Details
Brand
Altra
Heel To Toe Drop
0 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Minimalist
Key Features
• Footpod outsole matches the tendons and bones of the foot for improved flexibility and responsiveness• Quick dry air mesh allows users to run in wet weather and has minimal seams to reduce the risk of irritation and hot spots• Natural Ride System (NRS) uses a Zero Drop and matches the shape of a feminine foot (FootShape) for natural motion• Support insole has structure, cushioning and a deeper heel• Strengthen insole has less cushioning and is flatter in order to strengthen muscles and tendons• A-Bound and EVA midsole offer durability, protection and responsiveness• Drilex Premium Liner in the upper wicks moisture• Asymmetrical lacing gives a snug fit and keeps the tongue in place• Heel claw adds stability and support• A-Wrap gives a snug fit around the midfoot and allows the toes to move freely
Upper
The upper is made from suede leather and quick dry air mesh. The mesh allows the wearer to run in wet or humid weather without compromising breathability. The upper itself uses minimal seams to lower the risk of getting blisters or hot spots. On the inside is Drilex Premium Leather, which has a soft feel and is designed to wick moisture for extra breathability. The narrow heel claw stabilizes and supports the back of the foot to prevent sliding or rolling. The toe cap protects the shoe from wearing out and the foot from accidental stubbing injury. The asymmetrical lacing system gives a snug fit and even has loops to keep the tongue in place. The A-Wrap design supports and stabilizes the midfoot while allowing the toes to splay naturally in the roomy toe box.
Midsole
The midsole uses two types of foam and comes with two different insoles. The A-Bound foam is made from recycled material and is designed to compress less than other foams for better durability. The standard EVA foam is flexible and adds a slight bounce to the wearer’s step. The Support insole, designed to be worn first, has more cushioning and structure and a deeper heel. As the wearer gets used to the zero drop shoe, they can transition to the Strengthen insole that is flatter and has less cushioning in order to strengthen tendons and muscles. The insoles can also be removed altogether and replaced with a gel insole or medical orthotic if necessary. The Natural Ride System makes sure there is a zero drop and that the shape of the shoe matches the shape of the foot in order to allow the foot to move naturally for a better gait.
Outsole
The outsole is made of durable yet flexible rubber. The durability is good for the high-abrasion edges and landing areas of the shoe. The flexibility helps allow natural movement. The outsole uses a Footpod design so that its grooves and treads match the tendons and bones of the foot, and the shoe will bend exactly as the foot does. The treads get good traction and have good responsiveness on roads. The outsole also helps protect the bottom of the foot from feeling rocks or objects on the road.
Breathability
The Intuition is breathable and can be worn in wet, warm or humid weather. The quick dry air mesh covers the upper and is even on the tongue for maximum breathability. The suede material in the overlays does not take away from the breathability. Drilex Premium Leather covers the inside of the shoe in order to wick any moisture that happened to get through. The design uses minimal seams in order to minimize the risk of blisters and hot spots.
Comfort
With its foot-shaped design, testers found that the Altra Intuition has a comfortable fit. The toe box has plenty of room for the toes to splay and the laces and tongue provide a nice and snug fit with a good level of support for neutral runners. The light weight, flexibility and responsiveness make the shoe easy to move around in. The midsole has comfortable foam that is firm yet bouncy. The insoles can be uncomfortable at first while the wearer is adjusting to them, but many testers reported that their foot and knee pain from their higher drop shoes had disappeared after a couple weeks. They can also be replaced with gel insoles for extra comfort. A few testers found that the upper material was slightly stiff in the corners, or that the heel cup was slightly shallow or tight, which caused some soreness. The sizes run small, so potential buyers should order a half size up from what they normally wear.
Style
The Intuition has a popular look. Some sites list it under fashion shoes and some testers chose the Intuition because it looked good for work. It comes in black, grey, or a grey shoe with blue overlays. The shoe is shaped like a foot for maximum comfort with an A-Wrap snug heel and midfoot and a roomy toe area. The pattern on the bottom of the shoe is also designed to match the shape of a foot, as the treads match the bones of the foot.
Durability
The Altra Intuition is very durable. The rubber on the outsole was designed to go over high-abrasion surfaces so that runners can go over rough roads without worrying about it wearing down. The midsole’s recycled A-Bound foam compresses less than other foams so that it does not wear out as quickly, and the standard EVA foam is also fairly durable. The suede and mesh are also designed to last for many miles without wearing through.
