New runner here. And I have pain in my feet that multiple trips to the physio hasn't fixed. Right now in that strange place where I'm not sure what to do anymore. Glad that this brand of shoes fixed your PF!
Thanks for sharing your story about discovering Altra! I'm really glad about finding your channel since the coverage of Altra in general is pretty descent and I think that you are making a really good job about it. Keep up the good work! My story is somehow similar to yours. For years, I had HUGE problems with shin splints. I went to physios, tried a great amount of different (traditional) shoes and even tried surgery but nothing helped. Then in the beginning of 2022 I discovered Altra from a podiatrist visiting a podcast that I had been listening to for a few weeks. I decided to try out his theory about the greatness with foot shaped zero drop shoes which made me order my first pair of Altras (a pair of Torin 5). I remember waking up the very next day after my first run in the Torins. I felt no shin pain at all! It was INSANE and I couldn't believe it! Earlier, every run would result in a great amount of shin pain forcing me to rest for about five or six days before I could run again. Now, about seven months later I run about 50k a week and all my shin problems are completely gone. Altra saved my running, I can't describe in words for how thankful I am for finding out about the brand!
Lone peak 6 to walk in (everyday) never for running. Altra Olympus 4.. Fabulous for races, I've done 2 Ultras in them. Good luck with your channel. Peace Peace.
I can relate as my first pair of Altra erased my legs pain on the first day I wore them casually. I had legs pain for few weeks and was clueless about what was the cause except my running shoes had over 600km on them. i ordered a pair of Altra Torin 7 online to replace my old Yonex and Pegasus 39. On the day the shoes arrived, I wore them to walk around townjust to ensure they fit me as I worried I could not run soon due to the pain. However, by evening time I realized my legs pain was gone. I don't know if any other paid of running shoes than Altra would have fixed my pain since I only purchased a pair of Altra. Maybe another brand would have been fine too. Anyway, I like the fit and feel of my first Altra shoes.
Just discovered your channel and found it very informative, really like the comparisons. Similar to you I discovered Altra while dealing with a persistent injury (ITB syndrome). Switched to Altra for running (after a 3 month break) and Vivobarefoot for walking, work and casual. The injury never came back. I think I get a few more miles out of mine, Viho and Superior approaching 1,000 miles 😊
Awesome! Glad my vids are helpful 😁 Great that Altras also helped you get rid of ITB syndrome! It's amazing how many similar stories I hear about injuries disappearing after switching to Altra. 🤘🏻
I'm grateful for your coverage of Altra shoes. Few reviewers cover them. I'm enjoying my 1st pair, the Rivera 2. Next experiment may be the Torin 6 :-)
Thanks for sharing your story with us. Isn’t amazing how simple things can solve big problems. Have a similar experience. Same reason serious foot pain. Couldn’t stand up every morning and my big turf toes extremely hurt in the evenings. Doctors, physios, joga,diet, nothing works and money go to waste. The only comfortable shoes was Merrells moab wide but wear quickly on my legs. Eventually last year after watching “move, more, run” episode about bunions problems I went to shop and bought pairs of Torins 5 and started running. There is nothing else I’m wearing now only Altra and walking lots around house barefoot. Would like to try Topo but is not available in Ireland.
I have had Altra Lone Peak, Ultra Timpson and Topo Untraventure. For the last 2 years I have been wearing the Timpson and Topo for walking. The outsole of the Altra has gone whilst the Vibram outsole of the Topo is still in very good condition. The fabric of the Altra has holes on both Right and Left shoes. No problem with the fabric of the Topo. So the quality of the Topo is better. You should watch some UA-cam videos of people with the same experience regarding the quality of the Altra shoes.
I think that SO many newer runners experience the same foot issues that you experienced. What's interesting is that foot pain seems to be caused by different inputs... could be the wrong shoes, increasing mileage too quickly, not stretching, lack of mobility, etc. That said, I believe that the type of foot pain that you experienced is due to tight calves, hamstrings, etc. as those muscles pull on the tendons in the foot therefor expressing foot pain (even though the issue isn't in the foot, that's only where it's felt). Altra shoes may help with their zero drop by stretching the whole kinetic chain along the back of your legs. I've also found that messaging my muscles regularly helps a TON (more so than stretching for me).
I agree with you. I’m not a runner but decided to pick up sprinting last summer in some cheap Nike’s with a narrow toe box and not stretching much before or after not thinking much of it. Well that wasn’t smart looking back and now I’m suffering with PF and Achilles tendonitis. I’m doing my research on trying Altras now but I’ve had a lot of pain relief just from massage and massaging my tight calves especially.
This is very good to know. Having the knowledge that zero drop can help solve foot issues is definately worth knowing. Thank You! Also, on a sidee note, I just bought a pair of Topo UltraFly 3. Im sure you probably are aware of this product in that it also has the foot design like Altra although the drop of each Topo model can vary from zero like Altra ti a higher drop as well. Anyway, I was curious to hear your thoughts on the topo product line. I purchased the ultrafly 3 because it was at a great price just because its last years model and have always wanted to try Topo. What I can say so far is that I am astounded at the quality! This shoe has so much obvious attention that was put into the detail and in hand and on foot it fits excellent, no excessive material usage, each component of this shoe servs a purpose using just enough material, very good! This is only the first pair of topo I have purchased however I can say that if this shoe is representative of the rest of the product line than I can safely say that when I think of Topo, the first thing that will come to my mind is Topo is one of, if not thee most high quality shoe lines available. This shoe will easily see 700 miles and still be usable (I now that because I have already seen reviews demonstrating this). I paid 70 dollars for this pair and I can say that quality wise it is the best of my entire shoe lineup right now. I have not logged that many miles yet, only about 15 so far so I cant speak to other points yet. Anyway, I would really be interested in hearing your opinion. (one little design feature I have only seen on topo which is so simple yet so effective I wonder why I didnt see it a long time ago is on the tongue of the shoe, Topo has sewed in two lace loops that really hold the tongue in place much better than the design most used now). Anyhow, would love to hear your thoughts. Thank You!
