From toaster oven hacks to revolutionising running, Altra was born to fix what traditional shoes got wrong, creating zero-drop footwear for natural, injury-free movement.

Source: Altra Running

In the late 1990’s, Altra founders Golden Harper and Brian Beckstead were committed to helping customers who came into Harper’s father’s shoe store to find the right shoe for them and avoid injury when running, but they began to notice something. Comparing their customers’ running style when barefoot to high-end shoes, the crux of many injuries - high impact heel-striking and over-extension - was more obvious in shoes with a high stack. While there weren’t any shoe companies at the time making a low-to-no-stack shoe, the guys decided to take it upon themselves to modify shoes using a handy toaster oven and bandsaw. 

By 2009, the toaster oven had been retired, and Altra was born. From Altera, which means ‘to mend or fix that which is broken’, Altra have set out to help return runners’ feet to their natural position. 

If you’ve never heard the term “Zero Drop” and have no idea what “natural position” means, allow us to give you an overview of Altra’s design:

Source: Altra Running

When you wear a normal pair of shoes, the heel is generally higher than the toe area (think of high-heel shoes as an extreme example). This is because, as you walk, your heel usually strikes the ground first, allowing you to roll through to your toes with minimal effort. However, some runners, enough to warrant the Zero Drop movement's warm reception, notice that the difference between the heel and toe can impact their foot strike, stability and responsiveness. By lowering this difference to zero, so the heel and toes are level, the shoe encourages more midfoot or forefoot striking compared to raised heels, which due to the amount of cushioning available in the heel, don’t inhibit people from heel-striking. The difference in height between the heel and toe is referred to as ‘drop’,  so here we come to the term ZeroDrop™.

Source: Altra Running

In addition to no difference in height between the heel and toe, Altra also created FootShape™, which refers to the wide toe box that mirrors the shape of a healthy foot when weight is on the forefoot. This is due to the toes splaying out for stability, absorption and take-off; however, the movement is restricted if the forefoot area of your shoe is too tight. Footshape™ also comes in three options depending on your own foot shape: Original (space through the midfoot), Standard (secure midfoot), and Slim (snug midfoot).

Source: Altra Running

Combining ZeroDrop™ and FootShape™, Altra has designed a shoe that allows the foot to return to its natural position: toes spread naturally, weight evenly distributed across the big toe, little toe and the heel, and the possibility to flex your toes (which does not happen in restrictive footwear). Do we actually need to care about the natural position of our feet? Well, depending on your foot type, prior injuries or needs: Yes. A natural position can help improve balance and stability as well as reduce the risk of injury. However, if you use orthotics, have fused joints or arthritis in your feet, speak with your podiatrist first.

Source: Altra Running

Having zero drop doesn’t mean that Altra shoes don’t have cushioning or no stack height. In fact, Altra have a range of foams to protect your foot, provide comfort, and be responsive. This cushioning ensures that the shoe's design is both “barefoot friendly” and protective of your feet.

EGO Foams:

EGO™: Baseline midsole foam, springy and durable
EGO MAX™: Softer, more plush version of EGO
EGO PRO™: High-performance foam
EGO P35™: Lightweight and responsive
EGO FLO™: New gen foam, nitrogen-infused

GuideRail™: Instead of rigid stability, the raised sidewall is made of dynamic foam, which provides mild resistance to over-pronation. 

The combination of ZeroDrop™, FootShape™ and other technology sets the stage for Altra’s most popular models:

Escalante: Designed for everyday use as a runner, light trainer, gym or casual use, the Escalante has low cushioning with EGO foam, making it ideal for runners or walkers who prefer stronger foot feedback and ground feeling.

Torin: A step up from the Escalante, the Torin features EGO MAX™ foam, which is more comfortable over long distances. Specifically designed with a standard FootShape™, the Torin has a close midfoot fit for stability and security.

Paradigm: The max-cushion, stability shoe by Altra combines protection and comfort with GuideRail™. Ideal for those who lose footstrike form over time or only want support without traditional correction.

Olympus: Another popular model, but this is actually a trail shoe with max cushioning and a high stack height. More surprising is that the foam used is not their proprietary EGO™ foam range, but instead compression-moulded EVA. This is a common foam used in the industry where the ethylene-vinyl acetate is injected into a mould, compressed under heat and pressure and shaped into a midsole. The Olympus has been a long-time favourite at Wildfire because of its cushioning and grippy Vibram outsole. Ideal for hikers or trail runners who are looking for zero-drop shoes but prefer to have cushioning over ground feel.

Transitioning to zero drop can take some time, but take it easy as the muscles in your feet get used to working, then come in and try our range of Altra shoes available.