Details
Brand
Altra
Heel To Toe Drop
0mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• Zero-drop design• Specifically designed for HIIT workouts• Rubber wrap outsole• Anatomically designed footbed (removable)• A-Bound and EVA cushioned midsole• Rubber outsole• Air mesh upper construction• Natural Ride System
Upper
The XT’s upper is made of Air mesh, a breathable and durable fabric. Reviewers not only liked the solid build of the HIIT’s upper material but appreciated that it was flexible yet supportive. The HIIT’s design is wide and thus accommodates larger foot widths. Inside the shoe, there’s also a removable footbed that can be taken out to adjust the overall stability and level of cushioning. At the front of the shoe, there’s a thick toe bumper. Some felt the rigid toe cap was a bit uncomfortable, even with the correct shoe size. While the fit of the Altra shoe seemed to be true to size, some wearers may prefer going up a size to provide a bit more room lengthwise to avoid too much jarring contact with the hard toe cap.
Midsole
The midsole of the XT is composed of two materials. The A-Bound and EVA cushioning are very comfortable. A unique feature of the HIIT XT is that the footbed can be removed. Taking it out will somewhat increase stability but does reduce the amount of cushioning. It also creates a little more wiggle room, which might not work for everyone. Users appreciated having the option to remove the footbed. Some reviewers did feel, however, that the shoe needed a bit of a breaking in period to really feel comfy during workouts. Keep in mind, removing the footbed also changes the drop height of the Altra HIIT. Without the footbed, the drop height goes from 0 mm to 6 mm. For certain workouts, a higher drop helps with form. When doing weighted squats, for instance, wearers may feel more stable without the inner footbed.
Outsole
The outsole of the Altra HIIT is made of rubber. Pretty simple, right? Well, the grippy outsole provides a good deal of traction despite its simple composition. It also happens to wrap a little higher around the edges of the shoe so that wearers can grip all sorts of surfaces and even manage to use the shoes for tasks like rope climbing.;Reviewers were wowed by the rubber wrap sides and loved the extra grip this provided. Users also noticed that the rubber wrap design helped with overall durability. Wearers found the outsole stable as well. For HIIT workouts a grippy outsole is imperative. HIIT combines a variety of different movements from squats to lateral jumps. A grippy, stable platform will make these movements a whole lot easier and less likely to produce injury.
Breathability
The mesh upper of the XT regulates temperature quite well. The upper itself is supportive while still allowing for movement. The fit is comfortable according to reviewers, who appreciated the roomy breathable toe box. Users liked the option allotted to remove the interior footbed. For those feeling a bit restricted, removing the footbed reduces the overall cushioning level but helps to create more wiggle room inside the shoe.
Comfort
Reviewers found the XT fairly comfortable owing to the shoe’s stable zero-drop design, flexible accommodating upper, and roomy forefoot area. Reviewers also appreciated the removable footbed option which allowed them to customize the fit and feel of the XT according to their specific needs. For less cushioning, more stability, and a roomier fit just remove the footbed. Many reviewers did find the shoe a bit bulky but recognized its solid build and stable platform. However, a definite breaking in period is needed for the Altra XT.
Style
Most reviewers seemed pleased with the look of the Altra HIIT. The wide look, however, felt a bit clownish to some. Others weren’t overly enthusiastic about the design finding it too busy for their liking. A few reviewers also lamented the lack of style options. The women’s version is available in three colorways: black with fuschia accents, black and neon gray, and black with pink and orange accents. For men, there are also three style options: black and white, dark grey with orange, and dark grey with yellow accents. The shoe features contrasting Altra branding and bright laces.
Durability
The Altra XT has no problems with durability. Reviewers appreciated the solid build of the cross training shoe. While the design didn’t appeal to everyone, the majority of reviewers were quite happy with the lifespan of the shoe. Although the HIIT is not the lightest cross trainer available, users seemed fine with a bulkier design in return for a long-lasting shoe. The shoe features a resistant upper, quality midsole materials, and a thick outsole with a large surface area.
Protection
A thick outsole is the first layer of protection in the Altra XT. The rubber outsole raises up on the edges of the shoe to provide an extra point of contact for activities that require some lateral grip. The raised outsole design also helps with durability. Reviewers also noted that the breathable upper helped keep the interior temperature of the HIIT properly regulated to prevent uncomfortable overheating. The wide design is accommodating and stable which prevents instability and blisters.
Responsiveness
The XT’s combination of A-Bound and EVA midsole cushioning provides a responsive platform. Reviewers did feel that the heftier construction of the HIIT shoe did decrease responsiveness somewhat. Still, the inclusion of Altra’s Natural Ride System does offer a chance for a smooth ride feel and the zero-drop ensures close ground contact for instant feedback.
Support
The mesh upper of the Altra HIIT XT provides a good amount of support for wearers performing high-intensity interval training. For workouts that include powerful, explosive movements, the HIIT delivers targeted support to keep wearers secure. The ability to remove (or keep) the footbed gives users the choice between a tighter or looser fit.
Terrain
The HIIT XTs are meant for indoor gym use. They won’t fall apart if you take them outdoors, but chances are that you’ll be performing the bulk of your HIIT workouts indoors. Reviewers felt the Altras worked as advertised for HIIT workouts.
Price
The Altra XT is lower in price than comparable cross-training shoes, which makes them a great buy. For a dedicated high-intensity interval training shoe, the XT works as advertised and delivers protection, comfort, and a stable design. The combination of stability and durability delivered via the Altra HIIT is reason enough to choose the shoe for your most intense sweat sessions.
Drop
The zero-drop design, common to all Altra-brand shoes, keeps wearers in contact with the ground. This geometry encourages a stable ride. Even if you choose to take out the interior footbed, the drop doesn’t become too intense. Without the footbed, the drop becomes 6mm. The differences also include a slightly less cushioned base and a more planted ride.
Stability
Although the Altra trainer is a more neutral shoe, its wide outsole design and very grippy tread help provide an incredible amount of stability. Users found the HIIT provided a very stable platform for all types of HIIT movements. The zero-drop design also brings the wearer closer to the earth and thus enhances stability further. Wearers can also choose to take out the footbed to reduce the drop height and provide an even more supportive base for workouts. Lifters, for instance, can choose to take out the footbed for a less cushioned, more stable platform uniquely suited for their preferred activity.
Flexibility
Reviewers liked how flexible the XT felt during HIIT workouts. The Natural Ride System in the HIIT allows for a bendy, smooth ride. The result is a springy shoe that still feels supportive even during the most challenging workouts.
Traction
The Altra HIIT features a simple rubber outsole, which works well for indoor use. A unique design feature of the XT is that the outsole doesn’t just cover the bottom of the shoe, it rises up the sides as well. This allows for additional traction during climbing and other activities requiring a lateral grip. Reviewers found the outsole grippy and stable and liked the wrap-around sole design of the shoe. The wrap around design helps with durability since it protects the side of the shoe from general wear and tear but also provides enhanced grip all-around the shoe.
Bottom Line
The Altra HIIT XT is an excellent choice for gym goers who want to focus on performing high-intensity intervals as part of their training. Getting in quick, efficient workouts requires a stable and comfortable shoe. Powerful movements that often include plyometrics also require a well-cushioned midsole that offers protection and energy-return. The Altra XT features all of this and more. The simple cross training shoe is less expensive than many other shoes of its kind but offers plenty in return for your dollar. The accommodating design is particularly well-suited to wide footed athletes who need extra room to move around. The supportive and stable design is perfect for all kinds of gym workouts including HIIT and quick runs around the neighborhood or on the treadmill.
