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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Altra Instinct 2 Review}}
The Altra Instinct 2 stands out as one of the most comfortable and well-designed shoes I've tested. It's too heavy for it to be considered as a shoe to race in at any distance, but as a shoe for some gentle running, it stand out from the crowd. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Altra Instinct 2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Altra Instinct 2 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Altra Instinct 2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Altra Instinct 2 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. I'd recommend getting a pair of Instinct 2 shoes as a counterpoint to your main shoes. Buy the [[Hoka Clifton]] or the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] for long or fast training and racing, then put on your Instincts when you need to give your feet a treat.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Instinct is softly cushioned, but not up to the levels you'd get with the best of the Hoka range like the [[Hoka Clifton]].
* {{H:drop}}. Like all Altra shoes, the Instinct is zero drop, which is great.
* {{H:structure}}. The Instinct uses just one density of foam, and doesn't attempt to manipulate or interfere with your natural biomechanics.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Instinct has more flexibility than you'd expect with a [[Minimax]] shoe, and it's similar to the [[Hoka Clifton]], but far more than the other Hoka shoes.
* {{H:outsole}}. There's a good layer of harder rubber outsole over nearly the entire sole of the shoe. There's a gap in the outsole near the smaller toes, which is an odd choice, but doesn't cause a problem. The layer of outsole means the shoe does not conform to trails in quite the same way that many of the Hoka shoes do. This softness gives the Hoka shoes surprising grip on many trail surfaces, unlike the Instinct that is best kept for road running.
* {{H:shape}}. The Altra Instinct is one of the few shoes truly designed to fit the human foot. Even some other Altra shoes have a toe box that lacks sufficient height, but the Instinct is remarkable in its fit.
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is unpadded in the forefoot, but has some of the nicest soft padding in the rear of the shoe that I've come across. The Instinct is so comfortable that it reminds me somewhat of a skateboarding shoe. The upper is more comfortable than the [[Asics GT 2000]], especially around the ankle opening which is deeply padded.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Instinct has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. Like much of the upper, the tongue is softly padded.
* {{H:lacing}}. The traditional flat laces stayed tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Instinct has a far more ridged heel counter than I'd like, but the thick padding isolates it from your foot.
{{BuyShoes|RRS=T|AZ=T|ZP=T}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Altra Instinct and Altra Gel Hyper Speed==
The Instinct and [[Altra Gel Hyper Speed]] are surprisingly close in cushioning given the Instinct is about 80% heavier than the Hyper Speed. Normally I'd say that this makes the Hyper Speed the clear winner, but the Instinct is worth considering due to its comfort. The Hyper Speed is far from uncomfortable, but when my feet are tired and beaten up, the softness of the Instinct is welcome. I'd never choose the Instinct over the Hyper Speed in a race (of any distance), but as a shoe for an easy training run, it's worth contemplating.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
==Altra Instinct and Hoka Clifton==
The [[Hoka Clifton]] is the best [[Minimax]] shoe by far, combining massive cushioning with light weight. The Instinct is 30% heavier, but offers far less cushioning. What the Instinct does offer is a shoe designed for the human foot, with far more padding in the upper. As with the Hyper Speed above, I'd never think about choosing the Instinct over the Clifton in any race. But if you want a more comfortable shoe for some gentle runs, or you don't like cutting holes in your brand new Hoka shoes, then cast your eye over the Instinct.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
==Altra Instinct and Saucony Kinvara==
The [[Saucony Kinvara]] and Instinct have similar levels of cushioning, but there are far more difference than similarities.
* I classify the Kinvara as a transitional shoe, partway between a traditional shoe like the [[Asics GT 2000]] and a [[Minimax]] shoe like the Instinct or a light weight optimal shoe like the Hyper Speed.
* The Kinvara is lighter, but the Instinct is more comfortable due to its more padded upper.
* The Instinct is designed for the human foot, with zero drop and an anatomical toe box. The Kinvara mimics the traditional shape that makes me think the designers have never seen a naked human foot before.
So choose the Kinvara if you're looking to migrate away from a traditional shoe like the GT 2000, but the Instinct if you've made the transition.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|}
==Altra Instinct and Altra GT 2000==
I like to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the [[Altra GT 2000]]. The GT 2000 is only slightly heavier than the Instinct, and has less cushioning. The two shoes could not be farther apart in their use of [[The Science of Running Shoes]], with the GT 2000 adding lots of over engineering and counterproductive features. The Instinct doesn't try to interfere with your stride, or encourage a heel strike like the GT 2000. The Instinct is a clear demonstration of what's wrong with traditional running shoes and how they should be created.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
The Altra Instinct 2 stands out as one of the most comfortable and well-designed shoes I've tested. It's too heavy for it to be considered as a shoe to race in at any distance, but as a shoe for some gentle running, it stand out from the crowd. {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Altra Instinct 2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Altra Instinct 2 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Altra Instinct 2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Altra Instinct 2 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. I'd recommend getting a pair of Instinct 2 shoes as a counterpoint to your main shoes. Buy the [[Hoka Clifton]] or the [[Asics Gel Hyper Speed]] for long or fast training and racing, then put on your Instincts when you need to give your feet a treat.