Thanks for the detailed reviews of Altra shoes. I found out about this brand from my podiatrist after getting ingrown toenails from my feet being squished in my Hoka shoes. I have several different models of the Altra's but my favorite is the Torin 5 Luxe which has a stretchy upper fabric that really let my toes splay. I use this shoe mostly for hiking (even though it is a road model).
I have as well started to use Altra by chance, and they solved from one day to the other my Morton's Neuroma problems on one foot. They are extremely comfortable shoes indeed. My Olympus 4 and Timp have been my companion on hundreds and hundreds of km. They do have their limits, though. The newest model of the Timp (4) though improved in comfort and fit (for my feet at least), clearly has some issues in outsole durability. In my shoes, the lugs on the forefoot are already flattened out after 250 km. Except for the Olympus 4 which has a Vibram Megagrip outsole, other models do not definitely have the best grip in the market. The Olympus itself, though is one of the most comfortable shoes, with excellent grip, is quite big and sometimes a bit chunky and not really meant for a very technical terrain... Though I love the "zero drop" and their foot shape fitting, overall their shoes have room for improvement. The ideal shoes do not exist, but I have found other brands of shoes with a decent fit (not as comfortable as the Altra's) but with definitely better grip, durability, and "agility". Altra will always be in my rotation, of course!
Thank you for your thoughts! I've just discovered your channel, and I really like your calmer style of presenting. An underrated channel IMO. Just keep up the good work!
I've brought back barefoot jogs on the treadmill and my entire body is feeling much better. I love altra because my feet can engage in a way that I feel like they need to for me to run my best and stay healthy. I can feel my big toe working independently again. Everything I try other brands it seems like nothing works and I'm wasting money. Even though it's super narrow, the takumi sen 8 has been working for me for speed work. Looking for a marathon/road ultra racer and am between the adios pro 3, vanish carbon, or even the vanish tempo. Shoes are just so dang expensive!
Love your videos I go back to this and other ones every once in a while. Um, mentioned this before seems like for me Altra has removed all their lower stack options. I have a vanish R, then move to the Escalante racer. Now there’s no more racer, but it is there a company and I just been running more in my barefoot shoes, and when I want cushioning, I go to my Escalante’s, or even the Torin which are really high now I mean in stack height and I have price
Hmm, that doesn't sound good. I've heard about durability issues, but this is not good. I've personally not had much issues with regards to durability 🤷🏻♂️
I'd say 50/50. I have not bought any non-Altra shoe since 2019, but I do still wear them sometimes. Depends on the occasion, but I still have Timberland boots, Converse All Stars, Asics and North Face Sneakers.
@@TDMiller Once you finish to use them do you think to go with barefoot shoe for daily life outside running and recovery days? To avoid to return with foot problems (and therefore postural) due to the use of non-anatomically shaped shoes combined with unnatural drop? For me if everything go well with Altra (the size issue make me overthink ...) I don't think to later going for barefoot shoe, using instead Altra for everything, because I'm always over hard surface so I don't think is the way to go.
@@nonsolorasatura9093 That's a great question. I don't think I'll go 100% barefoot. I do need shoes for comfort and I still wear shoes as part of my outfit. I not against wearing shoes will heel lift and narrow toeboxes casually, but not for long periods of time. For running I don't see a reason to ever go back to "mainstream" brands, but for casual use, I'm happy to sometimes wear non-Altras. If I'll ever buy new "mainstream" shoes in the future? I don't know!
I must admit it's hard to remember when it exactly happened. It was suddenly gone. It must have been approx 2-3 months of consistently wearing Altras for my running. Also, it was during the first year of the pandemic, so I worked a lot from home without wearing casual shoes, which could have helped the progress.
hey TD Ive been enjoying your vids for a few days now and Im waiting for my first pair of altras via olympus and to finally try low or 0 drop shoes. Why you have avocados growing in the back? Do they grow up well in germany? Do you have a farm? Im a farmer in the tropics and that's why I ask and recognize the seedlings.
Thanks! And you have a great eye! Yes, they are avocados, and you'll probably see them in many of my videos. It started actually as a pandemic hobby to grow them indoors. I live in an apartment in the city, so I will not be able to grow them outdoors. I'm trying to keep them small and bonsai them a little. They don't like the climate over here as it's too cold most of the year, so it's a challenge keeping them alive - even indoors. I have about a dozen, but all located on one side of the apartment, as they'll get the best sunlight there, but I lose a few every winter. Now in the summer I'm struggling with lace bugs - so if you have any tips there, let me know! Hydrogen Peroxide seems to be doing the trick.
@@TDMiller Wow you are doing a great work with the seedlings in that climate!! Ok I use diluted neem oil for all the pests in my plants with good results. I find this at the home improvement stores (home depot.). There is also a dish washer soap which is pink in color that is really good with pests, here I find it as "Vel" (I can send you a picture If needed) 1 hand scoop to 1 gallon of water. Have a good one and hopefully you gets this under control. --NMC
Hi. I'm training with Torin 6 and Rivera 2. I wish to run a Venice marathon next year. I have tried others shoes like Adidas, Diadora etc. all of them with drop 10 or more but now I think that Altra is the best choice for me. Thanks for your videos.
