Maybe because these have their roots on river trips, they are also surprisingly tough and long-lasting, especially considering how light and flexible they are. In a pinch, you could also go for a run and/or lift in them (within reason). What We Like If you need a shoe for a little bit of everything with a considerably wide toe box then the Altra Solstice XT 2 is a good option. This shoe is stable enough for strength work and responsive for HIIT, cross-training, and short runs. Most cross-training shoes have toe boxes that taper a fair amount which can leave them feeling tight. In the Solstice XT 2, the toe box follows the curvature of the toes and is purposely designed to be wide to accommodate full toe splay and the act of gripping the floor with the feet.

Should you find that your foot is not configured for the Altra shape, there are a few good alternatives. The On Clouds have a more sculpted feel, and the sole is a very different design, but the performance is comparable - maybe a bit more sinking on the landing. If the overall design of the Solstice is appealing, and you'd like a sleek, speedy shoe without the toebox concern, take a look at the Brooks PureFlow 7. It feels a little bulkier because it has more padding, both in the collar and the midsole, but it is still super fast and won't disappoint. Weight 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 Like The closest competitor is probably the Inov-8 F-Lite 235, which used to be a zero-drop shoe, but went to a 4-mm drop in the most recent V3 update .

Value

Altra maintains one of the most devoted followings in the minimalist market, but for years, their durability was questionable. Their newer models are up to the challenge of putting in serious miles. What We Like

For shorter runs, the Altra Solstice XT 2 will work pretty well. I found this model to be comfortable for my running sessions that were under two miles and I think you get a nice amount of energy return in this model. The wide toe box also helps to contribute to why I like this shoe for pre and post-workout runs. For those who like having natural posture and good feet and ankle articulation, the Solstice XT beats others with its unique features — having a “foot-shaped” toe box and a zero drop . If you have additional Solstice XT 2 sizing questions, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally and we can work through what size would be best for you. Price Breakdown For the Altra Solstice XT 2, you should be safe going true-to-size. This model’s length fits true-to-size and they have ample width in the toe box for neutral and wider feet.

This light but mighty running shoe weighs in at only 300 grams, yet it’s infused with some of the world's toughest materials to give you an edge during your workout. In fact, it claims to offer the world’s ‘toughest grip’ due to its graphene-enhanced power heel, a feature developed by scientists at The University of Manchester. So, if you’re a cross-fitter doing a lot of work on ropes or an OCR racer, then a shoe with a more robust upper might be preferable (see some ideas in “The Competition” section below). It just does the job and I can confirm it feels pretty average. What is not average is the durability of this foam. They breathe well and are lightweight which also helps increase their ability to perform in HIIT, class, and running contexts. This is one of the better, if not the best, shoes on the market for this style of training for wider-footed athletes. These are also solid shoes for walking and standing for long periods of time. Altra Solstice XT 2 Cons It's also worth mentioning that wider feet might find the seams along the front of the lacing across the midfoot a bit annoying, but some runners appreciated the overall snugness of the midfoot. It's a decent way to keep the upper responsive and affixed while allowing the toe box to be so open.

If you really, really want the most race-ready shoe (we’re talking cross country racing), you’ll want to look at their Golden Spike shoes. Given how much I have already described the sole design in the intro paragraphs, I could possibly skip this sole section! But I won’t, since I actually have even more to say. As part of Reebok’s [Ree]cycled initiative, at least 30% of the Nano X3 is constructed from recycled or repurposed materials. Choose from a range of color options.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. Everyday casual use is probably the best way to wear barefoot shoes! This will help you to build up neglected muscles and proprioception (body awareness) in your feet and lower legs. When you wear a sport-specific shoe like basketball sneakers, climbing shoes, or heel-elevated shoes for squatting, you'll still experience benefits from all the hours you spent in your minimalists! How often should I wear barefoot shoes? I like the Altra Solstice XT 2 for more versatile training and think they’re one of the best training shoes on the market for those with wider feet. This model’s Balanced Cushioning and Innerflex grooves help to give this shoe a really nice maneuverable feeling when jumping and doing multi-directional training. Best Barefoot Trail Shoes: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Weather - Men | Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Weather - Women