Your Running Shoes Are a Problem (And What You Can Do About It) | Run Better with Colby and Altra

"The basic idea ... we make a shoe that lets your foot sit in its normal position and doesn't squeeze the toes together. And it's perfectly balanced and kind of gets out of the way of any biomechanical alterations that other shoes might be creating." - Colby Gould

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Most runners don’t realize that the shoes they wear could be quietly sabotaging their progress. Fooled by marketing gimmicks and grifters, we keep buying shoes that unfortunately contribute to the injuries we runners seem to run into.

Colby Gould, ultra runner and the driving force behind @altrarunning foot-friendly philosophy, reveals how ditching the high drops and narrow toes boxes can transform your run. Whether you're lacing up for long-distance trails or just trying to stay injury-free.

We discuss:
- Colby's transition from soccer to running during the pandemic and his first trail race, the Beast of the East
- The philosophy behind Altra shoes: foot-shaped toe boxes, zero to low drops, and natural biomechanics
- How trail running helps build resilience and connection with nature
- The importance of foot strength and how footwear can enable injury-free running
- Insights into elite athlete talent spotting and the emerging talent within Altra's ecosystem
- The trend towards lower drops and lighter shoes across the industry
- Practical advice for runners making the switch to minimal or zero drop shoes
- Behind the scenes of Altra’s community events and athlete support
- Colby's big goals for 2026, including his first 50-miler at Run Rabbit Run

We break down the core principles that set Altra apart: the foot-shaped toe box, balanced stack height, and the philosophy of letting your foot be a foot. Colby discusses how these ideas are not just trendy and they can change lives.

Why does this matter? Because ignoring foot mechanics risks endless injuries, lost miles, and giving up what should be a lifelong joy: running - whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out this episode is for anyone sick of injuries, curious about running smarter, or just wondering if your shoes are holding you back.

We thank Colby for becoming a RUNEGADE.

Find more Colby:
- instagram.com/altracolby
- Altra Running on Instagram: instagram.com/altrarunning

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