Altra Instinct 2.0 Review

2 years ago Altra announced an update to their cushioned-but-still-zero-drop model, the Instinct, dubbing this version 2.0.

A year ago I bought my first (green) pair and LOVED them!

A month ago Altra announced another update, dubbed 3.0, and discounted the 2.0 models, so I bought two more pairs – one green, one blue.

All told I’ve run in excess of 700 miles in these three pairs of the same shoe. I’m incredibly late for a formal review since you’re likely not able to pick up a pair for yourself, but it’s so rare for me to find a shoe I’d buy 3 times that I finally felt compelled to share it here.

The difference between this Altra model and most other “barefoot” or zero drop shoes is the cushioning. The Instinct 2.0 has a decent stack height and plenty of cushioning, like traditional running shoes, it just eschews the normal heel-to-toe drop for a zero drop. They also have a fantastic, roomy foot-shaped toe box, giving your toes and foot more room to spread out as you run.

What this means is that you get all the benefits of good form, mid-foot strike running plus the cushioning so your feet don’t suffer the abuse of road wear & tear.

Personally, I could never wear Vibrams because of my bunion and my feet got too tired and sore from running in my New Balance Minimus Roads. The Instinct 2.0s are the perfect compromise – all of the form benefits without any of the cushioning or comfort sacrifices.

Both of the new pairs have under 100 miles on them (barely) so I’ve likely got another year and a half before I need a new pair, but the Instinct 3.0 will be at the top of my list when I go shopping.

Miles run/Price paid per pair (L-to-R):
Green – 554/$105
Blue – 81/$75
Green – 75/$55

So not much of a review but one Hell of a shoe. People may comment on the wide toe box (my wife says they look like Moon boots), but they’re the best shoe I’ve ever run in. I don’t have to sacrifice anything & I’ve strengthened my feet & calves.

See you on the run!

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