Details
Brand
Altra
Heel To Toe Drop
0 mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Excellent, stable arch support• Zero drop• Snug fit• Great support• Responsive ride• Great flexibility
Upper
The upper of the Altra Provision 2.5 is designed to incorporate the Quick Dry Air mesh that will allow the shoe to stay highly breathable without giving up anything in the way of durability. It literally takes the water that’s on the foot and wicks it away, allowing you to run for long distances without the moisture becoming a serious problem. Making sure your foot doesn’t get overheated or wet as you’re running is crucial, especially if you’re running on the road, which you’d end up doing with the Altra Provision 2.5.
Midsole
The midsole of the Altra Provision 2.5 is made excellent from its use of Ultralight EVA foam that gives you plenty of cushioning while at the same time not skimping in the protection department. It also utilizes StabiliPod Technology gives you plenty of stability in a way that will help even those who overpronate as they run. There’s even a stability wedge built into the shoe which will further help in this regard. This shoe allows you to get more natural movement from your feet, which will keep you on the road longer, especially if you’re an overpronator. Those with insufficient arches aren’t always represented by their running shoes, but with the Altra Provision 2.5, they definitely are.
Outsole
There are two proprietary technologies that the Altra Provision 2.5 takes advantage of in order to provide an exceptional running experience. These are the FootPod Outsole Technologies and the StabiliPod. These technologies are so advanced that they actually are capable of mapping out both the bones and tendons in order to make sure that you have the most flexible of rides as you’re running. So not only will your gait cycle not be negatively affected, it will actually benefit quite a bit from this technology.
Breathability
As you might expect, the breathability from the Altra Provision 2.5 comes primarily from the upper. Since it does make use of Quick Dry Air mesh, this shoe definitely does not skimp on comfort and function when it comes to the running experience. Altra might not be the most immediately recognizable of the running shoe companies out there, but this might actually help them out. They have much more leeway than your average shoe company and fewer expectations, so it’s easier for them to knock it out of the park, especially in terms of breathability, as they’ve done here.
Comfort
The first thing you’ll notice about the Altra Provision 2.5 in terms of comfort is that it has a zero drop construction, which means it’s going to be ideal in terms of road running. Your gait cycle will quite literally be unaffected as you run, freeing you up to really experiment with your running style and perform at a competitive level. With that said, there were some reviewers who felt that the shoe could benefit from some added cushioning, specifically in the underfoot area, to make it so that the ride was that much more comfortable.
Style
In terms of style, the Altra Provision 2.5 isn’t breaking any new ground necessarily, but it does do a good job of featuring the colors that it has. It doesn’t have too many color options, but the ones it does have it display in a tasteful fashion. It keeps the outsole a solid white color, then features the color choice in a muted shade that won’t call too much attention to itself while still looking enticing. If you’re primarily looking for a flashy shoe that will turn heads, the Altra Provision 2.5 shouldn’t be your first choice. With that said, it definitely doesn’t slack in the style department, either.
Durability
In terms of durability, the Altra Provision 2.5 doesn’t do too hot with its upper, which some reviewers have accused of being flimsy. With that said, however, it should be noted that the midsole has been lauded for being quite cushioned and durable, thanks in large part to its A-Bound Top Layer construction as well as its incorporation of Ultralight EVA foam. The tongue being a bit flimsy shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, just a slight disappointment in an otherwise impressive shoe.
Protection
Altra has incorporated extra cushioning into this latest Altra Provision 2.5, allowing for the shoe to be far more protective than others in the past. This means your feet won’t be suffering any more damage than what they are already facing on average while out on the run. The multiple technologies in the midsole that we’ve already talked about in terms of the midsole work in tandem with each other to ensure that you’re getting plenty of natural cushioning and protection as you run. The Altra Provision 2.5 works hard to make sure that you’ll be covered on the run.
