Altra Men's AL0A546V Solstice XT 2 Cross Training Shoe

Product Information

Best Barefoot Trail Shoes: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Weather - Men | Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Weather - Women However, if you’re a hardcore lifter, doing mostly running, or needing a lot of protection for rope climbing, then look for another shoe (see some suggestions in “the Competition” section below). Another aspect to the upper that stands out is the offset stitching that runs behind the heel and down the laces. This stitching holds in a puff of extra foam around the cuff of the heel and reinforces the top of the lace area. Of course, what constitutes the best barefoot shoe can be quite personal, and quite specific to your favorite activities. If you're a diehard lifter, for instance, the best hiking shoes or hiking boots won't do much for your workouts. So for this guide, here's the arbitrary line of what "barefoot" means: Third, the wide “foot-shaped” toe box, as opposed to most training shoes , is extremely comfortable. However, it may feel loose or sloppy for those with narrow feet or those who enjoy foot bindings. That said, if none of those caveats apply to you, please keep reading.

One thing to note about the sizing of the Solstice XT 2 is that they don’t come in half sizes for 13, 14, 15. If you’re a half size between 13-15, then I’d suggest going up, so if you’re a 13.5, then go 14. Any barefoot shoe can be a great walking shoe, but the Altra Solstice is a particularly solid fit for someone who prioritizes walking as their primary form of fitness or commuting. It's also a likely fit for nurses, food service staff, and anyone who puts in long hours on their feet. The traction is as good as any shoe out there, the upper is luxurious and form-fitting, and the feeling of the "cushioning" underfoot is firm, but still substantial enough that it will bear the brunt rather than your tootsies having to. What We LikeThe shoe features Altra’s signature FootShapethat promotes interior space for your foot to spread—which is ideal if you're in the wide foot camp. And, its Balanced Cushioning is positioned in such a way as to level your heel and forefront with the ground. United Kingdom-based Vivobarefoot was one of the first companies to lean fully into barefoot shoes, and they continue to make innovative models for outdoor sports and hiking. The latest iteration of the Primus Trail line combines a tough-lugged outsole (which is also great for golf, FYI) with a lightweight, form-fitting upper and a focus on sustainable and vegan materials. It’s not bad for running; I just wouldn’t suggest wearing it for runs longer than about 1 mi repeats. Up to such distance, especially for runs with lateral movement, the Solstice XT is terrific. But after that, it starts to feel inefficient compared to a dedicated running shoe. There are multiple aspects to like about the Altra Solstice XT 2’s construction and performance in the gym and for various workouts.

The upper’s mesh is breathable to keep your feet from overheating, while the outsole is lined with grooves that allow the shoe to bend with your foot and provide excellent grip on indoor surfaces.

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These three advantages just can’t be found altogether in competing shoes in the market. So, for anyone doing cross-training that involves basic lifting, plyometrics, running, and more, then the Solstice XT will be an excellent choice.