In the last 7 weeks, I have run 10 half marathons! 9 of those were run in the Altra Intuition 1.5.
If you’ve been around for a while, you know I’ve been on the search for the “perfect” shoe. I’ve gone from a standard high drop shoe all the way down to the Vibram Five Fingers and now I’m on my way back to cushion. While I’ve come to the conclusion that there really is no perfect shoe, I’ve found that the Altra Intuition is definitely the best for my feet.
Why? Because of the combination of Zero Drop and cushioning.
From their website:
Altra shoes are unique in the marketplace because they combine a zero drop sole and barefoot foot positioning with the structure and cushioning of a traditional running shoe. ALTRA’s core running and trail shoes come with a complete three-layer cushioning system: a full rubber outsole, a 12 mm fully cushioned midsole, and a 5mm insole. In total, Altra’s 21 mm cushioning is on par with durable training shoes and provides two to five times the protection of a typical minimalist shoe. Altra shoes durable are enough for runners to train and complete even ultra marathons in the same pair.
Altra shoes eschew the standard mix of rubber and EVA for their outsole. Instead, they offer a full rubber outsole, which offers excellent stability and far more durability than EVA outsoles. The sleek sole enables runners to sense the ground under their feet, without interference.
I loved the zero drop minimalist shoes, but found that I couldn’t run long runs in them. After running a half marathon in Vibrams and not being able to walk for days due to the damage to my feet, I knew I had to try something different. I began an era of experimentation where I tried many of the zero and 4mm drop more cushioned shoes. Somewhere along the way, I developed a Morton’s neuroma in my right foot which meant any run had the potential to be painful and every run over 8 miles made me limp. After a lot of trial and error, I realized the pain was less frequent in the Altras, so I bought a second pair and started running most of my 5+ mile runs in them. Slowly but surely, the neuroma healed. I credit the Altras (and my podiatrist agrees with me). The wide, flat forefoot allowed my foot to move how it needed to move.
I admit it. I’m a total convert.
What I love about these shoes:
- Zero drop helps me land midfoot
- The cushioning – I run mostly on pavement, so minimalist shoes were just not working for me
- The wider forefoot – my toes splay out a lot and this forefoot size allows my feet to spread out
- A wider, flatter base – the podiatrist said that this is what is helping my Morton’s Neuroma – I’m landing on the whole spread out forefoot instead of on one area (yeah, the scientific explanation is eluding me right now…)
And I just recently got the new version to try out: the Altra Intuition 2. Preliminary runs suggest that these too are a keeper, even if my kids do say they look like Buzz Lightyear’s shoes!
Want to give a pair a try? Altra has agreed to provide one winner the pair of their choice!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Have you ever tried Altra Running shoes? Which pair do you think you’d try? (I admit, I’d really like to try the new One2) This post is part of the Summer Giveaway Blog Hop. Go check out the other cool things that are being given away!!! 
I saw the news bout Vibrams yesterday and thought of you…. http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/05/08/say-it-aint-so-vibram-say-it-aint-so/
I wish your giveaways were good across the pond! 🙂
You know, I liked them. Still do. I just can’t run major miles in them on the paved surfaces I run on. {{{shrug}}} Maybe the claims were exaggerated, but I know plenty of runners who love them.
These are adorable! I am currently training for my first 1/2. 🙂 I may need to get some advice. 🙂
I’m running the Cleveland Marathon next weekend and my oldest son is doing the 10K.
My next race is the Foam Fest 5K! It’s so fun and I encourage everyone to join in!
Sounds fun!
After coming off of a heavy spring load of races, I am shorting it to a 5k in two weeks. One in a winery! I am very excited!
5k at a winery? I could get behind that! What winery?
My next race isn’t until August but I plan on changing that soon and signing up for a few 5k’s!
This is a good time of year for 5ks. Short and sweet.
Maybe a 10k too! 🙂
I’ve head good things about these. WOuld love to try!
I love them. I wasn’t sure when I first got them, but they really work for me now.
I’m doing a See Jane Run half marathon in September, but I’ll probably do a random 5k sometime before that.
I want to do one of those, but I don’t think there are any near here…
I am running Saturday night at the Mayfair by the Lake 5K in Lakeland Florida
Have fun! Hope it’s not too hot!
