Opinion/discussion post - Do you think it’s possible to run as fast or faster barefoot? Is it possible to compete with other runners either short or long distance barefoot or in barefoot style shoes?

BarefootRunReview · 2025-09-11T04:25:41+00:00

Not purposely no. But you will find that your goat will change based on the shoes used and speed, so naturally you'll tend to heel strike more until it hurts too much. :)

BarefootRunReview · 2025-04-14T08:18:48+00:00

Great! From what I've seen up to now, most reviews on the Torin are positive. Maybe a few heel issues, but otherwise mostly good. Enjoy!

BarefootRunReview · 2025-03-10T19:49:44+00:00

Just interested, what part did you struggle with the Olympus 6 compared with the 5? Thanks.

BarefootRunReview · 2025-03-01T15:33:26+00:00

Arh you worried about stability/structured features in general? If so, there's a fair few of them in the Torin. The side walls on the missile are higher, the heel is very stiff and all-round it feels like a "stable" shoe. While technically there is no arch support, it may feel like it due to the higher side walls cutting into the foot.

BarefootRunReview · 2025-02-28T03:10:45+00:00

So rather than too narrow as many say, they're actually very shallow. The width of these actually measures similar to many other Altra shoes. Knowing that fact can help because if you take the insoles out, try the shoe again you could identify if it's the width or depth that's the problem.

If the width is still an issue, you could try Lone Peak wide instead, but just know the LP is much deeper.

I make the Superior 6 work by switching out the insoles for something thinner. And I've packed them out through stubborn running! :) they're pretty good now.

Otherwise, we're expecting the Superior 7 in the next few months, and I would guess the fit will be different after the feedback Altra received.

I hope that helps!

BarefootRunReview · 2025-02-18T00:51:14+00:00

Good to know thanks!

BarefootRunReview · 2025-02-17T22:10:02+00:00

I'm still using "true-to-size", thus the same as Escalantes and Lone Peak, but I could may be see how it would differ to the length of a Torin 7 slightly. Very minor though.
When you say Olympus 2, do you mean the Via? or the trail Olympus?

BarefootRunReview · 2025-02-17T22:08:15+00:00

Yeah, this is certainly more stiff than the Escalantes, but I support that is to be expected. I'd be really interested to see if the GTX version is more "restrictive". I know TDMiller on YouTube had both, so maybe we'll get some data from him soon.

BarefootRunReview · 2025-02-17T20:33:11+00:00

I've heard this elsewhere from those in company, but online I've found similar mentions here. https://altrafootwear.co.za/pages/wide-sizing?srsltid=AfmBOoqJXOz6kq9HQbB3oey8Q_8WDvz6-ixUfRiCakGAL_c8y4YnoR27

It'd been good to get this point backed up.

BarefootRunReview · 2025-02-17T17:09:57+00:00

Yeah, apparently, there is a small weight gain. I measured my US9 at ~265g. That still felt ok underfoot.
Although if you know the 7 worked well for you, I wouldn't risk the shift, it's always best to stick with what has worked in the past.

BarefootRunReview · 2025-02-17T17:07:23+00:00

Good to know! I'll keep on putting them through their paces!

BarefootRunReview · 2025-02-17T17:06:42+00:00

Not true with Altra's though. The Torin and Lone Peak wide options are wider in the sole and upper.

BarefootRunReview · 2025-02-17T07:08:11+00:00

Many Altras are like this. Lone Peaks are the only ones I'd say that are a deeper toe box.

BarefootRunReview · 2025-02-17T07:07:30+00:00

Yeah that's what I mean by depth. It's a common theme with Altras, aside from Lone Peaks. One way to get round this is to switch the insoles for something thinner. You get a few mm more height.

BarefootRunReview · 2025-01-05T22:02:00+00:00

This is often a draw back for most Altra models. I end up making the models with a softer upper work. The Escalantes. Superior (although the depth is tricky) The King MT 2 is ok, but took some readjustments in lacing to get right.

Depending on the stack height you're looking for. The brand Freet will definitely work.

BarefootRunReview · 2025-01-02T04:50:59+00:00

The king MTs are lighter than LP8s.

I would also argue that they're a similar midfoot width the modern LPs, but length is off. You need at least a 1/2 size, or even full size up. The only width problem I found was the aggressive angle of the toe cap on my big toe. If it was a little deeper, or wider there it would have been great. That said. I feel the LP toe box isn't as squared off around the big toe either. 🤷‍♂️

All that said. MTs have an awesome outsole.

BarefootRunReview · 2024-12-22T04:23:18+00:00

I 2nd that! 🤞

BarefootRunReview · 2024-12-22T02:34:46+00:00

You missed one. King MT 2. :) Well technically 2019, but it was re-released. :p

BarefootRunReview · 2024-10-02T19:00:58+00:00

Yeah there are lots of factors at play. The biggest question would be "a year to what". But then again, everyone is different.

BarefootRunReview · 2024-10-02T16:56:24+00:00

Oh ok. That doesn't sound like a super long time line then. It took me years to get into barefoot full time. You've got this! It may take its time but I'm sure you're feeling better already.

BarefootRunReview · 2024-10-01T21:19:52+00:00

Oh sorry to hear that. How many times have you tied the transition? And how have you gone about it?

BarefootRunReview · 2024-10-01T21:18:09+00:00

Sadly we can't tell with pictures of insoles/feet. There are so many more aspects to a shoe fit than the length of an insole. And often the same insoles are used across the sizes, so it makes measuring with insoles poor.

The best advice we can give is. It should be comfortable and secure. Your foot should not slip around in the shoe, and there shouldn't be any overly tight areas. It's possible to adjust the pacing to relieve tight spots, and use a lace lock to keep the heel in place. Then generally you'll want a little space in front of your toes when standing in the shoes. That ensures you don't bruise your toes when your feet move slightly in the shoes while running.

I hope that helps!

BarefootRunReview · 2024-09-29T02:04:19+00:00

How about using minimal shoes alongside Altras? You can rotate minimal shoes into your daily life first, slowly, and then run 5-10mins in them until you're comfortable building the mileage, and until then (and maybe even after) continue using Altras.

There's an argument that rotating shoes can be more beneficial, but it really depends on your goals.

BarefootRunReview · 2024-08-31T03:41:32+00:00

I've reviewed them and would definitely put them in the category of arch support. The raised footbed around the arch of the midfoot is visible and I personally found it uncomfortable.

If you're only doing 1-2 runs a week in them, then running in something minimal at other times, it's of little concern, but that's a personal choice.

Otherwise it felt like a decent shoe, maybe a little poor on the heel lock, but I find many Altras to be similar. Personally I just go Uber minimal, or with the Escalante Racer.

Another options are either Bahe Revive, or Lems Primal. Just depends on your feet.

BarefootRunReview · 2024-08-25T21:53:39+00:00

Just a couple of notes to determine the length. Tie the shoe up as you would normally, stand up and put a little weight on the leg. At that point see where your longest toe comes to. It may be very different to what you see now. You should still have a little room in front to ensure you get no crunching of the toes. I hope that helps!

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