The Altra Solstice is the best minimal road shoe available at the moment. It weighs only 196g, yet has enough structure to hold the foot in place well. It’s also very resilient – I’ve trained for and completed two marathons in one pair and only the outsole is worn – great value.

The upper is pretty traditional, but knitted and breathable at the front. The midsole isn’t thin for a minimal shoe but as well as being flat, flexes in the right place.

There is very little outsole but the grip is great (no problem in the rain).

Wear and Tear:

I’ve run 250+ miles of tarmac in this shoe and while the bottom is worn, the upper is in great shape.

VERDICT:

The best minimal road shoe out there. It’s flat, flexible and responsive as well as being natural-foot friendly. It’s also relatively cheap. 93/100

Stats:

Weight – 196g – (UK size 8)
Midsole – Depth 23mm. Zero-drop
Outsole – No outsole except
Insole – Standard and removable.
Flexibility – High
Fitting – Wide toebox. Natural foot-shaped last. Comes up small – order half to one size up (standard Altra sizes)