As much as I’d like free shoes, I think I’d hurt myself in minimalist shoes since I already have so many issues with my calves. =( Since you tried the Vibrams, are you getting in on that lawsuit that’s going on? You could use the $$ to buy new Altras! =)
These aren’t really minimalist – quite cushioned, actually – but they are 0 mm drop, which is where calf issues can occur, so probably a good idea.
I still like my Vibrams. I just can’t run long distances in them.
I meant 0 drop – I guess to me that’s minimalist. Maybe I need to Google the actual definition of minimalist. LOL I basically just meant a shoe without the big heel build up. =)
It’s only been in the last year or so that you’ve been able to get 0 drop with cushion. And they both cause issues if you aren’t used to them, but a lot of people who can’t (or don’t want to) run minimalist can run in these shoes. But I totally respect the not wanting to get injured. Injury sucks!
My next race is a local 5k on Sunday, the BA5k.
Good luck and have fun!
My next race is the Alexandria Running Festival….hopefully 🙂
Fingers crossed! You know I’ll be there…
I have a mothers day 5K on Sunday 🙂
Have fun!
My next race isn’t until September. It’ll be Rock n’ Roll Philadelphia. I may register for a few summer 5k runs 🙂
That’s on my “someday” list. So many races, so little time…
I just finished a half marathon last weekend, so my next race is a 5k in June in the Northern woods of Wisconsin!
Cool! I’m running the Madison Mini this year. Can’t wait!
My next race is June 1st; a half marathon in Saltillo, Mexico. It’s the 3rd year I’ve done the race and it’s one of my favorites 🙂
10 halfs in 7 weeks… you’re amazing! Hmm, not sure what my next race will be as I just began the third trimester. I’m hoping to do a few more 5ks, and then my first “real” race back will probably be the Philly half.
I’d love to try the Altras!
My next race is the Runners World Heartbreak Hill Half at the beginning of June. 🙂 Also can I just say – I love the intuitions as well!! I need a new pair though because I have worn through them, thus entering myself into this giveaway!
Chicago marathon!
I’m running the cleveland half marathon next weekend!
My next run is tomorrow – Pilot Mountain Women’s Club 5k – and then I have a 10k in a few weeks benefiting the Industries for the Blind
I don’t have a race figured out yet until October, but there is one actually in my town at the end of this month I may have to sign up for!
I think I’m on the same shoe journey as you (I’m currently in 2 pairs of Hokas for long runs and alternating between those and Newtons for short runs), but have heard great things about Altas & would love to try them.
I’m currently resting my running feet and training for a sprint triathlon on June 29th.
I don’t have a race scheduled. I am more of a power walker. 🙂
I’m a new mom, so for the first time I am registered for zero races. For now,
I plan on a few 5ks with the family and have set my sights on a bucket list half early next year – the Surf City in Huntington Beach, CA.
My next race is in July–a 6 mile trail race! My first!! (Although I might do a 10K before that….)
Bridgehampton Half tomorrow morning 🙂
I have always been interested in trying these shoes!!
No races coming up. just completed my 8th half this past sunday and PR’d.
Nice! Congrats on the PR!
I have a race on Sunday – either the 5K or the 10k (haven’t decided). I am still looking for the perfect shoe – maybe these are it and it’s my birthday so I should win!
;o) Have a great race!
I too, am on the hunt for the “perfect” shoe. I haven’t tried Altra’s yet but have been hearing good things so I’d love to try them.
I’ve been really impressed with them and the company has been awesome.
WOW! That’s a ton of halfs!
My next race is tomorrow – Quarryman 10 miler. It is VERY hilly and a fun local race.
yeah, I’m a little crazy. Have fun at your 10 miler!
My next race is a 5k in Hawaii! I can’t wait!!
Ok, I’m more than a little bit jealous…
I’m signed up for a 5K in June. Thanks for the giveaway!
Have fun!
My next race is Saturday, the Mom’s Run on Daniel Island in Charleston SC! Thank you for hosting this giveaway.
Sounds like fun! I need to find a good race in Charleston one of these years when we visit Beer Geek’s brother…
My next race is tomorrow! Then another on Sunday!
