Altra Men's Vali Lace-Up Athletic Sneakers Black/Grey (9.5M)

I've had these for a little over two weeks now and It has quickly become my go to everyday shoe. I got the red ones and look great with jeans. They are very comfortable and don't irritate my pinky toe. Altra has become the only brand of shoe I can wear that doesn't bother my right foot. My podiatrist at the VA hospital had never seen anything like them as far as a shoe that was shaped like a foot. He took one my shoes and went up and down the hallway showing all of his fellow doctors my cool new shoes. I love these shoes and I really hope that Altra will produce the Everyday Instinct in a size 15 soon because I could really use something slightly dressier/semi casual to wear with some kakis to work. Thank you Altra for the pain free footwear from a disabled Vet with special needs feet.

This shoe had a LOT of bad reviews online -- all complaining about the heel rubbing. I had the exact same experience; in fact, these shoes hurt my feet horribly the first time I put them on. The trick, though, is to let the shoe be loose around the heel, and not tie it tightly (normally). Removing the laces from an eyelet or two also helps with heel tightness. OnceI did this, the shoe became perfect; it's probably the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn, and by far my favorite Altra shoe. It also manages to look fairly stylish -- which is a real feat given the shape of the toebox. Also, Altra, please make this in a NAVY BLUE, pretty please?