As a runner, I’ve tried a lot of different brands of running shoes and have found Altra to be my favorite. The brand has lots of different models for men and women, all at different price points. So if you’re looking for your first pair of Altras, here’s how I’d suggest starting:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Starting running with Altra shoes can provide a comfortable and supportive experience. |
| Gradually increase your running duration and intensity to avoid injuries and allow your body to adapt. |
| Proper shoe selection, such as choosing the right size and style, is important for a successful running journey. |
| Incorporating proper breathing techniques can improve your running performance and endurance. |
| Stretching before and after running can help prevent injuries and improve flexibility. |
| Understanding the benefits of running can motivate and inspire you to start and continue your running practice. |
| Building a support system and seeking guidance from experienced runners can be valuable when starting your running journey. |
| Consider incorporating cross-training activities to improve overall fitness and complement your running routine. |
| Prioritize injury prevention by listening to your body, incorporating rest days, and following a balanced training plan. |
| Stay consistent and enjoy the process of starting and progressing in your running journey. |
Consider Getting A Gait Analysis
A gait analysis is the best way to determine the optimal running shoe for your feet. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, it allows a personal trainer or other health care professional to assess how you move, where your body is in its range of motion, and whether any parts of it are compromised by tightness or fatigue.
A good gait analysis will help you find the right shoe for your stride and prevent overuse injuries.
When buying shoes online (or anywhere), make sure they have a great return policy!
If they don’t fit well after purchasing them online and can’t be returned because it’s “custom” sizing which means there are no refunds you’ll end up paying more than necessary for something that doesn’t work for you.
If you’re ready to start running in Altra shoes, our comprehensive guide on how to start running in Altra is a must-read. Discover the proper techniques, tips, and benefits of running in Altra shoes to enhance your running experience.
Research Your Shoes
Before you make the jump, it’s important to know what type of shoe you need and what features are most important to you.
Altra shoes all have different levels of cushioning and support, so think about what kind of running style suits your body best.
If you’re not sure which shoe is right for you, take some time to research online reviews or talk with a salesperson at a local retailer who can help guide your decision-making process.
Once you’ve identified the type of shoe that works for your needs, think about what features are most important in that model (e.g., breathability or stability).
| Brand | Shoe Model | Cushioning | Support | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike | Air Zoom Pegasus 38 | Responsive | Neutral | Versatile daily trainer |
| Brooks | Ghost 14 | Plush | Neutral | Long-distance running |
| Hoka One One | Clifton 8 | Cushioned | Neutral | Comfortable road running |
| New Balance | Fresh Foam 1080v11 | Soft | Neutral | Cushioned long runs |
| Saucony | Ride 14 | Balanced | Neutral | All-around daily training |
Know What Size You Need
Shoe size can be difficult because people’s feet vary greatly even among family members! To determine your true size, stand up straight with both feet together flat on floor while wearing socks and look down at them from above.
If they’re more than an inch apart when measured along the longest side, then order one length smaller than usual (but don’t worry if this puts them barely touching).
If they’re less than an inch apart when measured along their longest sides (as shown below), order one size larger than usual instead!
Test Out Shoes Before You Buy Them
You don’t want to buy a new pair of shoes, only to find you’re miserable in them. To make sure that doesn’t happen, try on the shoes first and be sure they fit properly.
If possible, test them out on a treadmill or track before buying. Each brand fits differently some may run long and narrow, while others are wider in the toe box and can accommodate people with higher arches.
You also need to be aware that if you have low arches (a high-arch foot), your shoe will have more cushioning under the ball of your foot than it does at the heel or midfoot (the forefoot).
This means when you step down with your heel, there is little impact; however when stepping down with your toes (forefoot), there is more impact because there is less cushioning under this part of your foot compared to other areas.
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Know Your Feet And Your Pronation
Before you get started in Altra, it’s important to know your feet and your pronation.
A gait analysis is the only way to know if an Altra shoe will work for you, so make sure to get one before buying any shoes.
The most important thing on this list is getting the right fit for your foot you don’t want to run in a shoe that doesn’t support or protect it properly!
Just like with all new pairs of running shoes (not just Altra), there are some things to do before every run.
