ALTRA makes Tennis/Crossfit shoe. Wide toebox fans rejoice.

[tegg96]

HIIT XT (High Intensity Interval Training)
Weight 11.2 oz/318 g Women 8.1 oz/230 g
Zero Drop stack: 23mm/17mm with insole removed
Available July-August 2017

The HIIT takes Altra into cross training. Altra co-founder Golden Harper cross trains and plays tennis a lot, when he isn't running of course, so Altra and Golden came up with the sharp looking HIIT. With a wrap around rubber outsole and a stable PowerSole platform the HIIT is designed for lateral movement, rope climbing and should be a great new choice for the gym, power driven sports and Crossfit.
Since the beginning, Altra’s natural FootShape™ toe box and Zero Drop™ platform have been a hit for strength training and other non-running gym activities. Altra makes it official with its first ever purpose-built cross trainer, the HIIT XT, a perfect multi-sport shoe.

The stable PowerSole™ platform and firm wrap-around non-slip sticky rubber outsole increase grip, decrease sliding and improves side to side movement. The upper has a durable, yet breathable mesh to keep the foot supported and comfortable from the gym, to the court, to the road. With a stack height of 23mm and a weight of 11.2 ounces for the men’s sample, this shoe is low cushioned and lightweight, great for rope climbing,

 

[Ramon]

Interesting option here. Recently, I changed all my casual shoes to zero or low drop and my running/gym shoes to minimal. The only thing left to change is tennis shoes. I wasn't sold on the NB Minimus tennis shoe because it's tough to maintain strict forefoot striking during a tennis match, and if I land on my heels in a minimal shoe it's gonna hurt! That's why I love the heel on my Barricade Boosts. I think I'll give these Altras a try when they come out. I'm just concerned that their big toe boxes might be too roomy for my narrow feet, but I can also appreciate the need for toe splay in this type of shoe.

 

[gino]

HIIT XT (High Intensity Interval Training)
Weight 11.2 oz/318 g Women 8.1 oz/230 g
Zero Drop stack: 23mm/17mm with insole removed
Available July-August 2017

The HIIT takes Altra into cross training. Altra co-founder Golden Harper cross trains and plays tennis a lot, when he isn't running of course, so Altra and Golden came up with the sharp looking HIIT. With a wrap around rubber outsole and a stable PowerSole platform the HIIT is designed for lateral movement, rope climbing and should be a great new choice for the gym, power driven sports and Crossfit.
Since the beginning, Altra’s natural FootShape™ toe box and Zero Drop™ platform have been a hit for strength training and other non-running gym activities. Altra makes it official with its first ever purpose-built cross trainer, the HIIT XT, a perfect multi-sport shoe.

The stable PowerSole™ platform and firm wrap-around non-slip sticky rubber outsole increase grip, decrease sliding and improves side to side movement. The upper has a durable, yet breathable mesh to keep the foot supported and comfortable from the gym, to the court, to the road. With a stack height of 23mm and a weight of 11.2 ounces for the men’s sample, this shoe is low cushioned and lightweight, great for rope climbing,

Low cushion and lightweight sounds like a recipe for shin splits. Good looking shoes though

 

[Ramon]

Low cushion and lightweight sounds like a recipe for shin splits. Good looking shoes though

Low cushion is all relative. For ALTRA a highly cushioned shoe is something that resembles a Hoka One One (you know, those funny looking platform shoe sneakers). I'm somewhere between 5'9" and 5'10", but if you give me a pair of Hokas I'll be 6 feet tall! LOL

A 23 mm stack height in the heel is comparable to most tennis shoes. The big difference is that the forefoot will be the same height, so I think a bigger issue among tennis players will be court feel and stability. What most companies do is have a 20-30 mm stack height at the heel and a 10-18 mm stack height at forefoot so they get both cushioning in the heel and court feel and stability in the forefoot. ALTRA makes zero drop shoes for people who want healthy Achilles' tendons or think a high heel to toe drop encourages heel striking, so they have to compromise somewhere. Most people who buy these shoes are probably forefoot strikers or wannabe forefoot strikers. For forefoot strikers the cushioning will be plenty.

