Here is my full review of the Altra Adam.What do you think of the Adam? What do you use it for? http://obsessiverunner.blogspot.com/2011/11/altra-adam-review.html
My Altra Adam Review
- Thread starter theo7272
- Start date
I think the Adam is a great
I think the Adam is a great start but have always thought the strapping system looked somewhat arbitrarily designed. I would change that to the system that the VivoBarefoot Alexander sandal uses. Or start with the same strapping system as what the VFF Sprint uses and add one additional strap that just goes over the forefoot laterally. Also add a quick-release buckle on the upper strap so that the velcro can be set at a specific adjustment (it would also allow the velcro a longer life).
Unlike the opinion posted in your review, I don't look forward to a lace-up version of the shoe. Unless the inherent style was changed to a business-casual/dress shoe, in which case laces might be more appropriate. I like straps that allow the shoe to be adjusted at individual areas of the foot. It can be somewhat possible to do that with laces too but, straps are ultimately more secure and velcro offers easier access for re-adjustments. Also, a strap that goes around the achiles area would allow the shoe full adjustment, which I'd welcome for when changing to a different thickness of sock. The way the VFF Sprint's strapping system is the wearer could, theoretically, wear them for both no-socks and thick socks.
I think the Adam is a great start but have always thought the strapping system looked somewhat arbitrarily designed. I would change that to the system that the VivoBarefoot Alexander sandal uses. Or start with the same strapping system as what the VFF Sprint uses and add one additional strap that just goes over the forefoot laterally. Also add a quick-release buckle on the upper strap so that the velcro can be set at a specific adjustment (it would also allow the velcro a longer life).
Unlike the opinion posted in your review, I don't look forward to a lace-up version of the shoe. Unless the inherent style was changed to a business-casual/dress shoe, in which case laces might be more appropriate. I like straps that allow the shoe to be adjusted at individual areas of the foot. It can be somewhat possible to do that with laces too but, straps are ultimately more secure and velcro offers easier access for re-adjustments. Also, a strap that goes around the achiles area would allow the shoe full adjustment, which I'd welcome for when changing to a different thickness of sock. The way the VFF Sprint's strapping system is the wearer could, theoretically, wear them for both no-socks and thick socks.
Thank you, Theo, for sharing
Thank you, Theo, for sharing your reviews in the Product Review section. We appreciate it!
Thank you, Theo, for sharing your reviews in the Product Review section. We appreciate it!
I recently had a pair of Eves
I recently had a pair of Eves (women's counterpart) pass through my hands and over my feet. (They did not fit, but I *may* exchange them for a larger size.)
Offhand, I found the straps to be excessive and disappointing - all Velcro, they're inflexible, unlike the stretchy rest of the upper. I think these would do well with straps similar to those on the Hattori... if, in fact, straps are necessary at all. (I tend to set straps so that they won't engage, even at max range.)
FWIW, Nyah, I would be opposed to the addition of a heel strap! (Especially of the rigid, inflexible and unstretchy velcro sort found on the current iteration of the shoe.)
Initially, I was excited to read that some see them as the mono-toed equivalent of VFFs. But, was sad to realize that the soling was much thicker than I'd like... perhaps the other reviewers were thinking Bikila instead of KSO (original).
I *think* the various supplied insoles might be useful in adjusting to different terrain - as in, I might find the shoes to work well on both road and trail (non-technical, short distances). But, will have to wait and see - if I decide to go ahead with an exchange so I can actually run (off-treadmill) in a pair.
I recently had a pair of Eves (women's counterpart) pass through my hands and over my feet. (They did not fit, but I *may* exchange them for a larger size.)
Offhand, I found the straps to be excessive and disappointing - all Velcro, they're inflexible, unlike the stretchy rest of the upper. I think these would do well with straps similar to those on the Hattori... if, in fact, straps are necessary at all. (I tend to set straps so that they won't engage, even at max range.)
FWIW, Nyah, I would be opposed to the addition of a heel strap! (Especially of the rigid, inflexible and unstretchy velcro sort found on the current iteration of the shoe.)
Initially, I was excited to read that some see them as the mono-toed equivalent of VFFs. But, was sad to realize that the soling was much thicker than I'd like... perhaps the other reviewers were thinking Bikila instead of KSO (original).
