b, also known as b or b, is an American company engaged in the design, development, marketing, and sales of road running, trail running, and general footwear. [6] Altra has been ranked in the top 10 brands in “run specialty” and number 4 for trail running. In 2016, the company started to manufacture running and hiking apparel with a line of jackets, shorts, shirts, and socks. Altra developed a backless windbreaker that can be easily slipped on over a backpack or hydration pack during long distance running. Golden Harper, Brian Beckstead, and Jeremy Howlett cut up and altered different brands of running shoes to design a better performing shoe, which they named "Zero Drop." The name refers to the lack of height differential between the shoe's heel and toe area. Harper, Beckstead, and Howlett demonstrated their new design to various footwear companies with little success, so they started a company called Altra Footwear in 2009, partnering with Pulse Labs, an engineering firm at Brigham Young University, and with contract manufacturers in Asia.

[1] [6] [9] [10] Harper chose the name "Altra" based on the Latin word "altera", which means "to fix or mend something that is broken." The company was acquired in March 2011 by ICON Health & Fitness, a developer, marketer, and manufacturer of fitness-related products. Side view of an Altra trail running shoe, which highlights a feature of all Altra shoes where the heel and forefoot are the same distance from the ground. Golden Harper, founder of the company, noticed that the stride and gait of barefoot runners changed when the runners wore traditional running shoes. [12] He suspected that the heel height of most running shoes was too high as compared to the height of the mid-foot or toe. At this time, Harper was working at his father's shoe store called "Runner's Corner", in Orem, Utah and he began modifying traditional running shoes by cutting them open, removing padding from the heel, and then using a toaster oven and glue to put the shoes back together. Harper recruited local runners and store employees to test out prototype shoes where the heel and forefoot were the same distance from the ground.

The design proved to allow a more natural running experience where footfalls are in the mid to forefoot area instead of the more typical heel strike. Harper called this design "Zero Drop". Word spread about these hacked shoes among the local running community and Harper began selling them from his father's store. He commissioned a local cobbler to make a 1,000 pairs, but soon sold out. [7] After failing to interest established footwear companies, Harper took the idea for the shoe to venture capitalists and former Nike designers. The shoe quickly went from a back room operation to an established brand with international production. Altra first entered the North American market in 2011 and won the Runner's World Magazine's 2012 Editor's Choice Best Debut award. [14] By September 2013, Altra Footwear was at 300 percent annual growth rate and opening in 25 to 30 new markets. Each year since 2011, Altra Running has doubled their sales revenue and over 1500 retailers are now selling their zero-drop, foot-shaped toe box shoes.

Outdoor recreation gear and sporting goods Retailer REI started selling Altra Running shoes in the past year. Altra has also introduced a casual shoe line that are designed to be worn in the office or around town. The brand is looking to use social media, running event sponsorships and TV advertising to reach new customers. nike tennis shoes sale usa All Altra running shoes feature a cushioned Zero Drop™ platform that places the heel and forefoot at the same distance from the ground. running shoes are comfortableAltra shoes feature a wider-than-average toe box. running shoes nyc marathon The men's version and women's version of each shoe model is built using gender-specific templates to accommodate anatomical differences. running shoes vintage

During the 2015 Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, Altra introduced their first smart shoe, Altra IQ. Powered by iFit, the Altra IQ uses technology to help runners analyze their running biomechanics. [16] Slated to be released in Spring of 2016, the Altra IQ will collect data on stride, pace, foot strike zone (heel vs. midfoot vs. forefoot), ground contact time, left foot vs. right foot imbalances, and more, and will transmit the data via Bluetooth to a mobile device such as a smartphone or watch for analysis. design nike shoes games Altra Footwear is the official footwear sponsor of the Western States Endurance Run, held each year in Squaw Valley, California [19] and the Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run. dc shoes for sale ukwhich starts and ends in Silverton, Colorado. ^ a b c d e ^ a b cHome  /  Workout Routines  /  Exercise Equipment  /  Running Shoes

Add more spring to your step this season with a new set of shoes. Our 140 sweat-testers ran, walked, biked, and hiked their little hearts out­ — sampling 84 different styles! — ­to bring you these must-buys for your favorite activity. For many runners today, less is definitely more — at least when it comes to the cushioning in their shoes. Millions have embraced the idea of minimal shoes, which weigh less and encourage a midfoot or forefoot strike rather than a heel-heavy landing. Shoe designers have taken note, engineering a new generation of footwear that lowers the height, or drop, between the heel and forefoot to naturally encourage this running style. But beware: The closer your foot is to the ground, the more careful you need to be about form. Land primarily on your mid- or forefoot, with feet under hips and body leaning forward slightly. Increase your mileage slowly to avoid injury, and don't be surprised if your feet ache a bit at first; it takes a while to build up strength in their muscles.