 

[Chotobaka]

Some of us were just discussing this very topic in another thread. I am a huge Altra fan and will definitely give these a try. Their running shoes have been nothing short of perfect for my feet whether on or off road.

 

[bigserving]

Going from modern tennis shoes to these shoes won't work for many players. With the rubber outsole, hardcore sliding will be zero. Most attempts to slide, or when the need to slide arises, rubber outsoles will grab on hard courts. Not good. There will be more room in the toe box, but chronic ankle sprains might be the next problem to solve with these shoes.

Maybe good for cross training. Maybe not so good for hard court tennis.

 

[WildVolley]

I will definitely be looking into these shoes. The outsole durability may turn into an issue for hardcourt tennis players. I always associate that outsole color with volleyball and other shoes made for playing on indoor court surfaces, either wood or synthetic, where traction is more important than abrasion resistance.

But in any case, these look like training shoes I can also wear off-court with comfort. These seem to be medium cushioning shoes. I don't think that Altra makes minimalist shoes anymore. The remaining minimalist market in running seems to be VivoBF, Vibram, and Huarache sandals of various sorts.

 

[imajica77]

Sorry but they don't look like they have enough laterial support to me. Hope I am wrong; and those who try them enjoy them.

 

[tegg96]

Sorry but they don't look like they have enough laterial support to me. Hope I am wrong; and those who try them enjoy them.

Yeah we will have to see. They are not a dedicated full on tennis shoe but a cross sport shoe that should work for tennis much better than their running shoes anyway.

Picture is of a pre production sample and not necessarily representative of the final product.

 

[tegg96]

Final production models, due for July release.
Sole looks great for Clay, En Tout Cas (Aussie Clay) and Artificial Turf courts. Hard courts will have to see durability.

 

[Ramon]

From the pictures, the looks are a big improvement over their other shoes. I guess we'll see. Kind of reminds me of Reebok Nanos and Nike Metcons. I have the Altra ONE, and it's a pretty good running shoe, but it's too ugly to go out in public.

 

[every7]

From the pictures, the looks are a big improvement over their other shoes. I guess we'll see. Kind of reminds me of Reebok Nanos and Nike Metcons. I have the Altra ONE, and it's a pretty good running shoe, but it's too ugly to go out in public.

What is it with boutique running shoe companies releasing all their lines with horrible colourways?

 

[tegg96]

Kind of like the dark grey yellow combo. The sky blue pink combo is obviously for the girls.

 

[StephenB]

i just started playing in Nike Metcon2's. WOW! these shoes are unreal! They are comfortable, but give me a really nice low-to-the-ground feel. They are insanely stable as they are designed to take you through rapid changes in movement, so perfect for tennis. I've played on both hard court and artificial and are great for sliding when you want, but crazy sticky on the surface when you need them to be.

My ONLY knock is possible wear-and-tear. The inside upper is showing some wear due to sliding on the astro-turf - i dont think they'd last longer than a year if you're constantly sliding on astro. Though not cheap, they are cheaper than the high-end tennis shoes that Nike make and i believe a better shoe for stability, support, grip and comfort - if they can work on durability of the uppers, it would be PERFECT and i'd buy 4 pairs!

 

[Ramon]

i just started playing in Nike Metcon2's. WOW! these shoes are unreal! They are comfortable, but give me a really nice low-to-the-ground feel. They are insanely stable as they are designed to take you through rapid changes in movement, so perfect for tennis. I've played on both hard court and artificial and are great for sliding when you want, but crazy sticky on the surface when you need them to be.

My ONLY knock is possible wear-and-tear. The inside upper is showing some wear due to sliding on the astro-turf - i dont think they'd last longer than a year if you're constantly sliding on astro. Though not cheap, they are cheaper than the high-end tennis shoes that Nike make and i believe a better shoe for stability, support, grip and comfort - if they can work on durability of the uppers, it would be PERFECT and i'd buy 4 pairs!

