Best Altra Running Shoes

Altra running shoes lead the pack whether you are opting for trail runs, road miles, quick 5k’s, or full ultra marathons. No matter what your fitness goal, there is a shoe for you.

The company uses three specific technologies in each of their shoes to stand out among the rest.

  1. First, they have a wide toe box that is built to keep your feet in their natural state. This means your big toe stays straight, your other toes are able to spread out, and you reduce your chance of getting blisters. The benefit of this is to maximize your stability and power while running.
  2. Altra running shoes also design their women’s shoes specifically for the female foot. That means the shoes have a narrow heel, higher instep, and longer arch.
  3. Finally, Altra running shoes are a zero drop shoe, meaning your heel and toe will be the same distance from the ground whereas most shoes offer a heel that is about 10 mm higher than your toes. The benefit of a zero drop shoe means a lower impact landing, a more natural gait, and better running form.

As you explore the different Altra running shoes below, rest assured that your feet are in some of the best running shoes no matter which model you choose.

Altra Escalante 2

Recently updated from the Escalante 1.5, the Altra Escalante 2 is a very loved flexible, and a secure shoe that many consider being one of the absolute best running shoes. Whether you are using the shoe for serious training runs, or are throwing them on to walk around the grocery store, you have a stylish and soft item.

The Altra Escalante 2 keeps your feet cool with more perforations in the mesh for more breathability. The wide toe box, specific to Altra shoes, gives you a natural toe splay. Your foot is able to bend and move easier with the outsole technology.

With a neutral cushion, the Altra Escalante 2 also has added flex grooves in both the midsole and outsole for improved performance. This softer shoe has heat control in the heel liner and polyurethane insoles so it is more long-lasting. The heel cup is also more narrow for a secure fit.

As standard with all Altra running shoes, the Altra Escalante 2 has a zero drop from the heel to toe meaning you can be naturally faster and have a low impact landing.

The Altra Escalante 2 for women or men is ideal for those who want a low maintenance shoe and do not need additional support for overpronation or knee pain.

Altra Provision 4

With the Altra Provision 4, you are getting a bouncy shoe that is light but supportive. This shoe provides a more secure fit and custom feel as it uses InnovArch technology. InnovArch has mesh running under the footbed that wraps around the inner side of the foot and splits into three giving your foot a snug and supportive feel.

The Altra Provision 4 is ideal for those who have a neutral footfall and mild overpronators as it uses GuideRail stability. An overpronator tends to have her feet roll inward from landing to push off especially later in a run when she is tired.

Another zero drop shoe as is true to the Altra brand, the Altra Provision 4 allows cool air to flow through the mesh and has a long-lasting and soft polyurethane insole.

For those who want a natural feeling shoe with a bit of stability support, Altra Provision 4 is an ideal shoe for you.

Altra Paradigm 4.5

In this highly cushioned shoe, the Altra Paradigm 4.5 is ideal for ultra runners. With 30 mm of cushion throughout, those with plantar fasciitis, or who suffer from multiple foot injuries will be extremely happy in these.

This shoe uses a GuideRail system to guide foot support but is ideal for those who need very little pronation support. The Altra Paradigm 4.5 is perfect for those with a high and more stable arch and those who are trying to make the transition out of a traditional stability shoe in favor of a more natural fit.

Altra Timp 2.0

If you plan to do a high amount of trail running, you are going to want to check out the Altra Timp 2.0. Using MAXTRAC technology, the shoe has a solid grip on the ground and provides traction for trail terrain. Additionally, the canted lugs provide more traction when pushing off as they are strategically placed with TRAILCLAW technology.

As a neutral shoe, the Altra Timp 2.0 will protect your foot from the trail bumps and lumps while still allowing your foot to react to the surface in a natural way. This shoe is ideal for those with a higher, more stable arch that does not need stability support.

Altra Lone Peak 4.5

Another stand out trail running shoe, the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 is the first of its kind to include GaiterTrap technology, which allows runners to quickly attach gaiters for intense trail running.

As a neutral trail running shoe, the Altra Lone Peak 4.5 lets your foot react naturally to uneven surfaces while providing protection from the trail. This shoe is designed for higher arches that do not need additional support.

To keep you safe on the trail, the shoe uses MAXTRAC technology and has enhanced flexibility and comfort to keep those trail running miles easy.

Conclusion

No matter which shoe you pick from the Altra running shoe lineup, you are getting a quality shoe that will make you feel more natural when you run. Every shoe uses the wide toe box for a natural toe spread, shoes that are specifically designed for the female foot, and a zero-drop design to give you better running form and lower impact landings.

To really ensure you are getting a natural gait from your running shoes, the Altra Escalante 2 and Altra Provision 4 are going to be your best options.