Will these Joe Nimble Addict Trail replace my Altra?

Having used Altra for a couple of years, I’ve seen both the good sides of Altra, and the negative sides. I also like to try different shoes, so when I saw these new Trail Addict from Joe Nimble, I got really excited. Found them early this autumn on Indigogo but it took months to have them delivered, so the excitement was high when they finally got delivered. 

Using zero drop shoes has really helped me. Before I changed to Vivobarefoot and zero drop shoes I got runners knee, a few times, but just after a few weeks or so in Vivo, my runners’ knee was gone, and it has never come back. Vivo? I thought you said Altra? Yes, I started with Vivo, but to handle my longer runs I early also started to run in Altra, and after my stress fracture in my foot, I haven’t really dared to go back to Vivo (yet…) So, when Joe Nimble creates a shoe title as: Functional Shoes: Run, Hike and Walk Pain-Free; then I just had to buy them. 

When I bought the Joe Nimble Trail Addict, I also ordered their recommended insole. Apparently specially made for tougher, rocky terrain. I do love to run lots of trail, in very varied terrain so I thought that would be a good buy. But… What a disappointed.  

The first test run with Joe Nimble Trail Addict 

My first test run was a short loop in my home forest (Ursvik) and I almost had to stop. Pain under the foot and a feeling of almost being in a downhill boot. I through the shoes back in the boot of the car and thought we wouldn’t meet again. 

But later, the same week I thought they deserved a second try. This time without the insole. And boy were they better. I still don’t think they will replace my favorite shoes (Altra Lone Peak) but I do think they now have a place in my rotation which otherwise is just different types of Altra shoes. 

I think I have bought half a size too large, this despite following the size comparison measurement on Joe Nimbles website. Might be worth considering if you’re going to buy them. 

If you know Altra shoes, the feel can closest be linked to Altra Superior, but with a much firmer side and top. Something I didn’t like. They started to hurt next to my ankle. I will continue to use them and try them out on a few long runs. When I feel like it…  if I just want to enjoy the run, I think I continue to run in my favorites… Altra. Shoes I always can trust and run-in hour after hour pain-free. 

Find the shoes here: Joe Nimble Trail Addict

And my favourites here: Altra Lone Peak