Altra Provision Review

We are pretty big fans of Altra here at AGHTR. We have tested the Lone Peak and Instinct, and I have also bought the Adam and hear good things about the Samson. Recently, the guys at Altra sent me a pair of their new Provision in a 10.5. These are a unique shoe, taking what works from the well-known and popular Instinct and adding some features that at first may seem counter-intuitive to what Altra is all about, but I have an open mind and I love the look of these very cool shoes.


I am referring to the removable varus wedge found in every box of Provisions. This full-length insert goes under the footbed and tilts the foot slightly out to the side, helping combat pronation. As a company interested in natural running )wide toe box, level, zero-drop platform, etc.) I find it odd that they would include such a feature, but I some folks may find it comfortable.  I like that it is optional and isn't built into the midsole. 


The Provision is basically the same shoe as the Instinct when you remove the wedge (which I did right away). The other difference, though, is the stiffer midsole material used in the Provision. My only complaint about the Instinct is that it is a little stiff, so I was wary of a stiffer version. In the end it felt pretty much the same to me, though. If course, I only spent a little time in them as they were too small for me. So, I called in a favor and gave them to my Dad to test. He wears a half size smaller than me and he also took my Instincts and still has them, so I know he loves the Altra fit. Here is his review:

Krissy Moehl Interview: Above Average Athletes

Krissy Moehl is one of the all-time great ultrarunners, not just female ultrarunners, but ultrarunners generally.  Not only is she a dominant 100-miler, she has also conquered some of the hardest 50k and 50 mile races as well. On top of that she works with up-and-coming hydration gear manufacturer UltraSpire, is an active ambassador for Patagonia, and is the race director for the famous Chuckanut 50k. 

She gives back to the sport at every turn, travels the world smiling and reinforcing a positive image for American ultrarunning worldwide, and serves as an inspiration for runners everywhere.  She agreed to answer our Q and A, and I was thrilled to have her here, as she is one of the nicest, most humble people you'd ever like to meet.  Thanks, to Krissy for taking on Above Average Athletes!

Saucony Kinvara 3 Review: The People's Shoe

Say what you will about Vibrams and other barefoot shoes, personally I think the Saucony Kinvara may have done as much for acceptance of “minimalist” shoes and the increased focus on running form as any other shoe out there. Blessed with barely-there upper, a modest 4mm heel-to-toe ramp angle to promote midfoot striking, a full-contact outsole, and a very light overall weight, the Kinvara is a well-cushioned, but largely minimalist shoe.

The original Kinvara became my own long-run shoe once I had transitioned to running in Vibrams and barefoot, which is pretty amazing considering that a few years ago, something like the Kinvara would have been recommended only for the “mechanically gifted neutral runner” or something like that.

Pretty Strong Women: Merrell Barefoot for Women & Moira's Wonder Glove Review

Merrell is making big, big waves in barefoot-style running. Not only have they developed some revolutionary products specifically for running, they are taking the whole barefoot lifestyle seriously.  Shoes geared towards running, casual wear, work, water, hiking, fitness, and even snow are all on the market or in the pipeline. The biggest deal in the Merrell Barefoot Collection, though, may be the attention towards women.  Rather than a traditional "shrink it and pink it" approach, where manufacturers have been guilty of just dressing up a men's shoe, Merrell actually have an entirely women-specific line with unique women's models.

Elite Feet New Balance Team 2012

Like many runners, I enjoy running with others, competing with my peers, and the general sense of community that comes with our sport. I especially enjoy being part of a team. I have participated in several teams in my short running history. I was part of Brooks I.D. back in 2010, I have raced under the Running Fit 501 banner, and I will always be a part of the P.R. Fitness team in Ann Arbor, even though I am moving an ultramarathon’s distance up Interstate 75. 

All top-shelf NB stuff for this team!

This year, however, is a little different. For 2012, by friend, guest blogger, and collaborator Ken asked me to be part of the 2012 Elite Feet New Balance Team. Ken explained that the team would be a great opportunity to get to know some talented runners, be a part of a fun community, be an ambassador for a great series of sponsors, and add a little extra something to the pot for my races in 2012. I was sold, and I agreed to join, even though I am a humble mid-packer (and rarely run high-profile road races).

Merrell Barefoot Dash Glove Review: Barefoot Shoes for Women

This is the first of two new reviews from Moira, who is not new to running but IS new to running in barefoot shoes.  As she was facing cancer, she inspired me to start running in the first place. Now that she is out there training for her own running and racing, she decided to step up to the plate and review some female-specific running product for Average Guy Hits the Road! Take it away, Moira!

I am new to minimal or “barefoot” running, but I've been interested in giving it a try given that I live with Zak, an enthusiastic barefoot running proponent. I have a practical reason for giving it a try too: last year I had pledged to run in a half marathon for charity but I had to abandon my effort because of some foot pain most runners never have to deal with.  My foot pain wasn’t plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, or any other of the usual running injuries…my foot pain was due to neuropathy from my cancer treatment. (I ran a 5k instead and met my fundraising goal, thankfully!)

