Altra Instinct Shoe Review

The second I put on Altra Instinct shoes my feet were comfortable. At the time my left Plantar Facia was acting up and I was looking for help. I had been running in zero shoes for a few years and then got a pair of trail shoes and used them for both trail and road. I didn't think the 12mm lift in the trail shoes would make a difference if I still ran on my mid-foot. I was wrong.

I couldn't take the Altra's off because they were so comfortable. I find it interesting that their comfort has become known in groups of senior citizens who likely wear them because their wide toe box and slipper like feel. In fact, I have taken my retired Altra Instincts, cleaned off the bottoms and made them my house slippers. I've never done that with any other pair of running shoes.

Even though I love them I do have some wishes for future models.

1. First off, the colors aren't anything to get excited about. Your kids won't be making a fashion statement which makes it a little harder to get them into these great shoes. 
2. The tongue of the shoe has a tendency to slide over during a run.
3. The rubber on the bottom of the Instincts is soft and comfortable but if you weigh 165 pounds or more don't expect to get more than 300 miles out of them. 

Shoe on left made it 300 miles. Shoe on right made it 450 miles.

We've had four pairs of Instincts in our family and our teenagers have loved them too. Even though they won't be winning any fashion awards they have an odd cuteness about them and most importantly they help you run with better form. Our kids noticed this on their first run and quickly became converted.

Here is a summary of how long the Instincts have lasted according to body weight. 

165lbs: Logged 300 miles (shoes retired)

145lbs: Logged 225 miles (still using)

125lbs: Logged 445 miles (still using)

115lbs: Logged 450 miles (shoes retired)

I would fully recommend getting your child into a pair of Altra's which will help them improve their form and stay injury free. They run around $100.

Our mid-foot strike first hits on the outside which was the first area to wear out.

My son's shoes have 445 miles on them and are still going strong thanks to his more level mid-foot strike.

Running Shoes Are Kind of Like Children...

For starters, running shoes DO make a difference. Years ago I made the same mistake that you may have made in thinking that any running shoe from a big company will be fine. You end up shopping in the clearance section and at big sporting goods store while trusting a shoe salesman that doesn't even run or perhaps runs 5 or 6 miles a week. I'll save you ten + years of trial and error by sharing the following.

• I say this jokingly but it helps illustrate a point. Running shoes are like children, they all have different strengths and qualities. Knowing how to use those qualities allow you to enjoy the shoe much more. 
• Shop for running shoes at a place where avid runners are the sales people. The shoes might be a little more expensive up front but because you are more likely to get into the right shoe it is cheaper in the long run. It's cheaper because you avoid injury and also a trip to the store to buy a better pair.
• Start your child off with shoes that promote a proper stride.  Saucony Kinvara has youth and adult sizes. Altra running shoes will soon have youth sizes and adult shoes cut specifically for men and women feet. Other quality brands with minimalist shoes are New Balance and Brooks.
• A running shoe lasts for years, but it should only be ran on for the first 300-600 miles (your weight and running form determine where you fall on the spectrum). If your child is wearing their shoes to school and playing around in them after school you need to factor in those "miles" as well. If you're not into factoring things out you can go by a general rule of thumb that children under 12 should replace their running shoes each year, teens in Jr. High and High School should be getting new running shoes every six months of running.
• If you have a child in high-school it is wise to have two pairs of running shoes (different brands) they rotate every other run. This provides time for each shoe to decompress and also provide the foot with a little different feel each run so repetitive injuries are avoided.

Although running shoes are like children they don't get better with age. If you want your child to be serious with running you'll need to get serious about shoes. Shoes will be your most expensive item in this sport, but if you take the time to find the right shoe they will keep your child running rather than sidelined with injury.

What's The Difference With Racing Shoes?

Even after being an avid running dad for a few years I was surprised to find there are different categories of racing shoes. Each category of shoe makes a difference so hopefully this little summary will help when you enter the store and see a wall full of spikes. Try to help your kid resist the temptation of merely choosing the shoe that looks the coolest and get into something that will provide them a good racing experience.

Spikes versus Flats - For mid and long distance runners (800m-5k) you don't always need to wear spikes on the track. The only time spikes should be worn for sure is if the track or field is wet. There is a shoe called a "running flat" and is essentially the same weight as a spike shoe without the spikes. Some runners find them more comfortable so it's good to know that your child can wear either one and not suffer on performance. The red and white shoe is a popular racing flat that can be worn by boys and girls.

Sprinting Spikes versus Cross Country Spikes - There are spikes made specifically for sprints and others for mid distance and cross country. Sprinting spikes are usually made with stiffer material and most of the weight, support, and grip is centered under the front of the foot. Cross country spikes usually support the foot better so the risk for injury is less. Long distance spikes have a little more substance under the entire foot bed like the Saucony Endorphin (black and pink) shoes below. The black Nike spikes are for sprinting and have an added velcro strap to keep the foot from slipping. Both types of spikes can look similar so it's valuable to know the basics before entering a store. The yellow and black spikes above are another example of mid and long distance spikes.

By shopping at a specialty running shoe store you'll increase the odds of getting your child in the right shoe.