WHY ZERO DROP & WIDE. (helped w/ plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma & knee issues).  

It's amazing how our body's work. Thanks for sharing some tips with us James. I will probably give some Altras a go at some point in the future. They are certainly on my radar. 😎🤘🏻

I have MN and I appreciate your review very much!!

Interesting regarding toe space and plantar faciitis. Another good reason for me to try out altra. Thanks for sharing!

I went straight into Lone Peaks and it was instantly perfect for me and I've had PF for years, had a surgery on one foot and snapped the tendon in the other, bone spurs etc...had several custom insoles made, tried countless shoes and the very first time I wore these shoes with a wide toebox and zero drop I started feeling better...the first day. I wear them everywhere now

Altra for the win! 🤘

I've realized over the last couple of years that the original footbed shape by Altra is the only running shoe model that doesn't cause me unnecessary injury when training... I'm so grateful they came out with the "Via" Olympus road shoe. The only thing I wear for trail is lone peak or Olympus. I was almost in tears the first road run I did in the Via Olympus. They were so comfortable and my foot and knee pain was gone by the end of the run.

Morton's neuroma and knee pain rapidly improved after getting on the Altra bandwagon. The Timp 4s have been my favourite so far but I use the Torins a lot too. Not sold on the Olympus 4s yet as find getting a good lockdown tough. Cheers for the videos that pushed me in this direction!

This video and your experience speak to me. I have had a near identical experience. I think my issues came from upping my mileage this year and having tight calves. Then the plantar fasciitis was really amplified after running in the salomon sense ride 4. I just recently purchased my first Altra (timp 2 on clearance) and now, also with the help from a buddy who's a physical therapist, (gave me exercises to do at home. (I was stretching the area a lot before talking to him and he got me focusing more on strengthening and not stretching. I notice everything just going away, including a little bit of knee stuff that peeks it's head in every now and then. The altras just feel great and especially a few hours after a run I'm starting to feel fantastic again! Thank you Altra. I will be picking up a pair of their road shoes soon as well. Good stuff. Glad to hear you're getting yourself sorted.

Nice to hear this, because I was going through the same thing. I am trying to purchase Altra's right now. My left heel plantar fasciitis is terrible.

Great video with useful information. Especially the points you make about plantar fasciitis, many videos recommend rolling a hard ball and stretching the foot upward. From personal experience I found that to make it worse, the most useful exercise is actually away from the foot, stretching the hamstring! And I’m very happy with the Altra Escalante 2.

Great analysis James, I am glad you have it figured out. It's annoying that the same company can have so many variations in width. There is nothing worse than having to fight your shoes for an entire run.

Great video and channel. Really happy to hear you talk about socks. Wearing 5 toe and Tabi socks have been a game changer for me, along with a wider toe box. Wearing wide toe box shoes is great, but if you’re limiting your toes from splaying, due to restrictive conventional sock, you’re losing a lot of the benefits of wide toe box shoes.

Even if the toebox gets more and more narrow for every year, I cant live without it. Superior 5 and LP 5s are my go to. Great update James and glad to see you back on track 💪 If you ever get the chance to ger a pair of Lunar sandels you have ro try. Its so much fun 😁🤙

I purchased the superior 4.5's a few years ago and love them. did my first 20 mile trail run and was amazed at how good my feet felt after. I recently signed up for a marathon and fell on the Escalante road shoe and seems to be just right as well. I have had PF for over 20 years on and off and these shoes really seem to help.