Responsiveness
The Altra Provision 2.5 features a FootPod outsole which is specifically designed to add plenty of responsiveness as well as a ton of flexibility. Everything on the Altra Provision 2.5 seems to work toward multitasking and ensuring that every aspect of the run is considered. This is just as apparent with the responsiveness of the shoe, and it’s something that you can look forward to even if you’re running long distances.
Support
What’s refreshing about the Altra Provision 2.5 is that Altra decided to make a shoe with stable arch support, something that means that those runners who overpronate find in this shoe an opportunity to run as they wish to while getting maximum arch support. Most running shoes nowadays are made specifically for neutral support, which means that the vast majority of runners will be covered by the arch support of the shoe. While this is nice, it also means that those who overpronate are left out. With the stable arch support of the Altra Provision 2.5, this simply isn’t the case here.
Terrain
In terms of terrain, the Altra Provision 2.5 has decidedly been designed for the road, and this will be apparent by its durable design and its incorporation of zero drop elements as well. One thing’s for sure, you don’t have to worry about comfort issues down the line. This is important because it’s easy for the unforgiving surface of the road to grind down your shoe’s outsole while making it so that you can’t get a comfortable run in. With the Altra Provision 2.5, however, this simply isn’t a problem.
Price
There’s a fairly wide range of prices that you can get the Altra Provision 2.5 for on Amazon, which is considered to be the best place to get running shoes from. As of the time of this writing, you can get them from anywhere between around $60 to $120. You should note, though, that you’re probably going to get the shoe closer to the cheaper price, as there are plenty of sellers featuring competitive pricing to snatch up customers. When you consider just how many features the Altra Provision 2.5 is truly packing, it becomes a no-brainer that this is a great choice for a comprehensive running shoe.
Drop
The heel to toe drop on the Altra Provision 2.5 is what as known as a zero drop, meaning that it literally has a 0mm drop from heel to toe drop. What this means in practical terms is that your gait cycle will not be impeded by the construction of the shoe. This frees you up to be able to run as you please without having to adjust your natural flow. This is especially great news for competitive runners, as they’ll have an edge by being able to run exactly how they want to.
Stability
As we’ve touched on earlier in this review, the Altra Provision 2.5 is an incredibly stable shoe, thanks in large part due to the type of arch support that’s being used. Most running shoes are built for neutral arch support instead of stability, as neutral support covers the vast majority of runners. However, this shoe proves that you can service the overpronators while still providing an experience that everyone can benefit from. There’s no reason why a runner should have to settle when it comes to their shoe, and you don’t have to when you choose the Altra Provision 2.5.
Flexibility
The flexibility on the Altra Provision 2.5 all starts with its outsole, which features FootPod technology to make sure that not only are you getting a responsive ride as you run but a flexible one as well. Usually, when you get a running shoe that’s as stable as the Altra Provision 2.5 is, it suffers in terms of flexibility. This simply isn’t the case with the Altra Provision 2.5, as it utilizes proprietary technology that truly gives you the best of both worlds. Altra with this shoe has provided a running experience that’s as rare as it is refreshing.
Traction
The Altra Provision 2.5 has plenty of traction, and this is added to by the fact that the shoe is zero drop, meaning that you’re literally going to have no delay between the heel and the toe striking the ground, only what is determined by your individual gait. You should have no problem running in this shoe while it’s raining, which is especially helpful if you’re a competitive runner. This is because you can’t reschedule a race you’ve already paid for, and there’s a fair chance that it might rain during one, especially if you’re running in the spring or summer.
Bottom Line
The bottom line when it comes to the Altra Provision 2.5 is that it’s a great, stable road runner that has plenty of flexibility as well as durability. It has a secure and comfortable fit that will ensure that you will barely notice your shoes as you’re running. It has enough durability and traction to ensure that you can take it on a longer, more competitive run, and it has the cushioning you need when you’re going on a run like a half marathon, or even a full one. It’s got a great weight, a zero drop construction, and is offered at a very affordable price. The Altra Provision 2.5 is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a new road runner.
