Altra Provision 5
Buy Altra Provision 5 at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The Altra Provision 5 is a running shoe designed to offer a natural and stable ride. This model is part of the Altra Provision family and stands out for its unique combination of Altra's core technologies with innovative updates.
Key Features:
- Zero Drop Platform: Promotes a natural foot strike by ensuring the heel and forefoot are at the same distance from the ground.
- FootShape Toe Box: Provides ample space for the toes to spread out naturally, enhancing comfort and stability.
- Innovarch GuideRail: Offers dynamic arch support and gait guidance, engaging only when necessary for a personalized stability experience.
The Altra Provision 5 is an ideal choice for runners who value a shoe that encourages a natural stride and provides stability without being overly restrictive. Its innovative features offer a comfortable and responsive ride, making it suitable for daily running and long distances. Runners who prioritize a zero drop design for a more natural foot position will find the Altra Provision 5 to be a compelling option within the Altra lineup.
According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's just above the median price of running shoes.
Verdict
The consensus on the Altra Provision 5
The Altra Provision 5 delivers a unique running experience that combines natural foot movement with stability features. Runners seeking a shoe that promotes a natural stride while offering support will appreciate the Provision 5's design. The zero drop platform and FootShape toe box are Altra's signature features that encourage a natural foot position and toe splay. The updated Innovarch technology simplifies the fit, enhancing comfort and stability. While the shoe's GuideRail system provides support only when needed, it ensures a personalized stability experience. The midsole's Ultralight EVA compound offers a responsive ride, although some runners may need time to adjust to the zero drop design. The Provision 5's engineered mesh upper is breathable and supportive, but the tongue may slide to the side during runs. Overall, the Altra Provision 5 is a solid choice for runners who value a natural and stable ride in their daily training sessions.
Updates to Altra Provision 5
The Altra Provision 5 has undergone significant updates from its predecessor, the Altra Provision 4.0. Notably, the Innovarch technology has been refined from three tabs to two, simplifying the fit and enhancing stability. The midsole compound has also been updated to an Ultralight EVA for a more responsive ride. These changes indicate a fresh approach to guided natural foot movement, with an emphasis on improving comfort and performance.
Comparable Shoes
The Hoka Arahi is another stability shoe that runners might consider alongside the Altra Provision 5. The Arahi features Hoka's signature cushioning and a moderate heel-to-toe drop. It provides a different approach to stability with its J-Frame technology, which may appeal to those looking for a plush ride.
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 is a popular stability shoe that is often compared to the Altra Provision 5. While both shoes offer stability features, the Brooks Adrenaline has a traditional heel-to-toe drop, contrasting with the Provision 5's zero-drop design. Runners who prefer a more conventional ride may lean towards the Brooks Adrenaline.
6 Altra Provision 5 Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Altra Provision 5 features an engineered mesh upper that is both breathable and lightweight. The updated Innovarch technology, now with two tabs, simplifies the fit and enhances stability. The upper's design allows for excellent adaptability to the foot, contributing to a secure and comfortable run. However, some runners may find the tongue prone to sliding, which can be a minor annoyance.
Midsole
The midsole of the Altra Provision 5 is constructed with an Ultralight EVA compound, providing a responsive yet cushioned ride. The GuideRail technology on the medial side offers dynamic stability, engaging only when necessary based on the runner's gait. This flexibility in stability is a standout feature, appealing to a wide range of runners.
Outsole
Altra uses their Rubber Footpod outsole for the Provision 5, designed to map the bones and tendons of the foot for a more natural movement. While the outsole offers effective traction in both wet and dry conditions, its durability may be a concern as it shows signs of wear after extensive use.
Size/fit
The Provision 5 comes in gender-specific versions, with the Fit4Her model tailored for a narrower heel and midfoot, higher instep, and longer arches. The shoe generally fits true to size, but some runners may experience heel slippage, which could be mitigated by the improved Innovarch fit.
Comfort
Comfort in the Altra Provision 5 is enhanced by the contoured insole with dimples that provide a massage-like sensation. The FootShape toe box allows for natural toe splay, contributing to overall comfort. However, the comfort level may decrease slightly as mileage increases.