I agree with you 100% I had plantar fascitis for 8 months tryed all the youtube advice, 2 different physios shock wave therapy, but my foot only got stronger and I could go back to running and get rid of the plantar fascitis from using bare foot shoes, bare foot around the house and running in altra and bare foot shoes, excellent advice if you have plantar fascitis 👏

Had some pretty painful metatarsalgia for over a year in high cushioned shoes. Hokas, Nike and even Altras. Started doing lots and lots of barefoot walking and then got some vivobarefoot shoes. Took a couple months but the pain is almost gone. I’m able to jog again. All I wear now are barefoot type shoes. Vivobarefoot are my favorites

I have bunions and started getting Morton’s neuroma. I have been trying to transition to barefoot shoes. I bought the SoftStar Primal Sawyers and just wearing them around the house so far. Awesome!!! Morton’s neuroma almost gone. Eventually I want a more minimal trail shoe but need to ease into it so just ordered the Altra Lone Peak 6 in wide.

Nice work James… I’m on board with your thinking. I’ve suffered with plantar fasciitis for the past 10 months up until mid August. You can imagine how much money I’ve spent on shoes. Mostly chasing the cushion. No success with chiropractic or physicians either. I found a pair of Altra Torin 4.0 in my garage that I thought maybe started the foot pain. Walked in them a few days and the pain slowly went away. After four weeks and only wearing altra shoes my pain is 90% gone. I’m wearing the torin 4, lone peak 5 and a pair of temps on the way. I’m walking/running 3 miles 4 times a week. Also, I ride the gravel bike about 150 miles a week. Go ALTRA 👏

Great video, James! If you're still struggling from heel pain, give our custom-moldable footbeds a try. They are zero-drop, come in wide for natural splay shoes like Altra's, and have a deep heel cup to reposition your foot's natural padding. They also have a 90 day unconditional guarantee, so you can really put them to the test and if you're not feeling a change, just send them back to us!

Hi james. I used to wear saucony trail all the time. Used to get a lot of ankle problems. And on my ultras used to suffer with awful blisters. Someone IG said about changing to Altras so I did. It was a game changer for me. I got myself a pair of Olympus 4 for my long runs. And a pair of timp 2 which had to go back to sportsshoe because they blew out just like yours. Definitely a lot narrower. So I changed them to a pair of lone peaks 4.5. I’ve had no more ankle problems since changing.

I’ve been dealing with Morton’s neuroma, plantar fasciitis since 2016 and more recently bunions and knee, hip and neck pain. Nothing has really helped. I’m ordering barefoot wide toe box shoes today. Thank you! 🤞

I've had four Morton neuroma surgeries on n my rt foot. Altra Torin 4.5 perfection, Torin 5 too narrow! Now I'm in a Altra Perdiem and I really like it. I need 0 drop and lots of space, others I can't wear the shoe. I lace for extra freedom of n my rt forefoot, helps a lot!! :). Thanks for your advice, it's nice to know there are others who need Altras as much as I do.

Saying all the right things. I’ve been on the same journey for some time. Into the Altra Olympus 5s at the moment and a super wide toe box helps heal all your stated foot and leg joint problems. Looking for the next even better shoe always. Topo pursuit may be it not sure yet

You are correct. Some Altra are not wide at all.

love the escalante, and i also have the superiors. previously i ramped up from conventional shoes to altras way too quickly and got some plantar issues. currently slowing transitioning back to the altras as i start to run again

Dealing with platar fasciitis right now. Stopped running about 2 weeks ago to help it calm down. Today it finally feels normal. We don't wear shoes in the house and I can say that my feet feel pretty good until I have to jump into my dress shoes for work and hear those for 9 hours. Trying to decide what to do. Like you, I can't afford to buy all the shoes in the world! If I jump into the zero drop world I believe I would need to buy at least 3 pairs. One for running, one for everyday, and one, if I could find some, pair of shoes that would look decent with a suit. Thanks for the information and encouragement!

The Superiors are my all time favorite shoes I’ve run in. Having wide feet and searching for something minimalistic and light Superior did it for me! Perfect for trails, off-road running or gravel.

