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Learn More About Altra Running
WHAT INSPIRED ALTRA RUNNING'S FOUNDER TO CREATE THIS COMPANY?
Now we know what inspired the founder, let's look at Altra Running's inspired shoe designs.
ALTRA RUNNING'S AWARD-WINNING INNOVATIVE DESIGNS
Altra Running wasn't started in some corporate office, but in the back room of a Wasatch Mountain running store. The founders, -elite athletes and running store managers, -wanted a shoe that let you run the way you were born to. They noticed that the design of most running shoes was hurting runners more than helping them. Elevated heels promote high-impact landing and narrow toe boxes squeeze the toes out of their natural position.
What began as experimental shoe alterations has transformed into the only shoe company to provide a cushioned Zero Drop™ platform and FootShape™ toe box. This innovation combo promotes low-impact technique and allows your feet to remain in a natural, relaxed position across every terrain.
FOOTSHAPE™ TOE BOX
Traditional running shoes feature pointy toe boxes that squeeze the toes out of their natural position- increasing risk of bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. Altra Running's FootShape™ Toe Box allows the toes to relax and spread out naturally and the big toe to remain in a straight position. This enhances stability and creates a powerful toe-off to maximize running performance. We wish we could call it some scientific breakthrough, but we're simply giving your foot the working space it needs.
FULLY CUSHIONED ZERO DROP™
Years ago, Altra Running founder Golden Harper began melting off outsoles and removing the excess heel elevation from their traditional running shoes. It was ugly, but it worked! The term "Zero Drop™" was coined to describe the level of cushioning and prefect weight balance from the heel to forefoot. This natural balance aligns the feet, back, and body posture for less impact. It also strengthens the Achilles and lower calf muscles that have been weakened over a lifetime of running on elevated heels.