The Altra Provision Zero-Drop is a unique shoe, taking what works from the well-known and popular Instinct, and adding a little more support. Perfect for those with fallen arches, excessive overpronation and knock knees, you'll love the support you get from the firmer midsole and removable stability wedge insole. You can still enjoy the best of both worlds-get ideal stability combined with the natural-running feel of the Provision's Zero Drop™ platform-without the excessive bulk and weight of traditional stability shoes. For those with a more neutral running style, simply remove the stability wedge.
I was looking for another shoe that I can interchange with my Instinct 1.5 as a daily trainer. I went to Coach Barrett Hopper of Rockwall Running Center and asked if he could get a pair of Provision's in my size. He gave me his pair (we wear the same size running shoe) as he was not running in them because he didn't like the feel of them. At first glance, I loved these shoes! They looked better then the Instinct 1.5 and actually felt better. Nice cushion insole and finished footbed. They are a little stiffer then the Instinct 1.5 which makes for a difficult time running a tempo or interval but that's the reason I wanted these shoes for a daily trainer or easy long run. I will keep the softer shoes for the hard workouts.
Now the Provisions are roomy in the toe-box (which is why I really like Altra's) and even with that much room, my midfoot and heel stay secure in the shoe because of the A-Wrap and the HeelClaw™ (unique to Altra) which lock your heel and midfoot into the shoe while still allowing ample toe room. The one thing that I was missing from these Provision's was the wedge that I really wanted to try out. The wedge is to counter act those who have moderate to high overpronation issues especially in later stages of their long runs. So I ordered another pair and they were a nice clean looking green color.
Now the Provisions are roomy in the toe-box (which is why I really like Altra's) and even with that much room, my midfoot and heel stay secure in the shoe because of the A-Wrap and the HeelClaw™ (unique to Altra) which lock your heel and midfoot into the shoe while still allowing ample toe room. The one thing that I was missing from these Provision's was the wedge that I really wanted to try out. The wedge is to counter act those who have moderate to high overpronation issues especially in later stages of their long runs. So I ordered another pair and they were a nice clean looking green color.
I have about 40+ miles on the green Provision's and have done a combination of tempo, interval and easy runs with these shoes. For me they have been a really good easy run/long run shoe due to the stiffness of the midsole. The have handled the pavement, gravel and soft grass well and have kept my feet and legs from getting too fatigued after these runs unlike the tempos and intervals. I am not not sure why I have not had any success running tempos or intervals in the Provisions only more time running in this new pair will help me with that.
Now, where I have had success using part of the Provision's in tempos and intervals is with the varus stability wedge and placing them in other running shoes. Since this is a wedge shaped insole, it virtually will fit in any type of shoe. I've used them in my Skechers GoBionics (read review here), Altra Instinct 1.5 and Blue/Grey Provision and have noticed less tenderness in my right calf, specifically lateral Gastrocnemius and Soleus. So apparently, I am an over pronator on the right leg...who knew! It's great to see that the wedge (not a cast like orthotics) is doing what it's suppose to do and I didn't need to spend $400+ bucks on seeing a podiatrist.
Now, where I have had success using part of the Provision's in tempos and intervals is with the varus stability wedge and placing them in other running shoes. Since this is a wedge shaped insole, it virtually will fit in any type of shoe. I've used them in my Skechers GoBionics (read review here), Altra Instinct 1.5 and Blue/Grey Provision and have noticed less tenderness in my right calf, specifically lateral Gastrocnemius and Soleus. So apparently, I am an over pronator on the right leg...who knew! It's great to see that the wedge (not a cast like orthotics) is doing what it's suppose to do and I didn't need to spend $400+ bucks on seeing a podiatrist.
Varus Stability Wedge
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Varus Stability Wedge, very flexible
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Not very flexible, had to really squeeze here.
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Old pair and new pair of Altra Provision's.
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Overall, I like the Altra Provision as a daily trainer due to the stiff midsole. I still like my blue/grey version more then the lime green and that might be because it has more miles on them. I'll see how the lime green ones compare in later weeks as I breakdown the midsole a little more. So if you’re an avid runner who is curious about minimalist shoes but doesn’t want to sacrifice ample underfoot cushioning or protection then consider the Altra Provision. The fact that it’s zero drop, has enough firm cushioning without going over board and has an ample toe box which allows your toes to splay naturally should be enough! Who knows, you might actually like it.
Kyle
Train Hard = Race Easy, Train Smart = Race Fast ™
Kyle
Train Hard = Race Easy, Train Smart = Race Fast ™
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