Altra Launches Its Spin on a Max Cushion Road Shoe

DENVER (November 1, 2022) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ Altra Running, a leading innovator in performance running, launches VIA Olympus: a max cushion road shoe designed to provide optimal cushion and efficiency for a comfortable run no matter the distance.

With more than two years of research and development under foot, VIA Olympus celebrates a combination of Altra’s award-winning technologies coupled with a new rocker shape geometry that encourages a more efficient toe-off. Altra’s spin on a max cushion road shoe means VIA Olympus is stacked with features. In addition to its new rocker geometry, Altra’s FootShape™Fit, Balanced Cushioning™ and EGO MAX™midsole helps VIA Olympus deliver a plushy road ride that helps put runners in a more forward leaning stance.

“Our goal was to create a running shoe for consumers who enjoy max cushion, but do it in an Altra specific way that incorporates our FootShape comfort,” said Todd Dalhausser, President of Altra Running. “The product team nailed it. VIA Olympus is quick on foot and provides a rocker shape geometry for runners who want an efficient and familiar running experience they know and love from Altra. The early feedback from runners all over the world experiencing the VIA Olympus at this year’s Fall Marathon Major expos has been very exciting and confirming to see.”

Continue reading “Altra Launches Its Spin on a Max Cushion Road Shoe”

Altra Launches Premium Road Racing Shoe

Press Release:
DENVER (March 28, 2022) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Altra, a leading innovator in performance running, today announces its Vanish Carbon road racing shoe, highlighting a new speed category for the brand. Weighing in at just 6.2 ounces (W’s size 8.5) with a plush 33mm of stack height, the Vanish Carbon proves that comfort and speed can, in fact, come together in a race shoe.

Stepping into the world of premium race performance in a way that is truly unique to Altra, the new Vanish Carbon offers everything runners love about the brand…but faster. Built on Altra’s signature Balanced Cushioning platform and Footshape™ Toe Box for maximum stability, comfort and power, the Vanish Carbon features a completely new EGO™ PRO Midsole – Altra’s lightest, most responsive and most energy-efficient midsole ever – with a first-of-its-kind two-thirds length carbon fiber propel plate for maximum propulsion. Running from midfoot through the toe and featuring asymmetrical flexibility that moves with runners and not against them, this plate promotes natural forward motion with less material than standard carbon race plates, keeping the shoe exceptionally light, and providing a supremely comfortable, flexible ride. In addition, the shoe’s Active Stance Rocker is located 65 percent forward when measured from the heel – the farthest back in any Altra shoe – for a more efficient toe-off.

Continue reading “Altra Launches Premium Road Racing Shoe”

New Altra EGO™ Midsole Material Creates the Holy Grail of Running Shoe Cushioning — Fast and Springy, Yet Comfortable and Soft

SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Altra Footwear announces Altra EGO™, an innovative new midsole cushioning. See all of Altra’s new footwear and apparel products at Booth #36179 at Outdoor Retailer Specialty Market, August 3-6, 2016 in Salt Lake City.

Altra EGO™ new midsole cushioning material

Altra’s simple but breakthrough FootShape™ toe box and cushioned ZeroDrop™ platform changed running shoes for the better. The young brand wanted an equally game-changing cushioning for trail and road running shoes with outstanding rebound, light weight and superior comfort.

Altra EGO™ is their answer, a proprietary blend of cushioning compounds, with a name inspired by the dual nature of the new cushioning.

“We’re excited about what we’ve achieved with the Altra EGO cushioning,” said Golden Harper, founder of Altra Footwear. “Traditionally, running shoes that felt ‘soft’ could also feel like they robbed energy, a bit like slo-mo or running in mud. On the other hand, shoes marketed as performance or responsive are firm and less comfortable.

“Our goal with Altra EGO™ cushioning is to offer the holy grail of running shoe cushioning — fast and springy, yet comfortable and soft.”

Harper believes this cushioning is perfect for elite runners because the shoe “runs fast and feels responsive,” yet ideal for recreational runners because it feels distinctively soft and comfortable underfoot.

Unlike traditional EVA midsoles, Altra EGO performs better and more consistently in extreme temperatures. In tests against traditional running shoe foams, Altra EGO has high long-term durability to maintain excellent cushioning and energy return properties throughout the life of the shoe.

On shoes, the new midsoles are highlighted with a distinctive design inspired by the inherently strong, light, yet resilient design of a spider web.

