I had an opportunity to meet with the founder of Altra Drop Zero shoes and see why they are so unique. I also got to try out different pairs of Altras and I was gifted a pair that worked best for me!
I am debating between the Intuitions ( on my right) and the Torins (on my left).
What makes the Altra Zero Drop shoe different than most other running shoes is that the heel is not elevated. Most running shoes are built on a 2 to 1 ratio, meaning they are twice as thick in the heel as they are in the forefoot. If you are a lady, you know the implications of wearing high heeled shoes all your life, right? Well even though I am going to extremes with this analogy, you are essentially doing the same thing when you are running in a shoe with the 2 to 1 ratio. Your heel is elevated when you run.
The Altra Zero Drop Shoes are built on a 1:1 ratio, meaning the heel and the forefoot are at the same level. This allows your body to run naturally, as if you were barefoot.
Because your heel and forefoot are the same distance off the ground you will experience less heel strike, you will reduce the impact on your joints, and will help with form and body posture.
All of these things combined means less injuries!
But wait, that's not all!
Another unique aspect of Altra's design is the foot box! the foot box is actually designed like the outline of a foot. This design allows your toes to actually spread out when you run ( like they are naturally suppose to do)!
When you do get your new Altras, you do need to proceed with caution! You are not going to put these shoes on and go for a 10 mile run ! Altra actually recommends that you start wearing them on your easy runs, and then rotate them with your old running shoes for the first couple of weeks. The reason for this is because if you are not use to the zero drop, you will start to feel it in your calves. These shoes are actually helping to build calf strength too. I admit, my lower claves were sore the first couple of times I ran in these shoes, but just like anything, it takes your body time to adjust to it. In the long run, I think these shoes are making my legs stronger! Another thing I want to mention about these shoes is that I feel that they run small. I normally wear a size 6 running shoe and I had to get a size 6.5 in these Intuitions. Truth be told, I probably could have even went to a size 7, but I have never worn a 7 in any shoe before and I was a bit skeptical about increasing my size by that much. But so far the 6.5 has worked for me. I received these shoes in October and started doing smaller runs in them. In November I ran my first race in them ( The Disney Jingle Jungle 5K) and then in December I did 13.1 miles in them.
Another great thing about Altra ( as if you weren't sold on them already, right?), is that they really care about kids feet too! If you think it is important for adult runners to have the proper shoes, then just think about how important it is for kids who's feet are still developing.
Since many of our readers are Run Disney fans and some even have children that are starting to participate in the Run Disney races too, Altra has agreed to let the winner of our giveaway decide if they want to receive a free pair of shoes for themselves or for their child. Isn't that cool?
So will you be choosing a pair of these:
Altra kid's shoes
Or will you be choosing something from the adult line? Click Here to See All Adult Shoes
*I was gifted a free pair of ALTRA running shoes but all opinions are completely my own.
Enter using the Rafflecopter and remember that When you make a comment, make sure you check off that option on the Rafflecopter so your entry counts. Once a comment is made, there are several more ways to earn entries, feel free to do them all, or just the ones you feel comfortable with. Giveaway will close Thursday (12/19) at Midnight so a winner can be announced on Friday's Blog Post!
Thank you and Good Luck!