Cushioning
The Altra Provision 5's cushioning is delivered through its Ultralight EVA midsole, offering a bouncy and responsive feel. The zero drop design encourages midfoot strikes and increased ground feel, although it may require an adjustment period for those new to zero drop shoes.
Breathability
The engineered mesh upper of the Provision 5 ensures breathability, keeping the feet cool and dry during runs. This feature, along with the shoe's overall lightweight construction, contributes to a pleasant running experience.
Stability
Stability in the Altra Provision 5 is provided by the dynamic GuideRail and Innovarch technologies, which offer support tailored to the runner's needs. This approach to stability is less intrusive than traditional methods, allowing for a more natural running experience.
Durability
While the Altra Provision 5 is built with high-performance materials, the outsole's durability is a concern, as it may wear quickly with regular use on abrasive surfaces like asphalt.
Grip
The Provision 5's outsole provides reliable traction and grip on various surfaces, ensuring a secure run. The high-performance rubber compounds used in the outsole are ideal for handling the demands of road running.
Who should buy the Altra Provision 5?
The Altra Provision 5 is well-suited for runners who are looking for a stability shoe that offers a natural ride. It's perfect for those who appreciate a zero drop design and a wide toe box for natural foot splay. The Provision 5 is also a good match for runners with low arches or those who experience overpronation, as the GuideRail technology provides support only when necessary.
Who should not buy the Altra Provision 5?
Runners who prefer a traditional heel-to-toe drop or those who are not accustomed to a zero drop platform may not find the Altra Provision 5 to be the best fit. Additionally, those seeking a shoe with a highly structured heel counter might find the Provision 5's flexible heel counter to be too minimal. Runners looking for a shoe with a snug fit in the toe box may also want to consider other options, as the FootShape toe box is designed to allow for ample toe movement.
Altra Provision 5: What's it good for?
The Altra Provision 5 is ideal for road running and can handle a variety of distances, from short, intense workouts to long endurance runs. Its versatile design makes it suitable for daily training, providing the stability and cushioning needed for regular use.
4 Altra Provision 5 FAQs
How does the zero drop design of the Altra Provision 5 affect running form?
The zero drop design of the Altra Provision 5 encourages a natural foot strike and may promote a midfoot landing. This can lead to a more efficient running form and reduced impact on the joints. However, it may require an adjustment period for runners new to zero drop shoes.
Is the Altra Provision 5 suitable for runners with wide feet?
Yes, the Altra Provision 5 is suitable for runners with wide feet, thanks to its FootShape toe box that allows for natural toe splay and a comfortable fit.
Can the Altra Provision 5 be used for long-distance running?
The Altra Provision 5 is well-equipped for long-distance running due to its cushioned midsole, breathable upper, and stability features that provide support over extended periods.
How durable is the outsole of the Altra Provision 5?
The outsole of the Altra Provision 5 is made of Rubber Footpod material, which offers good traction and flexibility. However, some runners may find that it wears quickly with regular use on abrasive surfaces.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedMay 2021 | Nov 2022 | Dec 2022 | Nov 2023 | Jun 2022 | Apr 2022 |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | Weight | M: 275 g W: 235 g | M: 275 g W: 235 g | M: 227 g W: 193 g | 252 g | M: 323 g W: 264 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot27 mm | 28 mm | M: 27 mm W: 14 mm | 28 mm | 29 mm | 35 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop | 8 mm | 5 mm | 8 mm | 5 mm | |
| Heel | Heel27 mm | 28 mm | M: 35 mm W: 22 mm | 33 mm | 37 mm | 40 mm |
| Usages | UsagesDaily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily runningSpeed training | Daily running |
| Brand | BrandAltra | Altra | ASICS | Hoka | Saucony | Hoka |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLow dropZero drop | Low drop | ComfortableLightweightMaximalist | Comfortable | Maximalist | |
| Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
| Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Techs | Techs | Altra EGOGuideRail | ASICS FF BlastASICS TRUSSTIC | |||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable | SustainableVegan Ⓥ | |||
Common characteristicsRoadStabilityOverpronationLow archBreathable |
- Nov 2022
- Nov 2021
- May 2021
- Mar 2020