Altra Escalante™ with Altra EGO

Introducing Altra Escalante™ with Altra EGO, featuring energetic rebound in a moderately cushioned package that’s noticeably thinner than conventionally cushioned shoes. The richly colored engineered-knit upper provides a sleek aesthetic and a sock-like fit.

The spectacular natural environment of Utah, Altra’s home state, inspired the shoe’s name. The Escalante River winds through sinuous sandstone gorges and creates the undulating patterns emulated in the shoe’s knit upper. This river and the rugged canyons which drain into it form a key section of Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, providing nearly two million acres of scenic roads and trails for running, hiking and backpacking.

Like all Altra shoes, the Escalante features the FootShape™ toe box, cushioned ZeroDrop™ sole and truly female specific fit, with a new name, Fit4Her™.

Stack height: 25 mm, built on Altra’s PFS performance last

Weight: 8.2 ounces/232g (men’s sample size 9), 6.5 ounces/182g (women’s sample size 7)

Colors:

  • Men’s: Gray, Blue, Red
  • Women’s: Magenta, Blue, Gray

MSRP: $130, available now.

Altra King MT™ with Altra EGO

Introducing the Altra King MT, made for runners whose idea of fun involves mud, wet grass, and burly mountain climbs. This shoe includes significant 5.5 mm outsole lugs designed for lateral braking, medial gripping and maximum traction in wet and slippery conditions.

Topping that traction is the Altra EGO mid-sole, a new compound with high rebound at a low weight. A flexible StoneGuard™ rock plate adds extra underfoot protection. The King MT has the most supportive upper of any Altra with TPU overlays on durable polyester ripstop fabric. New is the FootLock™ feature, a midfoot strap to lock the foot in the shoe on steep ascents and descents.

The King MT is named for Utah’s highest peak, continuing Altra’s tradition of naming its trail shoes after iconic mountains in its home state.

Like all Altra shoes, the King MT features Altra’s award-winning FootShape toe box and cushioned ZeroDrop platform. These features combined with the aggressive TrailClaw™ metatarsal lugs, Vibram MegaGrip™ outsole and low 19 mm stack height make this shoe ideal for obstacle course racing and the growing sport of mountain running, or Fell running, as it’s known in Europe.

Stack height: 19 mm

Weight: 9.5 ounces (men’s sample size 9), 7.8 ounces (women’s sample size 7)

  • Men’s: Black/red, Grey, Royal blue
  • Women’s: Black, Magenta, Teal

MSRP: $140, available now.

About Altra

Altra Footwear has shoes for road, trail, track, treadmill and every day, as well as a full line of running apparel. Altra is now the third largest trail shoe brand sold in run specialty with three of the top seven trail-running shoes, according to data from NPD: Altra Lone Peak, Superior and Olympus.

Altra’s running shoe innovations are born from long hard runs in the Wasatch Mountains, just minutes from Altra’s Utah headquarters. Founder Golden Harper, a former All-American runner who loves to run to the top of difficult mountain summits, invented a cushioned ZeroDrop shoe and a foot-shaped toe box, features that are now found on every Altra shoe. Co-founder and Global VP of Sales Brian Beckstead completes at least one ultramarathon each year, including Eco-Trail Norway in 2016, Ultra Trail Mont Blanc and the Wasatch 100 in 2015 and Ultra Trail Mt Fuji in 2014.

Advertisement:

