KNOW YOUR TECH breaks down the scientific technology used in your favorite sneakers and activewear. Let’s demystify your next purchase: today’s technology is the Altra Foot-Shaped Toe Box. Featured in all of the brand's running and trail shoes, Altra Foot-Shaped Toe Box technology is designed to provide a more natural shape and feel than the toe box constructions of traditional sneakers. By delivering a shape more contoured to the runner's actual foot, Altra Foot-Shaped Toe Box provides comfort, balance, and efficiency.
What is it? The Altra Foot-Shaped Toe Box is a construction at the forefoot/toe area of Altra's trail and running sneakers that is anatomically designed to the human foot. While many traditional running shoes feature more narrow toe box constructions, the Altra Foot-Shaped Toe Box allows the foot to perform in a healthier, more natural way.
How does it work? The narrow toe box design of common running shoes have a tendency to push toes together, which can result in discomfort, bunions, shin splins, and over pronation. However, with Altra Foot-Shaped Toe Box technology, the toes are allowed to rest and flex more naturally, which is not only safer, but helps to add stability and balance.
Notable products: Altra Superor 1.5, Altra Instinct 2, Altra 3-Sum
Bottom line: If the narrow shape of your running shoes is cramping up your toes and causing pain, consider trying out the Altra Foot-Shaped Toe Box.
RELATED: We Chatted 5 Running Companies Our Sneaker Questions, Here’s What They Had to Say
RELATED: Altra 3-Sum, the Ultimate Triathlon Shoe