Stumbled across Altra by accident in 2020 when I bought the Duo. That was objectively a bad shoe, and the only Altra I’ve had that had real durability issues. But… I completely bought into the concept, my niggles all melted away, and I stuck with them. And I’m glad I did. Don’t buy anything else these days and can’t see that changing if they keep churning out great shoes.
Hi I got this heel pain on my left foot I been using ascis and new balance for my jogging but no use May I know any latest model to buy for this altar running shoes in 2024
I’m beginning to run in zero drop more and more I’m slowly falling in love with Altra especially the lone peak 6 and the torin 6 I just wish altra would put the outsole of the king MT on the new lone peak I may get the Rivera or roll the dice and get the Mont Blanc
It's good to hear your story TD. I enjoy your reviews a lot. My own story with Altra started back in 2013 I think. I had struggled with shin splints throughout my life whenever I tried to run. When I tried to run in 2012 after many years of not running, shin splints were my nemesis again. My journey for healing eventually led me to the Altra Torin. I credit Altra with making running not only possible, but enjoyable. My run streak is at almost 7 years. Thanks for the great reviews, and always genuine thoughts and information.
I became aware of Altra much earlier, before they even had the Escalante model .I think the drop issue took on a new meaning once shoe brands started producing new geometrics. rocker and ride technologies become more pronounced ,for example the Altra next to you in this video..
Would be nice to hear more details about how many km's the shoes (Altra in your case) are capable of doing. Usually online people review shoes after 100-200km and then move on to the next pair. They always 'predict' how long they could last, but this is always speculation. So I always wonder: how long do they actually last? It's quite important to me because I really like to wear them completely out, and I don't want to spend €150 on shoes that feel worn out after 400km. An other question: are you going to try other zero drop shoes? Inov-8, Merrell, ...
Hey Rein! Great questions. I always consider making vids when I decide to retire my shoes, but unfortunately the UA-cam algorithm can be very harsh. If it takes me 6-12 months to go through a pair of shoes, chances are the model is no longer relevant by viewers. And low view count will mean UA-cam stops recommending my vids. I stay true to my values, and will always run in them until I feel I no longer can. I refuse to buy a pair just for the views. You can check out my shoes on Strava and see how far I've gotten in them. 😊 When I review a pair of shoes, I always try to mention which model I'm replacing.
As for other brands. It's tough. I only buy shoes I really want to run in. So if I try another brand, I'll need to be convinced I really want them. Plus, I'm human and a father. I only run as much as I can and I need to feed my family as well 😅 if companies reach out to me, I may consider. 😊
@@TDMiller I understand, good point. Unfortunately it's the nature of the running shoe business and the fast fashion movement.. Actually I bought a new pair (in big discount) of Altra lone peak 4.5 (3 years after they got released first) but I couldn't even find 1 article about how long they would last me! I guess an idea for a video could be comparing all the different models and iterations and how they compare durability wise. Would be interesting! I saw on your Strava profile that they average 400-600 km? And the trail shoes in particular average only around 300-400 km? Is that the consensus?
Sounds about right, but I think there are ways to extend the life or prevent them from breaking prematurely. As I like testing new shoes, I tend to be a little less careful with my shoes, so I have a reason to buy the latest model. I think, with a little extra care, Altras can last up to 700-800km. With trail shoes it really depends how much you put them through. What breaks first with my shoes, is the fabric in the heel cup (which I sometimes tape up to extend life by 100km), but I blame myself, as I'm lazy with untying my laces. Second reason, is the midsole not feeling the same as it used to. Losing bounce and rebound. And this fully depends on the runner. Weight, footstrike, surface all play a role here. Also, does the runner mind or notice the slow change in feel. Many people online complain about uppers tearing or outsoles wearing down fast. I've never had any issues like that.
@@TDMiller OK interesting! I only had one 2,5 hour run (on the beach and dunes) in my lone peaks so far. After 2 hours of running my toes started feeling really weird, a little painful almost! I guess I'll have to adapt a little bit to all the space in the toebox? Other than that they felt great. I'm going for a long hilly forest run in them today. Cheers man! Danke schön
My only issue with Altra is I do get tendinitis in my Achilles. But when I ran in brooks I used to get a weird slipping feeling in the back of my right knee. My lower back would also hurt. And I’d get blisters on my feet. Altra fixed that. My Achilles will get better with time I think
I've just purchased the Riviera 2 last Saturday. And I've tried them on Sunday. Verdict: I've never felt better while running. I've tried Adidas, Nike, Mizuno and Asics. My last pair of running shoes were the Asics Kayano. I wish I've purchased this Altra shoes before!!! Rivera 2 is a very smooth pair of shoes, even though they're also very responsive!!!! It is a game changer for me!!!
I think that Altra now have the same issues facing all companies which are sold to larger groups which are profit oriented and must raise their stock price: short term profits are more important than staying true to the brand. Altra have an opportunity to change the way people buy sneakers by changing the market (by introducing the idea of zero drop and toe splaying and foot pod, which are not yet mainstream concepts), instead, it seems that will change Altra to conform to the market by making Altra more similar to existing brands. Let's hope this does not happen and the parent company recognizes that what makes Altra different IS the whole point.
I'm struggling with PF for 4 months now...it's not the worst, it is manageable if i go only easy runs, but this way i can't be better, faster, etc. I did several things: custom insoles, more stretching, new shoes (not zero drop and wide toe box ones...), trying to run on soft surface, collagen intake in the mornings with vitamin-C, strengthening ankles, foot, hip, rolling tennis ball under my foot, rolling calves, harmstrings, etc. Visited doctors who gave me collagen injection, anti-flammatory medicines, etc...none of them worked yet. I took 2 weeks off and just run today with easy pace and only 40 mins (just to compare: i completed several ultras already, longest one is 130km) and the pain came back again... I have mild to severe pronation and slightly flat foot...my last saviour are the Altras...what do you recommend please? Or is there anything that you could suggest to deal with PF? Thank you in advance!
This sounds very similar to my situation. Only it took me 18 months before I discovered Altra 🙈. Before I give any advice, I should say I'm not an expert, and that there are people in the Internet who say Altra causes PF. Back when I transitioned to zero drop, I used the Altra Escalante to strengthen my feet on shorter runs, and the Altra Torin to run more comfortably with more cushion on longer runs. It takes a while for the feet (and the plantar fascia) to get used to zero drop and it could cause more pain on the short term, so it's important to give the feet lots of rest, massage and stretch them before and after every run and probably run in cushioned shoes (Torin, Rivera, Paradigm). Once the pain becomes less during the running, you can go to more minimal shoes, like the Escalante, to strengthen the feet. Depending what you're used to, your feet may feel more fatigued than usual. This is normal, and a sign your feet are too weak. So my recommendation would be to alternate between the Torin & Escalante, and slowly transition to zero drop. Hope this helps!
Value this channel thank you. I’m a bit stuck on something if you have time to answer. So I have some Torin 5’s which im slowly transitioning to. My existing higher drop though no longer fit me as well because my feet have splayed from wearing VIVO’s during the day or going barefoot around the house. I think I’ll get used to the Torin’s and they feel nice and cushioned I have entered a half marathon and don’t know what to run in or do training runs in! The Torins don’t feel like they have enough ‘rock’ for race day but also I have some Kinvara’s which are 4mm but the ride is way too firm for my legs to handle a half in them. I wondered about the VIA Olympus but then hear from you and others that the cushioning is firm and the shoe lacks flex. So my question is, provided I’ve managed to slowly increase the miles in my Torins what would you say would be a good investment for half marathon ? I’m quite light (56kgs) so don’t like heavy shoes Or if you have any ideas on a mid drop day 4mm shoe that has good cushioning from another brand that would carry me through a half marathon then I could use them instead of Kinvara’s (albeit that doesn’t help my now wider foot!)
Thanks for the kind words 🙏🏻 may I ask what your primary goal is for the half marathon? Is it to get a PB or to "simply" enjoy it and finish it smiling? I ask, because I think it'll help with the decision. I ran a half marathon in the Torin 5 and they felt great. I failed to get a PB though. The Vanish Tempo are imho a better option for racing a half marathon, albeit less wide. I went up half a size for them and I feel they improve my pace and cadance considerably. The Via can be used for racing, but are too heavy in my opinion.
@@TDMiller I’m not after a PB because my fitness has dropped due to illness etc. I’m trying to work out if I’ll be ready to run in Altras by the half as there may not be enough transition time. So maybe stick with the Torins & get used to them and then keep an eye out for a price drop in the Vanish Tempo?
Have you had any other injury issues since you've been running zero drop? Did you have other running injuries before running zero drop apart from Plantar fascitis? Thank you. Really enjoying your videos!
Hey Charlie, thanks for watching! Glad my vids are somewhat entertaining :-) As for injuries, PF was my only real long-term injury. Over the years, before I transitioned to zero-drop, I occasionally has smaller issues such as shin splints, blisters between my toes, bloody toenails. I blame my own heel striking and the narrow toeboxes. Ever since I transitioned to zero drop these issues drastically occured less frequent. Hope this helps?
@@TDMiller Thank you. I have heard lots of people say they had been injury free after switching to zero drop. It seems like quite a phenomenon 🤔 Either way, the Altra shoes are really comfortable and much more forgiving than Merrel Trail gloves that I have run with too. On trails they are fine as it is soft underfoot, but on a hard surface they have almost no cushioning.
@@TDMiller It was pretty much same story as yours. Also some toe issues. Thanks to you i found Altra. I am using lone peaks with some extra gel insoles, works wonders for me. After a few months i am back to my normal shedule again and looking at more Altra models.
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New runner here. And I have pain in my feet that multiple trips to the physio hasn't fixed. Right now in that strange place where I'm not sure what to do anymore. Glad that this brand of shoes fixed your PF!
Oh man! Hope you find out what is causing the pain. It's frustrating when nothing works 😔
Thanks for sharing your story about discovering Altra! I'm really glad about finding your channel since the coverage of Altra in general is pretty descent and I think that you are making a really good job about it. Keep up the good work! My story is somehow similar to yours. For years, I had HUGE problems with shin splints. I went to physios, tried a great amount of different (traditional) shoes and even tried surgery but nothing helped. Then in the beginning of 2022 I discovered Altra from a podiatrist visiting a podcast that I had been listening to for a few weeks. I decided to try out his theory about the greatness with foot shaped zero drop shoes which made me order my first pair of Altras (a pair of Torin 5). I remember waking up the very next day after my first run in the Torins. I felt no shin pain at all! It was INSANE and I couldn't believe it! Earlier, every run would result in a great amount of shin pain forcing me to rest for about five or six days before I could run again. Now, about seven months later I run about 50k a week and all my shin problems are completely gone. Altra saved my running, I can't describe in words for how thankful I am for finding out about the brand!
Thanks for sharing! It's great knowing people have similar stories to mine and I'm not imagening it.
I love my Altra because of the wide forefoot - I don’t care about the drop- but true footshape!
