I just purchased a pair this past weekend. Will try them tomorrow for the very first time (on the treadmill at the gym). Can anyone give me some advice on what to expect out of these shoes? They are zero-drop, with a bit of cushioning and are "foot-shaped", so very unlike traditional running shoes. They look a bit weird...almost like earth shoes (anyone remember those?)...but they felt SO comfortable in the store. My toes were very happy being able to fully "splay" out, for a change. I'm coming from wearing the Nike Free Run 2 for the last year or so. I liked the Nike just fine, but was starting to feel some ball-of-foot tenderness lately, which is why I felt I needed some additional cushioning in the forefoot. I wouldn't classify myself as a "runner"...more like an "occasional runner". I used to be able to run 3-5 miles straight through without much of a problem...but lately I've had to scale that back quite a bit due to my lower back condition (spondylolisthesis) and just plain getting older. I now have to include some walking breaks almost every mile or so...which has me feeling a little discouraged. I'm hoping that these Altra shoes might make my feet a little happier and keep me running for longer stretches.

I'd be interested in hearing anyone's experience with these shoes. Thanks!

Linda