A meaningful improvement over the original Vanish Carbon — full-length carbon plate, real rubber outsole, more stack — but Kofuzi finds it not quite rigid enough to compete with top-tier carbon racers, and at $260 thinks it's overpriced. — Kofuzi
Matt's favorite Altra racing shoe and one of his top racers of the year — durability, plate, foam, and fit are all meaningfully improved over v1, though $260 is still steep.
Best for: Runners who want an anatomic, zero-drop super shoe for racing — especially those with calf/ankle strength to handle zero drop at speed
A meaningful improvement over the original Vanish Carbon — full-length carbon plate, real rubber outsole, more stack — but Kofuzi finds it not quite rigid enough to compete with top-tier carbon racers, and at $260 thinks it's overpriced.
Best for: Zero-drop runners and runners doing road or mixed-surface ultra distances who want a comfortable but fast carbon racer
A long-distance step up from v1: more stack, full-length carbon plate, lighter weight, and a more accommodating slim fit make it Steve's pick for half-marathon and marathon racing in the Altra lineup.
Best for: Half marathon and marathon racing for runners who like Altra's foot-shaped fit and zero-drop platform
Compared to other road racing in the same lane.
