I was thrilled when I received a pair of the new Altra Provisioness to test out. I really love the Altra Intuition Zero Drop shoes, but after some injuries that were due in part to my collapsing arches, I needed a shoe that offered more stability.
Enter the Altra Provisioness. The Provisioness provides all the benefits of the Intuition, but sports a thicker mid sole and optional stability wedge. This makes the shoe perfect for women who have collapsing arches and/or pronate.
I think the Provisioness is really revolutionary. Until now, runners who needed a shoe with more stability were forced to sacrifice a zero drop in favor of the additional support. Not any more!
The Provisioness are also pretty light– 8.5oz with the wedge and 7.9oz without– unlike most stability shoes. In comparison, the Mizuno Wave Inspires (a stability shoe that is considered to be relatively light) are 8.9oz.
Another awesome feature of the Provisioness (like other Altra shoes) is that it is made for a woman’s foot. Altra doesn’t subscribe to the “shrink it and pink it” (taking a men’s shoe and then making it smaller and pink) mindset of most shoe manufacturers. Because a woman’s foot tends to have a slightly longer arch, narrower heel, and higher instep, Altra designed the shoe for these specifications.
I have worn the Provisioness since I have been back running over the past week and a half. I absolutely LOVE them. As with the Intuitions, I tend to wear them for more than just running because they are so comfy. With the zero drop AND mid-level support, I am one very happy runner!
If you are a runner who has held back from switching to a zero drop shoe because of the lack of support, you can now enjoy the benefits of both with the Altra Provisioness.
Altra provided 30 Something Mother Runner with a complimentary pair of the Provisioness for this product review. I did not receive any payment for writing this review, and all writing and opinions reflected in this review are my own.
Those sound great, I’ll have to remember them for when I’m in the market for a new running shoe!
I’m currently waiting on my first pair of Altra’s! I had to go with the men’s version (provision) though since I have huge feet and size 12 is the biggest they make in women’s (I’m actually a 12, but in running shoes wear a 12.5-13 to avoid black toenails). I’m curious to see how they fit and if the men’s version will work for me (I hope, I hope, I hope). Thanks for your review. Happy Running!
I consider buying this shoe. I used to wear Saucony Guide 4, but since they discontinued the shoe I have a really tough time finding a show that feels right. I think I might try this one. Thanks for the review!