Women's Altra Footwear Vanish XC Running Shoe Blue 6.5 M

The Vanish-XC is the shoe I have been looking for. Altra, please never stop producing!!! Been wanting to love Altra shoes for years but never found anything I would want to race or train in. Shoes were always either too squishy or too hard. I have been using the XC for all my training including 2 hour long runs and a couple 5K road races. Shoes are lightweight, extremely comfortable (can run sock-less), just enough cushioning to not feel beat up on longer runs but firm enough for fast efforts with good ground feel. Good mid-sole stack height. Not too thin to feel everything but not so thick that running form suffers. Planning to use the XC for marathon later this month.

I bought this shoe because i read the only review there was, and the person stated that "i could almost feel like I am walking on the road.." Well, after dozens of years of wearing pointy toes and high heels my feet needed some real comfort and stability, and no pain, so I was entranced by the idea that I might find a shoe that would actually feel like that person had said and I decided to try a pair.Well they really do feel like I have solid footing without all the weight, my toes have room,OH How Lovely, and a great grip so there is no fear of falling or slipping no matter what kind of exercise one is doing, while at the same time I can wear them with almost anything. If i were a runner I would want a little more cushioning inside the shoe, but for my use this is truly a dream shoe come true, and totally fits the description" almost like walking on the road" and I really appreciate Altra for including a type of shoe that even the average person would find truly comfortable , safe and stylish at the same time. Thanks Altra !