* {{H:cushioning}}. The Instinct is softly cushioned, but not up to the levels you'd get with the best of the Hoka range like the [[Hoka Clifton]].
* {{H:drop}}. Like all Altra shoes, the Instinct is zero drop, which is great.
* {{H:structure}}. The Instinct uses just one density of foam, and doesn't attempt to manipulate or interfere with your natural biomechanics.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Instinct has more flexibility than you'd expect with a [[Minimax]] shoe, and it's similar to the [[Hoka Clifton]], but far more than the other Hoka shoes.
* {{H:outsole}}. There's a good layer of harder rubber outsole over nearly the entire sole of the shoe. There's a gap in the outsole near the smaller toes, which is an odd choice, but doesn't cause a problem. The layer of outsole means the shoe does not conform to trails in quite the same way that many of the Hoka shoes do. This softness gives the Hoka shoes surprising grip on many trail surfaces, unlike the Instinct that is best kept for road running.
* {{H:shape}}. The Altra Instinct is one of the few shoes truly designed to fit the human foot. Even some other Altra shoes have a toe box that lacks sufficient height, but the Instinct is remarkable in its fit.
* {{H:upper}}. The upper is unpadded in the forefoot, but has some of the nicest soft padding in the rear of the shoe that I've come across. The Instinct is so comfortable that it reminds me somewhat of a skateboarding shoe. The upper is more comfortable than the [[Asics GT 2000]], especially around the ankle opening which is deeply padded.
* {{H:tongue}}. The Instinct has a traditional tongue that is has a tab to attach it to the laces. Like much of the upper, the tongue is softly padded.
* {{H:lacing}}. The traditional flat laces stayed tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. The Instinct has a far more ridged heel counter than I'd like, but the thick padding isolates it from your foot.
{{BuyShoes|RRS=T|AZ=T|ZP=T}}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==Altra Instinct and Altra Gel Hyper Speed==
The Instinct and [[Altra Gel Hyper Speed]] are surprisingly close in cushioning given the Instinct is about 80% heavier than the Hyper Speed. Normally I'd say that this makes the Hyper Speed the clear winner, but the Instinct is worth considering due to its comfort. The Hyper Speed is far from uncomfortable, but when my feet are tired and beaten up, the softness of the Instinct is welcome. I'd never choose the Instinct over the Hyper Speed in a race (of any distance), but as a shoe for an easy training run, it's worth contemplating.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
==Altra Instinct and Hoka Clifton==
The [[Hoka Clifton]] is the best [[Minimax]] shoe by far, combining massive cushioning with light weight. The Instinct is 30% heavier, but offers far less cushioning. What the Instinct does offer is a shoe designed for the human foot, with far more padding in the upper. As with the Hyper Speed above, I'd never think about choosing the Instinct over the Clifton in any race. But if you want a more comfortable shoe for some gentle runs, or you don't like cutting holes in your brand new Hoka shoes, then cast your eye over the Instinct.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
==Altra Instinct and Saucony Kinvara==
The [[Saucony Kinvara]] and Instinct have similar levels of cushioning, but there are far more difference than similarities.
* I classify the Kinvara as a transitional shoe, partway between a traditional shoe like the [[Asics GT 2000]] and a [[Minimax]] shoe like the Instinct or a light weight optimal shoe like the Hyper Speed.
* The Kinvara is lighter, but the Instinct is more comfortable due to its more padded upper.
* The Instinct is designed for the human foot, with zero drop and an anatomical toe box. The Kinvara mimics the traditional shape that makes me think the designers have never seen a naked human foot before.
So choose the Kinvara if you're looking to migrate away from a traditional shoe like the GT 2000, but the Instinct if you've made the transition.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Top]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Bottom]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Inside]]
|[[File:Saucony-Kinvara-5-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Outside]]
|}
==Altra Instinct and Altra GT 2000==
I like to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the [[Altra GT 2000]]. The GT 2000 is only slightly heavier than the Instinct, and has less cushioning. The two shoes could not be farther apart in their use of [[The Science of Running Shoes]], with the GT 2000 adding lots of over engineering and counterproductive features. The Instinct doesn't try to interfere with your stride, or encourage a heel strike like the GT 2000. The Instinct is a clear demonstration of what's wrong with traditional running shoes and how they should be created.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 top]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 inside]]
|[[File:Altra-Instinct-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Altra Instinct 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
