Zero Drop Benefits, What is Natural Running, and Why Altra Made a 4mm Drop | Talk w/ Altra Running

ABOUT RUNCARE
This episode of the DOR podcast is sponsored by RunCare.org. Created by physicians, therapists, and trainers, RunCare.Org aims to help runners find healthcare providers that truly understand their needs by providing a nationwide list of recommended providers who specialize in working with runners.
Each provider in the RunCare network has been vetted and evaluated so you know that you’re visiting someone who knows the value of your training and lifestyle. The list currently features over 50 doctors and physical therapists across the US and expanding to have providers in all 50 states.
If you are a doctor or physical therapist who specializes in working with runners and would like to join the RunCare Network, visit RunCare.org today to submit an application. At this time, there is no cost to be listed in the RunCare directory. RunCare’s goal first and foremost is to get the runners connected with the right providers. Visit runcare.org today to learn more.
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:04 - A brief history of Altra
3:48 - Brian & Alex's roles
7:24 - The state of the shoe industry regarding zero drop and anatomical toe boxes
15:01 - Altra's goals designing shoes their way
21:47 - Alex's perspective on Altra's mission
24:11 - What Altra means by "natural" running
28:39 - What went into releasing the Altra FWD Experience
36:26 - Issues with creating zero drop shoes with new compliant foams
41:12 - How Altra designs shoes to accommodate different foot types
46:20 - Altra's innovation direction
52:20 - Is Altra looking at more non-zero drop offerings? And what about racing shoes?
56:49 - The science of Altra's Ego Pro foam
58:18 - How Altra designed the FWD Experience's excellent heel bevel
1:01:53 - Wrap-up
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We are a group of physical therapists and runners interested in the art and science of running shoes. Learn more by visiting doctorsofrunning.com

[@huagrapo]

3 months ago, I started running after a decades-long hiatus. Then after stress-fracturing one of my metatarsals (newbie overuse mistake), I discovered Altras 3 weeks ago in the form of a beautiful pair of Lone Peak 7s, and now I can't stop. I currently have 5 pairs of different models, with 2 more in mail as I type, and a pair of Topo Magniflys too. A wide toebox is like a drug.

[@daviddonker4265]

This channel is awesome, what a find! Recently deceided to run my first marathon and I am looking for new shoes. It’s nice to hear some balanced and in depth info from inside the industry. Really interesting stuff, thanks a bunch guys!

[@brewlovinrunner]

Altra and Topo is all I wear. Foot shaped for life.

[@justgouds]

I walk in zero drop and I mix in my Torins a couple times a month on runs. Mostly run in my Superblasts though.

[@philippernst4877]

I love the Escalante and the Escalante Racer and use them for every other run (and long run). they helped me big time with platar fasiitis because it feels like a constant massage and strength training for the feet while running. They helped me running with a "lighter" foot strike as well...

[@mikemurphy9269]

My only issue with the FWD Experience is the upper and I'd like a bit more volume. It is a perfect show for my mechanics though so please address those two and I'll you'll have a fan for life.

[@Outdoors2theMax]

I wear zero drop minimalist shoes for weight lifting and and walking. I run in the ES3's, Triumph 20's, Caldera 6's, and Peregrine 12's. I've always wanted to give Altra's a go, but I don't really have room for them in my running rotation at the moment. I will likely be due for new hiking shoes near the end of the year and might look into the Lone Peak 7/8's, Olympus 5's, Topo Pursuit, and Topo Traverse. I have tried on the Lone Peak 7's in store and thought they felt good.

[@Brugalete]

Altras are the only shoes I can wear to deal with ITBS. I am newbie and below average runner but recently I could complete my first ever half marathon in my beloved Torins 6.

[@edwarding4355]

Topo has a low drop shoe with Peebax. This is getting interesting.

[@marcelorodriguezsandri8414]

Hola, gracias por todo el trabajo que hacen. Se menciona que "Zero drop" evitaa lesiones, sin embargo en ocasiones en otros vídeos se indica que para evitar tensión muscular en pantorrilla y gemelos y no se afecte el Aquiles ella drop debe ser de 10 - 12 mm. Agradezco desde ya sus comentarios. Abrazo

[@DoctorsofRunning]

Do you use zero drop footwear?

[@that_which_is_not]

Have done but can’t tell the difference between that and a 4-5mm drop anymore. Most shoes I like sit in that 5mm drop area so have just stuck with that 🤷‍♂️

[@jpjames62294]

I use Altra, Vibram FF, and other zero drops in rotation occasionally on both road and trail. Good to hear Altra looking beyond EVA foams.

[@Murphy2043]

I'm wearing the Escalante Racer as I type this. Ideally, I'd have only zero drop, but with high stack heights gaining a majority of even Altra's footwear, sometimes, I settle for a 4mm drop with a lower stack height and less toe spring.

[@veijomarin813]

Only zd. Altras and barefoot. Would like to give a chance to Topo but too much toe spring. Zd, minimal toe spring, flexible forefoot, low stack, foot shaped toe box good for me 😊

[@runnin3216]

I have used zero drop extensively in the past. Merrell Trail Glove (still have a couple pairs), Saucony Hattori and Virrata. I had enjoyed running in The One 2.5 and Torin 3.0 from Altra, but the durability of the uppers were disappointing. On both pairs they shredded just above the midsole around the midfoot before 200 miles. Did recently try the Rivera and while the fit seemed sloppy, they did hold up much better and I got them to 400 miles intact. Have the Torin 6 now. It is a better fit, so hopefully they last as long.

[@jeffhicks8428]

what kind of foam are they actually using? I've heard everything. One of the founders claimed one thing. different sites say different things.

[@tommyle628]

Zero Drop has to evolve, glad Altra learned from Topo and did it. The more I run from my 1st 5km to my Ultra 100km, the less I rely on 0 drop, they cannot perform in longer race or training blocks.

[@stevenshorten6184]

Disagree. It doesn't have to evolve. If it doesn't work for you don't use it.

[@user-yl7lz1hm6r]

For me it’s the natural foot shape of Altras that appeals - not so much zero drop.

[@TheDon-xd5jz]

Hi, @ 42:00 you ask Brian about the current foot shapes. I assume you forgot the term ‘Slim fit’ and he reply’s ‘we’re going away from that last one, it’s gone’. Can you please clarify is he actually referring to the slim line and does this mean shoes in that line like the rivera and vanish will be then changing to a wider last? I’m not sure I understood what he’s referring to when he says ‘it’s gone’

[@TheDon-xd5jz]

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[@TheDon-xd5jz]

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[@TheDon-xd5jz]

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[@TheDon-xd5jz]

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[@TheDon-xd5jz]

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[@WarneysWorld]

The vanish carbon is a really terrible shoe - I don’t believe for a minute that they did “extensive wear testing” on it. The upper is terrible, the tongue is all over the place, the laces are waxy and won’t stay tied. No wonder retailers have them on sale everywhere. The foam isn’t bad, but that’s all the shoe has going for it.

[@fastrax1949]

I am not at all surprised that Altra are now providing models with more than zero drop. I opened the Complete Runner UK in 1982 and have NEVER stocked for sale any zero drop shoes; and the demand for zero drop is virtually non existent. It's very rare that we lose sales 'cos we don't offer zero drop. For me the danger is that could I trust the zero drop shoe purchaser to transition from higher stack heights this resulting in calf injury. I will not risk selling a product that will injure them. I offer TOPO for runners requiing a wide anatomical forefoot but here agaim limikit my stock to 3mm, 4mm and 5mm.