Customer Reviews Altra Provision 4

I fully "get" that people want a wide toe box. I developed a morton's neuroma under my last 2 toes (from wearing a different brand, although it was a high-end shoe). I knew I needed more toe splay. But the REST of my foot is quite narrow. I have a high arch but am narrower thru that area; I have a low instep, and relatively narrow heels. So what they call a "low volume foot". I am also a slight pronator, with ankles that are not strong. I tried the Torin 4.5 Plush, I felt like I was going to fall off that shoe, and I could see, just from walking, that I was starting to pronate. That, combined with the higher stack is what gave me the feeling that I would "fall off" that shoe. I had no control over my feet. The older Torin 4 with the lower stack was no good for me, it was similar to my previous other brand shoe I was already wearing where I felt like the midsole was flat and dead and just not enough stack/padding in the metatarsal area. Enter the Provision 4. I like the lower profile. I put them on and it was like my feet were wrapped in a perfectly fitting sock. But in a shoe. I had never before felt like "twinkle-toes" before wearing these. I am over 60, so I have to be careful with my balance and make sure I am sure-footed. I could literally not even tell I had shoes on! They just melded with my body, posture, ankles and legs and for the first time in years I felt like my feet were in perfect harmony and sympathy with my movements. I also tried on a pair of Lone Peaks. My feet were literally swimming around in those. Like all over the place, because I simply do not have the foot volume to wear them w/out using 2+ pair of socks. So feet are very individual, there is something for everyone. And the Altra Provision 4 is just perfect for me. Not everyone who wants a wide toe box wants the rest of their shoe to be wide in all the other places, or higher on the sides or back, etc.

First, when I say feels true to size, I always order a size up in Altra and they all work with my regular size inserts. I was a bit concerned about some of the reviews, but went ahead and ordered, as feet are so incredibly individual. I've only been wearing Torin Mesh and Escalante, so not familiar with the last Provision as a comparison. Altra has been a life saver for me, as I have pretty bad bunions and Altra has a pretty great toe box. When I first put the Provision on, I was delighted with the support, while still having such plush cushioning. I only walk and do aerobic/strength/core exercise, so no comment on running, but I wear them all day. The only piece that bothered me was what seemed to be a slightly narrower (and better looking) toe box. I put the inserts from the Torin and Provision together, and in one section the Provision is maybe 1/8" narrower (see photo of insert toe box section). I measured because I felt some pressure on my bunion. Given the mesh top, which I love, I decided to wear them for a couple of days and see if it's stretched out adequately to relieve the pressure. Sure enough, it did and at no time did I have any pain. I do have to pull the laces a little bit tighter than I ordinarily would on the Torin and Escalante as I have a narrow heel and the heel on the Provision seemed a bit looser. The shoe, the laces, the support are all very comfortable, and I appreciate the extra bit if rigidity. Esthetically, I'd prefer not to have a light gray rubber piece at the toe of a black and darker gray shoe. Personally, I'd prefer black. But if that's the only con, I said to myself, it's a keeper. Bottom line is I'm very happy I got the Provision. Like my other Altras, I don't want to take them off and just wish the rest of my body felt as cushioned and supported as my feet.

I have been wearing Provisions since the first model, and I've liked them all a lot. But this Provision 4 is my favorite! I will admit that the Provision has a narrower toe box than the other Altras I wear (Torin Plush and Escalante), but I LIKE that. It's still considerably wider than traditional running shoes, but is less clunky than the other Altra models due to the streamlined shape. I do size up 1/2 size from the Torin and Escalante, though. I think the fit of this model, the padded tongue and collar, and the support mechanics are excellent. I am on my second pair of Provision 4's! I also recently bought the Torin Plush 4.5, which is indeed plush, but my ankles and knees were a tad sore after wearing those for a 15 miler, compared to the pain-free long runs in my more supportive Provision 4 shoes! The only minor complaint I have is the color choices. But I'll sacrifice color for a great fitting running shoe any day :)

Aside from sprinting down the hallways of the psych hospital I work at for a variety of reasons that you honestly wouldn't believe are true unless you work in psych, I can't imagine going for an actual run in these. That said, they are absolutely PERFECT for long hours on my feet, walking, and the aforementioned occasional short sprint. I wear them 9-16 hours a day, five days a week and the soles are holding up, however I am getting some wear in the material over the toe box (but I also imagine most people aren't wearing these for as long and often as I do). I have a significant spinal deformity so I'm extremely picky about what goes on my feet, and by far, the Provisions are literally my perfect work shoe. My local running shop only had the black and salmon pink color combo so they clash horribly with my work scrubs, BUT EVEN DESPITE THAT I still think they're the greatest nursing shoes I've ever had the pleasure to wear to work! (If you're reading this, Altra designers, please give me a basic navy blue or gray option soon ;)

I'm 63, female, and although not an athlete, am very active; housework, yard work, grandkids, etc. I learned earlier this year that my right ankle bones are collapsing. Podiatrist says I was "born with those feet," and offered nothing but NSAIDs to help. Thank the LORD I found these ALTRA PROVISION 4.0 shoes with the Guiderail feature, which helps a LOT to keep my ankle from rolling to the inside. There is a very unique lacing system that pulls support from under the foot across the arch to help lift and keep the arch in place. I've never seen anything like it in a shoe. Add to that some very stiff, high arch support orthotics from a major online merchant, and I am almost pain-free. These have saved my ankle and bought me some time. The shoes are very supportive, but not stiff. There's enough bounce to keep me rollin', but not so much that I'm all over the place. I'm going to see a bone and joint surgeon (fortune teller, really, to tell me my future!) to see if anything more can be done, but in the meantime, these wonderful shoes have allow me to continue to live my life. Yes, my feet get tired and it's painful to stand in place for very long, but I can get around just fine all day, everyday. I bought 2 pairs of Provision 4.0 and intend to buy a couple more this year to keep in reserve.

I thought my running days were coming to an end because my bunions hurt so much during and after a run...then found Altria's wide tie box and pain is gone. So happy.

I have somewhat wide feet and usually wear an 8.5, which is perfect in these shoes. I also have fairly flat feet and slightly pronate. I mostly run, and bought 2 more pairs for CG training.

The fit is superb, I love the Innovarch that hugs my foot without restriction and given me just that nudge of stability without feeling overly guided or forced. The midsole is responsive but comfortable. The padding at the achilles and tongue is also super plush and lovely. I have been an Altra fan for a while but this shoe is by far my favorite for roads.

I usually wear hokas but after lossing 50 lbs my foot just didnt fit them anymore. My shoe lady recommended these to me since i weight lift a lot. These are game changers for extremely flat feet. My hips feel great, my arches dont hurt, and i didnt need insoles to wear them! I can acually run in these too! Love them when my walking shoes go out i will be buying these to replace them as well! My foot pain is gone too which is something i didnt think could happen. The unique style and shape really make these shoes wonderful and i love that work for everything in the gym. I never have to switch shoes at the gym bc of the "flatness" of the shoe my leg day is killer.

I have falling arches and narrow feet and have tried many running shoes over the 40 years I've been running. The Innovarch lacing system provides the most comfortable support I have ever experienced. I plan to buy another pair for travel walking.

I love the 4s! I just purchased my 3rd pair.