Altra Men's AL0A546V Solstice XT 2 Cross Training Shoe

Product Information

This model has exposed midsole laters in the forefoot and midfoot, which isn’t a problem in most settings. However, on concrete and asphalt, if you’re cutting or digging your feet into the ground, then you may run into some issues with the outsole peeling away from the midsole in this model. Performance They're tough enough to last multiple seasons, but more importantly, are also soft enough to make blisters and hotspots things of the past. This is a well-designed tool for specific conditions, and also for enjoying a beer after you pull into port. What We Like Nike’s React foam, Saucony’s EVERUN foam, Adidas’ Boost Foam, and many other specialty foams stand above regular EVA, which is why Altra isn’t tooting their horn that the Solstice has EVA foam. 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

However, if you’re a hardcore lifter, doing mostly running, or needing a lot of protection for rope climbing, then look for another shoe (see some suggestions in “the Competition” section below). The upper feels race-ready. It’s a thin fabric in most places, and reminds me a bit of the Brooks Hyperion. Unlike the Brooks Hyperion, the fabric on the upper of the Solstice has a seam at the base of the tongue to change materials. Reebok’s Nano X2 is a responsive shoe that will safely and easily transition from intense bouts of cardio to power lifts. And, given the Nano range is designed as a cross-training shoe, it shouldn’t be overlooked despite the fact that a newer model, the Nano X3, is on the market.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. A soft and durable upper is made from Flexweave knitthat allows your foot to move and breathe when it needs to (toes included during flexing exercises), yet it remains solid during weight-centric movements. Plus, Floatride Energy Foam gives the shoe its lightness, but it also acts as a soft cushion for heavier landings, which means this shoe is suitable for short-distance runs. The Metcon and Nanos are both heavier than the Solstice XT and the F-Lite 235. They also both have really high heels and snug toe boxes that feel unnatural and obstruct lower leg biomechanics. Conclusion

North Carolina-based Astral Designs was initially more of a specialist in kayaking and watersports, but has expanded in recent years into hiking and lifestyle gear. The canvas Loyak owes some of its style and functionality (drainage holes, moisture-resistance grip) to the water, but it's also tough to beat as a stylish do-everything shoe. Thanks to Rope-Tec, you can cruise through rope climbs courtesy of blade-like grooves along the sides of the shoe that grip the rope for support, even on tough climbs. Other specs include a lightweight upper that prevents sweaty feet from stinking up your workout, and elongated rubber padding at the front of the shoe is positioned to protect your toes through difficult movements.Since debuting their first shoe in 2011, Altra has gained popularity with both trail and road runners of all levels. The brand now offers shoes with a wide variety of cushioning, support, and traction. All of Altra’s shoes are based on two key design principles that set them apart from most other shoe companies’ lineups. (1) Altra’s shoes all have a zero-drop heel-to-forefoot platform, and (2) a wide, “foot-shaped” toe box. Many runners love this combo, but for people coming from shoes with higher heel-to-toe drops or narrower toe boxes, it may take some getting used to. 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.

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. The most important priority to keep in mind is that a barefoot shoe feels like it fits your foot. Nobody else's! Online barefoot pundits tend to talk in hyperbole, but ultimately, this is about feeling good, helping you do the things you love, and building up your body's weak links.

The Nike Metcon 5 and Reebok Nanos are two other competitors. However, I would suggest them after the Solstice XT and after the F-Lite 235. Also, the Bare-XF has a tight toe box that scrunches up the toes and metatarsals, preventing natural foot motion and leaving the feet feeling like they’re wrapped up in a medical cast.

The Solstice is Altra’s lightweight race-styled shoe that is similar to their Escalante Racer shoes. One of the main selling points of the Reebok Nano X3 is its versatility, and that comes courtesy of revolutionary midsole technology—coined the Lift and Run Chassis system—that delivers on two fronts. First, the dome-shaped heel offers rigid and sturdy support for lifts, which is a key component of CrossFit. And second, that same dome feature softens when you switch to cardio exercises, such as running and jumping, to absorb and reduce impact. This could be your favorite gym shoe right out of the box, but it's equally at home for daily wear, walking, and all manner of sports. It might be just the shoe to convince you that barefoot shoes are, in fact, real shoes—and ones that are really worth wearing day in and day out. What We Like

Sports

That being said, if you like to vary your gym training on a weekly basis with strength, athletic, and cardio-focused work, then the Altra Solstice XT 2’s construction should work well for the context of your needs. This model features a 0mm heel-to-toe drop and Altra’s Innerflex technology so they flex and move really well for different exercises. In the context of CrossFit, this shoe can technically work for some more casual CrossFit sessions, but as a whole, I think you’ll be capped with this shoe’s performance. Its durability isn’t going to be the best for things like rope climbs, and again, their stability may be an issue for this style of training. The Solstice XT has a low-level midsole that provides a stable platform when lifting. It also allows a balanced foot position for dynamic movements that require a lot of coordination and precision foot placement. 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.