FEATURE | TIE UP

Translated By DeepL

Yoshikage Kajiwara, first time at Altra.
My first ALTRA

Yoshikage Kajiwara, first time at Altra.

Since its founding in 2009, the shoe brand ALTRA has been pursuing the natural running style of human beings. With unique features such as "Zero Drop" and "Foot Shape," the brand is widely known among core runners, but what is the actual comfort of its shoes? Or rather, what exactly is "natural running"? We will explore the essence of their appeal with Ms. Yuka Kajiwara, who says she has been curious about them for a long time but has never tried them on.

They are totally different from the shoes I have been wearing!

The first model recommended by Mr. Imai was the Escalante 4. It is a standard model of Altra's road shoes.

Altra "Escalante 4"

These shoes are zero-drop, with a thin sole. Mr. Kajiwara is resuming running after taking a break for a while, so it may feel strange to suddenly wear zero-drop shoes, but I hope that these shoes will give him a sense of what Altra is all about.

Now, let's actually put our foot through it.

I was like, "Wow, these are totally different from the running shoes I've been wearing! They are totally different from the running shoes I have been wearing! Just standing in them, I feel as if they are tilting backward. So this is what Zero Drop is all about.

I decided to put on my "Escalante 4" and walk around outside for a bit.

I see. ....... Whenever I walk, I feel like I am landing on my feet as a whole, and I feel like my posture is corrected. The toe part is comfortable because I can feel my toes spreading out. However, the sole is thin, and I'm not sure I'd be comfortable running in them out of the blue.

Based on Mr. Kajiwara's impression, Mr. Imai next recommended "Forward Via.

Altra "Forward Via"

These shoes are positioned as "transition shoes" for moving from shoes with drop to zero drop. The heel is 4mm higher than the forefoot in a low-drop design, and the supercritical foam midsole provides high cushioning. If you are resuming running after a long absence, these shoes may be a good choice for you.

So, let's try it on right away.

Mr. Kajiwara, perhaps liking the comfort of the shoes, runs shortly without thinking.

The toes have the same freedom as in the shoes I just mentioned, but these are less uncomfortable. The sole is thicker and has more cushioning. If I were to resume running, this would be the shoe for me.

And Mr. Kajiwara, there is another pair of shoes that caught my attention from a completely different perspective from the previous two pairs.

Altra "Mont Blanc Boa

These trail running shoes are called "Mont Blanc Boa." It has a BOA fit system that allows you to adjust the fit by rotating a dial.

As a high-spec lover, I was impressed by the look and functionality of these shoes. I wanted to incorporate them into my everyday footwear as a fashion item.

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