Details
Brand
Altra
Heel To Toe Drop
0mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Instinct 4.0
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• FootShape™ toe box• FootPod™ outsole technology• A-Bound™ enhanced EVA foam midsole• Contoured footbed• Quick Dry Air Mesh uppers• Zero Drop platform• Improved lacing system
Upper
The Altra Instinct 3.5 is made out of a breathable and supportive Quick Dry Air Mesh. Like other features of the shoe, the upper is lightweight. The Instinct 3.5 also boasts moisture-wicking qualities, keeping your feet drier and more comfortable. Many reviewers claim that the inside of the Altra Instinct 3.5 is extremely comfortable, so much so that they do not even need to wear socks with this shoe. The Altra Instinct 3.5 has a 5mm insole that adds cushioning. The shoe also features the distinct wider and rounder Altra toe box. This toe box makes long distance running more comfortable. The Instinct 3.5’s low profile and lightweight material make it ideal for long-distance running.
Midsole
The Altra Instinct 3.5 has a midsole that is made out of dual layer EVA foam. This foam is known to offer better shock absorption, responsiveness, and support. EVA foam is durable and maintains the integrity of its structure quite well. The Instinct 3.5 also incorporates A-Bound™ compounds into the EVA foam. This compound is made out of recycled materials, making the Altra Instinct 3.5 more environmentally friendly. The midsole of the Instinct 3.5 is durable and offers protection from impact.
Outsole
The Altra Instinct 3.5 features FootPod™ technology. This technology is designed to match the natural elements of your feet, such as the placement of bones and tendons. By matching the shape of your feet, the Instinct 3.5 is able to bend and move in a way that enables your feet to move naturally. The unique design of the Instinct 3.5 provides flexibility and responsiveness. The Altra Instinct 3.5 has a well-designed outsole that is durable, stable, and well balanced.
Breathability
The Quick Dry Air Mesh of the upper makes the Altra Instinct 3.5 very breathable. Oftentimes when a shoe provides breathability in the material, it compromises protection from water, but the Altra Instinct 3.5 does a good job of keeping your feet dry with its moisture-wicking capabilities.
Comfort
The Altra Instinct 3.5 is a lightweight shoe with a seamless upper design. The Instinct 3.5 offers enough cushioning to make this shoe comfortable enough for long distance runs. The EVA foam combined with the environmentally friendly A-Bound™ technology is flexible and provides moderate cushioning. The midsole also has a 5mm contoured footbed, keeping the Altra Instinct 3.5 well molded to your foot. The Quick Dry Air Mesh provides a seamless lightweight and breathable upper, keeping your feet ventilated and comfortable. The added moisture-wicking capabilities of the upper also add to the amount of comfort. Dry feet are comfortable feet when running.
Style
The Altra Instinct 3.5 has a low profile seamless upper with a sleek design. The Altra logo is featured both on the side and the rear of the shoe. Several neutral color options are available. Some of the options include blue/silver, black, red/white, and yellow/white. The Altra Instinct 3.5 is a stylish shoe, the colors are not as bright and bold as other shoes on the market, but the overall appearance promotes a sleek, comfortable, and durable looking design.
Durability
Ideally, the Altra Instinct 3.5 can be used for various types of runs and activities like marathons, ultra marathons or cross training. The durability of this shoe is adequate. One of the most durable features on the Instinct 3.5 is the outsole, which features FootPod™ technology. The Altra Instinct 3.5 also has a dual layer EVA foam that also incorporates Altra’s A-Bound™, creating a flexible and durable midsole. The Quick Dry Air Mesh uppers are easy to clean, allowing this shoe to maintain a fresh appearance.
Protection
The Altra Instinct 3.5 does a good job at offering protection while running. The outsole of this shoe protects your feet from the elements while still being responsive. The EVA midsole helps reduce the impact when running, protecting your heels and knees. The zero drop platform of the Instinct 3.5 also helps to encourage a natural running gait and to create low impact running. The uppers of this shoe are designed to keep moisture out, therefore providing you with dry feet. The Altra Instinct 3.5 offers your feet protection for a comfortable running experience.
Responsiveness
The Altra Instinct 3.5 is designed to be a responsive running shoe. The FootPod ™ outsole allows your feet to move naturally when running, providing responsiveness and flexibility. The EVA foam in the midsole is especially responsive and lightweight.
Support
To run longer distances, it is essential that a running shoe provides adequate support. The Altra Instinct 3.5 was designed to combine free movement and a zero drop platform with ample support and comfort. The well-constructed mesh upper supports the foot with its comfortable fit. This version of the Altra Instinct incorporates wide placed lacing system in the upper, providing more coverage and essentially more support. The Altra Instinct 3.5 also uses a contoured footbed to support and stabilize the foot. The A-Bound™ EVA foam offers impact distribution, responsiveness, and optimal support. The Altra Instinct 3.5 is a unique shoe that offers ample support.
Terrain
The Altra Instinct 3.5 performs best on roads and pavements. This shoe is a versatile shoe that can be used for cross training, everyday use, well-groomed trails, long runs, and even ultramarathons. The Instinct 3.5 offers a firm platform that is both flexible and durable. This shoe is not specifically designed to conquer trail runs and may not perform well on rugged trails due to the lack of lugs on the outsole.
Price
The Altra Instinct 3.5 is a mid to high priced running shoe. The price range can vary from $60 towards $150. Many reviewers feel that the Altra Instinct 3.5 is worth the investment, as not all zero drop platforms feature ample durability and support.
Drop
The Altra Instinct 3.5 utilizes a zero drop platform. The zero drop platform places the forefront and heel at the same level. Many people believe that this reduces impact while running and helps to encourage a more natural gait. The Instinct 3.5 still incorporates an ample amount of EVA foam, making this shoe suitable for long distance running.
Stability
The Altra Instinct 3.5’s versatility is ideal for various types of runners. The shoe is both flexible and stable, which is a unique combination in a running shoe. The unique design of the outsole promotes stability by allowing your feet to move in a natural way. The EVA foam midsole also adds support and stability. However, this is not a stability shoe and may not provide enough support for runners who need additional motion control for under- or overpronation.
Flexibility
For a long distance running shoe, the Altra Instinct 3.5 provides ample flexibility. This shoe has multiple features that are designed to promote flexibility, such as the FootPod™, A-Bound™ enhanced EVA foam midsole and the Quick Dry Air Mesh upper. These features all make the shoe flexible which enables a more natural gait while running.
Traction
The Altra Instinct 3.5 utilizes the FootPod™ outsole. This outsole not only provides flexibility and responsiveness but due to the full coating of outsole rubber, this shoe also provides adequate traction. The shallow design of the rubber may make wet conditions a challenge. The Altra Instinct 3.5 performs best on dry, long distance runs.
Bottom Line
The Altra Instinct 3.5 is a versatile running shoe that performs best on paved long distance runs. The FootPod™ outsole is designed to match the bones and tendons of your feet, creating a freer and more natural gait while running. The EVA foam midsole incorporates environmentally friendly A-Bound™ technology which is an energy returning compound that protects your feet from impact. The Instinct 3.5’s contoured footbed and Quick Dry Air Mesh uppers keep your feet snug and comfortable while running. The moisture-wicking material helps keep your feet dry, but the shallow rubber outsole may not perform well in wet running conditions. The zero drop platform reduces impact and helps to improve balance while running. Overall, the Altra Instinct 3.5 is a durable, supportive, and flexible shoe.
