Details
Brand
Altra
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Altra Intuition 4
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• FootShape toe box• FootPod outsole technology• A-Bound• Quick-Dry Air Mesh• Zero Drop• Innerflex
Upper
The Altra Intuition 3.5 upper uses mesh material with a seamless construction. The mesh material provides adequate breathability by allowing ventilation throughout the shoe. The mesh material also wicks away moisture and quickly dries for better comfort. Reviewers were impressed with the level of breathability and the cool, dry experience the shoe provides. The seamless construction feels soft and smooth along the foot, allowing the shoe to be worn with or without socks. There is also a Heel Claw, an overlay on the back of the shoe that secures the heel in place. Additionally, the FootShape Toe Box uses a wider forefront to provide for a more natural positioning of the toes. This helps ensure better fit and balance. Overall, the updated upper provides an improved fit, softer feeling, and enhanced security. Reviewers felt that the slight upgrades made this a better shoe.
Midsole
The Altra Intuition 3.5 midsole is designed with comfort in mind. The shoe uses a Dual Layer EVA that is an upgrade from the previous version. The EVA helps ensure that there are more durability and comfort. The foam cushioning provides responsiveness. There is also a layer above the EVA called A-Bound comprised of a lightweight material to cushion during impact. This layer also ensures that there is adequate energy return during toe-off and additional springiness. There is a 5mm sockliner that’s provides added cushioning. The midsole’s Innerflex provides flexibility with flex grooves place in a grid-like manner. These flex grooves allow the foot to move more naturally for optimal performance.
Outsole
The Altra Intuition 3.5 uses durable rubber to create a strong foundation for the shoe. This rubber is strategically placed along areas of high wear. The shoe uses the FootPod technology, a design that uses the shape movement of the foot. The outsole ensures that the runner has a barefoot experience with protection. There is additional flexibility from the previous version, and the design allows for optimal toe-off. The flex grooves are also strategically placed near the tendons and bones that are most flexible. Reviewers thought the zero drop shoe still offered adequate durability and protection.
Breathability
The Altra Intuition 3.5 provides a breathable atmosphere for the foot. The shoe uses a quick dry mesh material to ensure optimal ventilation so air can move throughout the shoe. The material also wicks away moisture so that the foot remains dry. Reviewers were impressed with the breathability and felt that it contributed to the overall comfort of the shoe.
Comfort
The Altra Intuition 3.5 is compared to running barefoot with some added protection. This means that comfort is built into the shoe, but there is still a natural feel for runners that appreciate that. Altra uses a wider toe-box, giving the foot the opportunity to move more naturally. While the shoe runs a bit small, ordering up a ½ size is a good alternative for those not used to the sizing. Runners wearing the shoe had mixed reviews. Some felt that the shoe provided a spongy feeling, allowing the runner to feel like they are moving on pillows. Some others had an issue with how firm the shoe felt, wanting more give during impact. Depending on preferences, this shoe is a comfortable option for those used to the feel of Altra’s and zero drop shoes.
Style
The Altra Intuition 3.5 is a very sleek shoe with a good design that appeals to many runners. The color scheme is very favorable and offers good choices that runners will appreciate. Runners felt that this was a stylish shoe that could be worn when running or as a casual option.
Durability
The Altra Intuition 3.5 is comprised of durable materials that make this a long-lasting shoe. The outsole uses durable rubber to ensure that the foot is protected and the material stands up to the abrasive elements found while running on roads. The midsole is comprised of a durable EVA material that is built to last, while also providing cushioning during impact. The upper uses a mesh material with a seamless construction so that the material can stand up to dirt and debris. Reviewers had mixed feelings about the shoe’s durability. Some thought that it stood up to the mileage test and had no issues related to durability. Others had issues with the outsole peeling after limited wear and the upper fabric tearing after a short time.
Protection
The Altra Intuition 3.5 keeps the foot protected while running on roads and similar surfaces. The upper is comprised of a strong open mesh material with seamless construction. The upper keeps the foot locked in place while protecting it from dirt and debris. The midsole uses EVA foam cushioning to ensure that the foot stays protected during impact with the road. The outsole uses a durable rubber to keep the foot protected from the abrasive nature of road elements. Reviewers had no issues related to the shoe’s protection.
