Altra Men's AL0A546V Solstice XT 2 Cross Training Shoe

Product Information

Regarding the second limitation, if you’re looking for a genuine running shoe , keep shopping around. 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. For shorter runs, the Altra Solstice XT 2 will work pretty well. I found this model to be comfortable for my running sessions that were under two miles and I think you get a nice amount of energy return in this model. The wide toe box also helps to contribute to why I like this shoe for pre and post-workout runs. 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.

That being said, if you like to vary your gym training on a weekly basis with strength, athletic, and cardio-focused work, then the Altra Solstice XT 2’s construction should work well for the context of your needs. This model features a 0mm heel-to-toe drop and Altra’s Innerflex technology so they flex and move really well for different exercises. Altra’s aim is primarily to give runners a foot-shaped toe box. Sounds like an obvious goal that every shoe manufacturer should have, yet it’s surprisingly not done in almost every running shoe.Since debuting their first shoe in 2011, Altra has gained popularity with both trail and road runners of all levels. The brand now offers shoes with a wide variety of cushioning, support, and traction. As a whole, I like the Altra Solstice XT 2 especially if you understand the context in which they’ll perform their best. That being said, there are a couple of cons to note about this model. The upper feels race-ready. It’s a thin fabric in most places, and reminds me a bit of the Brooks Hyperion. Unlike the Brooks Hyperion, the fabric on the upper of the Solstice has a seam at the base of the tongue to change materials.

Reebok’s Nano X2 is a responsive shoe that will safely and easily transition from intense bouts of cardio to power lifts. And, given the Nano range is designed as a cross-training shoe, it shouldn’t be overlooked despite the fact that a newer model, the Nano X3, is on the market. To discuss the performance of Altra Solstice XT 2, I’m going to talk about how these shoes perform in different contexts and settings. This can hopefully help you contextualize if this training shoe is right for your needs.However, if you’re not wedded to zero drop and don’t mind a narrower toe box, then there could be some preferable options to the Solstice XT. The Inov-8 F-Lite 235 is lighter than the Solstice XT. It has more protection around the midfoot on its outsole, keeping the shoe from fraying during activities like rope climbing. This puts a seam right around your foot from the ball of your feet to the bottom of your pinkie toe. Depending on how you fit your shoes, this could be a place for chafing. I thought this feature was great for balance training and HIIT workouts because it helped increase this shoe’s stability while also keeping them cushioned enough to not beat the feet up. With their flatter construction and low cushion, you get a nice blend of stability and versatility for different styles of training.