A few key steps include: breaking them in slowly over time; wearing them just outside of race day; and leaving room for toes to move around freely inside each shoe.
Talk To An Altra Expert At A Retail Store Near You
First, ask the expert at your local Altra retailer to help. In addition to being able to see and feel Altra shoes in person, you can also talk about how they might work for you.
Your associate will know what kinds of runners come in looking for support or cushioning, or who want something lightweight for speedwork.
And if they don’t know the answer offhand, they’ll be able to refer you elsewhere so that someone else can help with this important decision.
Our experts at our brick and mortar locations are happy and trained! to help guide your running journey by giving advice and recommendations on which shoes will best suit your needs: whether it’s a shoe that provides stability and comfort if you have plantar fasciitis or one that lets your toes spread out as much as possible when running barefoot (or nearly so).
The bottom line is this: talking with an expert means that whatever type of runner they’re helping whether beginner or veteran they can steer them toward what’s right for them rather than just try something based on their own preferences (which may differ greatly).
Is it time to replace your running shoes? Knowing when to change them is crucial for preventing injuries. Explore our article on how often running shoes should be changed to understand the signs of wear and tear and ensure you’re running with optimal support.
Get The Right Fit For Your Foot
The first step to finding the right running shoe is getting the right fit for your foot. That means doing a gait analysis, which includes knowing your pronation, foot type (narrow or wide), size and arch type.
You’ll also want to check out what kind of stride pattern you have whether you have a high or low strike and take into account your running style.
| Brand | Shoe Model | Arch Support | Width Options | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike | Air Zoom Structure 23 | Moderate | Regular, Wide | Overpronation |
| Brooks | Adrenaline GTS 21 | Moderate | Regular, Wide | Stability and Support |
| ASICS | Gel-Kayano 28 | High | Regular, Wide | Severe Overpronation |
| New Balance | Fresh Foam 880v11 | Neutral | Regular, Wide, Extra Wide | Neutral Pronation |
| Saucony | Guide 14 | Moderate | Regular, Wide | Mild Overpronation |
Break In Your New Shoes Before Race Day
You don’t have to run in a new pair of shoes for your first race, but you should allow yourself a few days to get used to the new fit and feel before going full throttle with your training.
Breaking in a shoe involves gradually increasing how often and how far you wear them over time until they’re more comfortable than old favorites.
Start by wearing them around the house or when doing light errands, then move on to short runs 3-5 miles and eventually longer distances that can be as much as 10 miles (or more).
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Consider How Early To Run In Altra
You may think that it is better to wait until the last minute to start running in Altra. However, this is not true. If you want to get into Altra, you should begin as soon as possible.
If you are looking for a good way to get started with running shoes and want something comfortable and reliable then try out Altra Running Shoes today!
Leave Room For Your Toes To Move In The Forefoot
The toe box is the part of your shoe that is shaped like a triangle and sits at the front of your foot. This can cause some discomfort for beginners, as their feet are not used to it yet.
But as long as you leave room for your toes to move in the forefoot and allow them plenty of space, this shouldn’t be an issue over time (especially if you wear socks with extra padding).
When you first start running in Altra shoes, don’t worry about someone’s comment about how wide or narrow their toe box might be; instead, focus on getting comfortable with running outdoors on concrete surfaces or paved trails.
Be Ready To Adjust Your Stride And Alignment
The most important thing is to be ready to adjust your stride and alignment. This can mean slowing down or stopping altogether, or even changing the way you run.
You may need to change your shoes, or even the way you form your running motion. If you’re training for an event that requires a specific form say, a marathon you may have to slow down considerably as well.
You should also be prepared for injury: Altra shoes are made from very soft material that provides superior cushioning and flexibility but does not offer much support for hard landings or heavy loads (like when running downhill).
If this sounds like something that could cause problems in your case, then there’s no shame in trying something else first!
Take Small Steps To Start, If Needed
If you’ve never run before, or if you’ve been injured and haven’t been able to run for awhile, it’s important to take it slow when starting a running program.
Starting too fast can lead to injury or burnout. Start with some easy runs of just a mile or two until your body is used to the activity. Then work up from there as needed.
If your goal is just to increase overall strength and endurance (and not necessarily train for any specific event), then the best way to get started is by walking several days a week and working up from there when it comes time for your first run.