Responsiveness
The Altra Intuition 3.5 is a zero drop shoe that still manages to pack in strong responsiveness. The Altra Intuition 3.5 ensures that there is adequate cushioning for runs of any length. The midsole uses an EVA foam material to provide energy return. The added layer of cushioning on the midsole, the A-bound, also provides optimal cushioning during impact. The built-in foot pod technology on the outsole provides flexibility and responsiveness by mapping the tendons and bones of the foot.
Support
The Altra Intuition 3.5 is a neutral shoe that does not have a lot of additional support built into the shoe. The shoe’s upper is built to keep the foot locked in using its seamless construction and mesh material. The upper also has a Hell Claw, which is an overlay on the back of the shoe that keeps the heel secure. An added element is also the FootShape Toe Box that creates a wider forefront to provide a more natural positioning of the toes. However, some people had issues with the heel feeling a little too loose within in the shoe, and wanted a more supported, secure fit. The midsole also supports the foot during transition, while the outsole ensures that the foot is supported and protected from abrasive road elements.
Terrain
Altra Intuition 3.5 is designed as a road running shoe. The lightweight zero drop shoe performs well on roads. The outsole is comprised of a durable rubber that stands up to the abrasive elements on the road. The midsole also uses a strong material, EVA, to provide optimal cushioning during impact with the road. The upper also uses a strong material that keeps debris out, while allowing for proper ventilation and breathability. Reviewers thought this shoe performed well on the roads but was versatile enough to use on light trails as well.
Price
The Altra Intuition 3.5 is a very affordable option for women looking for a versatile and stylish running shoe. Compared with other similar models on the market, this shoe is slightly less expensive and is jam-packed with features runners will appreciate.
Drop
The Altra Intuition 3.5 is a zero drop shoe that is designed with performance in mind. This versatile shoe offers an updated design that still ensures that the foot is cushioned during impact. The shoe also uses added features to ensure better responsiveness and flexibility. Reviewers felt these were the best zero drop shoe on the market.
Stability
The Altra Intuition 3.5 is a neutral shoe that does not have any added stability features for those that may need more than the average shoe. With this model, this shoe should be used by those runners that have a higher, stable arch. The shoe features a zero drop design with a layer of added cushioning on the midsole. The outsole also uses a durable rubber to ensure that the foot stays stable during impact.
Flexibility
The Altra Intuition 3.5 provides a good amount of flexibility that runners will appreciate. The outsole uses Foot Pod technology that provides for more natural flexibility as it maps to the tendons and bones of the foot. The midsole has Innerflex that provides added flexibility with flex grooves that are strategically placed in a grid-like manner. The Innerflex allows the foot to move naturally for a more optimal running experience. Runners had no noted issues related to flexibility.
Traction
The Altra Intuition 3.5 uses durable rubber along the outsole. The shallow, flat design of the outsole offers adequate traction for running on roads and similar surfaces. Some reviewers thought the shoe was versatile enough to use on light trails. However, due to the design of the outsole, there is limited traction and grip once the shoe gets wet. There are no features added into the outsole to provide added traction, so this is potentially an area of improvement.
Bottom Line
The Altra Intuition 3.5 is a highly versatile shoe that is focused on performance. The shoe is designed for women with a focus on the shape of the foot. The Altra Intuition 3.5 ensures that the foot can move more naturally with the feeling of being barefoot with protection. The shoe uses durable rubber to create strong outsole. The outsole also uses Foot Pod technology. The midsole is updated a bit to provide more cushioning in areas that were lacking while still offering zero drop. In addition, the shoe boasts a foot-shaped toe box to allow for more space for the toes to relax and move more naturally. The upper utilizes a quick-drying air mesh material to provide added breathability, ventilation, and moisture wicking. The upper ensures that the foot stays locked in place so that it is snug and secure. However, some reviewers did have an issue with excessive heel movement while running, wanting the shoe to be a bit more narrow and snug. The shoe is priced affordably so that runners can feel comfortable knowing they are getting a good deal on a well-designed, stylish shoe. While some reviewers noted some durability issues related to the outsole and upper, most have been pleasantly surprised with how many miles they have gotten from the Altra Intuition 3.5. This is a versatile shoe that runners should consider.