Busy weekend! I love back to back racing.
I haven’t run in a while, but have been seriously thinking of taking it back up again! Will probably start with a 5 or 10k. I kinda want to be a zombie for a zombie run, haha.
Ha! I imagine being the zombie would be fun…
I am running the Miles for Moffitt 5k in Tampa tomorrow with my mom and I have 2 half marathons planned for December. I LOVE ALTRA!!! I have the Lone Peaks and the Intuition 1.5. I just read up on the One² and I would most definitely choose those!
Sounds fun! What do you think of the Lone Peaks? I really want to try the One2, but I’ve got three nearly new pairs of Intuition right now…
I prefer the Intuitions but the Lone Peaks are really great for trails. They provide great traction and drain well. I even wore them at my last mud run and they felt super grippy when running up the incline walls. It’s so hard to decide between all of their shoes. I’ve even been eyeing the Olympus because I’m a sucker for trends and I really want to know what this whole maximalist thing is really about. But I also want the One². And the new Intuitions. And maybe the new Lone Peaks. Sigh. I guess I just have to get better at running so maybe one day I could be sponsored. Lol 🙂
My next road race is the Chicago Spring half next weekend. My next “other” race is my second super sprint tri on Sunday 🙂
Have fun at the tri and the half!
I’m doing a smaller half marathon in Maryland about a month from now. My next big race is the Baltimore Marathon in October 🙂
Which one? No, I don’t have an addiction to half marathons. I’m debating Baltimore half in the fall…
Xterra Big Elk. It’s a trail race. Should be fun!
Baltimore puts on a great race, you should definitely do it 🙂
My next “race” is the Grand Canyon R2R2R next weekend 🙂
Crazy girl! I can’t even imagine… Bet it’s beautiful though.
I’m running a little mother’s day 5 K on Sunday!
Have fun! I’m nursing a hangover on Sunday LOL.
I’m in prim tri season right now. I’ve got the Maritime Triathlon coming up May 18 (Olympic distance), and my first half ironman in Raleigh on June 1. Yikes! After that, I suppose I have to figure out my fall running schedule 🙂
You go! I’d drown if I did a tri…
I dont race but I run daily.
Nothing wrong with that. It’s certainly cheaper than my race addiction.
My next race is Market to Market 75 mile relay on Saturday .
That one is totally on my bucket list! So many races, so little time.
My next race is in june.
Have a great race!
My next race is an 18 miler tomorrow! I’m feeling slightly unready for this race.
I’m sure you’ll do great! Have fun!
I have a 15K next weekend!~
Fun! That’s a distance I’ve never raced…
I will be doing a 5K next weekend. I don’t think I will race tomorrow, although I want to.
I hopt to do a local 5k in the next month…but if not I have a half in October
Seawheeze Half in August
As of now, the next race I’m signed up for is the BCS Half in December. I’m sure I’ll get some smaller races in before then!
My next race is May 18th. It’s a 5K trail race at Red Rock Canyon 🙂
My next race is the Girls on The run 5k and then Zooma Annapolis. I’ve never tried Altras but I hear good things from you!
I will be running my very first 5K this fall!
Our next race will be RnR Vegas. ( I’m thinking of doing another RnR before then but haven’t signed up yet)
Lacey
I don’t currently have anything line up, I have been having major issues with my sciatic nerve on my right leg.
Hahaha…Buzz lightyear shoes. Now I want a pair!
I am running many ,many races this month lol. Superhero Half, Spring Lake Five, and Avon 5K are coming up. I have a Spartan Race next month!
My next race (races) next weekend.
a 5k, Super Spartan Saturday & the Spartan Sprint Sunday
Awesome!! My next race is next weekend, nervous and excited!!
My next race is a color run for my sister’s birthday. Looking for something a little longer later in the year.
I don’t have any races schedule now, but I want to do another 10K ASAP.
My next race is the Geist 1/2 Marathon in Indianapolis on the 17th. Was able to visit with the Altra rep at the Mini Marathon (Indianapolis) last weekend and tried on a pair that were .5 size too small so would love to try a pair that fit. My husband loves his Altras!
I’m doing the police week 5k tomorrow. I’m intrigued by the combo of zero drop and cushioning.
