Altra, unlike almost any other running shoe manufacturer, stands for natural movement. The US company has made it its mission to develop shoes that didn't exist on the market before. Altra Running stands for a natural fit, where the toes have plenty of room to move freely – for a more comfortable, freer running experience. Because that's what the company founders are all about: developing running shoes in which you can run healthier, further, faster, for a lifetime.
The History of Altra
Around the turn of the millennium, a group of runner friends were looking for a shoe that met their needs, but didn't yet exist. So Golden Harper, Brian Beckstead, Quirl Hansen, and Jeremey Howlett spontaneously decided to develop their ideal running shoe themselves. To find out what they could change, the founders cut open running shoes from various manufacturers. Over time, they managed to modify these shoes so that what is now known as the “Zero Drop” shoe was created, laying the foundation for the company's success story.
At this point, none of the innovators had considered starting their own company. However, since none of the manufacturers they had presented their design to wanted to produce the running shoe, they had no choice but to take matters into their own hands.
Thus, in 2009, the Altra brand was born. The brand got its name from the Latin word “altera”, which means "other" and underscores the motivation behind the company's founding: to develop innovative running shoes that didn't exist on the market! The demand for them quickly became apparent.
Altra's Core Technologies for Better Running Shoes
Altra believes that a natural fit is crucial for being able to run healthily and joyfully for as long as possible. To ensure this, the company developed several core technologies: the spacious Toe Box, Zero to Low Drop and FootShape.
Spacious Toe Box
To run as naturally as possible, the toes need enough space to move freely. When the toes can spread out, the run not only feels more comfortable, but you also feel more security and confidence with every step.
Sounds simple and convincing, however, this conviction surprisingly contradicted everything the running industry stood for at that time. This turned out to be a stroke of luck for Altra, who with their spacious toe box tapped into a market niche that had not been served until then.
Zero to Low Drop
In addition to plenty of room for the toes, zero drop is another characteristic of Altra running shoes. No or minimal drop means that the heel and forefoot – unlike most running shoes – are at the same or nearly the same height.
Altra's Zero to Low Drop models are designed to keep the foot in a natural position. The idea behind it is that you can start your run on a stable, reliable platform and fully unleash your natural potential.
Different FootShape Fits for Different Feet
Another trademark of Altra is its FootShape comfort, which offers feet more room for a natural foot position. The company takes into account the differences between women's and men's feet, as well as different foot shapes.
Accordingly, Altra has developed FootShape in various fits, which differ in width from heel to toe. Because according to the company philosophy, more room for the feet leads to a more comfortable running experience.
In addition, some selected models like the Lone Peak 8 or the Torin 7 are available in special Wide versions, which are even wider than the standard models in the heel, midfoot, and forefoot areas.
Our Running-Point Favorites from Altra
Conclusion
No matter if you run long or short distances, train intensely, or complete easy sessions, runners will quickly appreciate the "new" freedom of movement for the toes with Altra. You will feel the first running sessions with the 0mm or very low drop, and they might even reward you with sore muscles.
Has Altra piqued your interest with its successful range? Then it's time to get your new Altra running shoe. In our online shop, you will find y our new Altra running shoe in all common sizes and a variety of colors.