I had plantar fasciitis. I few years ago. That’s when I discovered I had high arched feet. I was fitted with NB 880 in width 2E with off shelf inserts. That helped a lot. I also found the ASICS GT 2000 in extra wide with Copper Fit Balance Copper Infused Orthotic inserts helps so much

Always stretching my ankles for dorsiflexion with the ultimate goal of hopefully being able to do a slav/asian squat! Great video. I had a mortons neuroma as well before moving to minimalist shoes. Getting earth runners elementals next! My transition started after snowboarding for 4 days on mountain. Those boots squeeze toes and made me realize I had a mortons neuroma. My foot was so cold becauss of the lack of blood flow!! Knew I had to change something!

I’m with you on the Superiors. That shoe feels so good to run in! Favorite shoe for me, but least favorite outsole in my trail rotation. Lugs being dropped left and right. Also, we all share the same frustrations around Altra sizing, so I’m interested to hear more about people’s experience with Topos.

Glad you're pain free(ish). I watched you before the Spirited Man. I thought you'd like to know that. 😂

Knee pain, ankle pain, all dogged me off and on over the years, but I was recommend to try altra shoes by my physio and problem solved. Been running now pain free for 10 months. Started off with the lone peak 4.5 but they had serious durability issues, stayed with altra but with the lone peak 5 and they are bomb proof, great shoes, that ego midsole is fantastic. My physio also recommend wearing crocs as they are roomy and flexible, and great for foot splay, but look shocking.

Zero drop is my absolute favorite. I love the wide toe box. I've also ran in the Hoka Clifton's and I feel issues in my knees, and lower quad. They just feel so unnatural to me. I feel like running in zero drop I do feel that natural kid like feeling of just being out there running. Love the video and I think the insights are so accurate. I prefer altras, but I have also heard some positive things about Topo Athletic. That they have a bunch of space. I find minimal more enjoyable too! Superior is the next trail shoe I am going to get!

danke für das video, Altra Schuhe sind die Rettung für mich bei plantarscziitis, habe 6 Monate gebraucht um hier die Lösung zu finden

James, I am a fool for a deal and the latest review. Enjoy running in Altra's but still end up buying Nike, Hoka, Salomon, NB, etc. Which then ends up with left knee pain and the resultant left leg chain issues - hip/feet. Even my Osteopath recommended zero drop to help get over one lot of pain. I bought a pair of Altra Paradigm (going cheap) and it worked but still went back to Hoka Clifton (fool). Never noticed the narrow mid-foot in an Altra but clearly visible. I found big toe flexibility is important for plantar pain. I definitely find the spacious shoe helps. NB More V3 is good for that (there you go again with me buying another shoe). I sent the Ultra Glide back as it was too narrow but also too many overlays all the way around. Running shoes, cheaper than an affair and a sports car!

Great video and review. I also like the zero drop and wide/foot shaped toe box. I do have a love hate relationship with Altra, it seems like the past couple years they have been narrowing there shoes. The Olympus 4 and Lone Peak 5 have been spot on for me. The Torin 5 I had to go a full size up and the Paradigm 6 was a total miss, to short and to narrow. Have you tried TOPO? They do have a 5mm drop but also have the foot shaped toe box like Altra and they seem more consistent in their sizing across the board. Love the content and the information, keep up the great info.

Interesting video James. I’ve just completed a thru hike of the Pennine Way. Prior to starting, I had some mild plantar fasciitis and wondered if experimenting with a variety of different trail shoes was part of the reason. I tried Altra, Topo, ASICS etc. I ended up walking it in ASICS Trabuco Max and had no issues thankfully. I’ve found Altra shoes to be the most comfortable of all the brands I’ve tried though and I’m going to spend the winter really strengthening my feet through the barefoot walking, foot strengthening etc so I have the foot strength to do long distances in the Altra. Really enjoy hearing your thoughts on zero drop and wide toe box etc as a lot of it resonates

Dealing with planter now. Never have I had such arch pain. Been in altras now for a few years. My problem ,I think was too many ultra races.

damn i had that hulk comic from early 80s :P yeah zero drop cured my plantar fasciitis, that i got from toe spring from brooks a decade ago, and prob the midsole "posting" also

Hi Thx James. Yes in 2019 I moved to fast down to Zero drop minimalistic show and picked up M Neuroma couldn’t where shoes for a hole year. Now in 22 I thought my pain was gone did a lot of research and bought 10mm drop Nike Pegasus and after 1 week of km3/d I’ve stopped running. Got half a shoe insert but after walking km4 i had to stop. Now the interesting thing is I have no pain in flipflops or barefoot so zero drop shoes should be the answer although I think I still want or should get a shoe with good cushioning as I’m a big guy kg115.

