Altra Trailrunning Schuhe

Altra Trail Running Shoes

March 1, 2022
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Altra History:

Altra is a relatively young brand, its history began in 1998 when Golden Harper and Brian Beckstead met in high school and started running together.

Golden began experimenting in 2009, bothered by the "drop" in many running shoes. Using a toaster, he heated the shoes, removed the midsole, and flattened the cushioning. The first step towards "Zero Drop" was taken. Zero drop (a balanced level from forefoot to heel) became one of Altra's most important selling points.

In 2010, Brian ran the Wasatch Ultra, a 100-mile race, in the first Altra prototype. He completed it without discomfort and significantly faster than his previous year's time. More and more runners became aware of the small brand.

Altra was officially founded in 2011, with 3 core features that still apply to all Altra shoes today:

    FootShapeTM
    ZeroDropTM
    Fit4HerTM

In its very first year, Altra was showered with awards and accolades.

 Altra Technologies:

These technologies distinguish Altra (trail running) shoes:

  • FootShapeTM: The extra-wide toe box allows the toes to relax and spread naturally, keeping the big toe straight for maximum stability and power. Overpronation is prevented.
  • Fit4HerTM: All Altra women's shoes consider the special shape of the female foot.
  • Balanced CushioningTM: Even cushioning with "Zero Drop" enables a natural, healthy running style.
  • TrailclawTM, Maxtrac: Cut lugs that ensure optimal grip when rolling off. The Maxtrac rubber offers the best compromise between grip, traction, and durability.
  • Gaiter TrapTM: Gaiters for running shoes can be easily and securely attached (Velcro at the heel, attachment option at the front).

Altra Lone Peak:

The backbone of Altra trail running shoes for years has been the Lone Peak. And not without reason, it's the "Thru Hike" shoe. The perfect fit, the robust and quick-drying outer material, the moderate cushioning (height 25mm), and the light weight (approx. 300g) coupled with perfect grip make it the most popular and proven Altra trail running shoe. Now in the latest (7.0) version (€ 159.95) at chrispacks.
New in 2023: The Altra Hiker 2. If you want the proven Altra fit, but in something more stable and with ankle support, then check out the Hiker 2. One of the few ankle-high shoes on the market without a membrane!
For all those who want even more cushioning and a Vibram Mega Grip sole: Altra Olympus!

Our experiences with Altra:

In 2017, there were no Altra shoes in Europe, so we started the PCT with other running shoes. After the first nasty blister experiences, we switched to Altra at the first opportunity (after 2 weeks). The difference was indeed enormous, and we were able to continue running without problems. We are also big fans of "neutral" running and convinced that "0 drop" is important for a healthy running style. The wide toe box is not for everyone at first glance, but the advantage of not constricting the foot definitely outweighs this!