Altra Zero Drop Shoes - anyone use?

[tiki23]

http://www.altrazerodrop.com/fitness/en/Altra/Women

I'm considering trying these...tired of my toes being smooshed! Ugly as sin though...they remind me of Earth Shoes, lol.

 

[PrincessV]

http://www.altrazerodrop.com/fitness/en/Altra/Women

I'm considering trying these...tired of my toes being smooshed! Ugly as sin though...they remind me of Earth Shoes, lol.

I've tried them and that's exactly what I said! I think they're great shoes, but I couldn't keep them. The toe box was great, but the heels aren't anywhere near narrow enough for me. I think they're fine for most people, though. Do note that they're zero-drop, so if you've been running in traditional, high-heeled shoes, they take some major adjusting. I prefer a low- to zero-drop shoe and use Brooks PureFlow and PureConnect and Mizuno Wave Evo Cursoris - similar feel to Altra but with a much tighter heel.

 

[Twoboysnmygirl]

I've tried them and that's exactly what I said! I think they're great shoes, but I couldn't keep them. The toe box was great, but the heels aren't anywhere near narrow enough for me. I think they're fine for most people, though. Do note that they're zero-drop, so if you've been running in traditional, high-heeled shoes, they take some major adjusting. I prefer a low- to zero-drop shoe and use Brooks PureFlow and PureConnect and Mizuno Wave Evo Cursoris - similar feel to Altra but with a much tighter heel.

I run in Pure Flows (1's, not 2's) and was thinking of doing Altra Torins next. Did you feel there is a big difference in the drop between 4mm and Zero drop? It took a couple of weeks for me to adjust to the 4mm, but I love them and was thinking zero drop might be even better.

 

[PrincessV]

Did you feel there is a big difference in the drop between 4mm and Zero drop? It took a couple of weeks for me to adjust to the 4mm, but I love them and was thinking zero drop might be even better.

Amazingly, yes! I didn't think I'd feel it at all, but my Mizunos are zero-drop and my Achilles and calves rebelled for a couple weeks after I put them in rotation. I'd just alternate with your Brooks for a few weeks to be cautious. I think the Torin is a really nice shoe - totally worth trying!

 

[Disneyland_Mama]

I only run in Altras. I've tried Brooks Pure Line and Saucony's minimalist line as well and always come back to my Altras. I just got the Torins this month and am in complete LOVE! I won't even attempt to wear anything else anymore.

 

[tiki23]

Thanks for the comments!

 

[paxsarah]

I've been running in Altras since last fall and I really like them. I started out with Intuitions - I have a pair each of 1.0s and 1.5s, and while they run pretty similar the 1.5s are much more stylish. (I don't think anyone thinks they look like Earth shoes because they're blinded by the hot pink!) I transitioned fairly conservatively over 3-4 weeks or so and didn't feel any twinges in the process (I was wearing NB 890s before). I just got a pair of Torins and have enjoyed them on the couple of runs I've had with them so far. I even have a pair of Delilahs that I wear all the time as my everyday sneakers - never for running, I'm not that minimalist - and now I'm pretty much completely ruined for shoes that don't provide as much space to my forefoot. That would be the only drawback I see to them.