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Feet function optimally when positioned naturally. We have developed a certification system, through which we evaluate shoes for their foot-healthy qualities.
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Our feet are designed perfectly. With 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments we can flex, rebound, and absorb shock naturally, throughout many activities. Therefore, we recommend shoes that allow your feet to function naturally. Many manufacturers add features that can hinder our feet and toe alignment. Below are important features to consider when looking to purchase healthy shoes.
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Altra Golden Spike | 4.5 
The Altra Golden Spike is a versatile, lightweight running shoe that can be used on tracks or trails. It bears a thinner sole compared to a conventional running shoe promoting strong balance. The stack height is slightly high, however, the Golden Spike can be a good transitional running shoe.
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 1. Weight | 6.7oz [M12]
 2. Stack Height | 15mm
3. No Artificial Arch Support.
4. No Motion Control
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We recommend shoes that are flat from the heel to the ends of the toes. This means that you want to purchase shoes that do not have elevated heels or toe spring (a feature that lifts the ends of the toes higher than the ball of the foot).
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Altra Golden Spike | 4.5
This is quality running shoe. Although it is not completely flat (heel to toe), it possesses zero heel elevation and minimal toe spring.
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We recommend shoes that are widest at the ends of the toes (like a baby’s shoe), not at the ball of the foot. This shape allows for natural toe splay, and will not compress your toes into a deformed position.
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Men's Altra Golden Spike | 4 
This shoe offers suitable width, which allows natural toe splay. However, the Golden Spike cannot accommodate Correct Toes for most people. If modifications are made to Correct Toes in an attempt to fit into shoes, be sure to lightly test to ensure comfort and safety.
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Women's Altra Golden Spike | 4
This shoe offers suitable width, which allows natural toe splay. However, the Golden Spike cannot accommodate Correct Toes for most people. If modifications are made to Correct Toes in an attempt to fit into shoes, be sure to lightly test to ensure comfort and safety.
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Natural feet are widest at the tips of the toes, not at the ball of the foot. Correct Toes helps place the toes back into their natural alignment. To make sure your shoe is wide enough to accommodate natural toe splay, remove the shoe liner from the shoe and stand on it while wearing Correct Toes. If your foot stays within the margins of the liner, this indicates a foot-healthy shoe. If your foot spills over the shoe liner considerably, then this shoe may be too narrow and could cause adverse effects.
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Men's Altra Golden Spike | 3.5 
The Altra Golden Spike does not have a removable shoe liner, so we recommend turning the opposite shoe over and standing on the bottom of the shoe to compare the imprint (left shoe bottom for the right foot and right shoe bottom for the left foot). The man's toes extended beyond the width of the shoe, therefore we would discourage the use of Correct Toes with this shoe. If modifications are made to Correct Toes in an attempt to fit into shoes, be sure to lightly test to ensure comfort and safety.
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Women's Altra Golden Spike | 3.5
As mentioned with the men's, the women's Golden Spike also does not have a removable shoe liner. We recommend turning the shoe over and standing on the bottom to compare the imprint (left shoe bottom for the right foot and right shoe bottom for the left foot). The woman's toes extend beyond the width of the shoe. We would not recommend wearing Correct Toes in this shoe without modifications. If modifications are made, be sure to lightly test Correct Toes in the shoe to ensure comfort.
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This shoe meets our foot-healthy criteria, and is Natural Foot Approved.
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Unlike other companies that recommend “supportive” shoes, which can act like a cast, we recommend shoes that allow natural movement and articulation of your foot bones. We test each shoe for flexibility within each point of flexion and extension.
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Altra Golden Spike | 3.5
This shoe is moderately flexible overall, offering the most pliability in the material and heel counter. The arch, ball and ends of toes are firm, which can affect complete natural movement of the foot. We would recommend this shoe as a "transition shoe" for people who find more comfort in a supportive sole. If you have already transitioned, you may find this sole too rigid.
Points of Flexion and Extension
1. Material
2. Heel Counter
3. Arch
4. Ball
5. Ends of Toes
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The Altra Golden Spike is the newest shoe in the Altra line. It is one of their lightest and most breathable shoes, offering comfort, a natural foot shape and durability. The Golden Spike is a good option to consider as a transitional shoe or a track shoe. Thank you, Altra, for allowing us to review your footwear.
If you have not already transitioned into thin, flexible footwear learn how to transition under our Correct Toes Tips.
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