Yeah, I think the footshape is somewhat underappreciated. I'm sure it's actually a combination of both features that helped my pain go away.
Lone peak 6 to walk in (everyday) never for running.
Altra Olympus 4.. Fabulous for races, I've done 2 Ultras in them.
Good luck with your channel. Peace Peace.
I can relate as my first pair of Altra erased my legs pain on the first day I wore them casually. I had legs pain for few weeks and was clueless about what was the cause except my running shoes had over 600km on them. i ordered a pair of Altra Torin 7 online to replace my old Yonex and Pegasus 39. On the day the shoes arrived, I wore them to walk around townjust to ensure they fit me as I worried I could not run soon due to the pain. However, by evening time I realized my legs pain was gone. I don't know if any other paid of running shoes than Altra would have fixed my pain since I only purchased a pair of Altra. Maybe another brand would have been fine too. Anyway, I like the fit and feel of my first Altra shoes.
Just discovered your channel and found it very informative, really like the comparisons.
Similar to you I discovered Altra while dealing with a persistent injury (ITB syndrome). Switched to Altra for running (after a 3 month break) and Vivobarefoot for walking, work and casual. The injury never came back.
I think I get a few more miles out of mine, Viho and Superior approaching 1,000 miles 😊
Awesome! Glad my vids are helpful
😁 Great that Altras also helped you get rid of ITB syndrome! It's amazing how many similar stories I hear about injuries disappearing after switching to Altra. 🤘🏻
I'm grateful for your coverage of Altra shoes. Few reviewers cover them. I'm enjoying my 1st pair, the Rivera 2. Next experiment may be the Torin 6 :-)
Great to hear! Means a lot to me.
Even you choose an half size more than usual? Or not?
Altra will hook you up soon bro ⬆️💯
🤞
Thanks for sharing your story with us. Isn’t amazing how simple things can solve big problems.
Have a similar experience. Same reason serious foot pain. Couldn’t stand up every morning and my big turf toes extremely hurt in the evenings. Doctors, physios, joga,diet, nothing works and money go to waste. The only comfortable shoes was Merrells moab wide but wear quickly on my legs. Eventually last year after watching “move, more, run” episode about bunions problems I went to shop and bought pairs of Torins 5 and started running. There is nothing else I’m wearing now only Altra and walking lots around house barefoot. Would like to try Topo but is not available in Ireland.
I also enjoy walking barefoot at home, but when it gets colder I love my trusty Birkenstocks.
I have had Altra Lone Peak, Ultra Timpson and Topo Untraventure. For the last 2 years I have been wearing the Timpson and Topo for walking.
The outsole of the Altra has gone whilst the Vibram outsole of the Topo is still in very good condition. The fabric of the Altra has holes on both Right and Left shoes. No problem with the fabric of the Topo. So the quality of the Topo is better. You should watch some UA-cam videos of people with the same experience regarding the quality of the Altra shoes.
I think that SO many newer runners experience the same foot issues that you experienced. What's interesting is that foot pain seems to be caused by different inputs... could be the wrong shoes, increasing mileage too quickly, not stretching, lack of mobility, etc. That said, I believe that the type of foot pain that you experienced is due to tight calves, hamstrings, etc. as those muscles pull on the tendons in the foot therefor expressing foot pain (even though the issue isn't in the foot, that's only where it's felt). Altra shoes may help with their zero drop by stretching the whole kinetic chain along the back of your legs. I've also found that messaging my muscles regularly helps a TON (more so than stretching for me).
I agree with you. I’m not a runner but decided to pick up sprinting last summer in some cheap Nike’s with a narrow toe box and not stretching much before or after not thinking much of it. Well that wasn’t smart looking back and now I’m suffering with PF and Achilles tendonitis. I’m doing my research on trying Altras now but I’ve had a lot of pain relief just from massage and massaging my tight calves especially.
This is very good to know. Having the knowledge that zero drop can help solve foot issues is definately worth knowing. Thank You! Also, on a sidee note, I just bought a pair of Topo UltraFly 3. Im sure you probably are aware of this product in that it also has the foot design like Altra although the drop of each Topo model can vary from zero like Altra ti a higher drop as well. Anyway, I was curious to hear your thoughts on the topo product line. I purchased the ultrafly 3 because it was at a great price just because its last years model and have always wanted to try Topo. What I can say so far is that I am astounded at the quality! This shoe has so much obvious attention that was put into the detail and in hand and on foot it fits excellent, no excessive material usage, each component of this shoe servs a purpose using just enough material, very good! This is only the first pair of topo I have purchased however I can say that if this shoe is representative of the rest of the product line than I can safely say that when I think of Topo, the first thing that will come to my mind is Topo is one of, if not thee most high quality shoe lines available. This shoe will easily see 700 miles and still be usable (I now that because I have already seen reviews demonstrating this). I paid 70 dollars for this pair and I can say that quality wise it is the best of my entire shoe lineup right now. I have not logged that many miles yet, only about 15 so far so I cant speak to other points yet. Anyway, I would really be interested in hearing your opinion. (one little design feature I have only seen on topo which is so simple yet so effective I wonder why I didnt see it a long time ago is on the tongue of the shoe, Topo has sewed in two lace loops that really hold the tongue in place much better than the design most used now). Anyhow, would love to hear your thoughts. Thank You!
Wow, that does sound tempting! I need to see how to fit Topos into my rotation, as I've heard many good stories about them, in comparison to Altra.
Thanks for the detailed reviews of Altra shoes. I found out about this brand from my podiatrist after getting ingrown toenails from my feet being squished in my Hoka shoes. I have several different models of the Altra's but my favorite is the Torin 5 Luxe which has a stretchy upper fabric that really let my toes splay. I use this shoe mostly for hiking (even though it is a road model).