Hi James. This is exactly the sort of video I needed to see to give me confidence to move towards zero drop shoes to get my feet stronger and cure my plantar fasciitis in right foot. I have good insight from other videos on best stretches for the issue, but now I wanted a video on best shoes and that zero drop can help. I have been using low drop shoes for many years, but mostly Nike so definitely no toe box space there. Also not been using the toe socks at all. I think my big toe has been constricted! 😅 I will transition slowly. But one comment to make, you went quickly through the names of the shoes, as if we all knew exactly which ones you described, without any text or links on the video. This would be helpful. Were you showing mostly the Altra make of shoes? I’ve heard these are the best ones to transition to moving from normal to zero drop waking/running.

I recently switched to a minimalist casual shoe just for walking (zero drop/minimal stack/foot shape toebox), with the intention of working my way towards running in Altras. I already run a lot in my New Balance Vongos (8mm drop/ med-high stack). Its been about a month since I've gotten the Minimalist shoes and so far my feet are just more sore after a day of walking around. I'm sure that just means I have to keep building that foot/ankle strength.

Feel your pain man tried the mach 4 from altra and feel like my foots being folded inwards

Hey James, been running in Altra's for a while and they fixed my Morton's neuroma which was a blessing. Another benefit of zero drop, or maybe a wide toe box, was that I stopped rolling my ankle. Not sure what element caused this, maybe the change in posture. Just wish Altra's had more durability, but love them anyway!

for someone who has to pay more because of shipping and tax, sizing consistency is super important. that's the reason i gave up on altra. instead, i run about a third of my mileage completely barefoot. as of now i could run 17km barefoot

For some reason, extensive training in just zero drop actually creates PF for me. Toe space is always good but not sure about zero drop

Another great video!!! I love the Altra’s I currently use (Escalante 2.5, Lone Peak 5, Torin 5). The Escalante’s are definitely the widest and I have to really Singh them down. The Toruń’s are the tightest, I think they are wide but not much volume up front, so I did have to loosen off the front parts. I was hoping they would be my long run shoe, offering a bit more protection than the Escalante’s but I’m not sure that is the cases as even though the foam is softer it’s not quite so springy. Two questions: 1. I still use some On running shoes as I like the firmness, should I just go all in on zero drop. Does mixing drops cause a problem. 2. Have you tried Vivobarefoot, I now only ware these other than when I’m running. I’ve done some small distances in them, but worry that my legs won’t be strong enough.

Interesting! Glad the Altras are helping to clear up your issues. I still mostly run in them, but have experimented w/ some of the "fancier" shoes like NB RC Elite and Saucony Endorphin Pro. Currently I'm debating my shoe for a 20 mile trail race on Sunday. It's all flat and just crushed stones and dirt. So doesn't even necessarily require a trail shoe. Debating between the RC Elite to get a little boost on my pace....or just throw on my Altra Superiors to be comfortable for the whole race. Carbon plated shoes are fun to run in, but they tend to hurt the bottom of my feet after while......

Awesome video. I love the zero drop and wide toe box! Altras have been wearing out too fast, so I've been trying out Innov8 and Topo lately (both supposed to be wider than most). The Innov8 may be too narrow but I am LOVING the Topos! The ones I got aren't zero drop, but only 5mm (MTN Racer 2). Sounds like we must have similar feet. running in anything but Altras always caused me issues because of the cramped toe box. I feel like when I switched they fixed my knee pain (didn't think I'd ever run more than 5 miles again until I switched) and foot pain. I tried some Injinji toe socks but found they were a little too thin for my liking. What were your thoughts? Have you tried other toe socks than Injinji?