I would be worried about impact protection. Metcons might work if you always land on your forefoot, but if you ever strike your heel when running for a ball, that has to hurt! There's not much material between the court and your foot.

 

[StephenB]

I would be worried about impact protection. Metcons might work if you always land on your forefoot, but if you ever strike your heel when running for a ball, that has to hurt! There's not much material between the court and your foot.

You're absolutely right - i think anyone who runs 'heavy' would probably run the risk (excuse the pun) of creating shin-splints or issues with Achilles tendons. Thankfully, i have an odd fore-foot running style, so doesn't seem to have any impact on me so far. I've only played in them for 6/7 hours, so proof will be in a few weeks once my body has had time to feel them a little better.

I figure there's enough padding for me - but definitely agree that these are not for everyone. I used to play in the first iteration of the ubersonics and loved them - until the metcons. I tend to find other tennis shoes too padded and cumbersome - the Adidas barricade boosts were really uncomfortable for me as the ankle collar was too high which dug in and caused bruising and the middle of the shoe (near the arch) was really tight that i felt like i was having my feet bound!

 

[WildVolley]

So has anyone tried a pair of Altra HIIT XT shoes? Has anyone played tennis in them?

They are directly marketing to the crossfit crowd, but I'd be interested to hear if the shoes are usable for the directional changes in tennis.

 

[StephenB]

i just started playing in Nike Metcon2's. WOW! these shoes are unreal! They are comfortable, but give me a really nice low-to-the-ground feel. They are insanely stable as they are designed to take you through rapid changes in movement, so perfect for tennis. I've played on both hard court and artificial and are great for sliding when you want, but crazy sticky on the surface when you need them to be.

My ONLY knock is possible wear-and-tear. The inside upper is showing some wear due to sliding on the astro-turf - i dont think they'd last longer than a year if you're constantly sliding on astro. Though not cheap, they are cheaper than the high-end tennis shoes that Nike make and i believe a better shoe for stability, support, grip and comfort - if they can work on durability of the uppers, it would be PERFECT and i'd buy 4 pairs!

an update on the Metcons.... whilst they are superbly comfortable, i CANNOT recommend them for anyone who wants to play on clay, or more importantly, astro-turf with sand - they have been ripped quite badly on the inside foot from sliding. They are PERFECT for hard court though - so will use them for my hard-court games, but will need to find another shoe that is low, fast and well protected for astroturf courts.

 

[reds17]

Also curious if anybody has given the HIIT XTs a try on the courts? As someone who's had to take a couple months off of tennis, first a bad ankle sprain and now dealing with a neuroma and capsulitis in the met pad of my second toe, I'm obviously seriously looking at making some changes in the footwear I use. Zero drop and a nice wide toe box like Altra offers is ideal.

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

@Chotobaka, @StephenB, @WildVolley

Any feedback on using the Altra HIT's and/or Nike Metcons for tennis?? I use a custom insole so I think the padding issue many not be too big a barrier for me. Thoughts?

Thanks!!!

BHBH

 

[Chotobaka]

@Chotobaka, @StephenB, @WildVolley

Any feedback on using the Altra HIT's and/or Nike Metcons for tennis?? I use a custom insole so I think the padding issue many not be too big a barrier for me. Thoughts?

Thanks!!!

BHBH

While on my third pair of Altra Olympus for trail running, I haven't taken the plunge with the Metcons or HIT's. Still an intriguing idea...

 

[TW Staff]

I adore my Metcons in the gym. But, I would never wear them on the court or to even run in.

I am notorious for bringing in 2-3 pairs of shoes when I work out, even if I am just running a mile to warm up, I wear running specific performance shoes and then will switch back once I start lifting or doing a WOD.

Just my two cents as a long time Metcon wearer

Michelle, TW

 

[Chotobaka]

I adore my Metcons in the gym. But, I would never wear them on the court or to even run in.

I am notorious for bringing in 2-3 pairs of shoes when I work out, even if I am just running a mile to warm up, I wear running specific performance shoes and then will switch back once I start lifting or doing a WOD.

