Altra, Zero Drop, Running Shoes

This week I got to meet the owners of Altra, a new running company with Zero Drop footwear.  Zero Drop simply means that the shoes are the same distance off the ground at both the heel and ball of the foot.  Since traditional shoes typically employ a 12mm ‘drop’, a shoe with no differential is called a Zero Drop shoe.

The shoes are quite unique in appearance and feel.  When you put them on they feel extremely comfortable and conform to your foot.   The design reminds me of my favorite Birkenstock shoes.  There is a wide toe box, allowing total freedom for your toes, with a snug, yet not too tight encasing for your heal.

Altra has both men and women specif shoes.  I tried on the Adam (a minimalist shoe that would be perfect for working out), the Instinct (a quite comfortable running shoe) and the Lone Peak (an off road running shoe that looks like it can take a beating).

The shoes are slated for release April 2011.

The Adam - $89.99 retail

The Instinct - $94.99 retail

The Lone Peak - $99.99 retail

Barefoot Running, Invisible Shoes

I was graciously sent a pair of the Invisible Shoes to test out.  In general I think these are a blast to run in. 

Barefoot running you ask?  Well I started barefoot running last year after competing in the Leadville Trail 100 mile running race in Leadville Colorado.  There are a few products currently available that allow you to run almost barefoot, while still providing some protection.  The Invisible Shoes are one of those products.

Observations for dry warm conditions

• When running in Invisible Shoes it is like the world has been carpeted with rubber.
• The shoes give you the ability to run on roads like chip-seal, that you could never run barefoot on.
• When running in these, you get a sense of freedom, that covered shoes simply don't provide.
• You will still need to watch your step, because the occasional rock will still hurt if stepped on (I know this from experience).

Observations for wet conditions.

• I don't think these are the best solution when the weather is rainy and wet. Your foot tends to slip (at least mine do) within the sandal.  I do wonder if the soles were reverse if this might help with the inner traction issue. 
• Running on morning grass also seems to be a problem if there is a lot of moisture. 
• I did notice that tightening the rope more than normal helps keep the foot secure during wet conditions.  I will probably have to try this a few more times to see if I can find the optimal lace-up.  

Observations for cold conditions.

• I don't have any data to go on right now.  It is still quite warm here in Austin, Texas.  Oh yea.

Overall

• Invisible Shoe are a fantastic deal.
• Definitely get the custom kit.   It is actually quite fun designing your own shoe.  
• You will most likely need thicker soles if you're going on rough terrain.  
• Another neat factor is the minimalist look you have when running in these sandals.  Observant people will often stare wondering what the heck you're running in.  
• Invisible shoes also give you plenty of options on how to lace up the sandals.  If something feels a little weird, you have many other options to choose from.