About Altra
Many companies were built out of necessity—and the same can be said about Altra Running. Founder Golden Harper and his family ran a running shoe store in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. By observing their very own customers, he noticed that traditional running shoes often led to injuries and discomfort.
And so the experimentation began. He heated up running shoes in the oven toaster, took out the midsole and outsole, and then glued in additional foam to create a shoe with the same amount of cushioning in the forefoot as in the heel. The result? A pair of shoes that felt like he was barefoot on the grass or wearing spikes on a track.
After further testing, he pitched his design—later named "Zero Drop"—to several shoe companies, but no one was biting. So in 2009, Altra Running was born. "Altra" was based on the Latin word "altera," which means "to change or fix something that's broken."
In 2018, VF Corporation, the same company that owns The North Face, Vans, JanSport, and Timberland, acquired Altra.
What's so special about Altra running shoes?
Unlike traditional running shoes that are elevated and tapered, women's Altra shoes are shaped like feet, with a toe box that allows the toes to spread out naturally. This encourages natural movement and prevents the risk of blisters even after miles and miles of running.
Altra's balanced cushioning platform (Zero Drop) positions the forefoot and heel at an equal distance from the ground. This results in a low-impact landing that reduces the stress on joints.
What are the best Altra women's running shoes?
Some of the best Altra women's shoes for running include:
- Women's Mont Blanc Carbon: Trail running shoe with an upgraded midsole, a full-length carbon fiber plate for underfoot protection, and a grippy outsole for exceptional traction on both dry and wet surfaces.
- Women's Vanish Carbon: Ultra-lightweight racing shoe designed for comfort and speed. Comes in different colors, including white/gray, dark purple, coral/black, and black/yellow.
- Women's Olympus 6: Trail running shoe with exceptional grip, generous cushioning, and the proprietary GaiterTrap hook-and-loop tab to keep debris from entering the shoe. Available colors include taupe, black, red/orange, and black/green.
- Women's Paradigm 7: Stability running shoe for runners who need help keeping their feet from rolling inwards. Comes in various colors, including blue, navy/coral, and white/blue.
- Women's Vanish Tempo: Lightweight running shoe designed for speed. Available colors include gray, gray/yellow, and white/coral.
- Women's Escalante 4: A neutral running shoe perfectly suited for daily walks, running errands, or quick training sessions. Available colors include black, gray, blue, mint, and white.
- Women's Lone Peak 8: Trail running shoe with a high-traction outsole and responsive midsole foam. This Lone Peak model is available in mineral blue, dusty olive, black/gray, and mint.
Does Altra make tennis shoes?
Altra doesn't specifically offer Altra tennis shoes, but Altra's Zero Drop platform and FootShape toe box make many Altra shoe models perfect for non-running activities, including tennis.
Are Altra and Hoka the same company?
No, they're not. While both offer high-quality women's running shoes, they're not the same company.
Is Altra owned by Brooks?
No, Altra is not owned by Brooks. Altra is a separate shoe company later acquired by VF Corporation. Its sister companies include The North Face and Timberland.
Does Nike own Altra?
No, Altra is not a Nike company. It's a VF Corporation subsidiary.
Do Altra shoes come in different styles for women?
Yes, Altra offers various shoe styles for women, including:
- Road running shoes
- Trail running shoes
- Hiking shoes
- Walking shoes
- Training shoes
What are Altra training shoes?
Altra women's training shoes are designed for cross-training and high-intensity workouts. Their foot-shaped design and balanced cushioning ensure comfort and freedom of movement.
What sizes are available for women's Altra shoes?
Altra footwear, including performance running shoes, comes in both full and half sizes.
Are there Altra sandals for women?
No, Altra doesn't currently offer sandals for women. But Altra running shoes are so comfortable you can also use them for casual walks.
What materials are Altra running shoes made from?
Altra women's running shoes are made from high-quality materials, including:
- Breathable mesh to keep the feet cool and dry
- Durable rubber soles for traction and grip on various surfaces, including wet roads and rugged trails
- Foamed midsole (typically, proprietary Altra EGO foam) to enhance comfort and reduce fatigue during runs
- Cushioned insoles for extra cushioning and support
- Synthetic overlays on the upper part of the shoe for additional support and structure
- Reflective detailing for visibility during low-light conditions
Are women's Altra running shoes suitable for long-distance running?
Yes, certain Altra running shoe models are designed for long-distance running. These include:
Do Altra shoes for women come with a warranty?
Altra shoes are covered by a one-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects. The warranty doesn't cover damage resulting from normal wear and tear, improper fit, misuse, product alteration, or negligence. Also, the warranty only applies to Altra shoes purchased from the Altra website and Altra-authorized resellers.
Additionally, Altra offers a 30-day trial run guarantee—meaning, if you're not happy with your purchase, you can return your shoes for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. This non-transferable guarantee, however, only applies to US and Canada residents.
How do I take care of my Altra running shoes?
Taking care of your Altra women shoes keeps them in tip-top shape and may significantly extend their lifespan. Some tips:
- When washing, don't use harsh detergents or bleach. Remove the insoles and laces for a thorough wash—this also helps the shoes dry faster.
- Avoid direct sunlight when drying your shoes. Air-dry them at room temperature.
- Store your shoes in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp or overly humid environments to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- If you run frequently, rotate between two pairs of Altra women's shoes to allow each pair to recover between runs.
Where can I buy Altra women's shoes?
Women's Altra running shoes are available at Athletic Annex. We also offer high-quality athletic shoes from other reputable brands, including Nike, Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, and ASICS.
For premium athletic apparel, check out our very own Athletic Annex apparel collection.
If you're in the Nora Plaza area, come visit the Athletic Annex Nora Plaza for your running needs. We're open every day, from Monday to Sunday.
For any questions or concerns, fill out this contact form or call 317-872-0000.
