Customer Reviews Altra Kayenta

I've had these shoes for 4 months now. Great shoe for short distances and speed training. These shoes are so comfortable I actually look forward to training in them. I only run for 3 to 5 miles then into the boxing gym. I don't even switch to boxing boots anymore. I hope Altra continues to produce versions of these shoes.

I got back into running about two months ago and I'm running about 20 - 25 miles per week. I'm using these right now on my shorter/faster/recovery runs. My foot is fairly narrow with a medium/high arch. I love the wide toe box and the overall feel of the shoe. I'm tempted to buy a backup pair since they are on sale! I did have to double knot the laces since they kept coming untied with a standard knot.

Kayenta is a lot like One 2.5, but actually better. Light weight, 23 mm stack height, and the springiest ride I've ever felt (at least when they're new). I'm not sure what the holes in the sole are for, but if removing them would change the way the Kayentas feel, I say keep them. So what if my socks get damp when I run through a puddle? Downside: They don't last as long as Altra's more durable, worse shoes. I don't care. I'm not trying to maximize miles per dollar. I'm not trying to maximize "energy return" either; if I were I'd run in bike shoes.

Light, soft, responsive and great fit. This show feels like part of my foot. The fit is secure without being tight due to the comfortable upper. I just raced a marathon in them and my feet felt great all day long. Light and fast!

This is my 2nd pair of Altra shoes. I love them and highly recommend them. I love the way they feel on my feet when I run. I love the wide toe front

Altra has finally delivered. Altra's baggy fit has been my primary grievance over the years. It hasn't stopped me from enjoying many versions of the torin and escalante. When Altra claimed a more secure fitting uptempo shoe they were spot on. Love this shoe and is always at the top of my rotation.

I've been running for 40+ years. This is one of the best shoes I've ever owned, I like the zero drop and the minimalist construction. Also well made and lasting a long time though I'm only running -30 miles a week now. Love this shoe.

My history: Getting older; bad knees; Average miles per week typically around 15. These shoes are the lightest that I have ever run it. They are super comfortable. I have ran in them on the road and trails. In fact, I ran a trail on Oahu that entailed several deep stream crossings. I came out of the stream and these shoes shed the water immediately. Given my past knee problems, I was a little concerned how my knees would hold up to road running since the construction of these shoes is very light. I can honestly say that I have not had a bit of knee problems. In fact, I recently put over 40 miles running six days consecutively (which I do not normally run every day) without any problems. I have two pair and have no reason nor desire to try any other type of shoe.

Shoes are lite and feel great on the foot. First I was not convinced about glove fit but now I like it a lot. They feel like sleepers, like extension of the foot. Quite soft with enough space for toes. I would not complain about a little more heel support but other than that great shoes.

These are great shoes. I've worn them with and without socks and they're comfortable either way. My foot feels snug but not squeezed and they feel stable underfoot. The shoes' light weight is super impressive. I've had these for about five months running almost everyday and am excited to order another pair. Only wish they came in more colors.

I wrote an earlier review on the Kayenta, but felt it necessary to add an update. The durability of these shoes is being questioned by many. I now have over 400 miles on mine (pavement and dirt roads, track and even some trails (not recommended)) and they're still going strong. The Max-LT midsole material is still unbelievably soft and ALIVE! All of the rubber pods on the outsole are still intact. I'm not heavy, but not a lightweight either, 165 lbs. I hope the next version of this shoe does not change much. Just improve the sizing: I where a 9.5 and will probably order a 10 next time. And colors choices could be improved.

First of all this review is subjective to what I understood the target of the running shoe. Kayenta, surpassed my expectations. I have run many Altras for many years, each of my running shoes has a purpose and when I'm reviewing one I won't compare them to others. Kayenta is responsive, light and still provide cushioning for the long run. I'm not to light neither too heavy 161 lb~ 73 Kg and I have been using kayenta for any workout or race that I need too keep high turn over and speed. I have been up to 22 miles work outs for the longest and 1/2ironman however I'm planning to use them for full Ironman in the future. As a triathlete, kayenta fits in a way that I haven't felt any difference between the rubber band quick transition laces and kayentas original one ( I have two pairs different set ups ).If you get the right size for your feet shape, will fit like a glove (Note: no generalizing as each feet is different ) Regarding the drain sole, it works as it was meant and on a hot day going through add station pouring water to cool down the body it let water escape and kept the for fast pace. Obviously it will let water in too, but it is the trade of what they were meant to provide as feature Sole, in my particular front stride seems to have the right distribution or hard material to prevent earlier worn out. I was skeptical on such a light and flexible heel cup, but the strategically padding and proper lacing give it a very good grab. It makes the shoe to feel solid lock in place I have had many experiences with blisters in the past, so I haven't risk to try the Kayenta without socks. however I tried for walking and there is no hard seam that may cause problems. I'm not a sprinter or Olympic distance triathlete in need of a fast transition. Even using socks Kayenta has been really easy to jump in in a few seconds. I hope this review helps some of you to give it a try. they are worth running shoes. Another great Altra shoe!