Feel your pain lone peak 3 my first now gone thou lots of pair and tubes of shoe does any one know any repair channel I m good with shoe goo ?
Keep up the good work Timothy. I've ran in Altra shoes since 2015 and yes models have changed but the ethos of the company hasn't.
Thanks!
I have as well started to use Altra by chance, and they solved from one day to the other my Morton's Neuroma problems on one foot. They are extremely comfortable shoes indeed. My Olympus 4 and Timp have been my companion on hundreds and hundreds of km.
They do have their limits, though. The newest model of the Timp (4) though improved in comfort and fit (for my feet at least), clearly has some issues in outsole durability. In my shoes, the lugs on the forefoot are already flattened out after 250 km. Except for the Olympus 4 which has a Vibram Megagrip outsole, other models do not definitely have the best grip in the market. The Olympus itself, though is one of the most comfortable shoes, with excellent grip, is quite big and sometimes a bit chunky and not really meant for a very technical terrain...
Though I love the "zero drop" and their foot shape fitting, overall their shoes have room for improvement. The ideal shoes do not exist, but I have found other brands of shoes with a decent fit (not as comfortable as the Altra's) but with definitely better grip, durability, and "agility". Altra will always be in my rotation, of course!
Thank you for your thoughts! I've just discovered your channel, and I really like your calmer style of presenting. An underrated channel IMO. Just keep up the good work!
Thanks! That means a lot to me 😊 glad my videos are helpful to others 🤘
Love,love Altra shoes,they are most comfortable shoes.Started with Torin 3 now have 5 which are excellent.Also bought Escelante 2,5 and LP5.
I've brought back barefoot jogs on the treadmill and my entire body is feeling much better. I love altra because my feet can engage in a way that I feel like they need to for me to run my best and stay healthy. I can feel my big toe working independently again. Everything I try other brands it seems like nothing works and I'm wasting money. Even though it's super narrow, the takumi sen 8 has been working for me for speed work. Looking for a marathon/road ultra racer and am between the adios pro 3, vanish carbon, or even the vanish tempo. Shoes are just so dang expensive!
I remember your previous video explaining why Altra, but this one is better, more detailed! Glad Altra helped you out! Have a great day Timothy!
Love your videos I go back to this and other ones every once in a while. Um, mentioned this before seems like for me Altra has removed all their lower stack options.
I have a vanish R, then move to the Escalante racer. Now there’s no more racer, but it is there a company and I just been running more in my barefoot shoes, and when I want cushioning, I go to my Escalante’s, or even the Torin which are really high now I mean in stack height and I have price
Thanks! Yeah, I'm also a little frustrated about the lack of options for lower stack.
My first pair of altra,I got last year,I only walked less than ten miles in them (superior 5).The outsole is coming away at the front.
Hmm, that doesn't sound good. I've heard about durability issues, but this is not good. I've personally not had much issues with regards to durability 🤷🏻♂️
Do you use Altra even outside running?
As everyday shoe?
Or something else?
I'd say 50/50. I have not bought any non-Altra shoe since 2019, but I do still wear them sometimes. Depends on the occasion, but I still have Timberland boots, Converse All Stars, Asics and North Face Sneakers.
@@TDMiller Once you finish to use them do you think to go with barefoot shoe for daily life outside running and recovery days?
To avoid to return with foot problems (and therefore postural) due to the use of non-anatomically shaped shoes combined with unnatural drop?
For me if everything go well with Altra (the size issue make me overthink ...) I don't think to later going for barefoot shoe, using instead Altra for everything, because I'm always over hard surface so I don't think is the way to go.
@@nonsolorasatura9093 That's a great question. I don't think I'll go 100% barefoot. I do need shoes for comfort and I still wear shoes as part of my outfit. I not against wearing shoes will heel lift and narrow toeboxes casually, but not for long periods of time. For running I don't see a reason to ever go back to "mainstream" brands, but for casual use, I'm happy to sometimes wear non-Altras. If I'll ever buy new "mainstream" shoes in the future? I don't know!
Hi, how long did it take you wearing the altras to not feel any pain of the plantar fasciitis ? Thank you !!!
I must admit it's hard to remember when it exactly happened. It was suddenly gone. It must have been approx 2-3 months of consistently wearing Altras for my running. Also, it was during the first year of the pandemic, so I worked a lot from home without wearing casual shoes, which could have helped the progress.
hey TD Ive been enjoying your vids for a few days now and Im waiting for my first pair of altras via olympus and to finally try low or 0 drop shoes. Why you have avocados growing in the back? Do they grow up well in germany? Do you have a farm? Im a farmer in the tropics and that's why I ask and recognize the seedlings.
Thanks! And you have a great eye! Yes, they are avocados, and you'll probably see them in many of my videos. It started actually as a pandemic hobby to grow them indoors. I live in an apartment in the city, so I will not be able to grow them outdoors. I'm trying to keep them small and bonsai them a little. They don't like the climate over here as it's too cold most of the year, so it's a challenge keeping them alive - even indoors. I have about a dozen, but all located on one side of the apartment, as they'll get the best sunlight there, but I lose a few every winter. Now in the summer I'm struggling with lace bugs - so if you have any tips there, let me know! Hydrogen Peroxide seems to be doing the trick.
