Altra was founded in 2009 in Utah by Golden Harper, a running store employee who modified shoes for customers seeking zero drop and wide toe boxes. The brand has grown into a leader in natural running footwear.
Philosophy
Altra builds every shoe around two core principles:
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Zero Drop Platform - Heel and forefoot at the same distance from the ground, promoting natural posture and gait.
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FootShape Toe Box - Wide toe box that follows the natural shape of the human foot, allowing toes to spread and grip.
Product Range
Altra offers shoes across multiple categories:
- Road Running - Torin, Escalante, Rivera
- Trail Running - Lone Peak, Olympus, Mont Blanc
- Hiking - Timp Hiker, Lone Peak Hiker
- Everyday - Cayd, Vali
Who Chooses Altra
Altra appeals to runners transitioning from traditional shoes, ultramarathon runners, and anyone seeking more natural foot function without going fully minimalist.