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American Running Shoe Brand "Altra":Minimize Injury with "Barefoot-Like" Soles

2024.07.02

Founded in Utah, USA in 2009, Altra is a brand known as the pioneer of "Zero Drop" shoes, which eliminate the height difference between the toe and heel.

Currently, Altra holds 27% of the American trail running market, with running shoes accounting for 60% of its total sales, continuing its rapid growth in the fiercely competitive running shoe market.

Amidst the intense competition between numerous sports brands, what has driven Altra's remarkable growth?

We spoke with one of the founders, Brian Beckstead, about the differences from conventional running shoes and the unique mechanisms behind them.

PROFILE

Brian Beckstead

Altra Founder
Founded "Altra" in 2009 with Golden Harper.

The Birth of "Barefoot-like" Shoes

You originally competed in track and field, right?

Yes, I started track and field at age 12 and continued through high school. It was during my first cross-country practice in high school that I met my co-founder, Golden Harper.

Though I continued to suffer from stress fractures and other injuries and couldn't pursue the sport in college, I got into trail running and ultramarathons for health reasons.

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