@@TDMiller Wow you are doing a great work with the seedlings in that climate!! Ok I use diluted neem oil for all the pests in my plants with good results. I find this at the home improvement stores (home depot.). There is also a dish washer soap which is pink in color that is really good with pests, here I find it as "Vel" (I can send you a picture If needed) 1 hand scoop to 1 gallon of water. Have a good one and hopefully you gets this under control. --NMC
Hi. I'm training with Torin 6 and Rivera 2. I wish to run a Venice marathon next year. I have tried others shoes like Adidas, Diadora etc. all of them with drop 10 or more but now I think that Altra is the best choice for me. Thanks for your videos.
Sounds great! Thanks for the comment. :-)
Nice video, TD!
Stumbled across Altra by accident in 2020 when I bought the Duo. That was objectively a bad shoe, and the only Altra I’ve had that had real durability issues. But… I completely bought into the concept, my niggles all melted away, and I stuck with them. And I’m glad I did. Don’t buy anything else these days and can’t see that changing if they keep churning out great shoes.
That's awesome! Glad to hear I'm not the only one!
Hi I got this heel pain on my left foot I been using ascis and new balance for my jogging but no use
May I know any latest model to buy for this altar running shoes in 2024
Altra Rivera 3 (or 4 coming out next month) is a good first Altra to try out. Other best sellers are Torin or Paradigm. 👍
Thanks for the advice given😊
I’m beginning to run in zero drop more and more I’m slowly falling in love with Altra especially the lone peak 6 and the torin 6 I just wish altra would put the outsole of the king MT on the new lone peak I may get the Rivera or roll the dice and get the Mont Blanc
Beware, Altras are addictive! 💸
@@TDMiller got the altra rivera 2 took them for 8 miles out of the box 👍👍
It's good to hear your story TD. I enjoy your reviews a lot. My own story with Altra started back in 2013 I think. I had struggled with shin splints throughout my life whenever I tried to run. When I tried to run in 2012 after many years of not running, shin splints were my nemesis again. My journey for healing eventually led me to the Altra Torin. I credit Altra with making running not only possible, but enjoyable. My run streak is at almost 7 years.
Thanks for the great reviews, and always genuine thoughts and information.
7 years?! Wow, that's awesome! I'm glad others have similar stories to mine. It's great hearing these as well :-)
I became aware of Altra much earlier, before they even had the Escalante model .I think the drop issue took on a new meaning once shoe brands started producing new geometrics. rocker and ride technologies become more pronounced ,for example the Altra next to you in this video..
You're completely right!
Have you tried Topo's?
No, never actually. They're not easily available where I live, and I'm pretty happy with Altra at the moment 😅
Would be nice to hear more details about how many km's the shoes (Altra in your case) are capable of doing. Usually online people review shoes after 100-200km and then move on to the next pair. They always 'predict' how long they could last, but this is always speculation. So I always wonder: how long do they actually last? It's quite important to me because I really like to wear them completely out, and I don't want to spend €150 on shoes that feel worn out after 400km.
An other question: are you going to try other zero drop shoes? Inov-8, Merrell, ...
Hey Rein! Great questions. I always consider making vids when I decide to retire my shoes, but unfortunately the UA-cam algorithm can be very harsh. If it takes me 6-12 months to go through a pair of shoes, chances are the model is no longer relevant by viewers. And low view count will mean UA-cam stops recommending my vids.
I stay true to my values, and will always run in them until I feel I no longer can. I refuse to buy a pair just for the views.
You can check out my shoes on Strava and see how far I've gotten in them. 😊
When I review a pair of shoes, I always try to mention which model I'm replacing.
As for other brands. It's tough. I only buy shoes I really want to run in. So if I try another brand, I'll need to be convinced I really want them. Plus, I'm human and a father. I only run as much as I can and I need to feed my family as well 😅 if companies reach out to me, I may consider. 😊
@@TDMiller I understand, good point. Unfortunately it's the nature of the running shoe business and the fast fashion movement.. Actually I bought a new pair (in big discount) of Altra lone peak 4.5 (3 years after they got released first) but I couldn't even find 1 article about how long they would last me! I guess an idea for a video could be comparing all the different models and iterations and how they compare durability wise. Would be interesting! I saw on your Strava profile that they average 400-600 km? And the trail shoes in particular average only around 300-400 km? Is that the consensus?
Sounds about right, but I think there are ways to extend the life or prevent them from breaking prematurely. As I like testing new shoes, I tend to be a little less careful with my shoes, so I have a reason to buy the latest model.
I think, with a little extra care, Altras can last up to 700-800km. With trail shoes it really depends how much you put them through.
What breaks first with my shoes, is the fabric in the heel cup (which I sometimes tape up to extend life by 100km), but I blame myself, as I'm lazy with untying my laces.
Second reason, is the midsole not feeling the same as it used to. Losing bounce and rebound. And this fully depends on the runner. Weight, footstrike, surface all play a role here. Also, does the runner mind or notice the slow change in feel.
Many people online complain about uppers tearing or outsoles wearing down fast. I've never had any issues like that.
@@TDMiller OK interesting! I only had one 2,5 hour run (on the beach and dunes) in my lone peaks so far. After 2 hours of running my toes started feeling really weird, a little painful almost! I guess I'll have to adapt a little bit to all the space in the toebox? Other than that they felt great. I'm going for a long hilly forest run in them today. Cheers man! Danke schön
My only issue with Altra is I do get tendinitis in my Achilles. But when I ran in brooks I used to get a weird slipping feeling in the back of my right knee. My lower back would also hurt. And I’d get blisters on my feet. Altra fixed that. My Achilles will get better with time I think
I've just purchased the Riviera 2 last Saturday.
And I've tried them on Sunday.
Verdict: I've never felt better while running.
I've tried Adidas, Nike, Mizuno and Asics. My last pair of running shoes were the Asics Kayano.