My new trail LP tore up at the side , defiantly less wide ! Barstards !

In my experience with multiple versions of all the Altra trail shoes, the Lone Peak is the widest. The Superior are my favorite, and the LP are noticably wider than any of the others.

Hi....I am so thankful my husband sent me this link! I had Morton's neuroma, and subsequently started wearing Altras. I went from 4 months "staying off my feet" and got really disheartened. I grabbed my Altras, started distance walking again, and never looked back. (The walking actually helped me! ) Altra has discontinued all my old school favorites, and due to my high miles, I don't know which to try next. My goal is 4000 miles this year, and I am at 3731 as of today. I could really use some advice. I don't know ANYONE who has Morton's neuroma, but not wide feet, and enjoys walking in zero drop sneaks. I really need to count on Altra, but none of the new releases are of the old fit and quality. Any thoughts? I walk level ground, usually. Thanks, and keep up the great videos!

Hi James, I've got a wide forefoot as well and have been using a variety of minimal footwear for some years now alongside more traditional shoes. I've really enjoyed running in Shamma Sandals of late. They have a super wide platform in the forefoot, and you can even get them custom-made for your particular footshape. Have you tried any running sandals out there (Shamma/Luna/etc.)?

James, I appreciate your comments on Mortons N. I am 54 and have lived in shoes. Competition Tennis and running. Now I realize I was weakening my feet. Liberating my small toes has definitely helped the Mortons N. I am doing a lot of barefoot walks on the beach to strengthen the feet and that works well. I like to hike the grand canyon rim to rim. I need a hiking shoe/boot with a wide toe box, zero drop and preferably a thin shank to minimize twisting and protect from many many rocks over the 25 mile hike. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks, Evan

I can’t say for sure but my theory is daily work and walking use zero drop to strengthen feet. Then When running and long walks and hikes use heeled shoes.

Plantar faciosis, Achilles problems, knee and hip pain: All completely gone since wearing zero drop, wide toe box shoes. Vibram five fingers are by far my favourite shoe for almost every day wear.

Have you considered any of the SoftStar primal shoes? Super wide minimalistic shoes.

Well, I've experience the exact opposite. I started hiking in Altra Olympus 5, and after that I got plantar fasciitis. Now I'm back on HOKA Speedgoat 5, Bondi 8 and Asics Trabuco Max 2. This does seem to alleviate the pain, and as the time goes the pain becomes less it seems.

I just wish shoe manufacturers would stick to some of their shoes so that, when we find something we like, we can buy it again after it is worn out. Either that, or that more manufacturers would try selling sustainable shoes that has a bit harder outsole.

I've found with my Torins that when front and rear midsole ages (couple hundred miles) that my arches begin to feel pressure from non-compressd foam now the tallest inside the shoe. No problem yet with Escalante. Still can't go more than 5 or 6 miles in Xero Shoes. Both Altra and Xero change sizing standards from model to model and year to year, so I have to return 2/3 of the shoes - design quality not a priority, I must conclude.

The Superior is top of my list for my next pair. The TIMP 2 are great for me as my feet are medium width. Hopefully the Superior aren't too wide and loose for me but up to now I've been able to get used to any shoe I've bought... Nova Trail being the exception, as I found them to be totally inflexible with poor grip.

Went from the Lone Peak 2.5 to the 6 and had to return them to get the wide version. The regular version was extremely narrow in the midfoot compared to the older versions.