I’m running the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego on June 1!
I am curious about the Altras. Do any of them have added stability?
Tough Mudder on 5/17/2014
I’m still dealing with my hip injury. But I refuse to give up on the two marathons I’ve already registered for this fall. I may not race until then. Twin Cities is in October. But my 8 year old son has another 5k in a couple weeks…his third this year!
That’s awesome that he’s running! Boo on the hip injury.
That’s a lot of halves in 7 weeks! Impressive! I’ve been trying to move to zero drop shoes, so I’d love to try some Altra’s!
It’s kind of an addiction. Plus, when you do five in five days, it knocks out a bunch at once LOL. Oh, and I’ll add you to the VA blog list.
Wow, I also believe I have Morton’s neuroma and haven’t found shoes that really help it. Maybe I’ll look into a pair of these!
They’ve totally helped and the dr. liked how they were designed.
My next race is Angel Fire Endurance Run 50K in June.
Wow! I was in Angel Fire last spring and it was beautiful. I didn’t run though…
I am racing tomorrow in my first trail run!
Ooh, have fun! I’m “one and done” when it comes to trail racing LOL.
I dont have one planned yet.
I don’t think I’m ever without a race on the calendar…
Bay to Breakers is May 18th.
I just want to start again. I’ve been out due to a knee injury and I just want to start again.
Foam fest next sat, pretty muddy in September and Pittsburgh 1/2 a year from now
The Rock n Roll Portland Half in 2 weeks!
My husband and I are running our first 10k on June 14! Getting excited! 🙂
Portland Rock n Roll Half in 2 weeks!
Tomorrow!! I have an 80s themed 5k!
I have a few races in July!
I have a 10K on May 18. Looking forward to it because while I’ve done several longer races, this will be my first 10K.
the TC Ultra Loony in October! (of course I’ll likely sign up for more this summer once I know my schedule)
Would love to try out some altras! My next race is a 5k in June in my hometown when I head back for my bridal shower. I’m so pumped because it was the first real race I ever ran 13 years ago!
My next race, my first 50k, was set for July 12, but was canceled this week. 🙁 I may do a mud run that day instead!
It’s a local 5k run/walk on June 14th. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
My next race is the Her Tern Half in Anchorage in July! I’m all about trying new shoes so I’ll have to look into Altras!
In June. The Kansas City hospital hill half marathon!
I’m a bicyclist first and a up and coming runner second, but I’m hoping to find a couple 5ks to run this summer.
Running a 10K tomorrow!
Honestly I have not signed up for any more since the Iron Girl debacle but I run frequently and could use the running shoes.
Father’s Day!
Next race is not until November but I will likely sign up for something before then.
I have a half marathon next Sunday.
I am so impressed at the number of half marathons you run. Go girl!
I have no scheduled a race yet.
My next race is the end of June!
I am not currently signed up for a race! Can you say relief! lol, just kidding, but seriously….its kinda nice not knowing which one I am training for at the moment. Im sure I will know soon enouph!
I actually don’t have any races planned right now. Getting over an injury but eyeing a 1/2 in October as there aren’t a lot of long distance races where I live.
I don’t have a race scheduled at the moment.
I am dying to register for a race, but I’m recovering from an injury (pulled calf muscle) that happened 2 weeks ago. I couldn’t run in the race I was supposed to do today! Such a bummer. But I’m optimistic I’ll get better. And then I’ll be registering for something, probably a half-marathon TBD.
I have a 25k next week!
I do not currently have anything lined up. I am dealing with an injury. Thanks for the great giveaway.
My next race is May 31! I’m doing ZOOMA Annapolis Half Marathon!
End of June!
My next race is in August!! 🙂 yay!! It’ll be 2 years since i’ve last raced! (due to injury)
It will be this summer at a local park.
July 12is my next run… the Belmar Five Mile Run
I haven’t scheduled my next race yet.
Next race is the half marathon in Buffalo Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
I just ran 4 races in April, so nothing on the calender yet!! I am in the search of a possible race for 4th of July weekend!!
I love, love, love my Altras! I made the switch from New Balance to Altra’s The One and haven’t looked back. Such a better, more natural feel!
