Creating ergonomic footwear that prioritizes natural foot movement, Altra has earned recognition from physiotherapists and podiatrists for its thoughtful design and biomechanical benefits, offering shoes that support a more natural stride while reducing stress on the joints.
Altra shoes are recognized for two signature features: a wide toe box and a low-to-zero drop platform. In zero-drop styles, the heel and forefoot sit at the same height, encouraging a natural, flat-foot position similar to standing barefoot. Low-drop shoes, with the heel about four millimeters higher, still promote a more natural gait than traditional running shoes, which some find more comfortable when transitioning from conventional footwear.
According to William Kuang, plantar fasciitis expert and director at SA Running Injury Clinic in Adelaide, Australia, the level platform of a zero-drop shoe encourages a natural midfoot strike, helping to reduce excessive loading on the kneecap, shin and forefoot. “Theoretically, this helps reduce ground reaction forces, or shock, to these regions and may ease pain from conditions such as runner’s knee, shin splints, and forefoot issues like bunions, metatarsalgia, hammertoes or neuromas.”
