Altra Vanish-R

I really wanted those shoes.

Just got my pair in the mail yesterday. These shoes need to be compared to shoes in the sub 4.5 oz category. You are not going to like the fit if you haven't run in shoes this light before. I have other shoes that are similar weights and they fit extremely narrow. The Vanish fits wide compared to those other shoes. Im guessing the shoes won't be really durable as they look to be for racing only. I think this is going to be a great shoe for those who have experience running in flats of comparable weights. I think a lot of Altra fans will be disappointed by the fit. This shoe is not for everyone. I am happy that Altra made a shoe in this category. I no longer have to race in my NB RC5000. They kill my feet but I use them for a few big races a year. I think I will be able to race more in this shoe as it will be more comfortable. This shoe would weight quite a bit more if they made it as wide as other Altra flats. I plan to run some strides in the Vanish this week. I will have a better review after I race in this shoe.

How is the sizing? Is it accurate?

I trained in the Adizero PR's for years then I switched to the Wave Universe, both were lighter and more roomy than the Vanish-R. The uppers on both of those shoes were also more durable. Altra is almost there but the Vanish-R is disappointing compared to what it could have been.

I trained in the Adizero PR's for years then I switched to the Wave Universe, both were lighter and more roomy than the Vanish-R. The uppers on both of those shoes were also more durable. Altra is almost there but the Vanish-R is disappointing compared to what it could have been.[/quote]

I can agree that the uppers on these need work. I don't think it's a terrible first shoe but it can be improved upon. What I like about the shoe is the cushioning, which feels great. What I don't like as much is the upper. It could be a tad wider but I am not complaining.

As for the fit I ordered an 11 and I wear an 11 in Torins. It is just a bit snug, I am debating on if I need a size up. As of now I could not wear these without wearing a thin sock.

I look forward to the next version already but I will enjoy these for now.

Yeah that sounds like the same experience I had. If they just fixed the upper it would be a great shoe. I think I will just exchange them for a size up and see how that goes.

any updates on the fit from those who have purchased this shoe?

anyone else wrote:

any updates on the fit from those who have purchased this shoe?

will let you know in a few hours

***PSA: YOUR ALTRA VANISH AREN’T TOO TIGHT! IT COMES WITH 2 INSOLES!***

You are supposed to pick ONE of them :-)

Mine only came with one, they must have heard my complaints!

Altra runner wrote:

Mine only came with one, they must have heard my complaints!

Double check. There is a black one on top of a white one. The white one comes out, too...

theJeff wrote:

Altra runner wrote:

Mine only came with one, they must have heard my complaints!

Double check. There is a black one on top of a white one. The white one comes out, too...

The white insole is not supposed to come out, it wouldn't have been glued in if it was.

Someone should review this shoe. Please.

altra runner wrote:

theJeff wrote:

Double check. There is a black one on top of a white one. The white one comes out, too...

The white insole is not supposed to come out, it wouldn't have been glued in if it was.

Mine slipped right out. Odd.

From RW:

Important Shoe Note: Two insoles are included inside each shoe, please choose ONE to dial in your perfect fit.

Flat insole: Traditional stripped down insole that you'd expect to find in a racing flat.

Contoured insole: More cushioned midsole that takes up a little extra volume.

Here's the link.

RW=running warehouse, NOT Runner's World

Take out both insoles maybe then?

I run without insoles in both the One 2.5 and the Escalante. They feel too tight if I leave them in..

altra runner wrote:

2. The upper is way too thin and I feels like it's going to rip after not many miles. I all of my training in racing flats and these wouldn't last long at all.

I think it's your problem that you do all your training in racing flats. Daily training is not their purpose; racing flats are meant to be used only once in a while. If you want the feeling of training in a racing flat, you should instead get a lightweight daily training shoe. Your feet and your wallet will thank you.

lazyboi wrote:

altra runner wrote:

2. The upper is way too thin and I feels like it's going to rip after not many miles. I all of my training in racing flats and these wouldn't last long at all.

I think it's your problem that you do all your training in racing flats. Daily training is not their purpose; racing flats are meant to be used only once in a while. If you want the feeling of training in a racing flat, you should instead get a lightweight daily training shoe. Your feet and your wallet will thank you.

I can't tell if you are a troll or not but I ran in trainers for years with tons of injuries. I'm in my 30's now and have no injuries running high mileage in racing flats. Many others have the same experience. If you are going to make a comment on something you should at least know what you're talking about, which obviously you don't.

I finally did my first run in Vanish-R.

Yes, they do come with 2 options for insoles, which would be easy to miss if you didn't know. They're just both stacked in the shoe, and the white one does look like it's built in. If you didn't know you'd just think you need to order another 1/2 size up or they didn't have enough toe space.

With the thicker insole, men's size 10 weight: 144 g. Thinner insole 135 g.

I used the thicker insole on my maiden voyage, about 10 miles last night.

They were great!

A lot more cushion, and 10 g lighter, than my Nike LT Zoom Streak 3.

I'm pretty sure they've got enough cushion to get me through a marathon. I'm going to try them in a half this weekend.