Altra Running Shoes

I meant to add that I am specifically looking at the instinct or the provision. So any input on these would be helpful.

I have a pair. They are an okay shoe. Altras are not minimalist. They are zero drop but pretty beefy.

I think Altra has a solid selection of styles that offer Zero Drop and cushioning. This combo is perfect for working on your form and putting on a lot of training miles. Overall I have found the toe box to be very roomy. The Instict 1.5 looks pretty good:

http://one50south.blogspot.com/2012/07/altra-instinct-15-new-fall-2012.html

http://one50south.blogspot.com/

I've heard Altra's are good shoes, they have the cushion but are still zero drop. They main beef i've heard is that they can't be run fast in, due to lack of toe spring (At least that's what i've read on the internet haha)and their weight due to added cushioning. That may be remedied by removal of the insoles. I've also heard there is more toe spring in the new 1.5s. I'll be buying those once my Minimus Roads hit the dust.

After looking at the instinct 1.5 I think I will probably wait. Those look much nicer then the current model.

They are fairly cushioned and stiffer minimalist shoes - except for their race shoe. Merrell barefoot line is much better.

I agree that the Altra Instinct's are not minimalist. I would call them more "neutral" or "natural" shoes.

However, I disagree with the comments that you can't run fast in them. I bought a pair about 2 months ago (after finding a detailed review -

http://myemptyshoebox.com/altra-instinct-review/

). I was in the middle of marathon training, and I have gradually been increasing my speed as I have transitioned to the Instincts.

I was looking for a minimalist feel, but with enough cushioning to stand up over 20+ miles on the road. And I have wider feet, so the huge toe box is extremely comfortable.

I highly recommend them.

Are the Altra's similar to the Hoka One Ones? I just tried my first pair of Hokas and they got rid of my knee pain - took about 2 weeks to get use to the feel, but now feel normal even when I switch back and forth with my regular adidas and NB. The Hokas wear quickly on the bottom, but are otherwise good. Not sure if I will spend $170 again.

??? What is that guy talking about? I just went back to google - I was confusing a pair of K-Swiss for Altras. The K-Swiss were built like the Hoka's. Altras are definitely minimal.

The Merrell Bare Access 2 is now available (Zero Drop, Cushioning and lightweight). It looks to be very similar to the Altra http://one50south.blogspot.com/2012/10/merrell-bare-access-2-now-available.html

not sold yet wrote:

Altras are definitely minimal.

Definitely not. They have plenty of cushioning. They just have zero drop. The creator wants nothing to do with the "minimal" shoe hype.

Love my altras. Correct that they are not minimalist nor are they billed as minimalist. Love the wide toe box. very very comfortable. I took out the insoles but they are still very padded . I can only run on roads (no trails/ soft surface where I live) so the padding is nice in my opinion. Definitely change running form though. I've used them ALOT for racing flats. Personally, I wish all running shoes had narrow midfoot and wide toe box. Really a well made shoe. Tread has worn fairly well also. Seems well made.