I *think* the various supplied insoles might be useful in adjusting to different terrain - as in, I might find the shoes to work well on both road and trail (non-technical, short distances). But, will have to wait and see - if I decide to go ahead with an exchange so I can actually run (off-treadmill) in a pair.
buzzie wrote:Offhand, I found
I can't imagine the straps doing their jobs if they happened to be stretchy. I wear huaraches and the lace I use has no stretch to speak of. Also, way back when I wore shoes, I never saw a need for their laces to be stretchy. Immediately before I embraced the concept of minimalist footwear, I did all of my sports in Teva-style sandals. The straps had velcro on their entirety and they had no stretch whatsoever. I'd put the sandal on as normal and the strap would automatically conform to the curvature of my foot as I fastened the velcro. These straps each had a quick-release buckle so that you didn't have to undo the velcro every time you took them off. After opening this buckle, it was obvious that the strap was retaining the curved shape of the foot. Even the strap around the achilles area, having the tightest curvature requirement of them all, posed no problem for the velcro. I also haven't heard/read anyone having your issue with the VFF Sprint/KSO straps, and those look to me as having the same type of velcro integration as the ones on the Adam/Eve. Thus I'm having trouble following your complaint about straps with full velcro.
buzzie said:
I can't imagine the straps doing their jobs if they happened to be stretchy. I wear huaraches and the lace I use has no stretch to speak of. Also, way back when I wore shoes, I never saw a need for their laces to be stretchy. Immediately before I embraced the concept of minimalist footwear, I did all of my sports in Teva-style sandals. The straps had velcro on their entirety and they had no stretch whatsoever. I'd put the sandal on as normal and the strap would automatically conform to the curvature of my foot as I fastened the velcro. These straps each had a quick-release buckle so that you didn't have to undo the velcro every time you took them off. After opening this buckle, it was obvious that the strap was retaining the curved shape of the foot. Even the strap around the achilles area, having the tightest curvature requirement of them all, posed no problem for the velcro. I also haven't heard/read anyone having your issue with the VFF Sprint/KSO straps, and those look to me as having the same type of velcro integration as the ones on the Adam/Eve. Thus I'm having trouble following your complaint about straps with full velcro.
To each his own.One of the
To each his own.
One of the things I love about the Wokova Feathers is the bit of elastic in the strap system that offers some give - I don't like to feel bound.
If I've adjusted a shoe to fit well with my foot in one position, it often doesn't fit as well - too tight or too loose - when my foot moves to another position. Perhaps I just have overly active feet, curling and flexing. In general, I've found straps - which are applied over very precisely defined areas - to be more irritating than an all-around unstretchy upper (which is applied over the whole foot).
The other thing that bugs me about the all-velcro straps as implemented on the Altras is that they are very stiff, inelegant, and unsightly. They seem unrefined - like velcro right off the bolt, rather than a nice hook&loop solution applied to a well-integrated bit of fabric or other material. (In comparison, the velcro on my KSOs is MUCH more flexible and better integrated.)
To each his own.
One of the things I love about the Wokova Feathers is the bit of elastic in the strap system that offers some give - I don't like to feel bound.
If I've adjusted a shoe to fit well with my foot in one position, it often doesn't fit as well - too tight or too loose - when my foot moves to another position. Perhaps I just have overly active feet, curling and flexing. In general, I've found straps - which are applied over very precisely defined areas - to be more irritating than an all-around unstretchy upper (which is applied over the whole foot).
The other thing that bugs me about the all-velcro straps as implemented on the Altras is that they are very stiff, inelegant, and unsightly. They seem unrefined - like velcro right off the bolt, rather than a nice hook&loop solution applied to a well-integrated bit of fabric or other material. (In comparison, the velcro on my KSOs is MUCH more flexible and better integrated.)
NickW
Guest
Buzzie, I too think they
Buzzie, I too think they could have done better with their velcro straps. Mainly just the strap across the forefoot. I find that strap worthless for me and it looks horrible because of the way it zigs and zags across the foot. I have to wear the forefoot velcro completely loose in order to wear these. I have half a mind to cut off that strap as I don't use it.