Just my two cents as a long time Metcon wearer

Michelle, TW

Great first-hand information, Michelle. Thank you!

 

[TW Staff]

Great first-hand information, Michelle. Thank you!

I'll also preface my comments by saying, I used to be "that" person who ran in her Solution Speeds and working around here, that didn't last long!

But if I have a WOD that involves running, I will wear a more minimal running shoe over my Metcons. I also have decently high arches and the Metcons are super low in terms of arch support, so that might partly be why I cringe just thinking of running in them.

Michelle, TW

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

I'll also preface my comments by saying, I used to be "that" person who ran in her Solution Speeds and working around here, that didn't last long!

But if I have a WOD that involves running, I will wear a more minimal running shoe over my Metcons. I also have decently high arches and the Metcons are super low in terms of arch support, so that might partly be why I cringe just thinking of running in them.

Michelle, TW

I am really looking for a the best possible support/cushioning. Vapor 9.5 are a perfect fit. Any thoughts? [emoji41] Thank you!!!


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[TW Staff]

I am really looking for a the best possible support/cushioning. Vapor 9.5 are a perfect fit. Any thoughts? [emoji41] Thank you!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

@BounceHitBounceHit

For the court? Or to crossover into the gym too?

Vapors are always a good all around shoe! But for max support and cushioning, I would look to the Barricade Boosts, maybe the Cage 3, and maybe the Diadora Speed Star K.

Michelle, TW

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

@BounceHitBounceHit

For the court? Or to crossover into the gym too?

Vapors are always a good all around shoe! But for max support and cushioning, I would look to the Barricade Boosts, maybe the Cage 3, and maybe the Diadora Speed Star K.

Michelle, TW

Thank you!

Tennis only. The Barricade Boosts are too narrow. I’ve not tried the Diadoras. Any 3/4 offerings available now or near future???


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[StephenB]

@Chotobaka, @StephenB, @WildVolley

Any feedback on using the Altra HIT's and/or Nike Metcons for tennis?? I use a custom insole so I think the padding issue many not be too big a barrier for me. Thoughts?

Thanks!!!

BHBH

i love my metcons - like Michelle. But having had a crack at them on the tennis court, i can't honestly recommend them unless you only play on hard court. For me, they're the perfect shoe! Wide toe box, limited cushioning, low profile to the ground, grip really well and allows me good support on the cut when i change direction. Though i confess i am now an ascics convert. I got some gel7's and went up half a size as they have always been too narrow for me in the toes. These things are great!

Though, if Nike made a metcon with reinforced pads on the inside (toe-knuckle area) then i'd be getting them immediately. They work well for my feet - but i would caveat that by saying i'm only on the court twice a week for a couple hours each time (max). So cushioning isn't a huge deal for me.

*i still wear my metcons if i'm playing hardcourt - any other surface i'm in the ascics.

 

[TW Staff]

Thank you!

Tennis only. The Barricade Boosts are too narrow. I’ve not tried the Diadoras. Any 3/4 offerings available now or near future???


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@BounceHitBounceHit,

Gotcha!

The Diadoras fit similar to a Gel Res 7 -- they can be a bit snug but because they are leather, they are so soft, and they will open up with a break-in.

However, you could also check out the KSwiss Knitshot as they have a wider fit.

As for mids, you can expect to see the T22 Mid back later this year (no changes to how they were before, we are just bringing them back)!

Hope that helps,

Michelle, TW

 

[BounceHitBounceHit]

@BounceHitBounceHit,

Gotcha!

The Diadoras fit similar to a Gel Res 7 -- they can be a bit snug but because they are leather, they are so soft, and they will open up with a break-in.

However, you could also check out the KSwiss Knitshot as they have a wider fit.

As for mids, you can expect to see the T22 Mid back later this year (no changes to how they were before, we are just bringing them back)!

Hope that helps,

Michelle, TW

Thank you!!!!

I’m gonna order a pair of all three and give them a whirl (Tennis Warehouse makes that possible!!) [emoji120][emoji3][emoji120]


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[TW Staff]

Thank you!!!!