Great video. Really appreciate it. I have Plantar Fasciitis and am considering getting some zero drop shoes to help with this. Im in Vietnam so the selection isnt amazing, but Ive seen some Torin 6's. Any thoughts on if they would be appropriate. To be honest, although Ive run in the past, Im now overweight and just need to get back to walking as the pain from PF is too great to be going for a plod. Ive notived the Torins are neutral, and I overpronate, although not sure if that would be an issue if theyre just for walking, etc. Anyway, thanks again for the vid.

altra worked for me zero drop maximum cushion im in a paradigm now which is causing extreme supinating. i will try the tourin.

NB You have laced the Lone Peak through the front gaiter loop: this is a mistake as it will have put pressure on the widest part of your foot. Maybe worth trying them again with correct lacing. Other than that agree totally, Altra Torin and Lone Peak plus toe spacers cured my Morton’s neuroma, plantar f. and reduced bunion. Allowed me to run my first marathon only a year after i had been on point of giving up running

I've been running in Altras for the past 8 years. This past year I have developed PF for the first time as well as Mortons Neuroma. I've had jumpers knee here and there. All of it is attributed to too much use. Shoes might or might not be a contributing factor, cause. BUt over use is definitely a cause of all these injuries.

Well I did get Mortin's Neuroma relief but I did two things, I switched to both wider and longer shoes (mostly Altra Lone Peaks) but I also cut a hole in my insert right were the nerve is that gave INSTANT relief but not a cure. It's still bothers me when I do bigger mile days (15-20 miles). I never had any problems till I started hiking (but I was fat) and since becoming a hiker in 2019 I've had (in order) Mortin's Neuroma, Achiliis Tendon pain, Strained Calf (4 times), Shin Splint, Plantar fasciitis and the latest thing was PatelloFemoral Pain Syndrome. All but the Mortin's Neuroma were after switching to Altra Lone Peaks and Topo Terraventure. And yet I still wear them but I do try other shoes from time to time such as Asics and New Balance trail runners but I think getting the insole right might be most important after proper sizing. I've had some Lone Peaks last for 500 miles and Ive had some blow out the side in just 250 miles but I'm not sure if it was the shoe or the terrain. My yellow (version 6) are still going after 500 miles but the terrain has been dirt fire roads and not High Sierra terrain. I totaly agree about the old Timps. I'm wearing a pair of 1.2 now that has no tread left but they were too short when I bought them in 2019 but I can kick around in them and they have a WIDE toebox. Altra gave me a free pair of Lone Peaks because the Timps were so short. Not sure if I will ever even try the new Timps. With my Topo I went a full size larger than the Lone Peaks and I like them. My foot is 10.5 long barefoot and I wear a 12 in Lone Peaks and it's 13 in Topo I had to return my Altra Superior to REI because the shoelace eye tore out with only 80 miles on them. Maybe I'll try them again in a 12.5 next year. I still have 2 new pair of Lone Peak 4.5's in the closet that I hope to wear out on the PCT next year. I agree that you have to transition slowly but I also started hiking at 64 and I'm 68 now so I had to experience all the normal injuries late in life but I'm retired so I have the time for it now.

Great video I had to subscribe as an Altra lover. I too went to Altra because of the zero drop. I did have what I think was planter and switched to also Hoka or Saucony which helped but then leads to other issues. I went back to Altra which eliminated those issues such as hip pain, but then planter seems to be back. I have tried multiple Altras. Any suggestions?

I had fit problems with the torin 4 and the lone peak 4.5 the fit for me in the torin 5 and lone peak 5 is spot on

I always end up back in Altra zero drop. I try other shoes Hoka/ saucony etc but never feel as free and natural as Altra,I strangely suffer less fatigue in a altra and my running feels much more effortless.

I have just purchased some vivobarefoot primus trail 2 sg's. On first impressions I absolutely loved the extra room and feedback I got when walking/running in them (I have always used generic and cheap shoes before this so these felt like a revalation to me). They do however rub on my pinky toe quite excessively, so I am now looking to return them and opt for an alternative. I was drawn to the vivos because I have tendonitis in my left knee which flares up often and I had heard that they are excellent in reducing or even removing knee pain. I am looking to do my first marathon next year and wonder if anyone could point me in right direction for an all rounder. Something great on all terrain and with a wide toe box as I have relatively wide feet. Could anyone give me some tips?

