Altra was founded in 2009 by runners Golden Harper and Brian Beckstead, who set out to challenge the conventional running shoe by isolating heel-to-toe drop as a critical, overlooked design flaw.

The brand pioneered Zero Drop™ platforms and its signature FootShape™ toe box, giving runners' toes room to spread naturally instead of being squeezed into a tapered front, all built around Balanced Cushioning™ for a more natural foot position.

While Altra remains committed to its zero-drop roots, it has since expanded into select low-drop models, offering a gentler entry point for runners curious about a more natural stride.