I dont have a race scheduled but have doing sme challenges on Strava. Working on my speed too.
My next race isn’t until mid June – practicing hard though!
My next race is the Dirty Girl Mud Run
I’m not a runner so maybe the The Intuition Everyday?
My next race is the Rock n Roll San Diego Half on June 1.
Would love to try a pair of these out! Thanks for doing this giveaway!
None in the plans right now.
I’m not signed up for one right now. 🙁 Soon though!!!
I’ve been wanting to try to transition to lower drop shoes bc of recurring injuries in traditional shoes. I’ve read a lot if good things about Altras and would love to try them! My next rave is the Baltimore Women’s Classic 5k in Baltimore next month!!
My next race is Memorial Day weekend – the Madison Half
I’m running a 10k on Memorial Day.
My last race/half-marathon was April 26th. I don’t have a “next” race yet though it will most likely be in the fall.
First time dropping by the blog. started reading up on your reasons for running. I’m going to be running post-partum as well, but to drop the weight and get healthier for my kids and to be a healthy role model for them 🙂
New shoes would be great! Mine are about due to be replaced after the last 5k.
I don’t have another race on my schedule until Wine & Dine. Need to find something else to do!
Good Times 5K Series every Tuesday night
I have no race planned… right now I’m trying to get there!
Currently training for a half marathon. Less than 6 weeks to go!!
I am hoping to tackle either the ATHHALF in GA (Oct/Nov) or attempt my second Marathon in the fall (undetermined race).
Heartbreak Hill half in June! Can’t wait to go to Boston again!
I don’t have my next race planned yet.
I’m doing the color run in September, but I’m hoping to sign up for a few more before then!
Melon Run 3 Miler on July 4th!
I’ve never tried Altra’s. I wouldn’t know how to choose.
Not sure of my next race. Looking for a late June 5K.
I have no race planned right now.
not sure just trying to get in shape first
I haven’t signed up for a race yet, but that is one of my running goals for the year. I plan to run a 5k in the fall…my first one ever!
spartan race in hawaii!
i run a race every month!! i’ve got my first half marathon coming up in november this year and i’m excited and nervous all at once 😉
I haven’t signed up for one just yet, but I’m looking at my 2nd attempt at a Marathon in the Omaha Marathon this September and possibly my 1st 50k this October.
My next race is the Top of Zion Relay (so excited for that) then the Drop 13 Half Marathon and the Huntsville Marathon in the fall.
My next race will be RnR Las Vegas
I love my Altras… they’ve saved my running (and my hips! )
My next race is a local Relay for Life. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Erin
fairyfractal at gmail dot com
My next race is a 5k this week and then ZOOMA Annapolis the following weekend! I love Altras too! The cushion is just right for a zero drop shoe 🙂
My next scheduled race is beach to beacon
I am just working up to start racing so won’t be until next year.
My next race is a five miler on the 4th of July!
I’m hoping for sometime this fall:)
My FIRST race is actually coming up in June. Nervous and SOOO excited!
My next race is my first 10k on June 14th! It’s the Lawyer’s Have Heart 10k.
At the moment, none scheduled!
No races are planned any time soon.
I havent signed up for one yet but want to do something this fall
No races are planned any time soon.
No races planned right now. i am sure I will do a 5k or two this summer
We have a family race this weekend… Color Me Rad!
nothing planned yet…
I have some Altras – love them!! ‘Bout time for some new ones. 😉 I’m signed up for WDW Marathon Weekend in January but I’m hoping to fine some other races to run in between.
I am running a color run 5k in July.
They do look like buzz lightyear shoes lol. But I like them. Mu next race is a5k on memorial day.
I haven’t run a race in about 13 years! A husband and 3 sons later and I’m considering trying 5k again to keep me motivated. I have my eye on one in August.
I’m still getting over an injury, so I don’t have any races on the horizon. I’m just taking it slowly and doing it for me at the moment. 🙂
I love zero drop, but find a bit more cushion crucial for pavement running! I would love to see how a pair of intuitions fit with my goal of longer runs.
My next race is in July
I am not sure when my next race will be, we are focusing on job/house search right now. Three kids and everything going. So probably in the spring. Seems like a long time.