Protection
The Intuition protects the foot against heat, wind, rain, and accidental stubbing. The outsole and midsole have a stack height of 23mm in order to protect the foot from feeling objects on the ground through the shoe. The cushioning helps absorb shock and soften landings to protect knees and foot joints from injury. The upper has mesh to protect against heat and it is quick-drying in case it gets wet. The interior was also designed to wick moisture and protect in wet or humid weather conditions. The upper can also protect against cold and wind. The toe cap protects against rocks or debris in the road and the heel claw protects against sliding and slipping.
Responsiveness
The Altra Intuition has good ground feel. There is a good amount of cushioning to provide energy return and the shoe has a minimalist design, light weight, roomy toe box, and a zero drop in order to promote natural movement and build foot muscles to improve form and increase speed over time. The soles are flexible enough to pick up some speed although the upper can be a little stiff according to some testers, which can make moving naturally slightly more difficult. The outsole’s Footpod design also adds to the shoe’s responsiveness, as the shoe flexes where the foot does.
Support
As a minimalist shoe, the Intuition does not give a lot of support. Its outsole and midsole lift the foot off the ground and gives some cushioning. There is a neutral level of arch support for runners who high arches who do not over-pronate. The Support insole offers some support while the Strengthen insole offers little to no support. The upper provides some support because of the A-Wrap design that helps support the midfoot and the heel claw that supports the heel. The laces and tongue also add support to the top of the foot, and the Drilex Premium Leather interior surrounds the foot with light support.
Terrain
The Altra Intuition is a road running shoe. It was designed to go on paved or dirt roads and can also be used indoors for training or everyday use. It can go on light trails that aren’t too technical. It was not designed for wet or slippery terrain.
Price
When it was initially released, the Intuition’s price was about average. Most minimalist shoes seem to carry low prices, but the Intuition’s Footpod outsole, A-Bound midsole, two sets of insoles, quick-drying upper materials, A-wrap design, and Natural Ride System make it a great deal. Because it has been out for several years, the Intuition currently sells anywhere from 50% off to 30% more than its original price, depending on the size and color chosen.
Drop
The Intuition has a Zero Drop design, with a 23mm stack height in both the heel and forefoot. This is great for natural motion and reducing injuries due to heel striking and over-striding caused by the standard 10mm to 12mm drops in other shoes. However, some testers noticed calf or foot pain while they were getting used to a zero drop, so those new to zero drop shoes should be careful.
Stability
The Altra Intuition is categorized as a neutral shoe, which means it has light stability. The outsole is flexible so it can bend with the foot. The midsole offers some stability with a small level of arch support and the A-Bound midsole that does not compress as much as other materials. The upper has some stability with its heel claw that stabilizes the heel and A-Wrap design that stabilizes the midfoot.
Flexibility
The Intuition has good flexibility. The outsole’s Footpod design means that it flexes with the foot. The midsole’s foam is flexible enough to bend with the foot but not too flexible because the A-Bound foam does not compress as much as other foam does. The upper has enough flexibility to offer a snug fit and the toes to splay comfortably, but is also stiff according to some testers in order to stabilize the foot to keep it from sliding or rolling.
Traction
When it was initially released, the Intuition’s price was about average. Most minimalist shoes seem to carry low prices, but the Intuition’s Footpod outsole, A-Bound midsole, two sets of insoles, quick-drying upper materials, A-wrap design, and Natural Ride System make it a great deal. Because it has been out for several years, the Intuition currently sells anywhere from 50% off to 30% more than its original price, depending on the size and color chosen.
Bottom Line
The Altra Intuition is a good shoe for neutral runners who want to transition to a zero drop. It is lightweight, flexible, and responsive enough to run in. It also offers some stability and support for neutral runners. It is durable enough to run for many miles without wearing down. It has a nice style and sells for a fair price. Its Footpod outsole means that it gets good traction on roads and the Natural Ride System (Zero Drop and Foot Shape design) helps wearers to move in natural motions. There are even two insoles, Support and Strengthen, to help the wearer achieve their goals. Possible areas for improvement include a less stiff material in the upper and a less shallow heel cup. Overall, the Intuition is a great shoe for everyday use or as a daily running shoe.