The strap closer to the ankle looks much better in my opinion and is fine for me, quick and easy to adjust despite not having a quick release. I also like how this strap does stretch a little and most of the time I don't ever have to adjust it, I just slip my foot in and out without undoing the velcro. The only time I have to adjust this strap is if I wear socks with them.
These are not perfect shoes by no means, but I do think they offer those of us with abnormal sized toes a chance to wear a minimalist shoe similar to that of a vff. I have not found any other shoe out there that compares to a vff without toes other than this one. Sure theres the Zems and Softstar products, but you don't get a similar upper and they quite frankly, are not the prettiest shoes either in my opinion. The Altra Adams/Eves blend in and look more normal than a lot of minimalist shoes.
Buzzie, I too think they could have done better with their velcro straps. Mainly just the strap across the forefoot. I find that strap worthless for me and it looks horrible because of the way it zigs and zags across the foot. I have to wear the forefoot velcro completely loose in order to wear these. I have half a mind to cut off that strap as I don't use it.
The strap closer to the ankle looks much better in my opinion and is fine for me, quick and easy to adjust despite not having a quick release. I also like how this strap does stretch a little and most of the time I don't ever have to adjust it, I just slip my foot in and out without undoing the velcro. The only time I have to adjust this strap is if I wear socks with them.
These are not perfect shoes by no means, but I do think they offer those of us with abnormal sized toes a chance to wear a minimalist shoe similar to that of a vff. I have not found any other shoe out there that compares to a vff without toes other than this one. Sure theres the Zems and Softstar products, but you don't get a similar upper and they quite frankly, are not the prettiest shoes either in my opinion. The Altra Adams/Eves blend in and look more normal than a lot of minimalist shoes.
"quick and easy to adjust
"quick and easy to adjust despite not having a quick release."
Is that supposed to be a refutation of my suggestion to add a quick-release buckle? I wasn't implying that velcro isn't quick enough to adjust. I suggested the quick-release buckle so that the strap could be kept at a constant length if so desired as well as keeping the velcro from getting overused and wearing out prematurely. It's a feature that has worked well on my pre-minimalist sandals and I imagine that it would also work on minimalist footwear which use strapping systems.
"quick and easy to adjust despite not having a quick release."
Is that supposed to be a refutation of my suggestion to add a quick-release buckle? I wasn't implying that velcro isn't quick enough to adjust. I suggested the quick-release buckle so that the strap could be kept at a constant length if so desired as well as keeping the velcro from getting overused and wearing out prematurely. It's a feature that has worked well on my pre-minimalist sandals and I imagine that it would also work on minimalist footwear which use strapping systems.
NickW
Guest
Nyah, no this was not me
Nyah, no this was not me arguing with you it was mearly an observation from my own experience with these shoes. I personally would hate to see them add a quick release to these shoes after I've thought about it some. I already have a proplem with the anchor points on the front velcro strap pushing in on my pinky toes, I don't need something hard and plastic on top of my foot to make the shoe completely unwearable for me. Right now, I have to keep that front strap completely loose for two reasons, a. the anchor points rub my pinky toes raw and b. I have wide feet and tightening that strap makes it too tight on my foot which causes pain.
I also mentioned up there that for me, I rarely have to adjust my straps as the strap stretches just enough that I can slip my foot in and out without adjusting anything. The only time I have to adjust is when I change between wearing socks and going barefoot in them. Usually I wear socks in them unless I'm running in them. I only run in them when it's cold though and I need to get the blood flowing for a mile or so before I let my bare soles touch the pavement.
Have you used the Bedrock Sandals Nyah? I made a homemade pair similar to them, if you didn't know any better one would think they were. In any case that buckle on the top is too much for my foot. I can get it fine for my foot while in one position, standing or sitting, when I am putting them on, but then as soon as I move around that "buckle" section hurts my foot because my foot moves and flexes.
I honestly think I am one of those people that are super sensitive to irritation on my feet. I've had problems with footwear since long before I become a barefooter, which has actually only made this problem worse.
Nyah, no this was not me arguing with you it was mearly an observation from my own experience with these shoes. I personally would hate to see them add a quick release to these shoes after I've thought about it some. I already have a proplem with the anchor points on the front velcro strap pushing in on my pinky toes, I don't need something hard and plastic on top of my foot to make the shoe completely unwearable for me. Right now, I have to keep that front strap completely loose for two reasons, a. the anchor points rub my pinky toes raw and b. I have wide feet and tightening that strap makes it too tight on my foot which causes pain.
