Are Altra and Zero Drop Running Shoes the Best Choice for You?

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Have you ever looked at a running shoe that looks funny, but it makes sense? When I first looked at the Vibram five-finger shoes, for instance, they looked funny but did not make any sense to me. The same is not true for Altra. They looked different, but for a good reason, and it makes sense. My name is Dr. Andrew Schneider, and I'm a podiatrist in Houston, TX. Many runners are shifting to zero-drop shoes. They're perfect for some and not right for others. In today's video, I'm going to discuss the pros
and cons of zero drop shoes. I'll focus on my favorite zero drop shoe: Altra.
Altra shoes have a great origin story. Two teammates from their high school cross country team became friends and business partners. They were on a quest to find the best running shoes. They toasted, heated, and deconstructed shoes to transform them into what is now a wildly successful brand.
Before I talk about Altra, let's discuss zero drop shoes. While other brands have zero-drop shoes in their catalog, Altra is the only brand that exclusively makes zero-drop shoes. Drop, or pitch, is a differential between the elevation beneath the heel and the elevation beneath the forefoot. A conventional running shoe has a drop of 8-12 millimeters. In a zero drop shoe, the heel and forefoot are at the same level. This enables runners to more easily contact the ground with their entire foot or their midfoot.
Zero drop shoes are becoming increasingly popular among runners looking for a change in their footwear. Because these shoes feature no heel lift, it makes them ideal for people who want to run closer to a barefoot gait without sacrificing comfort. But what exactly do zero drop shoes offer over traditional running shoes? And how does it impact your performance?
The benefits of zero drop shoes include a better connection to the ground, more control, improves stability, enhanced muscle activation, and greater energy return. What about the potential problems associated with zero drop shoes? Some podiatrists believe that zero drop shoes cause the feet to become unstable and lose muscle tone. They claim that the lack of support can lead to plantar fasciitis and have argued that the lack of structure promotes overuse injuries such as stress fractures. I don't believe this to be true, in most cases. The truth is that most people who choose a zero drop shoe do so because they find them comfortable and easy to use.
There are plenty of options out there to help keep the foot stable. For example, some companies make insoles specifically designed for zero-drop shoes. Or you can opt for a pair of socks that offer support and stability. And being a zero drop shoe does not eliminate the option to wear a custom orthotic. In fact, I have many runners wearing an Altra shoe with a custom orthotic. I just have to design the orthotic that doesn't negate the benefits of zero-drop shoe.
The first thing you'll notice about an Altra shoe, any Altra shoe is that it looks different. Gone is the tapered toe box. Altra shoes are foot shaped. That means the forefoot is wider, even when the heel is narrow. this eliminates undue pressure on the forefoot. It also prevents the shoe from dictating the motion of your foot. They call this Foot Shape Fits. The shape allows your feet, especially your toes to function independently inside the shoe. When your toes spread out, they give you more power and propelling you to the next stride.
Another difference with Altra shoes is that they're gender specific. Now all shoe companies have different men's and women's styles and sizes, but Altra have their shoes specifically engineered for men or women. For instance, the women's styles have a narrower heel and a longer arch. There is even a difference in the upper of this shoe designed for a men's or women's foot. Just remember there's a difference between zero-drop shoe, like Altra and a barefoot shoe. They have models that have support and cushioning depending on what's right for you.
#Altra #zerodrop #bestrunningshoes
00:00 Introduction
01:14 The Altra origin story
01:38 What are zero drop shoes
02:35 Pros and cons of zero drop shoes
03:23 Stabilizing the foot in zero drop shoes
03:53 Characteristics of an Altra running shoe
05:37 How to connect with Houston podiatrist Dr. Andrew Schneider

[@sailorscoutsteph]

Thank you so much for this video! I appreciate how informative you are and well spoken.

[@tentimetex]

Great insights, thanks! Interestingly, I have also heard people say that their plantar fasciitis was diminished or even healed by wearing zero drop shoes... @3:02

[@arielsdead]

thanks, this is the best zero drop shoes video I've ever seen

[@terryshihtzumom]

I have very high arches and one foot never feels like it lands on the ground properly. I have found zero drop helps.

[@Taylormademan900]

Thank you Doctor for explaining the 0 drop. I have severe flat feet with a wide toe span. Ultras are definitely my most comfortable running shoes.

[@toddboucher3302]

Only problem Altra changed. Stack height keeps growing. I used to love vanish-t 14 mm Then switched to Escalante racer mode here lowest drop around 22-23 mm. Plus, the biggest selling point was your toolbox for people with wider feet is got a lot better they’re Morven narrow standard shoe so really all they offer now is zero drop I think the biggest shock was the Torin started off as a great medium stack height I think about 2526 mm and then they spin slowly going up and going up and going up and now they’re at 30 mm and I think ultra doesn’t even include the insole when they measure the stack height and their insoles are really thick so it’s really a 36 mm stack height for somebody like me that’s way too much but I used to love them.

[@DrAndrewSchneider]

They’re falling into the trap of all shoe companies. They take shoes people love and “update” them. They’re never as good.

[@davidoneil1535]

Thanks for the info. I am in the weeds when choosing a shoe. 65 years old. Used to run but now trouble walking . I've got high arches and now bad metatarsalgia on both feet. with first and fifth being worst. Would zero drop help? Met pads and inserts give me no relief. Any info appreciated. I'm in Florida or I'd be in to see you.

[@gonziq6226]

Altra is the best! Been running in them for years. I only run in zero drop or minimal for the past 12 years. Not sure why so many people want extra padding. Makes no sense to me.

[@gonziq6226]

Escalante is my favorite

[@joejones4181]

Dr, no offense, but you don't look like you have ever run around the block, which makes it hard to accept your advice. We are talking about running not BJJ, MMA or boxing, where the challenge is "you have never done it so shut up" very unfair. But we are talking about running.