BRAND FEATURE: ALTRA - Your Guide to ALTRA Shoes - SS21
Posted on March 29 2021
THIS IS NOT A GONE RUNNING SHOE TEST. IT SIMPLY REFLECTS THE BRANDS INTENDED POSITIONING.
In the first of our in-depth looks at our major shoe brands we feature ALTRA.
Gone Running has been carrying ALTRA for a number of years and during that time we have seen the brand grow in significance, not just in Hong Kong but across the world.
A fabulous back story of two runners who saw a real need in the market to bring a shoe that addressed a number of significant injury issues that were prevalent for runners. Golden Harper and Brian Beckstead founded ALTRA after applying their accumulated knowledge of what runners need to best utilise the natural running posture we all have. Zero Drop (so no difference in cushioning thickness from heel to toe) and a toebox that better represented the natural spread of runners toes were, and still are, the cornerstones of the brand.
Balanced Cushioning (zero drop) and Footshape (wide toe box) feature in the ALTRA line-up and many customers have experienced a significant reduction in injury after transitioning to ALTRA be it for Road, Trail or Hiking.
In this guide we give you an idea how the various models stack up for different activities to help you decide if ALTRA is something that could help you.
In the diagram above you can see the range of ALTRA shoes available in SS21 and in the next sections we go into each activity. TRACK/RACE, ROAD/TRAIN, TRAIL and HIKING. We hope this helps you identify what might work for you.
TRACK/RACE
ESCALANTE RACERCUSHIONING: LOW
The Escalante has long been a fan-favorite for road runners, and the speedy Escalante Racer is no different. The Racer is fine-tuned for speed and race-tuned for performance with the powerfully plush Altra EGO™ midsole that’s a touch firmer for added return and an increased response. The static mesh upper is lightweight, highly breathable, and incredibly comfortable.
ESCALANTE 2.5CUSHIONING: MODERATE
The original Escalante is a fan favorite for Altra lovers everywhere, and the 2.5 brings back many of its features people know and love. The updated sock-like upper is lightweight, breathable, and supremely comfortable. The midsole combination of Altra EGO™ and InnerFlex™ offers a soft, responsive ride with added flexibility for an overall improved performance.
ROAD/TRAIN - NEUTRAL
RIVERACUSHIONING: MODERATE
This new, open-road-ready shoe is your go-to daily performance trainer. Transform your road-running with the tried-and-true Altra EGO™ midsole, a light and breathable engineered mesh upper, and a Neutral Innerflex™ outsole for flexibility and performance. Go with the flow for all your road-running needs with the all-new Rivera.
TORIN PLUSH 4.5CUSHIONING: HIGH
The updated model is built on the same premium midsole and outsole for a lightweight, responsive, and incredibly smooth ride. The new knit upper is both comfortable and breathable and the overall shoe is more than an ounce lighter than the previous Plush model. Premium comfort, premium cushion, lightweight.
ROAD/TRAIN - STABILITY - (also read our stability blog HERE)
PARADIGM 4.5CUSHIONING: HIGH
The Paradigm 4.5 is a next-level support shoe that takes everything to the max: max cushion, max performance, and of course, max support. It's lighter, faster, and loaded with innovative features like the powerfully plush Altra EGO™ midsole, the medial, there-when-you-need-it GuideRail and the super-supportive StabiliPods. Level up your road running with the Paradigm 4.5.
PROVISION 5CUSHIONING: HIGH
They say it's what's on the inside that counts. They're right. Inside the Provision 5 is a fresh, new approach to guided, natural foot movement. Features you'll recognize as soon as you slip it on. Like the contoured surface of the insole that immediately designed to engage with the nerves of your feet, a refined InnovArch that offers a tailored fit and encourages a natural step cycle, and the GuideRail's extra medial support that's there only when it's needed. A simplified mesh construction spans the entire upper, while an improved heel offers a better locked-in feel. The provision has once again stepped forward.
TRAIL/HIKE
CUSHIONING: LOW
What do you get when you improve on the already adventurous Superior? A lightweight, lightning-fast shoe you can trust on any trail. This certified speed-seeker is trail-ready with a MaxTrac™ sticky rubber outsole, the lightweight and responsive Quantic™ midsole, and the improved upper that’s more locked-in and durable. Throw in improved breathability, better drainage, and a removable StoneGuard™, and the Superior 4.5 is ready to blaze trail like never before.
CUSHIONING: MODERATE
The trail runner that started it all continues to evolve. With the Lone Peak 5, you get all the legacy with all the updates. For the first time, the Lone Peak features the responsive AltraEGO™ midsole. The MaxTrac™ outsole returns, ready to conquer all types of trails, and an updated StoneGuard™ brings an extra layer of rock protection.
CUSHIONING: MODERATE
The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low is up for the elements—all the elements. Surrounding a weather-resistant eVent™ bootie construction is everything you love about the classic Lone Peak plus the new addition of the responsive AltraEGO™ midsole. The MaxTrac™ outsole keeps you conquering rough terrain so you can enjoy high speeds with dry feet.
CUSHIONING: MODERATE
From the trail to the town in the same pair of Lone Peak shoes. That's what you get with the Hiker: All-day, all-over versatility and wearability. Complete with full trail, dirt, and rugged hiking capabilities, the Hiker also has a casual side, ready to explore the urban scene. The DuraTread™ outsole excels off the grid while the AltraEGO™ midsole is a comfortable complement both on and off the trail. With the Hiker, you’re ready to go straight from dirt to dinner.
CUSHIONING : HIGH
Take on the trail with the Timp 3. The Quantic™, high-cushion midsole is designed for high-intensity trail days. The perfect road-to-trail shoe, the Timp 3 features a rolled mesh upper and the MaxTrac™ outsole, which brings max traction to the trail. Get ready for serious performance with a comfort level your feet will thank you for, even after miles and miles of dirt days and long, hard road runs. It’s Timp time—are you ready?
CUSHIONING: HIGH
The Olympus 4 is the Olympus like you’ve never seen it before. Inside the overall new look, you’ll find everything you loved about previous versions and more. This max cushion trail shoe features an improved premium tongue for enhanced comfort and a more locked-in feel. The engineered mesh upper is breathable and durable for those long, hot trail days and the InnerFlex™ midsole offers increased flexibility and performance. To top it off, we kept the trail essentials like the sticky Vibram® MegaGrip™ outsole and always-handy GaiterTrap™.
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