Today on Tuesdays on the Run, we want you to show us your shoes! Here are mine…
You might notice that they all have something in common. Yes, they are all Altras. I will admit to being part of Altra’s Red Team, but even if I hadn’t been asked back in 2018, I would still only run in Altra’s. I’ve been an ambassador for the last 4 years and I had the pleasure of meeting the creator at the Runner’s World event a few years ago. The story of the creation of the shoes is interesting (it involves a toaster oven, just sayin’)
I was first introduced to Altra Running shoes when I was given a pair as an ambassador gift when I was a ZOOMA Ambassador. I was running in “barefoot” and low drop shoes and having all sorts of issues with not enough cushion. I had begun to try to transition back to higher drop shoes with more cushion, but those aggravated my neuromas. I was pretty convinced I’d never be able to run a marathon again.
Enter the Altra Intuition. They were perfect! Not too thin, but not too high. Yes, you can call me Goldilocks. Or maybe you should call me Cinderella ’cause the shoe fits! (Beer Geek used to call me his little Imelda because of my work shoe collection. I’m not sure he’s ever realized how many pairs of running shoes I have…)
Suddenly I was running miles and miles pain free. They had just enough cushion, but the Zero Drop and foot shaped toe box allowed me to run with the stride I had developed running barefoot.
These days, I have a variety of Altra Running Shoes. My two favorites by far are the One 2.5 and the Escalante.
I wear the One 2.5 for all of my 15+ mile training runs and my marathons. They are my go to long distance shoe (and I may have stockpiled them when Altra moved to One v3).
The Escalante are a sweet ride as well. They are my half marathon shoe. Apparently when I go farther than a half, my feet swell and the top of my middle toes catch and hello black toenails!
Other shoes currently in my stable:
Altra Impulse – These are Altra’s version of a stability shoe. I got these to run the Runner’s World trail race a few years ago. I still like them for the occasional run.
Altra Paradigm – These are the mac daddy of the Altra shoes with max cushion. I like them, but at heart I still prefer a lighter, softer shoe.
Altra Neoshell Lone Peaks – I LOVE these shoes. These are my go to shoes for trail running and for snowy conditions. As you might imagine, living in Virginia in an urban area, I don’t get to wear these shoes often.
Altra One v3 – These are the replacement for the One 2.5. I like them, but I’m having a hard time dealing with the differences. Who knew I was a creature of habit? Some Altra runners LOVE these and think they are a great improvement over the 2.5, so I have hopes that I’ll eventually love them like I do the 2.5.
And, because Altra keeps coming up with cool new stuff, here’s my wish list for 2018…
Altra Vali – Why yes I would like some comfy shoes to wear with jeans!
Altra King MT – OK, I confess I have absolutely no need for this shoe. It’s designed for muddy trails. Since I’m not a huge fan of mud or trails, it’s unlikely to get use here. But man does it look cool!
To be honest, I’d just like one of everything to try. Is that really too much to ask???
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When I was an ambassador I ran in the Olympus and loved them!
I heard the toaster oven story too and thought it was quite clever.
I have a couple pairs of Altras but I don’t really run in them at this point. While I would like to fully transition to zero drop, I don’t really want to mess with my feet right now. However, I run in the Brooks Pure Flows alot which just has a 4mm drop so its not very high. I do love the wide toe box that Altras have!
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…Let’s Talk About Running Shoes
I’ve never tried Altras or any of those shoes!! I have run in nikes and mizuno and now saucony. But tbose shoes are cute!!
Melissa recently posted…Training Tuesday: Cleveland Marathon Kickoff Run (And Discount Code!)
I have the same “problem” with Mizunos 😉 And I would try them all too, haha!
AmyC recently posted…Weekly Wrap – Blah, I Need Sunshine
What is amazing to me about all these posts is how loyal we runners are to our shoes! I am finally, after 15 years or more of wearing Asics Gel Nimbus, cutting the cord. It’s like being in a relationship that just doesn’t work any more…
Wendy recently posted…Why Are All the Best Running Songs About Getting High?
Like you, I can feel a difference when the companies “update and/or improve” their shoes. Why (oh WHY???) do they have to mess with a perfect shoe?
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…If These Shoes Could Talk…
Unless the husband is a runner, he won’t get it. As long as he tolerates it, that’s pretty much all we can ask!
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…What to say to a slow runner . . .
I love that you have a pair you have no use for. Because they’re cute. Because we’re runners but we’re also girls:).
I’ve been running in the Escalante for short runs and love them!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Picking a Marathon: Decisions, Decisions
I love that you found a brand that works for you! I’ve looked into Altra, and definitely want to try them out one day!!
I have tried an Altra pair years ago and haven’t ever fell in love with them. I am kind of glad because I think they are a pricey shoe. I know many people that love them.
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Ready to Launch…or not
I wear the same shoe but have many of them. They have to match my Skirt Sports skirt, right?
I wish I could just try a new shoe without buying it. But I don’t want to spend the money and then not having it be the right shoe for me.
Darlene recently posted…TOTR: The Shoe Post
If you find something that works, keep it. My experience has shown how delicate biomechanics can be, so if the shoes are working, go for it!
Wow! That’s quite a stockpile of running shoes!! I am seriously doing this all wrong. haha
Jennifer @ Fit Nana recently posted…Shoes News and other Exciting Things
Oh… I love my Altras! I just got the Vali and wore them all day Saturday – love them too!
No you can never have too many shoes (or running skirts). Someone convinced me to try the Adidas Boost last month and I am love with them! Very different
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner recently posted…Southwestern Avocado Egg Salad
That is quite a comprehensive Altra collection! I have the Escalantes (won them) and I love the wider toe box. I need to work them into my rotation!
Marcia recently posted…Polyshoeism: It’s a Thing
I have two pair of Altras and really really love them. My forefoot and toes are so happy in them but my PF seems to want to flair up with them. I’ve been wearing Newtons for years now and would like to switch to Altras but I think I need to transition slower than I’ve been trying to do. Maybe once this marathon is behind me, I can take my time and transition slowly into them.
Teresa recently posted…Marathon Anticipations
I’ve never tried the Altras but have always heard great things about them! I run in the Brooks PureFlows and love them!!
Chelsea recently posted…Show me your shoes
I love your shoe collection! I remember getting a pair when I was a ZOOMA Ambassador. I never wore them for running but more for casual and everyday wear.
Zenaida Arroyo recently posted…Shoes, shoes and more shoes!
I’ve never tried Atras before, but I might have to look into them!