This week I got to meet the owners of Altra, a new running company with Zero Drop footwear.  Zero Drop simply means that the shoes are the same distance off the ground at both the heel and ball of the foot.  Since traditional shoes typically employ a 12mm ‘drop’, a shoe with no differential is called a Zero Drop shoe.

The shoes are quite unique in appearance and feel.  When you put them on they feel extremely comfortable and conform to your foot.   The design reminds me of my favorite Birkenstock shoes.  There is a wide toe box, allowing total freedom for your toes, with a snug, yet not too tight encasing for your heal.

Altra has both men and women specif shoes.  I tried on the Adam (a minimalist shoe that would be perfect for working out), the Instinct (a quite comfortable running shoe) and the Lone Peak (an off road running shoe that looks like it can take a beating).

The shoes are slated for release April 2011.

The Adam – $89.99 retail

The Instinct – $94.99 retail

The Lone Peak – $99.99 retail