Untila few years ago, when people talked about shoes for running in races or fast workouts, they thought of stiff shoes with little cushioning, with the idea that the foot could thus feel the asphalt as best as possible. The evolution of midsoles and the development of new materials has made the association dryness-velocity was gradually waning, and there is indeed a move toward developing and improving models that have both a shock-absorbing component and the ability to restore the foot’s sensation of direct contact with the ground.
With this in mind, Altra has launched the Vanish Tempo, an all-new model that, as the name suggests, is designed for running fast workouts or races and that spares no expense in terms of comfort and cushioning.
SOME TECHNICAL DATA
The Vanish Tempo are somewhat the younger sisters of the VanishCarbon, from which they inherit a good deal of the design-at least at first glance-and the cushioning solutions, but with some important differences. The main one is the absence of the carbon plate, which allowed designers to add solutions devoted to comfort without having excessive weight gain and make the shoes more runner friendly, expanding the audience of possible users. The Tempos weigh about 240 grams in US size 9 (the European 42.5), and although developed for those with forefoot propensities and running in with neutral stance, the overall balance of the shoe also makes them suitable for those with slight pronation.
The structure of the mesh upper is sock-like and thus follows the shape of the foot, wrapping it without squeezing, with the laces resting on the padded tongue while remaining firmly in place, even when tying a single knot. The fit is snug and comfortable, the structural part of the shoe holds the foot in place, and although the rocker geometry tends to move the body forward even while walking, there is never a feeling of the foot slipping into the shoe.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO RUN
If I had to describe it in as few words as possible, I would say: very nice. The Vanish Tempos perform very well on every occasion I have had the opportunity to test them. Whether running at a leisurely pace, trying out on repeats or stretches, Altra’s newcomers answer the call flawlessly, providing stability and excellent grip on the asphalt. In this respect, it probably rewards the choice of using a harder rubber for the tread than seen on the Vanish Carbon, which counterbalances the absence of the carbon plate. For the same reason, especially on slower paced runs, there is a sharper feel of the EGO™ PRO foam filling the arch of the foot as it goes to caress the foot upon ground contact.
Then again, the purpose of this shoe is to accompany us on as many and as many kinds of runs as possible and not just or mostly in races-but they will be able to do that if you ask them-so these choices on Altra’s part are more than reasoned and apt. As in the other models of the American company that we have been able to try in recent months, the Vanish Tempo can be remarked on the feeling of freedom enjoyed by the entire front part of the foot, which can move in a natural way thanks to the wide forefoot cage, a factor that helps to maintain a very high level of grip and security in changes of movement and direction.
IN BRIEF
Altra’s Vanish Tempo have happily surprised me and have rightfully entered my
top ten
of shoes tried so far, and as far as American brand models go I would place them on the podium along with the Vanish Carbon and Rivera 2. They are versatile shoes that are pleasant to wear and can be used without major problems of adaptation by the vast majority of runners, whether we want to do our daily jog or use them to push a little or run a few races up to the Half Marathon and maybe even beyond. Aesthetically they also hit the mark, the design is simple and modern and the color combination pleasing, because in the end it is true that runners are a bit flirtatious about certain things, and at Altra they know that the eye wants its share too.
You can find Altra Vanish Tempo in the best sportswear stores and in the Altra store for 190 euros.
