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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Altra Instinct/Intuition 4.0 First LookReview}}The [[Altra ]] Instinct 4.0 is a much better shoe than the previous [[Altra Instinct 3.5| 3.5 version]], and comes a surprisingly close to my favorite iteration, the [[Altra Instinct 2| 2.0 version]]. The cushioning-to-weight ratio is pretty much the same as the 2.0, with the 4.0 being slightly lighter, and slightly less cushioned. This version of the Instinct is a smooth riding shoe, with nothing much to interfere with your biomechanics. I do feel that the cushioning is a little less springy than I would like, and feels just slightly dead. The shape matches the human foot nicely, so it doesn't crush your toes, though I do wish there was more height in the toe box. The upper is nicely breathable and open, and it's a comfortable shoe even though it's not got to the excessively padded, skateboard feel that the 2.0 did. This is an initial preview rather than a full reviewI rated the Instinct 4 as "Worth Considering", so I'll update as it once I've put more miles ons a good choice, but there are a number of shoes that are better. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra Instinct 4.0-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Altra Instinct 4.0 outside]]
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=Characteristics=
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Instinct 4 has a reasonable cushioning-to-weight ratio, and it's an improvement on its predecessors. The cushioning is reasonably smooth and even, but I find it a little "dead" and lacking in the bounce. This is particularly noticeable after wearing the [[Altra Escalante]], but that's an exceptional shoe. The latest version is a little closer to my favorite, the [[Altra Instinct 2]], though I know other runners and found that a little too squishy.
* {{H:drop}}. Like all Altra shoes, the Instinct claims to be zero drop. My measurements indicate that it's actually slightly negative drop, with the forefoot a little thicker than the heel. I doubt if many runners will notice this, and I wouldn't let it put you off if you're off to a zero-drop shoe.
* {{H:structure}}. The Instinct uses just one density of foam, and doesn't attempt to manipulate or interfere with your natural biomechanics. The midsole is not completely flat, with some rise under the midfoot. I'd say the Instinct 4 has less of a molded shape than most running shoes and you may find it feeling rather flatter than other shoes.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Instinct has more flexibility than I expected, and it's similar to the [[Hoka Clifton]], but far more than the other Hoka shoes. However, the flexibility doesn't have much spring to it, which may reduce your [[Running Economy]]. Personally, I'd rather have more flexibility or the same flexibility with more spring.
* {{H:outsole}}. There's a good layer of harder rubber outsole that effectively covers the entire sole of the shoe. There's a few gaps to improve flexibility, but coverage is good. a gap in the outsole near the smaller toes, which is an odd choice, but doesn't cause a problem. The sole of the Instinct does not conform to stony trails in quite the same way that many of the Hoka shoes do, and there's no grip on the outsole, so it's best kept for road running.
* {{H:shape}}. The [[Altra]] Instinct is designed to fit the human foot, and they mostly get it right. The shape is a little overly stylized, and doesn't provide enough room for the big toe to display out. I found that there wasn't quite enough headroom in the toe box and my toes eight after an hour or so. This is another area where the Instinct 2 was better, as the toe box height seems to be reduced with each version. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is quite breathable, as you can see from the backlit photo below. The ankle opening is fairly well-padded, but doesn't have the extreme adding that the Instinct 2 had that made it feel a little like a skateboarding shoe. There is a reinforcement patch around the extreme front, acting as a toe bumper, but I didn't feel that this impact on my toes. On the other hand, I doubt if it will give much protection from stubbed toes either. For some reason, the grey reflective stripe with the Altra name and logo on it is actually a loop that you could start something into. It's not clear to me what this is for, so let me know in the comments if you have any insight. <br/>[[ File:Instinct 4 Upper.jpg|center|thumb|300px|A shot of the Instinct 4 backlight to show breathability.]]
* {{H:tongue}}. The Instinct has a traditional tongue with a tab to attach it to the laces. It's extremely well-padded, but perhaps just a tad short.
* {{H:lacing}}. The traditional flat laces stayed tied. This is such a simple thing, but it seems like most shoe companies are able to get this wrong.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Instinct has a large, ridged heel counter, but the upper is sufficiently padded to isolate you from this. It's unlikely to have any effect unless you twist your ankle, in which case it could dig in
{{FastBlr|altra/instinct-3-1321|1321|Altra Instinct 4}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
