My Favorite shoes – Altra – Happy Running Mom

I love Altra shoes! I am super happy to be an ambassador for 2017. I love their shoes so much I thought I’d do a post to spread what you many not know about these awesome shoes.The two things that set Altra shoes apart from other shoes are, first, they have a wider foot shaped toe box which allows the toes to be happy and spread naturally when you run. Secondly, Altra shoes are zero drop. Zero drop means that the heel and forefoot are the same distance from the ground. Running in zero drop encourages better form and less impact than traditional running shoes. If you are not used to zero drop, be sure to transition into them slowly to prevent injury.

From the Altra website, here are the benefits of both:

Benefits of FootShape toe box –

Keeps big toe straight for greater stability and a more powerful toe-off.
Allows toes to relax and spread out naturally.
Allows foot to naturally stabilize excess pronation.

Benefits of Zero Drop –

Heel and forefoot are the same distance from the ground.
Promotes proper form to reduce initial impact by 3–5 times.
Natural Achilles loading for better propulsion.
1-to-1 ratio naturally aligns feet, back and body posture.
Encourages better running technique.
Weight-balanced from front to back.

I started wearing Altras back in June of 2014. It all began when my right foot’s toes were having issues going numb after running a decent number of miles. I did some research that led me to believe I had a Morton’s neuroma. I read that changing to shoes that have more toe room could help so I ordered my first pair of Altras, the Torin. I remember getting a good deal on them online and the sizing was tricky. I didn’t get the right size at first but once I did I thought they were comfy and I enjoyed the roominess in the toe area. The toe numbing didn’t go away right away. As with all things, it took time. I can’t remember how long it took but I no longer have that problem. 🙂The Torins were in my rotation but I didn’t really fall in love with Altras until 2015 when I got the Altra Olympus around February of that year.I kept hearing about max cushion shoes and the Olympus was their max cushion shoe but was considered a trail shoe. They didn’t have a max cushion road shoe back then but I had read reviews that they were great for road too, so I got them. Loved them! The super cushiony feel was great on the road. So nice and comfy. The size was a half size larger than my regular running shoes but the fit was fantastic and my toes were happy. They were perfect for marathon training and running my first marathon. The Olympus was my go to shoe for a while.As with other brands, Altra updates and changes their shoes and I wasn’t as pleased with the Olympus 1.5 pictured above. The sizing changed and it seemed heavier. The feel just wasn’t the same on the road. But I found a good sale on the Paradigm 1.5’s, their road shoe version of the Olympus, and tried them. They felt better than the Olympus version and I’ve still got them in my rotation.
But then I wanted something lighter for shorter distances. There was a good sale on the One 2.5’s and I’m SO glad I bought these. They felt awesome right away!! They’re so light and have just the right amount of cushion. I ran my fastest half marathon in them last March. These are no longer available but I’m glad I still have one box stashed in the closet.Then came the Escalante (pictured below). I had to try them too. Don’t these look awesome? The cushioning is amazing! These shoes have Altra Ego which according to the website provides a perfect balance between energy-returning push-off power and plush, springy cushion. The feeling is sort of like when you go on an artificial track, the cushiony springy feel. They are light and fast. I ran my third marathon in them and got a PR and my first BQ. 🙂Altra has a wide range of shoes including trail shoes. I haven’t done as much trail running as I’d like but I have the Superior 3.0’s which have been great so far.So many good shoes! I also have their casual shoe, the Tokala which is nice when I’m not wearing running shoes :). They were great for all the walking around Universal Studios last Spring. I still have to try their new cross training shoe, the HIIT XT and the new One 3.0. Next year they have the Altra Duo coming out which will be a max cushion road shoe but super light. I’m excited to try those!