SaleBestseller No. 1
ALTRA Women's AL0A547X Torin 5 Road Running Shoe, Gray/Coral - 8 M US
  • Get Comfortable: Our brand-new Altra EGO MAX midsole foam that’s luxurious and light
  • Stay Focused: Engineered mesh uppers are light, breathable and ready for the open road
  • Stay Comfortable: Signature Altra FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Go Further: Balanced Cushioning platform places the heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground, which encourages low-impact landings
SaleBestseller No. 3
ALTRA Men's AL0A7R6H Lone Peak 7 Trail Running Shoe, Navy- 13 M US
  • FOOTSHAPE: Our signature FootShape comfort gives your feet more space to sit naturally and is designed to address biological differences in men's and women's feet.
  • ALTRA EGO: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to harmonize the balance between responsiveness and comfort.
  • BALANCED CUSHIONING: Our Balanced Cushioning platform positions your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, encouraging better alignment and form.
  • MAXTRAC: Our grippy MaxTrac outsole provides the perfect combination of grip, traction, and durability on all types of terrain.
SaleBestseller No. 4
ALTRA Men's AL0A82BW VIA Olympus Road Running Shoe, Mineral Blue - 11 M US
  • 🏆 RUNNER'S WORLD 2023 AWARD WINNER: Best Road Shoe 🏆
  • To The MAX: Our Altra EGO MAX midsole foam gives you all the light and luxurious performance with a little extra bounce and added durability.
  • Propel Yourself: Our rocker shape geometry is designed to give the feeling of being propelled forward with each step and provides an efficient toe-off without taking away from your natural stride
  • Get Comfortable: Signature Altra Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Why We Made It: VIA Olympus is designed with max cushion for an easy and efficient road run, no matter the distance
SaleBestseller No. 5
ALTRA Women's AL0A7R7N Rivera 3 Road Running Shoe, Navy - 8 M US
  • Go Further: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel
  • Stay Comfortable: Altra's FootPod Technology maps the bones and tendons of your foot to encourage natural movement underfoot
  • Run Naturally: Balanced Cushioning places your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground to encourage proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Push Yourself: InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility and performance
SaleBestseller No. 6
ALTRA Men's AL0A5475 Provision 6 Road Running Shoe, Black - 10 M US
  • 🏆 RUNNER'S WORLD 2022 AWARD WINNER: Best Stability Shoe 🏆
  • Go Further: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel
  • Get Comfortable: Signature Altra Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe box allows your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Push Yourself: InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility and performance
  • Stay Comfortable: Stack height of 30mm provides ample cushion for long runs
Bestseller No. 7
ALTRA Women's AL0A7R7O Provision 7 Road Running Shoe, White - 8 M US
  • Go Further: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel
  • Get Comfortable: Signature Altra Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Push Yourself: InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility and performance
  • Stay Healthy: This product received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, awarded to products found by the Association to promote good foot health
Bestseller No. 8
ALTRA Women's AL0A5483 Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe, Dark Slate - 6 M US
  • Stay Focused: With our MaxTrac outsole and multi-directional TrailClaw lug pattern for grippy traction, you can focus on the trail infront of you
  • Go Further: Balanced Cushioning platform places the heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground, which encourages low-impact landings
  • Stay Comfortable: Signature Altra FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Lock In: The wrap-around fit keeps your foot stable so all you have to do is lace up
  • Removeable StoneGuard
SaleBestseller No. 9
ALTRA Men's AL0A7R6Z Provision 7 Road Running Shoe, Orange/Black - 10.5 M US
  • Go Further: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel
  • Get Comfortable: Signature Altra Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Push Yourself: InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility and performance
  • Stay Healthy: This product received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, awarded to products found by the Association to promote good foot health
SaleBestseller No. 10
ALTRA Men's AL0A7R6Y Rivera 3 Road Running Shoe, White/Orange - 13 M US
  • Go Further: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel
  • Stay Comfortable: Altra's FootPod Technology maps the bones and tendons of your foot to encourage natural movement underfoot
  • Run Naturally: Balanced Cushioning places your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground to encourage proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Push Yourself: InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility and performance

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

ALTRA Zero Drop Footwear Expands

Salt Lake City, UTAH (January 19, 2012) — ALTRA Footwear, innovators of the revolutionary Zero Drop shoe, have expanded their line of footwear to combine the bio-mechanical advantages of barefoot positioning with the structure and protection of traditional cushioned footwear.

The new line, which debuts at Outdoor Retailer 2012 Winter Market, includes the original Instinct and Intuition core running shoes, the first ever to combine Zero Drop, fully cushioned, foot-shaped, and gender-specific features. The line includes core running shoes, Lone Peak trail shoes, and The Adam and The Eve slip- on minimalist shoes, the Samson and Delilah lace-up minimalist shoes, and the Provision and Provisioness running shoes with a removable stability wedge.

The shoe’s groundbreaking design places the foot in its most powerful and stable positioning, leading to fewer injuries and greater speed. Because of the full cushioning and durable outsole, runners can also expect to run much greater distances than with other barefoot running positioning shoes.

Zero Drop
The founders of ALTRA are former All-American runners, triathletes, and ultra-marathoners. Two of them managed Runner’s Corner in Orem, Utah, which became influential at a national level by taking a personal interest in helping runners run better.

