We Talk with Altra Running about Zero Drop Science, Wide Toeboxes, and Moving the Company "FWD"
Doctors of Running
Podcast, Episode 177
Over the past decade, Altra has gathered a cult following, with their signature zero drop midsoles and anatomically shaped shoes. On this episode, Nathan and Matt interview Brian Beckstead, Co-founder of Altra, and Alex Lind, Senior Product Line Manager. They discuss the history of Altra and how it was formed from the ground up. They explore the place for zero-drop, "natural" shoes in the current world of max cushion everything. They also take a look at the future of the brand with the introduction of the FWD Experience (their first non-zero drop offering) and their new racing options like the Vanish Carbon and Mont Blanc.
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:54 - A brief history of Altra
4:38 - Brian & Alex's roles
8:14 - The state of the shoe industry regarding zero drop and anatomical toe boxes
15:51 - Altra's goals designing shoes their way
22:37 - Alex's perspective on Altra's mission
25:01 - What Altra means by "natural" running
29:29 - What went into releasing the Altra FWD Experience
37:16 - Issues with creating zero drop shoes with new compliant foams
42:02 - How Altra designs shoes to accomodate different foot types
47:10 - Altra's innovation direction
53:10 - Is Altra looking at more non-zero drop offerings? And what about racing shoes?
57:39 - The science of Altra's Ego Pro foam
59:08 - How Altra designed the FWD Experience's excellent heel bevel
1:02:43 - Wrap-up
Recent Episodes
#176: Buy or Sell? | Link
(Matt and Andrea debate several topics from 4+ marathon shoes to HR monitors)
#175: Ranking Episode! | Link
(The team ranks the softness shoes in the market)
#174: Mailbag | Link
(Shoes for different runners and their foot types)
#173: Science of Shoe Fit | Link
(Matt breaks down fit from beginner to advanced)
#172: Nathan's Favorite Shoes of 2023 | Link
(Nathan talks about a difficult year)
#171: Best of 2023, Part 2 | Link
(We share our favorite racing shoes of the year)
#170: Best of 2023, Part 1 | Link
(We share our favorite training shoes of the year)
#169: Mailbag | Link
(The Role of Plates in Shoes, Matching Super Shoes to Your Own Mechanics, the Best Shoes for Bunions and More)
#168: Post-Marathon Recovery Strategies and Training | Link
(Andrea and Megan return for a discussion on post marathon tips)
#167: Strength Training for Runners Q&A | Link
(DPT Victoria Sekely shares strength tips for runners)
#166: Mailbag! | Link
(How long do shoes last? Health and marathon? And more)
Check out some of our favorite episodes!
#160: Bone Health for Runners | Link
(Montana Running Lab's Rich Willy breaks down bone health science)
#154: Ashley Mateo, Running Journalism | Link
(Running journalist Ashley Mateo joins for a conversation on sources)
#138: The Latest Findings on Super Shoes | Link
(Geoff Burns and Dustin Joubert share research on super shoes for slower runners)
#123: Amelia Boone, 4x World Champion in Obstacle Course Racing | Link
(Andrea
and Megan have a fun and insightful conversation on OCR, injuries, and
eating disorder with the Queen of Pain, Amelia Boone)
#111: Mastering the Art of Running Over 40 | Link
(Digging
into Chief Editor Matt Klein's academic work, he and Andrea discuss the
science of running at an older age. They cover a lot of ground from
injuries to injury prevention.)
#95/96: Science of Footwear Design/Biomechanics with Saucony | Link (95)/ Link (96)
(In
these episodes, we got a chance to speak with the footwear designers at
Saucony to go in-depth on the design process there year-in and
year-out. High level conversation on shoe design!)
Follow Doctors of Running on Social Media
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
Twitter: @doctorsrunning
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
Please feel free to reach out, comment and ask questions!
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Buy or Sell?