Altra questions ... Level of cushion

Triathlon Forum
1

I’ve been running in Brooks PureFlows for the past several months and really like them. I did not find the transition to a lower drop that difficult, and after my last run in my Brooks Ghost 5’s I will definitely stick to a lighter, lower shoe in the future.

With that in mind I am looking to replace a pair of Saucony Mirage shoes that I’ve been using as my travel workout shoe. I like the fit of the Mirage, but am not too excited about how firm they are underfoot as compared to the PureFlows. I’ve heard good things about the Altra brand, so am thinking about trying the Instinct 1.5 or the Torins.

For those of you who have tried them, how does the cushioning of the Instinct compare to the Torins, and how might they also compare to the PureFlows? My experience with the PureFlows is that they are more cushioned than most lighter weight, lower drop shoes, which would mean the Torins might work better, but I am worried about the higher stack height in the Torins.

Also, has anyone noticed a big difference between the 4mm drop of the Brooks and the zero drop of the Altras? I went to a zero drop golf shoe and cannot believe how much I like them, so am looking to move that way with this pair.

I will use these shoes primarily in hotel gyms and for shorter runs while traveling, keeping my PureFlows for longer runs at home. They may also get a little crossfit style exercises in at the hotel gym also.

Thanks, drn92

2

Bump … Anyone out there have experience in Altra shoes?

Thanks, drn92

3

I have the Instinct 1.5’s, Torins, Lone Peaks and Superiors. Torins and Lone Peaks for running and other two for walk/jog w dogs. the forefoot cushioning on the Torins is very nice, but the Instincts are lacking. I have a client who runs rails to trails- he switched to the Lone Peaks after deciding the Instincts lacked cushioning in the forefoot.

4

I have the Instincts, and they are my go to shoe…

They have plenty of cushion out of the box but if you need more there is a second insole that can be used if more is needed. What I love about them is the quality, flex and wide toe box all the necessary parts to a zero heel forefoot shoe.

The looks could be improved upon, my wife says they look therapy shoes.

As far as 4mm heels vs zero lift it really doesn’t make much of a difference to me, being a truely forefoot runner. I find that how much your heel drops isn’t that relevant, most of the force is being absorbed by the ball of your foot anyway. Zero lift shoes do let you stretch out your calf a bit as your heel taps the ground if that’s important.

Ron W.

5

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like the Instincts may work as a travel shoe (treadmill and elliptical) but might not be enough for my daily driver.

drn92

6

Appreciate the input. I think the Instincts sound like a nice option for traveling (treadmill, elliptical, weights in the hotel) but may not have enough cushion for my every day shoe.

I did find some Saucony Cortanas that I am going to rotate in with my PureFlows, but am going to try the Instincts as my travel shoe.

drn92

7

The Torin model is very nice… I think the other models lack enough cushion for me as a serious trainer on hard surfaces… Torin feels great on everything though

8

I started with the Instincts and have since transitioned to the Torins, just need a bit more cushioning, but love the feel of both and the zero drop.

9

Another vote for the Torin … maybe I should just go with it as my next travel shoe to give me some options.

Thanks, drn92

10

Thanks. Good feedback. Still torn as I will probably use them primarily for treadmills and ellipticals.

Appreciate the insights.

drn92

11

Don’t know if you’ll notice any significant difference between the two on a treadmill.

Interestingly I also recently purchased some Hokas, am having lingering feet issues but can’t stop running at the moment.

So cushioning definitely goes from Instinct, Torin, Hoka in that order.

The Hokas are really cushy which my feet like but they’re heavier than the Torins and I’m slower in them so far.

12

The Torin model is very nice… I think the other models lack enough cushion for me as a serious trainer on hard surfaces… Torin feels great on everything though

I agree with what Kevin said. I have the Altra Instinct and the Pureflow.

Instinct is much more firm than the Pureflow. I prefer it for short hard runs or running on dirt roads. I like it for running intervals on the crushed gravel trailDefinitely prefer the zero drop of the Instinct over most 4 mm drop solesThe toe box of the Instrict is much wider/better feel (for me) than the Pureflow
I’ll keep the Instinct for shorter runs. I think this shoe will also be my winter “go to” zero drop shoe when I have to run on roads with snow etc.

13

Hokas are a no go for me. Size 14 feet …

Looking at the overall stack height, the Torins appear very close to my PureFlows.

Torins are 20mm heel and toe and the PureFlows are 22/18 heel and toe according to Running Warehouse.

Given that my Mirages are too firm as compared to my PureFlows, I think I’ll buy both and ship back what I do not like.

Thanks all for the input.

drn92

14

Mirage is my main shoe. I tried some Instincts a while back and they are definitely more firm than the Mirage.

15

So … I received my Altras today. They are a very nice shoe, but I do not think either will work.

The instinct fits pretty nice, but has hot spots across the top of my right foot. It is also pretty firm, especially compared to my PureFlows.

The torin fits great, and the zero drop is not really noticeable, but the sole from the heel throughout he mid foot is very narrow. I have pretty weak ankles and the narrowness worries me. I know I should not heel strike in these, but at the end of the day I am just not sure.

Thanks for all of the input above, looks like I am going to try something else.

drn92