The young innovators created the zero-drop shoe category by working with a local cobbler to cut out the elevated heel of traditional running shoes. They glued the soles back together to create shoes that were the same distance off the ground at the heel and forefoot, therefore having no “drop” from heel to toe. The store had thousands of customers who bought new shoes, took them to the cobbler, and paid an average of AUD 40.79 for the alteration. The innovation of “AL-tered shoes” and the founders’ ul-TRA marathoner status provided the inspiration for the ALTRA brand name.

Nearly all running shoe midsoles have a “2-to-1 ratio,” meaning the heel of the shoe is elevated twice as high as the forefoot. Over time, running in “high heels” can cause a range of injuries.

By removing the heel, ALTRA’s founders created shoes that allowed the foot to sit level with the ground, without a drop from heel to toe, and with that, Zero Drop footwear was born.

Among the biggest benefits to Altra’s Zero Drop shoes is the shift in running posture. Most runners have become “heel strikers,” landing with a straight, extended knee because an elevated heel causes the foot to reach the ground early, slowing the forward momentum of the body. This early ground-strike means the knee does not have time to properly bend to absorb the body’s impact. A Harvard study shows that landing with a heel strike causes initial impact 3 to 5 times greater than landing on the mid to forefoot. Heel strikers not only frequently complain of foot pain, but also knee, hip, and back pain, as the impact reverberates through the body with each footfall.

With a flat-bottomed, Altra Zero Drop shoe, the foot is unencumbered by an elevated heel, so the body’s running posture improves. The runner’s stride is naturally cushioned because the foot lands more under a bent knee, using the natural spring system of the lower leg.

With improved running position, the runner’s stride becomes more efficient, meaning greater foot turnover and speed with the same effort. Foot efficiency is also increased with literally, a lighter shoe. Altra’s Zero Drop core training shoes are 8.8 ounces for men and 8.1 for women, nearly 25% lighter than current popular running shoes.

Fully Cushioned:
Altra shoes are unique in the marketplace because they combine a zero drop sole and barefoot foot positioning with the structure and cushioning of a traditional running shoe. ALTRA’s core running and trail shoes come with a complete three-layer cushioning system: a full rubber outsole, a 12 mm fully-cushioned midsole, and a 5mm insole. In total, Altra’s 21 mm cushioning is on par with durable training shoes and provides two to five times the protection of a typical minimalist shoe. Altra shoes are durable enough for runners to both train in and even complete with the same pair of shoes (even in ultra marathons).
Altra shoes eschew the standard mix of rubber and EVA for their outsole. Instead, they offer a full rubber outsole, which offers excellent stability and far more durability than EVA outsoles. The sleek sole enables runners to sense the ground under their feet, without interference.

Runners with Altra shoes have placed in the top three at multiple ultra marathons in recent years, including Kat’cCina Mosa 100k, Antelope Island 100k, and the Buffalo Run 50K. Runners with Altra shoes have also placed well in 100-mile races, including the Wasatch 100 Miler, Western States 100, and a win at the Laramie 100.

Foot-shaped:
ALTRA shoes are shaped like healthy feet. The shoes’ natural foot shape also contains a Morton’s toe allowance, meaning it accommodates those with a longer second toe. The toes subsequently relax and give sufficient room to the big toe, which provides not only greater foot stability, but also increased toe-off for better forward propulsion. Nearly all other running shoes contain a pointed, triangular toe box, which pushes the toes together and causes the foot to de-stabilize and over-pronate.

Gender Specific
ALTRA is the only running shoe company to offer fully gender-specific footwear lasts for both men and women. Women’s feet have narrower heels, higher arches, and different forefoot positioning, and ALTRA’s Zero Drop shoes are built on the appropriate gender specific lasts to accommodate those differences.

The ALTRA Instinct (male specific) and Intuition (female specific) running shoes retail for AUD 149.58 at www.altrarunning.com.

About Altra Footwear:
ALTRA Footwear was founded in 2009 and acquired in March 2011 by ICON Health & Fitness, the leading innovator and manufacturer of fitness products, including FreeMotion Fitness for the health clubs. ICON leads the home fitness market with company-owned brands such as ProForm, NordicTrack, Weider, iFit Live powered by Google Maps, HealthRider, and Weslo. ICON’s licensed brands include Gold’s Gym, Jillian Michaels, and Reebok. ICON is headquartered in Logan, Utah.