I wish I've purchased this Altra shoes before!!!
Rivera 2 is a very smooth pair of shoes, even though they're also very responsive!!!!
It is a game changer for me!!!
Hey what's that sweater you're wearing?
It's by the brand Naketano, but I don't think they exist anymore 🤔
I think that Altra now have the same issues facing all companies which are sold to larger groups which are profit oriented and must raise their stock price: short term profits are more important than staying true to the brand. Altra have an opportunity to change the way people buy sneakers by changing the market (by introducing the idea of zero drop and toe splaying and foot pod, which are not yet mainstream concepts), instead, it seems that will change Altra to conform to the market by making Altra more similar to existing brands. Let's hope this does not happen and the parent company recognizes that what makes Altra different IS the whole point.
I'm struggling with PF for 4 months now...it's not the worst, it is manageable if i go only easy runs, but this way i can't be better, faster, etc. I did several things: custom insoles, more stretching, new shoes (not zero drop and wide toe box ones...), trying to run on soft surface, collagen intake in the mornings with vitamin-C, strengthening ankles, foot, hip, rolling tennis ball under my foot, rolling calves, harmstrings, etc. Visited doctors who gave me collagen injection, anti-flammatory medicines, etc...none of them worked yet. I took 2 weeks off and just run today with easy pace and only 40 mins (just to compare: i completed several ultras already, longest one is 130km) and the pain came back again...
I have mild to severe pronation and slightly flat foot...my last saviour are the Altras...what do you recommend please? Or is there anything that you could suggest to deal with PF? Thank you in advance!
This sounds very similar to my situation. Only it took me 18 months before I discovered Altra 🙈. Before I give any advice, I should say I'm not an expert, and that there are people in the Internet who say Altra causes PF.
Back when I transitioned to zero drop, I used the Altra Escalante to strengthen my feet on shorter runs, and the Altra Torin to run more comfortably with more cushion on longer runs.
It takes a while for the feet (and the plantar fascia) to get used to zero drop and it could cause more pain on the short term, so it's important to give the feet lots of rest, massage and stretch them before and after every run and probably run in cushioned shoes (Torin, Rivera, Paradigm). Once the pain becomes less during the running, you can go to more minimal shoes, like the Escalante, to strengthen the feet. Depending what you're used to, your feet may feel more fatigued than usual. This is normal, and a sign your feet are too weak.
So my recommendation would be to alternate between the Torin & Escalante, and slowly transition to zero drop. Hope this helps!
Value this channel thank you. I’m a bit stuck on something if you have time to answer. So I have some Torin 5’s which im slowly transitioning to. My existing higher drop though no longer fit me as well because my feet have splayed from wearing VIVO’s during the day or going barefoot around the house. I think I’ll get used to the Torin’s and they feel nice and cushioned I have entered a half marathon and don’t know what to run in or do training runs in! The Torins don’t feel like they have enough ‘rock’ for race day but also I have some Kinvara’s which are 4mm but the ride is way too firm for my legs to handle a half in them. I wondered about the VIA Olympus but then hear from you and others that the cushioning is firm and the shoe lacks flex. So my question is, provided I’ve managed to slowly increase the miles in my Torins what would you say would be a good investment for half marathon ? I’m quite light (56kgs) so don’t like heavy shoes
Or if you have any ideas on a mid drop day 4mm shoe that has good cushioning from another brand that would carry me through a half marathon then I could use them instead of Kinvara’s (albeit that doesn’t help my now wider foot!)
Thanks for the kind words 🙏🏻 may I ask what your primary goal is for the half marathon? Is it to get a PB or to "simply" enjoy it and finish it smiling? I ask, because I think it'll help with the decision.
I ran a half marathon in the Torin 5 and they felt great. I failed to get a PB though. The Vanish Tempo are imho a better option for racing a half marathon, albeit less wide. I went up half a size for them and I feel they improve my pace and cadance considerably.
The Via can be used for racing, but are too heavy in my opinion.
@@TDMiller I’m not after a PB because my fitness has dropped due to illness etc. I’m trying to work out if I’ll be ready to run in Altras by the half as there may not be enough transition time. So maybe stick with the Torins & get used to them and then keep an eye out for a price drop in the Vanish Tempo?
Danke!
Danke dir für die Spende! Es freut mich sehr, dass meine Videos einigermaßen Hilfreich sind für anderen. :-)
Have you had any other injury issues since you've been running zero drop? Did you have other running injuries before running zero drop apart from Plantar fascitis? Thank you. Really enjoying your videos!
Hey Charlie, thanks for watching! Glad my vids are somewhat entertaining :-)
As for injuries, PF was my only real long-term injury. Over the years, before I transitioned to zero-drop, I occasionally has smaller issues such as shin splints, blisters between my toes, bloody toenails. I blame my own heel striking and the narrow toeboxes. Ever since I transitioned to zero drop these issues drastically occured less frequent.
Hope this helps?
@@TDMiller Thank you. I have heard lots of people say they had been injury free after switching to zero drop. It seems like quite a phenomenon 🤔 Either way, the Altra shoes are really comfortable and much more forgiving than Merrel Trail gloves that I have run with too. On trails they are fine as it is soft underfoot, but on a hard surface they have almost no cushioning.
Your videos fixed my issues, thanks man👍
Awesome! What issues were you struggling with? Did you have a particular injury? 🤘🏻
@@TDMiller It was pretty much same story as yours. Also some toe issues. Thanks to you i found Altra. I am using lone peaks with some extra gel insoles, works wonders for me. After a few months i am back to my normal shedule again and looking at more Altra models.