If you need a shoe for a little bit of everything with a considerably wide toe box then the Altra Solstice XT 2 is a good option. This shoe is stable enough for strength work and responsive for HIIT, cross-training, and short runs. The Solstice XT has a low-level midsole that provides a stable platform when lifting. It also allows a balanced foot position for dynamic movements that require a lot of coordination and precision foot placement. Speaking of the lacing system, I found it to be adequate. Feels good around the top of your foot, the tongue fits well inside the shoe, but I didn’t like how abruptly the tension from the laces ends at the bottom lace.

Given how much I have already described the sole design in the intro paragraphs, I could possibly skip this sole section! But I won’t, since I actually have even more to say. Second, the shoe has no arch support. Those with excessive pronation or other stability issues might look for more stable options. The reason is because we (anyone in a culture that’s grown up with shoes) got used to shoes that push all our toes together into a curved arc.Most cross-trainers are extremely constrictive. They try to squeeze the feet to prevent them from slipping around during dynamic lateral movements but leave the feet feeling bunched-up, preventing optimal lower leg performance. As a result of this “toe freedom”, you may feel the need to clamp down on the laces. Be careful, you might over do it. I’ll get into the lacing system in the upper section later.

There are multiple aspects to like about the Altra Solstice XT 2’s construction and performance in the gym and for various workouts.As the strongest material measured to date, graphene helps root your foot in place with superior grip, yet it's flexible enough to switch between static and dynamic movements while wrapping your feet in solid comfort from heel to toe. One thing to note about the sizing of the Solstice XT 2 is that they don’t come in half sizes for 13, 14, 15. If you’re a half size between 13-15, then I’d suggest going up, so if you’re a 13.5, then go 14. It's also worth mentioning that wider feet might find the seams along the front of the lacing across the midfoot a bit annoying, but some runners appreciated the overall snugness of the midfoot. It's a decent way to keep the upper responsive and affixed while allowing the toe box to be so open. Ego debuted in 2016 on the Escalante and King MT. Compared to traditional EVA foam, it’s formulated to provide a springier feel and more durability. Ego Max debuted in fall 2021 on the Torin 5 and the Paradigm 6. It’s made from compression-molded EVA and tuned for a softer feel than Ego, but it isn’t as responsive. Ego Pro is Altra’s top-shelf foam, and it’s made from thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) formed in a supercritical fluid process. The result is Altra’s lightest and most responsive cushioning material, and it debuted on the Vanish Carbon racing shoe.

The Solstice is Altra’s lightweight race-styled shoe that is similar to their Escalante Racer shoes. All of their women’s shoes also feature the brand’s “Fit4Her” design, which essentially means that they modify the fit of the shoe to accommodate the slightly different shape of women’s feet. The upper works well. It’s breathable and lightweight yet very supportive during dynamic cross-training movements. United Kingdom-based Vivobarefoot was one of the first companies to lean fully into barefoot shoes, and they continue to make innovative models for outdoor sports and hiking. The latest iteration of the Primus Trail line combines a tough-lugged outsole (which is also great for golf, FYI) with a lightweight, form-fitting upper and a focus on sustainable and vegan materials. However, if you’re a hardcore lifter, doing mostly running, or needing a lot of protection for rope climbing, then look for another shoe (see some suggestions in “the Competition” section below).

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For those who like having natural posture and good feet and ankle articulation, the Solstice XT beats others with its unique features — having a “foot-shaped” toe box and a zero drop . Some runners prefer the narrower toe boxes of shoes like Reebok’s Forever Floatride Energy. Lakota Gambill A Natural Take on Tech The Metcon and Nanos are both heavier than the Solstice XT and the F-Lite 235. They also both have really high heels and snug toe boxes that feel unnatural and obstruct lower leg biomechanics. Conclusion Also, the Bare-XF has a tight toe box that scrunches up the toes and metatarsals, preventing natural foot motion and leaving the feet feeling like they’re wrapped up in a medical cast.

The sole is made of EVA foam, which does the job at being a foam for running shoes. I know that was a pretty bland way of describing the foam, but that’s how it sits within the shoe market. This leaves altra in a unique market, where every sub category of shoes that they make with this zero drop, wide toe box platform have no competitors. It’s not bad for running; I just wouldn’t suggest wearing it for runs longer than about 1 mi repeats. Up to such distance, especially for runs with lateral movement, the Solstice XT is terrific. But after that, it starts to feel inefficient compared to a dedicated running shoe. Most cross-training shoes have toe boxes that taper a fair amount which can leave them feeling tight. In the Solstice XT 2, the toe box follows the curvature of the toes and is purposely designed to be wide to accommodate full toe splay and the act of gripping the floor with the feet.This light but mighty running shoe weighs in at only 300 grams, yet it’s infused with some of the world's toughest materials to give you an edge during your workout. In fact, it claims to offer the world’s ‘toughest grip’ due to its graphene-enhanced power heel, a feature developed by scientists at The University of Manchester. Best Barefoot Trail Shoes: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Weather - Men | Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Weather - Women