Simple Hydration Bottle Review and Giveaway

For a guy who likes to review products that are simpler, or more minimal, than the typical kit, I tend to write pretty complex, detailed reviews.  When you are looking at a shoe like the Skora FORM, which costs $200 and uses materials from all over the planet, or the Merrell Road Glove, which is part of a groundbreaking line that’s helping change the running shoe industry, detailed observations are easy to make.  This review is a little different.  It is a simple concept, a simple product, a simple pitch…making hydration, well, simple.  Even the name is simple.  It’s Simple, as in Simple Hydration.  Simple recently sent me two bottles, one to test and one to give away to a lucky follower.  Read on for my thoughts on this neat little bottle and our contest details.

New Balance Minimus Amp (MT1010) and RC5000 Previews

Every once in a while I get to see something pretty neat before it hits the market. This is one of those times. Ken is taking a close look at these right now, the shoes in the photos are his own samples in size 9, so they are too small for me. That said, he'll likely have a few comments soon and we will do some better shots with our usual annotations.  That said, these photos have been burning a hole in my pocket since I snapped them last weekend and I just thought you guys would appreciate seeing them straight away! First, its the eagerly anticipated New Balance Minimus Amp (MT1010).  Featuring the same NL-1 Minimus Last as the MT110 and the Minimus Trail, the Amp/MT1010 is actually a true, branded part of the Minimus lineup, unlike the MT110. However, the Amp is actually MORE shoe than the MT110 with a fairly rugged outsole and a bombproof rock plate.  Its pretty light, and has the wider toe box and low drop, but its not anywhere near a barefoot experience. I could see this being a GREAT ultra trail shoe, though.  Feast your eyes!

Hal Koerner Interview: Above Average Athletes

Ever been to a North Face store?  That's Hal
in the store's epic graphics on walls and displays!

As the two-time defending champ of the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run (2007, 2009 – the race was cancelled in 2008) and a challenger for the title in 2010, Hal Koerner is featured heavily in the new documentary “Unbreakable.” Hal has won or challenged for the podium in dozens of other top ultra marathons from 50 kilometers to 100 miles.  On February 4th he won another 100 miler, the Rocky Raccoon 100 (and found his car towed when he finished). He is the owner of Rogue Valley Runners in Ashland, Oregon and is the race director for his own 100 mile endurance race, the Pine to Palm 100.

Hal is known throughout the ultramarathon world as a positive and friendly ambassador of the sport. He is an ambassador for The North Face.  We first reached him just as he was arriving in Hawaii for H.U.R.T. 2012, and kept up contact through his busy winter racing season, so we thank him for taking the time to answer a few questions for Above Average Athletes!

Ashmei Ultimate Softshell Running Jacket Review: A great start, a great future

The Ultimate Softshell comes in black or white

Thanks to Twitter and a few common friends in the running world, I made contact with Stuart Brooke of Ashmei Running in the United Kingdom late last year. Stuart, like another running gear visionary I know, David Sypniewski of Skora, has a distinct eye for form as well as function. Given what a fan I am of Skora and their remarkable entry into the running market, this is very high praise from my desk. I immediately recognized the effort, the talent, and the execution that went into Stuart’s line of Ashmei Running apparel.

I truly appreciate the individual approach guys like David and Stuart have taken with their product. Many companies make decent looking kit with a variety of colors and features, but these guys take it to the next level, looking for ways to execute high quality gear in a way that is equally as revolutionary when it comes to looks, textures, and undeniable identity.

After making contact with Stuart, I helped him make a connection with Ken Larscheid, our recent guest contributor and owner of EliteFeet Brighton. I had a feeling that Ken would also appreciate Stuart’s line. Ken prides himself on a discriminating eye for shoes, gear and apparel, and his boutique shop reflects his ideals. Long story short, Ken and Stuart began their own dialogue and Elite Feet became the first United States retailer for Ashmei. While Ashmei was previously available online, Elite Feet would be the first actual U.S. bricks-and-mortar location to carry this new line. As the first U.S. retailer, Ken has told me that he’s gotten great online chatter about Elite Feet and has found new customers across the country.  Ashmei is just that kind of gear, it gets people talking.

New Balance Minimus Road Zero Review: An industry veteran's analysis

New Balance Minimus Road Zero MR00

The New Balance Minimus line has taken the running world by storm. Soon, you'll be tempted by the New Balance Minimus Road Zero (MR00), the first zero-drop offering from New Balance. This review, from our new contributor Ken, is a full-on critique of the shoe after 200 miles from an industry veteran. Take it away, Ken!

