Altra Torin 3.5 Knit Running Shoes

This brand new version of an already awesome shoe brings you the same midsole comfort and outsole durability as the original version, but with an engineered knit upper. this engineered knit offers a sleek, breathable sock-like upper with a reinforced A-Strap internal support system for a more secure fit.

Engineered Knit Mesh

Engineered Knit mesh encases each foot in breathable comfort. The mesh allows air to fully permeate the entire upper, sucking in cool, fresh air while at the same time pushing out hot, muggy air. This system creates a microclimate within the shoes that allows you to feel comfortable throughout the run. With the shoes being Lightweight and breathable they allow a more streamlined, comfortable run to reduce any unwanted bulk so you maintain focus. The engineered knitted mesh also aids durability as it is the knit is closer together, this also provides structural integrity without the need for external overlays.

Furthermore, the upper offers Altras unique footshape technology that allows the toes to be relaxed and allows them to spread out naturally with the big toe remaining in a straight position for additional comfort, speed and stability. Lastly, the upper features an Internal A-Strap support system that supports your ankle from the inside of the shoe and provides a locked-in fit and feel.

Lightweight EVA Midsole

Lightweight EVA with an A-Bound top Layer resides in the midsole for lightweight cushioning and comfort. Having the cushioning enables you to efficiently propel through the gait cycle for a more responsive ride. Plush, EVA cushioning reduces the wear and tear placed on joints, lessening the potential risk of injury in susceptible areas. A-Bound cushioning provides amazing energy-return and sits directly under the foot to reduce ground impact and add a spring to each step.

The midsole additionally features innerflex technology that cuts a grid through the whole midsole unit, essentially providing flex grooves into the midsole. This reduces weight and increases flexibility in the shoe dramatically without sacrificing the cushioning.

Lastly, every Altra shoe features a Zero Drop Platform that places the heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground for natural alignment and low-impact landing. This Zero drop encourages a midfoot/forefoot strike which is the most efficient way to run and prevents injuries in the process.

Blown Rubber Outsole

Blown rubber has been used in the construction of the outsole to deliver optimal grip and traction, to give a firm, assured footing and a full, unrestricted range of motion. In addition, footpod technology is a unique outsole pattern that spans to the midsole that maps the bones and tendons of your foot to let it flex where it naturally wants to.

About Altra

Altra started in the back room of a speciality running store in the Wasatch Mountains, United States of America. The store noticed they were getting runners from all over the country visiting and complaining of knee pain, shin splints and recurring foot pain. One person, in particular, noticed this, Golden Harper the founder of Altra. Golden studied running injuries in college and combining his knowledge of injuries and a video analysis at his store made it easy to see and more understandable that traditional running shoes promoted poor form and excessive impact.

This switched on the lightbulb in Golden Harper's head and made him want to help runners achieve their best without pain as well as run and live healthy, happy and naturally. Early concepts were made in a toaster oven and were created to try a new way to reduce the injuries of Altra's customers. The toaster oven served a purpose of melting outsoles off of traditional running shoes and then Golden removed the excess heel elevation. This helped Altra to start creating zero drop running shoes.

The zero drop was just one of the steps taken to return runners feet to their natural position, Altra built a distinctive footshape toe box specifically to help alleviate foot problems. It also enhanced stability and comfort while providing a more powerful push-off.