I have size 14 feet with a wide platform and unusual toes haha. These Altras are spot on with size and width. They seem to have created the perfect zero drop shoe. Plus the weight of the shoe is phenomenal! I use them everyday walking on hard concrete surfaces and have zero complaints. The zero drop and natural toe box has really helped with ankle/calf fatigue and any random knee pain that seemed to arise in the past.

I've run in Altras for the past 5 years. My favorite roadie from them was the Impulse (which you guys should bring back, btw). After settling for one or another model since the Impulse, I have finally found a roadie that is light, fast, snug and has enough support to run legitimate distances on the pavement. I've already purchased a second pair and am planning on a third just in case Altra eliminates this model. What would be perfect is this upper on the Impulse sole. Now that would be a shoe for the ages!! C'mon Altra. You can do it!! I've recommended this shoe to my best friends, mom and running group.

These shoes are incredibly soft, light and comfortable. I pronate and break down the medial soles of shoes pretty quickly, but, SUPRISINGLY, not these. 150 miles with no signs of that because, I'm guessing, the complete lack of lateral support in the heel allows my natural motion to occur without forcing the whole shoe inwards. I expected the Kayentas to be my speed training and race shoes, but they have become my everything shoes. I hadn't run more than 8 miles in years before these, because of leg issues. In the past month, I have long runs of 9, 10, 12 and 13 and I don't see running further in these a problem. Needless to say, these are my favorite running shoes EVER. I would say they run a quarter size small. And a little narrower than most Altras, but that should be expected in a sock-like fitting shoe. I do wish the insole was a little wider at the heel though, because I can feel the inside edge of it at times. The drains in the bottom of the shoes don't really bother me, but I'm not sure they're needed. Expect wet socks if you step in a puddle or on wet ground. Of course, they drain quickly too. I hope they last a couple hundred more miles.

I must admit, I took a leap with these bc of the shoe form. The lady at the store in Rehobeth Delaware I bought them from was a runner and through our discussion she convinced me to get out of the norm and give these a go. Boy was she right. They are flat out the most comfortable trainer/runner I've ever worn and I'm 66 years old and still running! I wear a 13D so I got whistles with these boats of mine, and I'm particular about big comfort and support. My big toe was always an issue in my glide, and this shoe is a fix. Not a normal remedy but one very thought through.take the plunge!

Having fallen in love with the One 2.5 a few years back, I was very sad when Altra dropped the ball with the v3. The Kayenta is the spiritual successor to the One 2.5 in fit and feel. I have some questions about the long term durability of the upper, but for now I'm just enjoying the ride.

For the intended purpose, this is the best shoe targeted for fast short distance training and racing. Reminds me of the way One use to feel (before they got ruined with V3) I probably would not try them on a marathon, but there are those that run marathons in Luna's; so I wouldn't rule them out. When Vanish-R came out, I hoped it would fill the niche of a fast light 5k/10k racer. Sadly Vanish-R is one of the poorest constructed shoes I've ever put on. Light, and springy, but shoddy construction and materials. I've attached a photo - it doesn't take long to notice the deficiencies of the Vanish-R; Including but not limited to shoe strings that aren't much more then kite string. You can't tell from the picture, but I had to cut slots in the tongue of the Vanish-R to keep what little of it is there from sliding down to my toes (happened on every run within the first 800 meters) In contrast, notice the one piece inner, including the nicely padded uppers. Kayenta is breath heavier... but unlike Vanish-R, it is designed bottom to top brilliantly, fits like a glove, and feels like it will last. I prefer trail races and on most trails, this isn't the right shoe - but if there aren't big rocks, mud and water, then it could work. If there were more stars to give it - I would.