My guest today is Aaron DeBord and we got connected via the Tailwind Trailblazer (ambassador) program.
Aaron DeBord, Racing on the Beach
Aaron is an Ambassador for a number of other companies including Boco gear, Spibelt, Soleus, and Topo.
He is a master at connecting his social media and running to tell a story.
The Altra Provision 2.0 is a solid shoe, but if you’re a fan of the Provision 1.5 you may be disappointed.
The newest version of the Provision is noticeably thicker in the sole of the shoe, and for someone that prefers less cushioning, that was a bit of a disappointment.
Though to be fair, the Altra Provision 2.0 is labeled as a moderately cushioned shoe (which I point out in the video), so I’m not sure that Altra deserves a lot of blame here. However, the Provision 1.5 was also labeled as a moderately cushioned shoe, so…
That said, if you don’t mind a little bit of foam under your feet, the Altra Provision 2.0 definitely provides a smooth ride while still staying true to the Altra selling points: foot shaped toe box and zero heel drop.
I’ve already put a few hundred miles on my 2.0s, and I’d estimate I’ve still got a few hundred to go before this pair will need to be replaced, so durability is definitely not an issue.
Check out the video for more details about my experience in the Altra Provision 2.0s, as well as to hear my overall grade of the shoe.
What Other Questions Can I Answer About the Altra Provision 2.0?
Mike Bell doesn’t mind running road races, but he has definitely found his home as a member of the trail running community.
Mike Bell and His Trail Buddies Post Run
There’s just something special about trail runners and the trail running community that Mike has been a part of, and I’m starting to which I could experience it as well.
Our chat today covered all kinds of topics from trail running, to heartbreak, to placing goals on hold but not giving up on them, to relocating and using the running community to help settle in to a new location. Here are some of the highlights of today’s chat. Read more
I received some exciting news over the weekend-I’ve been selected to be a brand ambassador for Altra again in 2015!
I was an ambassador with the company last year, and I’m really looking forward to waving their flag again this year. Honestly, I’m not sure why Altra chose me since it seems like all of their ambassadors are total bad asses (I think the term amBADassadors was floated around last year) and I’m just a slow guy trying to run a marathon in each of the 50 states. But whether they just needed a “token normal runner” or if they just got me confused with someone else, I’m excited to be back in the fold.
I had Golden Harper, founder of the company, on the podcast awhile back, and if you don’t know anything about Altra I’d definitely recommend you check out that episode. The story of Altra coming into existence is a good one that is highlighted by road trips, toaster ovens, and demand from their customers. It’s truly an incredible story, and well worth the listen.
If you ever have any questions or are thinking about trying your first pair of Altras, let me know. I’m happy always happy to help, even if the company fixes the glitch and I’m no longer an official ambassador!
Being an Altra Ambassador is pretty sweet.
I Was Excited For the New Kicks.
Since becoming an official Ambassador at the start of 2014, I’ve been able to “meet” a ton of other Altra Aficionados via Facebook and Twitter, and am looking forward to meeting a fellow ambassador in person at the Blue Ridge Marathon at the end of the month.
While my blog history shows that I don’t need an excuse to pronounce my love for this awesome company and their kick-ass shoes, allow me to expound a little bit about the 2 pairs of shoes that I received as part of being in the Ambassador program.
Altras in General
Running in Altras, or any zero-drop shoe for that matter, takes some getting used to. If you’re new to the zero or minimal-drop shoes, progress in them slowly. Altra does a great job of educating you on the best way to make the switch to their shoes from any of the “traditional” running shoes, but I just want to re-emphasize the importance of a gradual transition. I actually changed my running stride/mechanics BEFORE changing shoes, and I still dealt with tight calves for a while after making the switch.
But it has been totally worth it.
Instinct 2.0
Instinct 2.0
The original Instincts were my first pair of Altras, and they will always hold a special place in my heart.
When I was choosing which shoes to get as an Ambassador, I figured I’d get the newer model of my favorites, and then try a different model with my other.
Let me just tell you, the Instinct 2.0s are not even close to the same shoe as the original.
Now, to be clear, the new model is a great shoe! It just wasn’t at all what I was expecting.
The newer model has a thicker sole and is much more cushioned than its predecessor. The toe box is especially wide (an Altra specialty), and the fit is super comfortable. There is lots of cushion available with this shoe (not just in the sole), while still being surprisingly lightweight.
The Instinct 2.0 would be a great option for your first foray into the Altra catalog. This shoe does a great job of maintaining cushion for us road runners, while still delivering the wide toe box and zero drop that I absolutely love! Click for the men’s or women’s models (women’s equivalent is the intuition).
Provision 1.5
Provision 1.5
For my second pair of shoes, I decided to give the newer version of the Provision series a shot.
And I’m super glad that I did!
These shoes are, in my opinion at least, more like the original Instincts than the new Instincts are. Right now, the Provisions are my shoe of choice.
The Provision 1.5s have a slightly slimmer stack (sole) than the Instinct 2.0s, and I love that. It’s amazing how much of a difference 3 mm can make!
When ordering the Provision 1.5s, the Altra site suggests ordering a half size bigger than you’d normally wear. Take their advice! I didn’t, and when I got the shoe I was a little bummed. I hate being that guy that has to return something, but luckily these shoes came with a stability wedge that I could remove, and that made enough of a difference. The shoes are still a little snug, but they don’t bother without the wedge in place.
Check out the Provision 1.5s, or the Provisioness 1.5s for the ladies, and don’t be afraid to take the leap and give them a shot. I’m glad I tried the Provisions, because I think I might have found my new favorite model!
Overall Impression
Like I said, both the Provision 1.5s and the Instinct 2.0s are great shoes. While I absolutely prefer the Provisions to the Intincts, I’m actually debating which shoe to wear for the marathon I’m running next weekend.
I’ve done most of my long runs with the Instincts, so logic would say that is the shoe I should wear. But I just love the feel of the Provisions more, and I’m leaning towards wearing them. Odds are, both shoes will make the trip to Virginia with me, and my decision will be made on race day!
If you’re at all interested in trying any of the Altra Zero Drop shoes, but you’ve got a few questions, please reach out to me! If I can’t answer your question, I’m connected to dozens of Altramaniacs, and I’d be happy to ask them on your behalf and share their experience with you.
All I know is that I love these shoes, and I’m so glad I took the chance on them back in 2012. As long as their are Altras available, I know I’ll never wear another shoe again!
Have You Tried Zero Drop Shoes? What Are Your Thoughts?
FTC Disclosure–As an Official Altra Ambassador, I was given two pairs of shoes to wear and review. I was able to choose the shoes that I wanted, and the opinions expressed about each model are entirely my own, and have not been influenced in any way by Altra, its associates, or any one related to the company.