Recently I was given a pair of Altra Instinct 3.5 shoes to review. Not being much of a runner, I figured it would be an interesting piece of gear to review. So I slipped on the new kicks, laced them up, and started logging miles in the Altra Instinct 3.5. After a few months of hitting the old heel-toe express on pavement, trail, grass, and other surfaces overall I’m pretty impressed.
AltraRunning.com is a running shoe company that was created by diehard runners in the mid-1990′ in the Wasatch Mountains. Altra designs running shoes that can “encourage low impact running technique and prevent injury” (runner’s knee, IT Band, Shin splints, plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, forefoot pain, etc). That’s a lofty goal that I can fully support.
The Altra Instinct 3.5 is their latest upgrade to their tried and tested Altra line. I never had the opportunity to kick the tires on the older versions, but the 3.5 is a nice little package. It’s lightweight, breathable, flexible, and comfortable. All things I want in a pair of shoes.
Altra uses technology that helps to make the Altra Instinct 3.5 standout. Those selling points are:
- ZeroDrop – ZeroDrop places the heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground to provide a low impact and natural sensation. I can feel the difference as I walk and run over a variety of surfaces. This evens out your weight and aligns your feet, back and body posture.
- FootShape – FootShape allows your foot to spread out naturally throughout the toe box. It also allows for a straight big toe that can deliver more power and stability, while maximizing shock absorption. I found that with direct and consistent impacts this was great, but any sudden moves and my foot had a bit of slippage.
- Foot Pod – Foot Pod Technology provides a unique pattern that maps the bones and tendons of the foot for natural flexibility and increased responsiveness.
- A-Bound – Abound is a lightweight EVA Foam that helps to put a spring in your step while minimizing impact.
Now are these just gimmicks? Maybe. But I can honestly say that my feet feel pretty darn good after a run or a walk. The materials breath. My joints, muscles, and bones are not sore. My feet feel relaxed. Overall it seems that the shoe fits well and performs well for what it is designed for.
I’ll address a few other points too. I’ve had no durability issues with these shoes. Ask me again in 50 miles and I may feel differently. I find that the shoe feels different – more roomy, more spread out – than other shoes. I still haven’t gotten used to that even though I know it’s by design. I prefer running on pavement with these shoes and did not enjoy trail running in them as much because my feet seemed to slip around a bit more than I felt comfortable with. They dry quickly and breath great.
People’s feet vary tremendously. Go and try a pair of the Altra Instinct 3.5 shoes on your feet and see how they fit. Walk around REI or take them for a test spin around the house, you’ll know if your feet like them almost immediately.
This is far from the best review on a pair of shoes. As a novice runner and mountain enthusiast, I would not recommend this shoe for backcountry adventures, but if you’re trying to get in shape and put a few miles under your feet pick up a pair. These shoes are built for runners. Altra has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all products, so buy with peace of mind that if they don’t fit or if you don’t like them you can send them back. That’s a big bonus right there.
Technical Specs:
- Weight: 8.1 oz./230 g.
- Stack Height: 24mm
- Sizes: 7, 8–13, 14, 15
- Designed to Improve: Running Form, Toe Splay, Stability, Power
- Ideal Uses: Running, Ultramarathons, Long Distance Walking, Cross Training
- Cushioning: Moderate
- Platform: Natural Foot Positioning: FootShape™ Toe Box with Fully Cushioned Zero
- Midsole: Dual Layer EVA with A-Bound™ Top Layer, InnerFlex™ Technology
- Outsole: FootPod™ Technology
- Insole: 5 mm Contour Footbed
- Upper: Quick-Dry Air Mesh
- Other Features: Natural Ride System
- CALIFORNIA PROP 65 WARNING: This product contains one or more chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm.
One thing I appreciate about the Altra Instinct is the directions in the box about fit. I’ll share it here or see the photo below:
- Allow a thumbnail’s width(about 2/3″) between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
- Proper fitting will result in your shoes feeling “too loose” around the toes – this is okay! It may take a few days for your feet to relax and adjust to spreading out naturally.
- Relaxed toe splay maximizes comfort stability, and natural shock absorption.
I was given the Altra Instinct 3.5 Running Shoe to test and review by Experticity.com.
#expertgear #experticity #altrainstinct3.5
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