Altra

Provision 4.0 Running Shoe - Men's

Definitely not

These are the worst pair of running shoes I've ever purchased. The lace up system is ridiculous. It's been a year and I've only worn them a few times. Waste of money!

really like these

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

12

Height:

6' 1"

Weight:

190

i have had these for about a year and really like them a lot. the fit true to size. i am a 12 in adidas and asics and my size 12 in these fits just as perfectly.

Never lets me down

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Height:

5' 7"

Weight:

180

Well, what can I say about Altra? Like I said they never let me down. Awesome shoes.

One of the best Altras I have owned.

I'm not sure why this shoe gets so much hate. I had earlier provisions and for me this is the best one yet. I love the lacing system. It really clamps down on my feet, without being uncomfortable. Super easy to make micro-adjustments to find the right feel. My feet don't move around, and I haven't had any problems with black toenails, as happens with some other shoes. I also have wide feet, and this fit just right. The cushioning feels really nice too-very responsive. Perhaps it does wear out a bit faster than some other soles. But I bought a second one so that I can keep wearing this shoe longer. Also, it looks good!

Frustrated

These could possibly be the worst shoes I've ever owned. I love Altra. The Paradigm is amazing. They really missed the mark on this one. I was so hoping that the these would work out for me and that maybe the poor reviews were more of a foot thing than shoe. Nope, it's definitely the shoe. In the first five minutes of wearing the heel slippage is SO bad that my socks were half way off my feet. Do you know how incredibly annoying that is? Tried different socks, no difference. I think it has to do with the design. The way the laces cause the middle to hug your feet but the heel is a just loose enough that it slips and nothing seems to prevent it. They are comfortable from about mid foot to toe, though not quite as wide as other Altras. My feet are average width and I can see the sides pushing out quite a bit when I step. I'm really hoping that after enough break-in they will stop slipping in the heel so much. Until then, I may have to wear these barefoot.

Product updates create an issue for me.

A few design updates from my pervious Provisions (which I love) caused me to return these. First the food bed was updated to a texture which I don't like on my foot. More importantly extra material was added between the upper and tongue. It is part of the lacing system and unfortunately creates extra pressure right where I don't need it. It seem over designed and had to be returned.

Please go back to the original, wide, wide ugly shoes

Please don't forget those of us who have been loyal customers with a NEED for wide toe boxes. Through the years the new models seem to be going for a narrower, sportier look at the cost of comfort, and for me an increase in pain as I need a WIDE toebox. Why not consider 'the ugly series'. A line of the original wide, and admittedly ugly shoe with the beautiful toe box. Make them ugly color wise. Revel in their ugliness, but bring them back, pretty please.

bummer

I am 6'3, 175 lbs, avid runner up to marathon distance, high arch and moderate overpronator. I've run in Provisions and Paradigms for years and took to the Altra design concept (footshape and zero-drop) like a duck to water. I liked the old Provision for what it was- mid-cushion support with the Varus wedge. Altra dropped the Varus for this version in favor of a strap system that is less-intrusive. To me, the result is that the Provision 4 now runs like a dead, neutral shoe; I get nothing out of the new straps. Maybe folks with a lower arch fare better. I understand the goal probably is to make the Provision 4 appeal to a wider audience, but we already have other mid-cushion neutral shoes in the Altra lineup to choose from. The older Provisions filled a niche; the Provision 4 is a redundant product. Those of us who need a true support shoe now don't have one, and those of us who don't really need the support have other (better) Altra shoes to choose from. Bummer. Long live the Varus wedge!

Not a quality shoe.

Comfortable, although very poor quality for expensive shoe. I walk in mine in the office 2x's week, never ran, or hiked in these. Right side began tearing due mesh touching rubber on one shoe near little toe. I'm not satisfied. I did write the customer service and they asked me to do way too much stuff. I did sent them pics. We'll see what they do. Another brand is definitely where I'm going next. Thanks

Superior Support

Provision 4 gives me the support and cushion to walk 10,000-13,000 steps a day with plantar fasciitis. The GuideRails and InnovArch work for me. I also own a pair of Hoka Bondi but rarely wear them. I'll buy another pair of 4s soon and look for 5s in the future.