I had the huge privilege to receive a pair of this highly anticipated minimal shoe from New Balance back in August 2011 (8 months before its release) and give it a lengthy test.  For those of you that do not know me, my name is Ken Larscheid, owner of Elite Feet Running Store in Brighton, MI.  I test many shoes that we are thinking about stocking in the store for our customers, and Zak thought it would be a great idea to have me review this shoe I am already so familiar with.  I think about how they fit in the mix of competition already on my shoe wall, how it will fit a customer’s foot, and if it fits in with our philosophy at Elite Feet Brighton.  Any new shoe must fit all of these characteristics to be able to earn a spot on Elite Feet Brighton's shoe wall, and the New Balance Minimus Road Zero does that. Now I want to share my thoughts and findings with this shoe.

The new "Average Guy" contributors are all more qualified than I am...and other news

I have been very fortunate to make some unique connections in the running world of late.  My interviews with Geoff Roes, David Riddle, Anton Krupicka, and my friend Kyle Kranz have added a new series of voices to Average Guy Hits the Road and it seems to really be resonating with readers.  Traffic has increased by about 500% in the last three months.  In addition, I have started doing in-depth analyses of running shoes and products, which has brought us a lot of new readers looking for information on barefoot running and barefoot style shoes.

In honor of all our new readers, I have been working hard behind the scenes to line up even more Above Average Athlete interviews for you, and a series of new product reviews.  In the next few weeks, you can expect interviews with Krissy Moehl, an incredible, world-renowned ultra runner, and Hal Koerner, another legendary ultra runner and two-time Western States winner.  We have sneak peak product reviews of the New Balance Minimus Road Zero, Merrell Mixmaster, and Ashmei Running apparel.  Plus, a few more surprises I don’t want to let out of the bag just yet.

Geoff Roes Interview: Above Average Athletes

Geoff Roes (image from Clif Bar)

Geoff Roes is a humble and quiet guy who just happens to eat 100 mile ultramarathons alive. I connected with Geoff after having interviewed Anton Krupicka for our "Above Average Athletes" column, and was very grateful to get his thoughts on running, gear, his popular and incredible Alaska Mountain Ultrarunning Camps, and his unconventional plans for 350 miles on foot...in winter...in Alaska.

In 2010, Geoff won the Western States 100 Mile Endurance run in record time, beating Anton, Killian Jornet, Nick Clark, Hal Koerner, and other top ultramarathoners in what can only be described as one of the most tense and epic races of that distance on American soil. In 2011, Geoff won the Ultra Race of Champions 100k, Crow Pass 25 miler, Santa Barbara 100 miler, the Zane Grey 50, and the Chuckanut 50k. Thanks again to Geoff for getting to know us and taking the time for Above Average Athletes!

Barefoot Shoes: Right for Every Run?

Merrell Barefoot Collection Trail Glove

Lately I have been following a lot of great blogs out there and have been watching an animated series of discussions on the barefoot "purist" vs. "barefoot shoes" debate. To say that it is polarizing would be an understatement. On one side you have the die hard barefoot runners, those brave souls who first bucked convention and dared to run totally barefoot through any weather and for any distance. Guys like Jason Robillard were the first big proponents of that philosophy that I encountered.  Recently, a lot of this dialogue has been taking place in the comments section of a few posts on Jason's entertaining and thought-provoking blog, Barefoot Running University.

I am not a pure barefoot runner.  I do sometimes run barefoot for short runs, on grass, the track, the treadmill, even a few blocks of concrete of asphalt, but mostly just to do a checkup on form. I've rarely set out to hit the bricks barefoot and I am not sure I am really ever going to be that guy.  Even with the emergence of truly barefoot running as a legit way to train, I am one of the second wave of barefoot running advocates that finds that a middleground works well for me. In the past year I have transitioned to a far more natural running style, administered primarily by working on short, truly barefoot, treadmill sessions with a mirror and metronome. I worked in minimalist or "barefoot" shoes over time and have now swung totally into the zero-drop, uber-flexible shoe category.

Skora Running Shoe Review: Skora Form Takes on the World's Finest

These babies get the "Instagram Treatment"

Rarely do I feel like I have my hands on something that few people are fortunate enough to own.  Rarely do I feel like I have something that I honestly wouldn't change, something I could not have imagined better myself. Rarely do I get to enjoy the top-of-the line product (I am a constant compromiser). Rarely do I convert so quickly to a new piece of gear, to the detriment to all the other stuff I have accumulated. Rarely have I ever had anything like the Skora FORM. I am sure it sounds like an overstatement, these are just running shoes after all.  However, when running is truly your passion, your vehicle for self-discovery, and your ticket to longevity and health, it is a big deal.  When a simple pair of shoes is so revolutionary, so empowering, and so enjoyable, it enhances this critical experience and thereby truly changes the game.  I’ve had these a short time, but I’ve run twice as many miles in the past week as I would normally at this phase of the year, only because my comfort while running and rapid recovery from workouts was so accelerated. Amazing stuff.