Hi James, have you tried Topo Athletic? Honestly cannot rate them enough. Toe box of an Altra, Grip (at least on trail shoes) of a VJ and just enough cushioning with drop of 5mm. When not running I now wear barefoot shoes with toe socks. No injuries in a year and have run more and done more races 10k to Ultra than in any other year. My favourite shoe at the minute is the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 2.

I can't find shoes wide enough for my metatarsal heads, not even men's wides. 5th toe often tight. The uppers can be ok as many are forgiving. Sits on the edge of the insole. Ouch. But Altra has a sale now and the Lone Peak and Torrin both come in wide, so I will give those a try even if the colors are the usual boring ones when it's a wide shoe. But if they fit I'll be happy.

I have the same feeling about the superior 5, fantastic for me. I was looking for a longer distance road option, would you say the Torin 5 is a good option and similar fit? Thank you for all the great content!

I bought some altra torin 4.5 after suffering with a pain along the inside of my shin, I thought maybe I need to strengthen my feet, it’s not 100% gone but I do enjoy running in the altras I just feels nice to plod along!

I am new to running (started early this year) and I started off with Altra Torin 4.5 Plush. Last month I thought I should try other traditional shoes and switched to Hoka Mach 4. Since the switch I have had pain around heel area and knee.

I’m doing voice text because I’m driving used to have plantar issues a lot oh dear you’re running in zero drive shoes and that’s really good what are you really got to make sure is the shoes you’re running in don’t have too much of a stack height and they don’t have an arch support or as little as possible. The Escalante‘s are OK mantra because the problem is the shoes with a high arch support our building up strength in the arch and that’s where I was told all my planner issues were coming from when I went to like a real Low drop zero drop shoe or even a barefoot you everything went away, and I never came back.

Thank you for this video, I'm thinking of transitioning to barefoot shoes myself. I was wondering if you've tried any other barefoot shoes you could recommend. I'm not a runner and I struggle to find everyday shoes. I found many companies for barefoot shoes but very few in the UK (Brexit hasn't helped with access to EU companies with expensive customs costs), so it would good to ask the locals instead of the many videos from other countries (mainly US). I've got similar issues with my feet (bunions, Morton's neuroma, flat feet) and I'm getting tired of buying shoes advertised as wide and be in constant pain.

@movemorenowjames what running shoe would you recommend for people with flat feet who wear orthotics?

Hi, James. Thank you for your advice on this awesome but frustrating subject! Dec 22 will be my 8th marathon since Oct 2021, and I definitely need good shoes for this one. Going to try for 40 miles (36 miles is my furthest so far, so I am nervous!) I can't run, due to needing a knee replacement, but I walk between 3.4 to 4 mph, so I think running shoes suit my needs better than walking shoes. What do you think? My LP 5s have 520 miles on them, so I need to make a decision soon. Really disappointed that they no longer make my ugly, but GREAT Torins anymore!

Great video, how are you doing now? I have been dealing with what’s been diagnosed as “plantar fasciitis” for a couple months now, however im thinking its either more of plantar fasciosis, Achilles tendonitis in the back bottom part of my heel, or weak foot muscles such as weak flexor digitorum brevis and big toe muscles or a combination of all of those which can cause heel pain. I have transitioned to hokas which are a lower heel drop then my old shoes, then i want to get into zero drop altras. I have been doing lots of foot strengthening exercises, marbles, toe flexion such as the towel scrunch, plantar flexing my toes down and stretching the extensors using my hand, doing the edge of a step exercise slowly up and down for the calves, Achilles, intrinsic foot muscles, etc. doing leg balancing, toe yoga, arch scrunch, etc.

Altra has taken my plantar fasciitis from (scale 1-10) 8 to a 3.