Advertisement:

SaleBestseller No. 1
ALTRA Women's AL0A547X Torin 5 Road Running Shoe, Gray/Coral - 8 M US
  • Get Comfortable: Our brand-new Altra EGO MAX midsole foam that’s luxurious and light
  • Stay Focused: Engineered mesh uppers are light, breathable and ready for the open road
  • Stay Comfortable: Signature Altra FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Go Further: Balanced Cushioning platform places the heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground, which encourages low-impact landings
SaleBestseller No. 3
ALTRA Men's AL0A7R6H Lone Peak 7 Trail Running Shoe, Navy- 13 M US
  • FOOTSHAPE: Our signature FootShape comfort gives your feet more space to sit naturally and is designed to address biological differences in men's and women's feet.
  • ALTRA EGO: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to harmonize the balance between responsiveness and comfort.
  • BALANCED CUSHIONING: Our Balanced Cushioning platform positions your heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, encouraging better alignment and form.
  • MAXTRAC: Our grippy MaxTrac outsole provides the perfect combination of grip, traction, and durability on all types of terrain.
SaleBestseller No. 4
ALTRA Men's AL0A82BW VIA Olympus Road Running Shoe, Mineral Blue - 11 M US
  • 🏆 RUNNER'S WORLD 2023 AWARD WINNER: Best Road Shoe 🏆
  • To The MAX: Our Altra EGO MAX midsole foam gives you all the light and luxurious performance with a little extra bounce and added durability.
  • Propel Yourself: Our rocker shape geometry is designed to give the feeling of being propelled forward with each step and provides an efficient toe-off without taking away from your natural stride
  • Get Comfortable: Signature Altra Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Why We Made It: VIA Olympus is designed with max cushion for an easy and efficient road run, no matter the distance
SaleBestseller No. 5
ALTRA Women's AL0A7R7N Rivera 3 Road Running Shoe, Navy - 8 M US
  • Go Further: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel
  • Stay Comfortable: Altra's FootPod Technology maps the bones and tendons of your foot to encourage natural movement underfoot
  • Run Naturally: Balanced Cushioning places your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground to encourage proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Push Yourself: InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility and performance
SaleBestseller No. 6
ALTRA Men's AL0A5475 Provision 6 Road Running Shoe, Black - 10 M US
  • 🏆 RUNNER'S WORLD 2022 AWARD WINNER: Best Stability Shoe 🏆
  • Go Further: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel
  • Get Comfortable: Signature Altra Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe box allows your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Push Yourself: InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility and performance
  • Stay Comfortable: Stack height of 30mm provides ample cushion for long runs
Bestseller No. 7
ALTRA Women's AL0A7R7O Provision 7 Road Running Shoe, White - 8 M US
  • Go Further: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel
  • Get Comfortable: Signature Altra Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Push Yourself: InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility and performance
  • Stay Healthy: This product received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, awarded to products found by the Association to promote good foot health
Bestseller No. 8
ALTRA Women's AL0A5483 Superior 5 Trail Running Shoe, Dark Slate - 6 M US
  • Stay Focused: With our MaxTrac outsole and multi-directional TrailClaw lug pattern for grippy traction, you can focus on the trail infront of you
  • Go Further: Balanced Cushioning platform places the heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground, which encourages low-impact landings
  • Stay Comfortable: Signature Altra FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Lock In: The wrap-around fit keeps your foot stable so all you have to do is lace up
  • Removeable StoneGuard
SaleBestseller No. 9
ALTRA Men's AL0A7R6Z Provision 7 Road Running Shoe, Orange/Black - 10.5 M US
  • Go Further: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel
  • Get Comfortable: Signature Altra Balanced Cushioning and FootShape toe boxes allow your toes to spread and encourages proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Push Yourself: InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility and performance
  • Stay Healthy: This product received the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, awarded to products found by the Association to promote good foot health
SaleBestseller No. 10
ALTRA Men's AL0A7R6Y Rivera 3 Road Running Shoe, White/Orange - 13 M US
  • Go Further: Our original Altra EGO foam is designed to provide added energy return and a responsive, yet soft, comfortable feel
  • Stay Comfortable: Altra's FootPod Technology maps the bones and tendons of your foot to encourage natural movement underfoot
  • Run Naturally: Balanced Cushioning places your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground to encourage proper, low-impact form throughout your run
  • Push Yourself: InnerFlex midsole technology ensures increased flexibility and performance

I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.