The key here is listening closely and paying attention: if something hurts while running, don’t continue; stop right away!
Curious about the average time for an 800m run? Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, our article on the average time for an 800m run provides insights into this common race distance and benchmarks to strive for in your training.
Recover Properly After Longer Runs
After a longer run (anything over 5 miles), it’s important to rest for a day before returning to running. It may feel like you’re ready to go again immediately, but taking some time off helps your muscles recover and rebuild themselves stronger than before.
Take this time to eat more protein and carbohydrates this is your body’s main source of fuel during exercise, so make sure you’re fueling properly!
You should also avoid alcohol or caffeine because these substances can dehydrate your body and cause cramping, which could lead to injury or worse.
Use compression socks after long runs as well; this will help reduce swelling in the legs by slowing down blood flow back into the heart from the legs.
You can also use an ice bath after long runs if that’s something that interests you this may be especially helpful if you have sore muscles or tendinitis in particular areas of your body (like Achilles tendons).
Just make sure not to overdo it with too much cold water at once; start with just a few minutes while gradually increasing up until 10-15 minutes total immersion time per session over several days’ worth of baths spaced out throughout each week.”
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Stretching | Perform static stretches to improve flexibility and relieve muscle tension. |
| Foam Rolling | Use a foam roller to apply pressure to muscles and fascia, aiding in muscle recovery and reducing soreness. |
| Hydration | Replenish fluids and electrolytes lost during the run to support proper hydration and aid in recovery. |
| Nutrition | Consume a balanced meal or snack with a combination of carbohydrates and protein to facilitate muscle repair and glycogen replenishment. |
| Rest | Allow adequate rest and sleep to give your body time to recover and repair tissues damaged during the run. |
| Active Recovery | Engage in light activities such as walking or gentle cycling to promote blood flow and reduce muscle stiffness. |
| Compression Wear | Wear compression socks or leggings to enhance circulation, reduce swelling, and promote recovery. |
| Ice Baths | Submerge lower body in cold water or use ice packs to reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle soreness. |
| Elevation | Elevate your legs to reduce swelling and promote blood flow back to the heart. |
| Massage | Consider getting a professional massage to relax muscles, increase blood flow, and promote overall recovery. |
Conclusion
If you’re looking to start running in Altra, we hope this guide has helped you along the way. And if you know someone who’s just starting out with Altras, please share it with them so they can get the most out of their shoes!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on the topic:
- Altra Running FAQs: Visit the official Altra Running website’s FAQ section for answers to commonly asked questions about Altra shoes, their features, and more.
- Running in Altra Zero Drop Shoes: A Comprehensive Guide: This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to running in Altra zero drop shoes, covering topics such as proper technique, transitioning to zero drop, and the benefits of this style of footwear.
- Altra Running FAQs (Europe): If you are based in Europe, check out Altra Running’s European website’s FAQ section for answers to frequently asked questions about Altra shoes and their availability in European markets.
FAQs
What is the difference between Altra shoes and traditional running shoes?
Altra shoes are known for their unique zero drop platform and spacious toe box, which provide a more natural and comfortable running experience compared to traditional running shoes.
How do I choose the right size of Altra shoes?
To find the right size of Altra shoes, it is recommended to measure your feet and consult the sizing chart provided by Altra. Keep in mind that Altra shoes often have a wider toe box, so you may need to size up or down accordingly.
Are Altra shoes suitable for beginners?
Yes, Altra shoes can be a great choice for beginners. The zero drop platform and foot-shaped design promote a more natural running form, which can help reduce the risk of injuries and support a smooth transition into running.
How should I transition to running in Altra zero drop shoes?
Transitioning to Altra zero drop shoes should be done gradually to allow your feet and lower legs to adapt. Start by wearing them for short periods during easy runs and gradually increase the duration and intensity over several weeks to let your body adjust.
Can I use Altra shoes for trail running?
Yes, Altra offers a range of trail running shoes designed specifically for off-road running. These shoes feature durable outsoles, protective uppers, and enhanced traction to handle various trail conditions and terrains.
Hellen James is an outdoor enthusiast, writer, and hiker. She loves to explore the world around her by immersing herself in nature and visiting new places.
