope that new problems aren’t introduced!  In this…

Altra Lone Peak; a shoe that’s been in the rotation of many trail runners over the years. There are few others on the market like the Lone Peak, and it’s solidified itself as the wide, responsive, flexible option when comfort is paramount.  Altra Timp; still a relatively new kid on the block –or rather, market,…

Altra and Hoka have been a mainstay on the trail scene for a long time. They share common DNA but have fundamental differences that will likely be a huge decider when looking for your next road or trail bashers.  In this blog post, I’ll introduce the similarities of the brands but then jump into the…

So you’re in the market for some new running shoes, and you’ve decided you like the zero-drop and wide toe box nature of Altra. But you’re left thinking, “What Altra shoe is right for me”? Well, that’s what I’m going to help you answer today.  Using my knowledge from my running shoe sales days, I’ll…

Whereas the Lone Peak 8 and the Superior 6 may look similar on the outside, the ride, fit and performance are drastically different.

Altra shoes aren’t true barefoot shoes, but models like the Escalante Racer 2 and Superior come close. They have minimal design aspects but still offer more cushioning than a true barefoot shoe. For true minimal footwear, consider brands like Xero Shoes or Vivobarefoot.

Are you looking to transition to a zero drop shoe but don’t know what your best options are? (If so, start here) Maybe you’re already running in Altras, but you’re looking to transition to a more “barefoot” feel, and you’ve heard Vivobarefoot is the way to go?  In this post, I’m going to guide you…

Are you looking at moving away from “traditional” running shoe brands, but you’re confused with the options on the market? Zero-drop shoes provide a perfect alternative to the norm, I will be comparing two zero-drop brands, Altra vs Xero Shoes, and help guide you to choose the right shoes for you. And if you don’t…