As a fitness trainer, coach, and ultra-distance runner, I’m often asked: What’s the best running shoe? It’s a fair question, but my answer is always the same—it depends on you.
When someone begins their running journey to pursue a health or fitness goal, finding the right shoe is essential. The wrong shoes can cause discomfort, injury, or even long-term damage. Think of it like this: shoes are to your feet what glasses are to your eyes. Everyone has a unique prescription, and your shoes should match your specific biomechanics and training style.
I’ve been there myself—frustrated and stuck in a cycle of trial and error. Back in 2009, when I started running regularly, I tried countless brands in search of the perfect fit. Most of them left me with sore feet, aching knees, and even back pain. Nothing felt right.
Then, in 2011, I heard about a new brand called Altra, founded by a few young entrepreneurs from Utah County. I gave them a shot—and from my first run, I was pain-free. That moment was a turning point in my life. Altra shoes didn’t just ease my pain—they opened the door to a new chapter. With the right shoes, I could train harder and longer. They helped me become a professional endurance athlete, coach, and personal trainer.
Over time, I got to know the founders of Altra—Brian Beckstead, Golden Harper, and Jeremy Howlett. Today, Brian, who was the original beta tester of the brand’s first modified shoes (yes, they used a waffle iron!), lives right here in Heber Valley. He’s also the only one of the three founders still working with Altra, now serving on the board of directors.
“Altra is a local brand,” Brian told me. “We started right here in Utah, and we have a great history and relationship with this state. Our trail shoes—Timp, Lone Peak, Olympus, Superior—are named after iconic Utah mountains that inspired us.”
Now that he lives in Heber, Brian says he’s enjoying a slower pace of life and looking for ways to give back to the community that helped build Altra.
One of those ways is through volunteering at the Wasatch 100, one of Utah’s most iconic ultra-distance races.
“Our number one selling shoe—the Lone Peak—was developed specifically for the Wasatch 100,” Brian said. “For the last six years, I’ve volunteered at the Lambs Canyon aid station, and this year I’m excited to take over the Big Mountain aid station.”
He’s also become an assistant coach for the Wasatch High School cross country team, where his son now runs.
“My goal is to help the kids run healthy and happy.”
“My wife grew up in Kamas, so we always wanted to end up in Heber,” he shared. “We moved here in 2019, and now that I have a bit more time, I love mentoring local youth. We’ve got an amazing group of kids here.”
Despite his deep ties to Altra, Brian is careful not to push the brand on the athletes he coaches.
“My goal is to help the kids run healthy and happy,” he said. “If Altras work for them, awesome. If not, that’s totally fine, too. What matters most is that their shoes support their biomechanics and prevent injury.”
That focus on movement mechanics is at the heart of why Altra was founded—and it’s a principle I share with my own clients.
“The shoe that makes your body perform best is the one you should be wearing,” I tell them.
The right shoes won’t just take you on a run—they can take you on a journey. One that leads to better health, more confidence, and in some cases, a completely new life path. For me and Brian, Altra was that catalyst.
Hopefully, the right shoes will take you places you never dreamed possible.
More Information: altrarunning.com
