Good quality running shoes are fundamental to keep your feet and body healthy, as well as to help you run better. Running shoes endure many shocks in their lifetime and their durability depends on many factors as: weight, running style, terrain and use. Generally, running shoes last between 300 – 500 miles (450 – 800km) depending on the model and materials used along with the above factors. That doesn’t mean that at 500 miles every pair should be considered finished. That will ultimately depend on each personal case and your own feeling about whether or not your shoes are still able to serve you. As an example, a style like the Superior is designed to be fast and responsive, great shorter runs and smoother trails. If it is put through the same condition Superior won’t have the same durability of Olympus model, which is designed for longer runs and rougher terrains.

To some extent a certain amount of pronation is natural and helps to ease the pressure on our locomotion system. However, many runners develop what is called overpronation. This excess is often the result of weak connective tissues or insufficiently strong muscles. At Altra Running, we develop what we call Dynamic Support shoes in order to help your body in containing overpronation and, at the same time, strengthen those muscles and tissues responsible for a better movement. We never do this by forcing your feet/body back into an unnatural position but rather by using passive resistance and proprioception to improve your muscle memory and your stride. Hence, the longer you’ll use Altra shoes, the better your pronation issue will be.

At Altra we design shoes based on human anatomy. We develop our lasts on thousands of scans of healthy feet. That is why we design gender specific fits in order to accommodate the many differences of women’s anatomy, like a higher plantar arch, lighter body and a different toes-to-heel ratio. Nevertheless, there’s nothing stopping you from purchasing a pair from the opposite side, just be aware of its fit differences.

Altra Running was born in a running store in the middle of the Wasatch Mountains. Our shoes are designed by runners for runners. Nevertheless, experience taught us that they can be great tool when used for every movement/involved activity: from hiking to cross training as they will help you to move better and with unparalleled comfort. That is why many of our models are great for hiking and walking too.

We are a brand that helps people to run healthier, not barefoot. There are times when you need an orthotic insole to achieve that. That’s why all Altra models are orthotic insole compatible and are sold with removable standard insole. Actually, putting orthotics in a foot-shaped shoe with balanced cushioning gives them the best possible chance to succeed. Anything else changes the insole’s geometry and may affect the results. It is clear that the foot can work in a more natural position and become stronger and more dynamic without an insole. On the other hand, insoles are to be used for specific needs and can help the foot to take on more strain than it normally would, allowing for more comfort in extreme efforts for athletes too. Lastly, Altra shoes are designed to help you move better and move naturally, to strengthen your feet and improve your running form. That is why the design of our outsoles follows human feet features. This is done to not “force” your body/feet do anything that is unnatural.

We do our best to guide you in selecting the perfect shoe to unleash your potential and move better. If you are unsure about which model is the right one for your, check out our Altra Fit Guide to guide you choose the perfect pair. If you need further support, get in touch with our shoe experts via the contact form.

If you’re not sure about the right size check out our Size Guide or reach out our Shoe Expert if you need an additional human support.

Altra running shoes are designed to give you the best performance and feeling on trails and road. As any technical piece they need a little attention to make sure their performance features are maintained over time and you get those extra miles from it. Luckily taking care of your best running companion is not complicated and laborious. You just need to follow a few easy steps:

- Keep your outsole free of debris in order to not compromise traction

- Clean seldomly the upper to avoid particles of dirt working their way into the mesh and fabric.

- Don’t submerge/soak your shoes in the water as it may compromise and deform the performance and materials

- Do not use washing machine as it can be too aggressive

- Do not use any heat (sunlight, dryer) to dry your running shoes because it can affect the materials

When it’s time to give your shoes a clean we suggest you to treat each piece of your shoes separately, so begin from taking out insoles and shoe laces. Then, hand wash each piece separately (insole, upper and outsole) helping yourself with the use of a delicate cloth (and a brush for the more aggressive dirt), mild soap and warm water. After each piece is cleaned, we suggest you to let them dry in a place with mild temperature and low humidity. If you want to speed drying you can stuff newspaper or paper towels into your shoes. Never put your shoes in a dryer or near any heat source as high temperature can distort shapes and modify components.

Transitioning to any new shoe should be taken carefully as each brand/model has their own peculiar features. That’s why is important to do so in the most comfortable way possible. Furthermore, Altra offers a Balanced Cushioning platform that puts your heel and toes on the same level in order to help you move naturally. All shoes should be worked their way into. And transitioning to Altra is no different.

When transitioning to a new running shoe it is key to work your way into it and select the right pair. When transitioning into Altra make sure to keep the same amount of support and cushion as you had before. Use our Shoe Finder to help you with that. Just like any other shoe, there will be some tightness in the calf area between the first two days or two weeks. The body is just adapting to the newness of the natural footwear Altra offers. We suggest you to wear your new Altra every other day, alternating the older pair for the first few days to help you minimize any type of tightness. Like any other shoe experience, it is important to stretch and recover properly after runs/walks. Keeping the practices mentioned above will make the transition seamless and no different to any other new shoe experience.

Did you just put on your first pair? Isn’t it an amazing freedom feeling? Altra shoes are designed to allow your feet to splay naturally within the shoe. This donates incredible comfort, miles of blisters-free running and a stronger natural foot. Your Altra shoes should feel snug in the midfoot and heel and allow more room for toes. This leads to the possibility of the shoe feeling roomy at first. Once your foot adapt to this freedom, you’ll become a loyal Altra customer.