I’m gonna order a pair of all three and give them a whirl (Tennis Warehouse makes that possible!!) [emoji120][emoji3][emoji120]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Let me know what you end up going with!

I'm obsessed with the Diadora's...I just got a new pair yesterday and they for sure run slightly short and do take a break-in. I wore them all day yesterday but they feel like perfection today

Michelle, TW

 

[Prince Vegeta]

I adore my Metcons in the gym. But, I would never wear them on the court or to even run in.

I am notorious for bringing in 2-3 pairs of shoes when I work out, even if I am just running a mile to warm up, I wear running specific performance shoes and then will switch back once I start lifting or doing a WOD.

Just my two cents as a long time Metcon wearer

Michelle, TW

I run and do all of my workouts in huarache sandals. Us minimal shoe folk NEED a tennis substitute.

 

[Charlie Stephens]

I plan to buy a pair of the Altra HIIT XT this week for the Tennis footwear. These shoes peaked my interest due to the “ZERO drop” heel to toe platform along with the wide toe box. I felt these shoes could be a great remedy for my tailors bunion and plantar faciitis. I hope to write more in the coming weeks on my feedback of the Altra HIIT XT.

 

[StephenB]

I plan to buy a pair of the Altra HIIT XT this week for the Tennis footwear. These shoes peaked my interest due to the “ZERO drop” heel to toe platform along with the wide toe box. I felt these shoes could be a great remedy for my tailors bunion and plantar faciitis. I hope to write more in the coming weeks on my feedback of the Altra HIIT XT.

Let us know how you find them Charlie - keen to see if its worth getting a pair. My only concern would be the toe-box dragging - would they stand up to a clay/carpet court drag? My Nike Metcon's literally fell apart on me

 

[Chotobaka]

I just ordered a pair, too. I went a half size larger because 49% of verified purchasers reported the shoes ran small. Will report back after I get some "foot-time" in them.

 

[Chotobaka]

I just ordered a pair, too. I went a half size larger because 49% of verified purchasers reported the shoes ran small. Will report back after I get some "foot-time" in them.

OK, my new Altra's came in last night (can't beat Amazon same day delivery) and they are, well, "interesting". First of all, I am glad I went a half size larger than normal. My only long-term Altra reference is the Olympus. I have had multiple pairs of the Olympus, which I consider one of the best trail running shoes I have ever used. First of all, the HIIT XT is incredibly narrow for an Altra shoe. I wear Thorlo Level 3 to fill out the Olympus, with the HIIT XT a regular sock (Fitsock) gives me a very snug fit.

The toe box has the usual funky Altra look but is not as round a the Olympus. It has a sharp angle but still has room. It is more shaped to the foot, without excess space. As mentioned previously, once you get past the toe area these shoes are very narrow. So they may not be suitable for people with a truly wide foot. I need width at the toe and forefoot but have a narrow heel, so the fit is good for me. Love the zero drop feel.

Support wise, they feel somewhat supportive but I have only worn them indoors. There is nothing structural that is visible to indicate uppers support, so I suspect this is a matter of the shoes being new. The soles will no doubt be problematic, as there are two types of tread. The peripheral layer, while not heavy-duty, is OK. However, there is an inlay of lighter tread in the centre of the shoe. This in and of itself would not be a problem if it did not start precisely at the ball of the foot, where I typically wear through my soles first. So I already know durability is an issue with the soles. Additionally, forget about the HIIT XT if you ever drag your toes -- it is not a tennis shoe. The upper toe area is super thin and flimsy -- I am talking NB Minimus running shoe flimsy.

I am going to keep these and will wear them to teach a couple of pigmies tonight. It's a nice shoe but most definitely not a tennis shoe. My first impression is It's less suitable for tennis than other cross-training shoes I have and is a shoe I will burn through in no time if used on the court for any length of time -- but I will play in these from time to time nonetheless. Just because.

Lastly, if I did not up-size, I would have to return these. I hope this is of help to those of you who are on the fence. Overall, I would say there are far worse ways to spend $89.00.