I also mentioned up there that for me, I rarely have to adjust my straps as the strap stretches just enough that I can slip my foot in and out without adjusting anything. The only time I have to adjust is when I change between wearing socks and going barefoot in them. Usually I wear socks in them unless I'm running in them. I only run in them when it's cold though and I need to get the blood flowing for a mile or so before I let my bare soles touch the pavement.
Have you used the Bedrock Sandals Nyah? I made a homemade pair similar to them, if you didn't know any better one would think they were. In any case that buckle on the top is too much for my foot. I can get it fine for my foot while in one position, standing or sitting, when I am putting them on, but then as soon as I move around that "buckle" section hurts my foot because my foot moves and flexes.
I honestly think I am one of those people that are super sensitive to irritation on my feet. I've had problems with footwear since long before I become a barefooter, which has actually only made this problem worse.
I see what you mean with the
I see what you mean with the bedrock sandal. That's not what I was envisioning at all though. Teva puts a 'quick-release' buckle on the upper strap of some of their newer sandals (example: their Toachi model) and it doesn't rub. A properly placed upper strap is on a part of the foot that doesn't change shape much at all. It's why properly made huaraches work so well. For an enclosed shoe, it would be even less of an issue. Whether the shoe has a quick-release buckle or not though, is not really that big of a deal for me. I just wanted to clarify my reason for wanting it since your reference to my idea was wrong.
I see what you mean with the bedrock sandal. That's not what I was envisioning at all though. Teva puts a 'quick-release' buckle on the upper strap of some of their newer sandals (example: their Toachi model) and it doesn't rub. A properly placed upper strap is on a part of the foot that doesn't change shape much at all. It's why properly made huaraches work so well. For an enclosed shoe, it would be even less of an issue. Whether the shoe has a quick-release buckle or not though, is not really that big of a deal for me. I just wanted to clarify my reason for wanting it since your reference to my idea was wrong.
NickW
Guest
The Bedrock Sandal does have
The Bedrock Sandal does have the material under the buckle so it doesnt sit directly on the foot. I can still feel it through the strapping material though. I looked up that Teva sandal you mentioned and yes I assumed that was the style of buckle you were talking about. It's still a hard inflexible plastic on top of your foot, and for me specifically would bother me. I'm glad it works for you and you like it. If I was just walking it wouldn't be as big of a deal, but running creates much more foot movement for me which means the sandal has to move with my foot. Hard inflexible plastics do not do this and for me, this bothers my foot. I like every part of footwear to be flexible so it moves with my foot. No right or wrong answer Nyah, just what works best for the individual.
The Bedrock Sandal does have the material under the buckle so it doesnt sit directly on the foot. I can still feel it through the strapping material though. I looked up that Teva sandal you mentioned and yes I assumed that was the style of buckle you were talking about. It's still a hard inflexible plastic on top of your foot, and for me specifically would bother me. I'm glad it works for you and you like it. If I was just walking it wouldn't be as big of a deal, but running creates much more foot movement for me which means the sandal has to move with my foot. Hard inflexible plastics do not do this and for me, this bothers my foot. I like every part of footwear to be flexible so it moves with my foot. No right or wrong answer Nyah, just what works best for the individual.
I have actually cut off the
I have actually cut off the strap like the Adam much much better now.
I have actually cut off the strap like the Adam much much better now.
NickW
Guest
I'm actually really curious
I'm actually really curious how that is working out and what that looks like Theo. Do you have any pics? I'm starting to think it may be my Adams that is causing some foot pain for me lately. I really think I need to buy two pairs of different size because my right foot is just that much bigger than my left. It feels like my right foot is being hampered and can't move quite properly which may be leading to my pain. It seems to go away when I am barefoot and come back when I am wearing these. Bummer too because I really like these. This is not a shoe problem, just a sizing problem. Errrggggg.
