Why we stock Altra at Crib Goch Outdoor
Altra makes zero drop shoes with genuine cushioning, which puts them in a distinct category. Most zero drop and barefoot shoes prioritise ground feel at the expense of comfort on longer runs or walks. Whilst many cushioned running shoes compress your toes into a tapered box that restricts natural foot movement and featur drop from heel to toe effectively raising your heel in an 'un-natural' way. Altra resolves that tension: the FootShape toe box follows the natural outline of your foot, the ZeroDrop platform keeps your heel and forefoot at the same height to encourage a more natural stride, and the EGO foam provides enough cushioning to run longer distances without the foot fatigue that comes with more minimal options. Altra is especially suitable for runners moving across from Vivo Barefoot who want more underfoot protection, or for trail runners dealing with the rocky, uneven ground that defines Eryri (snowdonia) and the wider Welsh hills, Altra has earnt its place in our range.
One thing worth knowing before buying: transitioning to zero drop requires an adaptation period if you are used to a conventional heel-raised shoe. We are happy to talk you through that in store rather than leaving you to work it out alone. Getting the transition right matters more than which specific model you choose.
What we stock and why we chose it
Our Altra range covers three distinct uses. For trail running, the Lone Peak is Altra's most established trail running shoe, available with and without Gore-Tex, and the model most of our trail running customers reach for first. The Olympus 275 steps up the cushioning for longer efforts and ultra-distance running. The King MT 2 is the aggressive option for technical and muddy terrain where maximum grip matters. The Timp sits between the Lone Peak and Olympus, offering a versatile all-round trail shoe with a protective rock plate. The Experience Wild range provides a gentler entry point for runners new to Altra or transitioning from road to trail.
For hiking, the Olympus Hike GTX range covers both low and mid options with a Gore-Tex membrane, bringing the foot-shaped design to multi-day walking and hiking in Welsh conditions. For road running, the Experience Flow features a 4mm drop rather than true zero drop, making it a practical transition shoe for runners not yet ready to commit to a fully flat platform. We also stock Altra trail gaiters designed to pair directly with Altra shoes. Not sure which model is right for you? Visit us in-store or Contact Us here
Altra Running Shoes FAQs
What is zero drop and why does it matter? +
Zero drop means the heel and forefoot sit at exactly the same height, unlike conventional running shoes which typically raise the heel by 8 to 12mm. That heel elevation encourages a heel-striking stride and keeps the calf and Achilles in a shortened position during everyday wear. A zero drop platform encourages a more natural foot strike and more even load distribution through the foot, ankle, and calf. The trade-off is that transitioning from a conventional shoe requires a gradual adaptation period to allow your calf and Achilles to adjust. We always recommend a slow transition rather than switching overnight, and we are happy to advise on that process in store.
What is the difference between Altra and Vivo Barefoot? +
Both brands share a foot-shaped toe box and a zero drop platform, but they sit at opposite ends of the cushioning spectrum. Vivo Barefoot prioritises ground feel and minimal stack height, keeping you as close to the ground as possible to maximise proprioception and foot strength. Altra adds meaningful cushioning via their EGO foam, which makes them more practical for longer distance running and hiking on the rocky and uneven terrain common in Eryri and the wider Welsh hills. If you are moving from Vivo to Altra you are keeping the natural alignment while gaining protection underfoot. We stock both at Crib Goch Outdoor and are happy to help you decide which suits your use. Browse our Vivo Barefoot range here.
Which Altra shoe is best for trail running in Wales? +
For most trail runners in North Wales the Lone Peak 9+ is the starting point. It has enough grip for the mixed terrain around Eryri, a protective rock plate, and is available with Gore-Tex for the wet conditions that define most Welsh running days. For longer efforts and ultra-distance running the Olympus 275 provides more cushioning underfoot. For genuinely technical and muddy terrain the King MT 2 offers more aggressive lugs. If you are new to trail running or to Altra specifically the Experience Wild range is a gentler introduction with the same foot-shaped fit. Come in to our stores in Llanberis or Beddgelert and we will help you match the right model to your terrain and mileage.
Are Altra shoes suitable for hiking as well as running? +
Yes. The Olympus 6 Hike GTX range is built specifically for hiking rather than running, with a Gore-Tex membrane and available in both low and mid heights. The foot-shaped design and zero drop platform translate particularly well to hiking, where you spend hours on your feet on uneven ground and toe splay and natural alignment matter as much as they do in running. Many of our customers use the trail running models like the Lone Peak for faster and lighter days and the Olympus Hike for longer days with a heavier pack.
I am not ready for full zero drop. Is there an Altra option for me? +
Yes. The Experience Flow features a 4mm heel-to-toe drop rather than true zero drop, making it one of the lowest drop road shoes available without committing to a fully flat platform. It is a practical step toward natural alignment for runners who want to transition gradually, and still features the FootShape toe box that sets Altra apart from conventional road shoes. It is the model we recommend most often to runners who are curious about Altra but want to ease into the zero drop experience rather than making a full switch immediately.
Can I try Altra shoes in store in North Wales? +
Yes. We stock Altra across our stores in Llanberis and Beddgelert. For a shoe as specific as Altra, trying before buying matters more than it does with conventional footwear. The foot-shaped toe box and zero drop platform feel different to most shoes and the right model depends on your foot shape, your running background, and what you are planning to use it for. Come in and we will talk you through the options and help you find the right fit.