WHYYY
i know i am not saying anything new, but why do all the new altras SUCK. even the “original” shapes seem to have changed. i really notice it in how the shoe curves and the mesh over the outer toe area. seems like the shoes have become more crescent shaped which makes my arch fall over the inside edge. and while the toe box is still relatively wide, the volume seems cut down especially on the outside edge of the shoe. not only that, but they are really leaning into the plush marshmallow foam trend and it pisses me off. i have had to return the last 5 pears of shoes I bought from altra:
Torin ST — did not like guide rail tech
Vanish pulse — ok for short stints but again the weird crescent shape. and did not enjoy the “bouncy responsive” experience
Vanish carbon — rocker was too far back even when i went up a size
Experienxe Flow 2 — ok to walk in and decent volume, but felt like a marshmallow to run in. almost immediately developed plantar fasciitis
Motiv Flex — this new more budget everyday trainer was a little better, but i still found the foam just too flexible
I may consider trying to buy up all the pre 2025 models and using a carbon fiber insert to firm them up a bit. but man altra used to be better from what i remember. I had a little more luck with the Torin 7 and Escalante racer in terms of fit, but more for walking. They do not feel rigid enough to run long distances. may go back to lone peak wides.