Ah, but Rick, the difference exists. With Altra you control whether or not you need the stability. It's a removable insole piece (like the rock guard in the superior). For a guy like me it's brilliant. I still have issues on long mileage and I actually considered the Provision (think about it..Provisional..as in 'just in case you need it') because I could run it with or without that little bit of support. The Instinct 1.5 was more comfortable of an upper, though so I went with it. I would love to see that varus wedge as an accessory you could buy to fit in any Altra shoe for a more custom experience.
The other thing to remember is they aren't marketing to get barefoot runners to their shoes. They are competing with the running shoe paradigm as a whole, with the elevated heel and MOAR CUSHION mentality for shelf and mindspace with consumers. I've run many miles in my Instincts now, and compared to the Mizuno running shoes I was in, there is a definite improvement in ground feel and the zero drop, firm, not-too thick (compared to most running shoes) midsole gives a greatly improved connection to the ground when running. I think the BFR community kinda knee jerks to overly criticize any footwear company that tries to appeal to a more natural approach than the general market offers. Not everyone wants to be a barefoot runner. Joe average running shop customer is scared of 5-fingers, super minimalists, etc. The Instinct and a form clinic can greatly improve a great number of runners' running health. I take no issue with Altra's approach.
At least they didn't say 'better than barefoot' or 'like barefoot only better...'