I'm actually really curious how that is working out and what that looks like Theo. Do you have any pics? I'm starting to think it may be my Adams that is causing some foot pain for me lately. I really think I need to buy two pairs of different size because my right foot is just that much bigger than my left. It feels like my right foot is being hampered and can't move quite properly which may be leading to my pain. It seems to go away when I am barefoot and come back when I am wearing these. Bummer too because I really like these. This is not a shoe problem, just a sizing problem. Errrggggg.
I've had the Adams for a long
I've had the Adams for a long time now...like before public release and I like them a lot. I agree that they have issues and all of the things you guys are complaining about are getting worked on for a new version (insider info there, don't tell anyone).
Buzzie I'm surprised to hear you say the sole was too thick for you. It's 3.5mm without any soles which is exactly like the Sprint and Classic VFF's. The KSO is actually 5mm underfoot because they put a foot bed in it so it's thicker than the Adam/Eve with no insoles. I also find the Adam to be more flexible overall than my KSO's are.
I think the Adam/Eve are a great attempt at a minimal shoe that offers the same benefits and comforts of VFF's but without the toe separation.
The lace up version, Samson/Delilah was mentioned and I like those as well. It's the KSO in thickness because there is a footbed built in and looks more like a conventional shoe than the Adam does. I loved it as soon as I put it on my feet where I had to "get used" to the Adam.
I've had the Adams for a long time now...like before public release and I like them a lot. I agree that they have issues and all of the things you guys are complaining about are getting worked on for a new version (insider info there, don't tell anyone).
Buzzie I'm surprised to hear you say the sole was too thick for you. It's 3.5mm without any soles which is exactly like the Sprint and Classic VFF's. The KSO is actually 5mm underfoot because they put a foot bed in it so it's thicker than the Adam/Eve with no insoles. I also find the Adam to be more flexible overall than my KSO's are.
I think the Adam/Eve are a great attempt at a minimal shoe that offers the same benefits and comforts of VFF's but without the toe separation.
The lace up version, Samson/Delilah was mentioned and I like those as well. It's the KSO in thickness because there is a footbed built in and looks more like a conventional shoe than the Adam does. I loved it as soon as I put it on my feet where I had to "get used" to the Adam.
Well, I've decided to try
Well, I've decided to try again - exchanged for the next larger size.
Theo - will be interested to see how the strap removal works out for you.
Jimmy - re sole thickness: based on my assumptions from what I'd read, I was expecting them to be as thin as the KSOs; they seem thicker. They may not, in reality be "too thick" - we'll see, once I have a pair I can actually wear.
Well, I've decided to try again - exchanged for the next larger size.
Theo - will be interested to see how the strap removal works out for you.
Jimmy - re sole thickness: based on my assumptions from what I'd read, I was expecting them to be as thin as the KSOs; they seem thicker. They may not, in reality be "too thick" - we'll see, once I have a pair I can actually wear.
I hope they consider making
I hope they consider making the Samson/Delilah so that it can be comfortably used after the insole is removed.
I also hope they offer it in solid-color, chocolate brown, without any visible logos on the upper. Would make for a nice business-casual shoe.
I hope they consider making the Samson/Delilah so that it can be comfortably used after the insole is removed.
I also hope they offer it in solid-color, chocolate brown, without any visible logos on the upper. Would make for a nice business-casual shoe.
Nyah all of our shoes are
Nyah all of our shoes are designed to be comfortable sockless. The Samson takes it up a notch with a more comfortable liner that we've done a better job of making it seamless.
At the moment we don't have anything in the works for a casual shoe. To be honest I think Stem might have the best minimal casual shoe out there.
Nyah all of our shoes are designed to be comfortable sockless. The Samson takes it up a notch with a more comfortable liner that we've done a better job of making it seamless.
At the moment we don't have anything in the works for a casual shoe. To be honest I think Stem might have the best minimal casual shoe out there.
I'd probably remove the liner
I'd probably remove the liner from the Samson anyway. Feelmax made that easy for me on the Osma, by fastening down the liner with a rubber-cement-like substance that detached with moderate effort.
The Stem shoe wanders too far away from the 'business' part of 'business-casual', due to the blue graphic on the side.
I'd probably remove the liner from the Samson anyway. Feelmax made that easy for me on the Osma, by fastening down the liner with a rubber-cement-like substance that detached with moderate effort.
The Stem shoe wanders too far away from the 'business' part of 'business-casual', due to the blue graphic on the side.
