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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Altra One2 (One Squared) Review}}
The [http://www.zappos.com/altra-one Altra One2] (One-squared) is a wonderful blend of light weight and soft cushioning, and is a shoe I love to run in. In many ways it reminds me of the legendary Nike Mayfly, though it is not as light weight as that groundbreaking shoe. The One<sup>2</sup> is not as softly cushioned as a Minimax Maximalist shoe, but it is a lot softer than the [[Saucony Virrata]] or the [[Mizuno Cursoris]], and lighter the [[Adidas Energy Boost]]. However the One<sup>2</sup> does not last very long, making it a relatively an expensive shoe in terms of cost per mile. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
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=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. It's a softly cushioned, lightweight show that's designed for a human foot. The [[Hoka Clifton]] is better cushioned, but a little heavier.
* {{H:cushioning}}. . The One<sup>2</sup>is softly cushioned, but because of its thinness it does not offer the same protection from rough ground that a true [[MinimaxMaximalist]] shoe would.
* {{H:drop}}. Like other Altra shoes, the One<sup>2</sup> is zero drop but with a slight rise under the arch. The One<sup>2</sup> tapers more gently from the ball of the foot to the front than most Altra shoes, mostly because it's so much thinner. The rear of the midsole is very slightly cut away to create a hint of a rocker.
* {{H:structure}}. This shoe uses single density of foam, but they are deep grooves cut into the bottom of the sole, and some shallower grooves in the top of the midsole. (These top cuts are hidden unless you dissect the shoe.)
* {{H:flexibility}}. The One<sup>2</sup> is a remarkably flexible for shoe due to the deep grooves in the bottom of the midsole, and the shallow grooves in the top.
* {{H:outsole}}. There is almost no outsole, just a couple of tiny patches of the extreme front and rear of the shoe. The bulk of the bottom of the shoe is exposed foam, which is part of the reason the shoe is so light as the harder rubber used on many shoes is quite heavy. However, this does dramatically reduce the wear characteristics, and '''I got only a little over 200 miles''' from mine before they needed retirement.
* {{H:shape}}. The shoe is the classic Altra shape, which follows the outline of the human foot much better than other makes. It has a broad toe box, but I find there is not enough height for my toes and [[Shoe Modifications| I still have to cut the toe box open]].{{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is reasonably thin, but more substantial than you would expect from a shoe this light. It has excellent padding around the ankle opening.
* {{H:tongue}}. The One<sup>2</sup> has a classic tongue, but it's partially attached on one side to keep it positioned, which I like a lot. It has minimal but adequate padding.
* {{H:lacing}}. The flat laces work well and remained tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The heel counter is quite soft, and comes as far up the back of the heel as is normal for running shoe.
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==One2 and Hoka Clifton==
Comparing the One<sup>2</sup> and the [[Hoka Clifton]]:
* Similarities
** Both are top picks.
* Advantage Altra One<sup>2</sup>
** {{H:weight}}. The Altra One<sup>2</sup> is a lot lighter, but that lightness is due to less cushioning.
** {{H:shape}}. The Altra One<sup>2</sup> has a much better toe box.
** {{H:drop}}. The Altra One<sup>2</sup> is zero drop though the Clifton drop is smaller than a traditional shoe.
* Advantage Hoka Clifton
** {{H:cushioning}}. The Clifton has a lot thicker cushioning.
** {{H:trails}}. The Clifton has a lot more protection on rocky trails.
** {{H:longevity}}. Both shoes have a lot of exposed midsole, but the Clifton wears much better.
==One2 and Saucony Virrata ==
Comparing the One<sup>2</sup> and [[Saucony Virrata]]:
|[[File:Mizuno-Wave-Runner-Cursoris-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Mizuno Wave Runner Cursoris outside]]
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==One2 and Altra Torin==
Comparing the One<sup>2</sup> and the [[Altra Torin]]:
