Altra Vanish Carbon
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Overview
The Altra Vanish Carbon is a high-performance running shoe designed to enhance speed and efficiency for long-distance races. This model marks Altra's entry into the carbon-plated shoe market, featuring a unique combination of a carbon fiber plate and EGO PRO midsole foam for a responsive and propulsive ride. The shoe maintains Altra's signature zero-drop platform and FootShape toe box, providing a natural foot positioning and ample space for toe splay.
Key Features:
- Carbon Fiber Plate: Enhances propulsion and energy return, ideal for competitive racing.
- EGO PRO Midsole Foam: Offers a balance of softness and responsiveness, suitable for high-speed endeavors.
- FootShape Toe Box: Allows for natural toe spread, enhancing stability and comfort during runs.
The Altra Vanish Carbon is an excellent choice for runners who value a natural foot position and seek a shoe that provides both speed and comfort over long distances. Its innovative features make it a standout option in the Altra lineup.
With an average review score of 83%, it's in the highest rated 40% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just above the median price of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Altra Vanish Carbon
The Altra Vanish Carbon has received high praise for its innovative design that combines a carbon fiber plate with EGO PRO midsole foam, offering a responsive and propulsive ride. This shoe is particularly noted for its zero-drop design, which promotes a natural running form, and its wide toe box that accommodates foot spread. While it excels in providing a stable and efficient ride, especially on turns and corners, the durability of its outsole has been a point of concern. The shoe's high price point and specialized features make it best suited for race days rather than everyday training. Overall, the Altra Vanish Carbon is a solid choice for serious runners seeking a competitive edge in races ranging from 5K to marathon distances. The Altra Vanish Carbon is a top contender for runners looking for a high-performance, zero-drop racing shoe.
Comparable Shoes
The ASICS Metaspeed Sky+ is often compared to the Altra Vanish Carbon for its similar focus on speed and efficiency. However, the Metaspeed Sky+ offers a slightly higher heel drop, which might be more comfortable for runners not accustomed to zero-drop shoes.
The Nike ZoomX Streakfly is another popular comparison, known for its plush cushioning which contrasts with the firmer feel of the Altra Vanish Carbon. Runners preferring a softer ride during races might favor the Streakfly over the Vanish Carbon.
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 is comparable in its race-day specialization and similar weight. It offers an alternative for those seeking a balance between lightness and cushioning, providing a slightly different experience compared to the firm and responsive Vanish Carbon.
6 Altra Vanish Carbon Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The upper of the Altra Vanish Carbon is crafted from a lightweight, breathable mesh that offers a second-skin fit while ensuring ample protection. This design choice enhances comfort and reduces the risk of irritation during long races. The strategic placement of ventilation holes further improves breathability, making the shoe ideal for hot weather conditions.
Midsole
The midsole of the Altra Vanish Carbon features Altra's EGO PRO foam, paired with a carbon fiber plate for enhanced energy return and propulsion. This combination supports a dynamic running experience, with the carbon plate providing rigidity and the foam ensuring a cushioned ride. The synergy between these elements is particularly beneficial for midfoot and forefoot strikers.
Outsole
Constructed from a highly wear-resistant rubber compound, the outsole of the Altra Vanish Carbon offers exceptional traction and grip at high speeds. However, its durability has been questioned, as it performed poorly in abrasion tests. This aspect might limit the shoe's use to race days to prevent premature wear.
Size/fit
The Altra Vanish Carbon is designed with a wide toe box that accommodates broader foot shapes and allows for natural toe spread. This feature is crucial for maintaining balance and comfort during runs. The shoe fits true to size, providing a secure lockdown without being overly tight.
Comfort
Comfort in the Altra Vanish Carbon is achieved through its roomy toe box and the use of EGO PRO midsole foam, which offers a cushioned yet responsive ride. The upper's breathable mesh also contributes to the overall comfort by keeping the feet cool and dry.
Cushioning
The cushioning of the Altra Vanish Carbon is somewhat firm, catering to runners who prefer a more responsive shoe over a plush one. This firmness, combined with the carbon plate, makes the shoe ideal for competitive racing but less suited for runners seeking a soft, everyday trainer.
Breathability
Breathability is a standout feature of the Altra Vanish Carbon, thanks to its mesh upper and ventilated design. This makes the shoe an excellent choice for running in warmer climates, as it helps to keep the feet cool and reduces moisture buildup.
Who should buy the Altra Vanish Carbon?
The Altra Vanish Carbon is best suited for experienced runners who are familiar with zero-drop shoes and seek a high-performance option for competitive racing. It's ideal for those who prefer a natural running position and need a shoe that offers both speed and responsiveness. Runners with wider feet will appreciate the accommodating fit provided by the FootShape toe box.
Who should not buy the Altra Vanish Carbon?
Runners who are new to zero-drop shoes may find the Altra Vanish Carbon challenging to adapt to, as it requires a specific running technique to maximize its benefits. Those who prefer a plush, cushioned ride might be better served by alternatives like the Nike ZoomX Streakfly. Additionally, due to concerns about the outsole's durability, it may not be the best choice for daily training.
Altra Vanish Carbon: What's it good for?
The Altra Vanish Carbon is excellent for competitive racing across distances from 5K to marathons. Its design supports fast, efficient running on road terrains. The shoe's zero-drop and responsive cushioning make it suitable for runners who have a refined technique and seek to improve their race times.
3 Altra Vanish Carbon FAQs
What makes the Altra Vanish Carbon unique among racing shoes?
The Altra Vanish Carbon stands out due to its zero-drop design and carbon fiber plate, which together promote a natural foot strike and enhanced propulsion. This combination is rare in racing shoes, which often have some heel-to-toe drop.
Is the Altra Vanish Carbon suitable for beginners?
The Altra Vanish Carbon is best suited for experienced runners familiar with zero-drop footwear. Beginners might find the transition challenging and may prefer a shoe with some heel drop for added comfort during runs.
How durable is the Altra Vanish Carbon?
While the Altra Vanish Carbon excels in performance, its outsole durability is a concern. It is recommended to reserve this shoe for race days to extend its lifespan, as the outsole may wear down quickly with regular training use.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedMar 2022 | Jan 2024 | Mar 2024 | Nov 2023 | Jul 2024 | Jun 2024 |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
| Weight | Weight204 g | M: 196 g W: 167 g | 181 g | M: 255 g W: 190 g | 249 g | M: 241 g W: 207 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot33 mm | 27 mm | 35 mm | 32 mm | 37 mm | 36 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop | 6 mm | 5 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Heel | Heel33 mm | 33 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm | 45 mm | 44 mm |
| Usages | UsagesRacing | RacingSpeed training | Racing | RacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training |
| Brand | BrandAltra | adidas | ASICS | PUMA | ASICS | ASICS |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLightweight | Lightweight | LightweightMaximalist | Maximalist | ComfortableMaximalist | LightweightMaximalist |
| Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Techs | Techs | PUMA NITROPUMA NITRO Elite | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable | Sustainable | |||
Common characteristicsRoadNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archBreathableOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
- Dec 2023
- Mar 2022