You mentioned the King MT 2 for technical runs for us flipper feet people 😅. Unfortunately that shoe's hard to find. - do you have a 2nd recommendation?

Much as I kind of dislike how they feel, I get no sciatica at all from these shoes and a lot less aches and pains, I certainly wouldn't entertainment doing an ultra in my other shoes. Within a month of getting the mont blanc, I went and bought the torin and Olympus 4. If they did a shoe that kind of fitted between the mb and olympus, they would be on to a real winner.

My main frustration with the current options for zero drop shoes is that they all have toe spring - which I absolutely hate.

any chance you can review superior 5, Escalante Racer, and maybe Solstice XT 2? THanks

I loved the cushion of the Timp but they killed my mid foot and bruised the bone. Do you find the Lone Peaks wider than the Superior? Which do you feel has the better cushioning?

My physical therapist traced my plantar fasciitis issues to tight calves and recommended I move away from zero drop. Have you tried Topos? They have wide toe boxes with a low drop.

Hi thx for your video. I’m still struggling with my Morten’s Neuroma injury. I walk/run about km30-50 per day. The only shoe that has worked for me this year is my Altra Paradigm 6 but I’m now wondering if a softer foam and more stack height is better to absorb the impacted like the 30-33mm stack height Ego Max from the P6 or Via Olympus or is the Ego foam and 25mm stack height from the Lone Peak, Rivera or Escalante better combined with my custom made orthopedic inner soles. I am scheduled for that operation but my foot is getting better and I just feel like I prefer to manage my foot pain over gotten a operation which only has a 50/50 success rate. I don’t want to end up with more pain if my op is not a success. I mean if I can walk/run now km30 per day it’s not to bad and I’m sure the right shoes would further aid my recovery and or make it more manageable. Also bare in mind I walk/run on the road which is harder surface than the trails you run on. Thx for your opinion and reply. And have a blessed Xmas

Have you thought or talked about Topo Athletics with their foot shaped style shoes.

I just turned 60 couple days ago and am getting more concerned about the impact of shoes/running on the joints. Iam new to running.I ran for three months with no issues,then the first time I went out in Prime X,I got knee injury. My understanding is that zero drop shoes make the muscles take the impact, rather than the joints? With my first marathon coming up in May,iam wondering if I should get the vanish carbon shoes? (But then what do I do with all my other shoes..lol)

I don't do any running but walk a lot and have wide feet with Morton neuroma. Will these or the superior 5s work for me?

Are the lone peak 7’s wide enough in your opinion? Recently started dealing with PF for the first time in my life and it’s miserable.

Thank you!!! All of this makes SO much sense! I'm trying to transition away from Hokas.... they were a blessing and got me walking again (from a health issue and also so plantar fascitis), but I feel like they are now kind of a 'crutch' so to speak. What are your thoughts on either a shoe that would start me in the right direction, or just do the 6 day Hoka, 1 day Alta progression?? Also, those toe socks look sweet. Any specific suggestions? Thank you :). Sandy

How long is your longest foot and which size did you order?

I have flat narrow feet, do you believe Altra will work for me? There are different opinions. Do you have some advice? Cause I have also metatasalgia and think also a mortons neuroma pain. .. tnx!

My first run in altra rivera felt nice but it was a lot more strain in my lower calves and my feet hurt too is this something that will get better?

I have a pair of the superiors,I don't use them, because they don't have much cushion,relative to others. Iam re thinking this after watching your video. Am planning a 40 mile run later in year across North Yorkshire Moors,maybe these should be the shoes to use?

I run about 40-45 miles a week (80/20) with traditional shoes but I’ve been so attracted to making the switch over to zero drop but I just don’t know what the point is? I don’t suffer from much injury aside from tight hips and occasional knee stiffness after 10-12 miles in one go. What would be the point for me to go through the pains of switching. The cycle never ends lol

What vest are you wearing?