For a Barefoot Feeling The lace-free "slipperlike" design of the 4-ounce Adidas AdiPure Adapt is "extremely comfortable," even without socks, and the shoe "fits like a glove." The firm rubber outsole "won't slip" as you stride, so you get a barefoot feel with protection from the road. WIN a prize a day! The "slim, lightweight" (6.7 ounces) Saucony Kinvara 4 provides "great cushioning" under your entire foot. The beveled heel design encourages you to land in a more forward position, and the triangular pattern on the outsole won't wear down too fast on midfoot strikes. The mesh upper "makes it seem as if you're floating across the ground." The zero-drop profile of the Merrell Road Glove 2.0 "encourages a natural forefoot landing." "Plenty of cushioning" through the foam midsole helps you feel "as if you're running in a more supportive shoe, without the bulk," and at 6 ounces, it's "ultralight." There are also "stink-free" moisture-wicking liners if you want to run sans socks.

At 7 ounces, the Asics Gel Lyte33 2 is "perfect — not too heavy, not too light." Gel cushioning in the heel offers shock absorption, and flex grooves on the outsole and a low heel-to-toe drop cater to a midfoot strike, so it's "ideal" for runners who want to make the transition to minimal shoes. The flexible yet firm midsole gives you "the feeling of running on clouds." The Mizuno Wave Rider 16 gives you a "surprisingly well-cushioned ride" that's perfect for people with high arches. The wave-inspired midsole design provides "great shock absorption" that helps "keep feet from tiring out on long-mileage days." Flexible outsole grooves put "a bounce in your stride," and a breathable upper "hugs your foot without feeling overly tight." The "awesomely light" Asics Gel Kayano 19 feel "like slipper-sneakers" and are fashioned to keep your gait in check: A groove runs down the outsole to guide your foot and help prevent overpronating (rolling inward as you strike). A four-way-stretch mesh upper and two layers of memory foam around the heel make for a "snug but flexible fit."

The Saucony Triumph 10 offers "the perfect amount of support, comfort, and style," especially for those who supinate (turn their feet outward as they strike) or have a normal gait. With a "marshmallowy soft" shock-absorbing insole plus three separate cushioned pods under the heel, this "light and springy" sneak "makes you feel that you could run forever." The "surprisingly light" (9.4 ounces), "supersupportive" Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13 features a biodegradable midsole that "cradles arches with every step." Extra cushioning in the heel helps lessen shock instantly on landing while guiding your foot strike to minimize overpronation. The rugged Brooks Cascadia 8 offers a "good grip on wet leaves, rocks, and sticks," and its water-resistant upper "keeps feet dry despite puddles" and "airs out quickly." A thermoplastic shield between the outsole and the midsole protects your feet from rocks and other annoyances, while "just-right cushioning" gives you "an extra bounce in your step."

The tread on The North Face Ultra Guide's outsole is "large enough to help you navigate tricky terrain without being clunky," and it "grips the trail perfectly, even in wet, slippery conditions," making this a "perfect shoe for going from road to trail." Testers loved how it "supports your arch and foot" and that the "brilliant" neoprene lace liner "keeps debris from slipping inside." The "functional," "fast" New Balance Minimus 10v2 trail shoe "encourages a midfoot strike" as you stride. The flexible upper "conforms to your foot like a slipper," while the cushy carbon rubber outsole is "very responsive" on rocky surfaces. The toe guard helps protect your feet from pebbles and debris. The "light on your feet" Ahnu Sequoia II hiking shoe provides "ideal cushioning and stability" when you're spending a day on the trails. The "breathable" mesh upper "forms to your foot," and an "extremely durable" Vibram outsole "grips rocks and boulders." A thin rock plate in the forefoot offers extra protection against sticks and stones.

"You could wear these all day," testers raved about the New Balance 1765 walking shoes, thanks to the "perfect amount of cushioning," "good arch support," and "roomy toe area." With a stiff midsole that helps stabilize your foot as you walk and a durable crash pad in the heel, they provide "far more structure than other walking shoes." With a sleek "superlight" carbon outsole, the Bontrager RL Road WSD is "comfortable, yet it still lets you put some power into your pedal stroke." A buckle-and-Velcro closure system ensures a "no-slip, not-too-tight" fit, and breathable mesh panels make this shoe "cool enough for summer rides." The women's-specific Sidi Sun MTB shoe is built wider in the forefoot and tapered at the heel, so your "foot stays in place, and your toes don't feel squished." A "phenomenal" reinforced heel cup improves alignment and "gives you more control" as you ride. Testers say they are "easy to clip out of," are "comfortable to walk around in" and "fit like a dream."

Whether you're pumping iron or using the elliptical, the "lightweight yet supportive" Rykä Dynamic features distinct heel and forefoot grooves to ensure that you won't slip. The breathable mesh upper is structured to "hug your foot in all the right places," and the shock-absorbing midsole and arch-cradling sock liner provide "ample cushioning" and "support and flexibility." At just 7 ounces, the "extremely comfortable" Reebok Sublite TR is a versatile shoe that's "perfect for boot camp, interval training, plyo workouts, kickboxing — you name it." The supportive foam midsole "absorbs impact when running or jumping," the roomy toe box is "ideal for someone with wide feet," and the flexible outsole "adds traction when doing burpees and lunges." The "light on your feet" Nike Free TR Fit 3 features an almost seamless upper; straps crossing the forefoot and arch provide extra lateral support for 360-degree moves. Thanks to a cushy foam midsole, these sneaks are also "great for jumping," "good for Zumba," and "perfect for switching quickly from exercise to exercise."