Generally there are a lot of brands that are famous but virtually anonymous in the trail-running industry. ‘Altra’ is one of them. Along with HOKA ONE ONE, know for having an extra-thick soul, their brand support rate during long races is very high. Lots of runners wear them, so the other day at UTMF (ULTRA-TRAIL Mt.Fuji) I went to see them for the first time.

The features of the ‘Altra’ shoe includes no difference in height between the toes and the heel, so-called ‘zero drop’. It urges the body to run naturally and in this way reduces heel-strike (heel landing) that can cause injury problems much later on.

Also the toe shape has changed. Quite broad and oblique in shape.

One of the models to represent Altra is the ‘Lone Peak 2.5’. I've tried to buy a pair to wear for next year’s Hong Kong 100 Ultra Marathon in January. They feel slightly awkward having a big heel so intend to wear them gradually from now on.

http://altrazerodrop.jp/m_lonepeak25.html