 

[joetennisact]

Thanks for the review! I would love if Altra put out a real tennis shoe. But till they do... I've been playing in Vivobarefoot for over a year and I still like them. Very wide toe box, zero drop, extra lateral stability (the strap is not a gimmick imo) and has that toe box protection. Still haven't found a minimalist shoe better for tennis.

 

[Chotobaka]

Thanks for the review! I would love if Altra put out a real tennis shoe. But till they do... I've been playing in Vivobarefoot for over a year and I still like them. Very wide toe box, zero drop, extra lateral stability (the strap is not a gimmick imo) and has that toe box protection. Still haven't found a minimalist shoe better for tennis.

I will have to check them out.

 

[Charlie Stephens]

I will have to check them out.

I plan to buy a pair of the Altra HIIT XT this week for the Tennis footwear. These shoes peaked my interest due to the “ZERO drop” heel to toe platform along with the wide toe box. I felt these shoes could be a great remedy for my tailors bunion and plantar faciitis. I hope to write more in the coming weeks on my feedback of the Altra HIIT XT.

As I previously stated, I did purchase these shoes. After receiving, I tried on and walked around my neighborhood. It was very obvious the shoe runs small (along with feels very narrow) which is consistent with feedback stated in many reviews on this site along with the review on the Altra website. Because my normal shoe size is a 14, going up a .5 size is not an option (there is no such thing as 14.5 in men’s shoes). Therefore, I was able to utilize Altra’s generous 30 day “no questions asked” return/exchange policy to receive a size 15. Sizing up 1 size was a much better fit and no longer feels narrow. I have yet to play in the shoe, but I really look forward to trialing these shoes on the court. I have walked around the neighborhood with the size 15 and the fit is “just right.” I have read the other reviews on this feed where there is skeptiscm on the durability of the shoe. I am hopeful this shoe will hold up, as it is the only “zero drop” wide toe box & “CorrectToes” compatible shoes I can find in a size 14/15 to accommodate my Tailor’s bunyon/bunyonette & plantar fasciitis. I look forward to communicating my feedback on the durability of the shoe in the near future.

I am very open to feedback on alternative shoes to fit the needs listed above. I am enjoy reading the feedback of others on this feed.

 

[Charlie Stephens]

Thanks for the review! I would love if Altra put out a real tennis shoe. But till they do... I've been playing in Vivobarefoot for over a year and I still like them. Very wide toe box, zero drop, extra lateral stability (the strap is not a gimmick imo) and has that toe box protection. Still haven't found a minimalist shoe better for tennis.

Which Vivobarefoot shoe model are you using?

 

[Charlie Stephens]

As I previously stated, I did purchase these shoes. After receiving, I tried on and walked around my neighborhood. It was very obvious the shoe runs small (along with feels very narrow) which is consistent with feedback stated in many reviews on this site along with the review on the Altra website. Because my normal shoe size is a 14, going up a .5 size is not an option (there is no such thing as 14.5 in men’s shoes). Therefore, I was able to utilize Altra’s generous 30 day “no questions asked” return/exchange policy to receive a size 15. Sizing up 1 size was a much better fit and no longer feels narrow. I have yet to play in the shoe, but I really look forward to trialing these shoes on the court. I have walked around the neighborhood with the size 15 and the fit is “just right.” I have read the other reviews on this feed where there is skeptiscm on the durability of the shoe. I am hopeful this shoe will hold up, as it is the only “zero drop” wide toe box & “CorrectToes” compatible shoes I can find in a size 14/15 to accommodate my Tailor’s bunyon/bunyonette & plantar fasciitis. I look forward to communicating my feedback on the durability of the shoe in the near future.

I am very open to feedback on alternative shoes to fit the needs listed above. I am enjoy reading the feedback of others on this feed.

A quick update on this shoe.

As I previously stated, I did purchase these shoes. After receiving, I tried on and walked around my neighborhood. It was very obvious the shoe runs small (along with feels very narrow) which is consistent with feedback stated in many reviews on this site along with the review on the Altra website. Because my normal shoe size is a 14, going up a .5 size is not an option (there is no such thing as 14.5 in men’s shoes). Therefore, I was able to utilize Altra’s generous 30 day “no questions asked” return/exchange policy to receive a size 15. Sizing up 1 size was a much better fit and no longer feels narrow. I have yet to play in the shoe, but I really look forward to trialing these shoes on the court. I have walked around the neighborhood with the size 15 and the fit is “just right.” I have read the other reviews on this feed where there is skeptiscm on the durability of the shoe. I am hopeful this shoe will hold up, as it is the only “zero drop” wide toe box & “CorrectToes” compatible shoes I can find in a size 14/15 to accommodate my Tailor’s bunyon/bunyonette & plantar fasciitis. I look forward to communicating my feedback on the durability of the shoe in the near future.

I am very open to feedback on alternative shoes to fit the needs listed above. I am enjoy reading the feedback of others on this feed.

A quick update on this shoe. I have been playing tennis in these Altra For a few months now. I really like the wide toe box and the zero drop aspects of these shoes. Because these shoes were probably designed for cross-for more than court, they are tread is wearing down faster than I like. Ultimately I like the much better than shoes with the raised heel and tapered toe box. Hopefully Altra or vivobarefoot or another shoe manufacturers considers entering the court shoe market. It is hard for me to believe there are not more options for a wide toe box & zero drop.

Hopefully, others try this shoe and provide feedback.

 

[abgoosht5]

I also tried the Altra HIIT XT for tennis. I am a huge fan of their running shoes, which have allowed me to recover from previous injuries and (so far) run injury-free.

I was thrilled when these tennis shoes came out, because I have had a lot of problems with other shoes--frequent foot pain after playing, and smashed toe-nails from hitting against the front of shoes (a frequent problem for me).

Playing with these shoes, thanks to the low heel-toe drop results in more of my balance on my toes, which allows me to move more quickly on the court. This is really great--keeping weight off the heels. So overall, I think for my style of tennis, a low profile will improve my movement on the court.

But overall, unfortunately I am not happy with these shoes. I also don't see them on the Altra website anymore, so I guess they have been discontinued? Unfortunately, these shoes improved but also did not solve my toe-nail breakage problem--my feet still slide and hit the front of the shoes when chasing down drop-shots, etc. I also get pain in the arches of my feet (plantar fasciitis) that I didn't have with other shoes.

So I will be looking for new low-profile shoes, though I hope I can find one that still provides some cushioning as the Altra's do. It seems like most of the alternatives are super-flat and provide no cushioning. I just want lower heel-toe drop, not zero cushioning. I also would like the natural toe-splay that Altra's provide, but ideally with less movement of my feet inside to shoe, to avoid continuously smashing my toe-nails

So thanks for the useful info on this discussion forum. I am also open to additional suggestions.

-Kamran

 

[David Hatcher]

I tried the Altra HIIT and found that my foot overflowed the sole on the sides, and therefore the shoe did not feel stable. I ordered a whole size up and had plenty of room in the toe area but on the sides, way too narrow. I wear an 11 D, not a wide size. When looking at the shoe when it was not on my foot, I realized that the material joins the sole in such a way that it seems to be designed so that the foot perches on top of the sole instead of down into it (if that makes sense).

For zero-drop tennis court shoes, I used to really like the NB Minimus 60. Its lack of heel cushioning never bothered me and I was sad when it was discontinued. I have recently found the Diadora Speed series to bee not too stacked in the heel, but the toe spread is not sufficient. To find a good, toe-comfortable, relatively low-heeled tennis shoe I have had to go back to the 60s and 70s; I'm currently wearing the Adidas Stan Smith on the court for 4.5 singles and doubles. It has a 4mm heel drop and sufficient toe room. Lasts about 9mos playing 1Xweek on hardcourts, 6mos 2Xweek. I actually really like the traction. The only issue is the durability, but then again it is around $75, so it's not so bad to replace.