Friday Feature: Altra Torin GIVEAWAY!!!!

All Altra shoes have cushioned protection with the benefits of barefoot freedom and is designed to reduce injury and promote proper natural running form.

Altra is a company based out of Utah. It was started by cousins Golden Harper & Jeremy Howlett. The combination of the two with Golden who worked as a shoe salesman at Runner's Corner for years, not to mention he has been a runner for most of his life and Jeremy's background with business and marketing was a power combo! They started by modifying shoes for customers by removing the cushioning, or the mid sole material, to create a "drop" in the shoe. This re-engineering of shoes was quite popular. What started as a running solution to help with injuries and proper running form has now turned into a company that introduced the first "zero drop" shoe.

What is Zero Drop? It is where the shoe places your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground for less impact, more stability, and proper running technique.

Altra's Zero Drop platform and foot-shaped design work together to help runners maintain proper running form and reduce joint impact while freeing their toes to help alleviate foot pain. The foot-shaped design maximizes shock absorption and toe off and also allowing toes to relax and splay naturally. This will reduce forefoot pain, bunions, and excessive pronation.

In fact, the Altra Instinct, because of its uniqueness and performance was named by Runner's World as the "Best Debut 2012" Shoe Award. This is what Runner's World had to say about Altra:

Runner's World Review

Let's be honest. At first glance, the Altra is ugly. The horizon-line-level sole. An enormously wide forefoot. This shoe is the polar opposite of "cool." But look again, and you'll see that the Altra is intelligently ugly. The sole is level because the shoe is "zero-drop," meaning it's almost a flat surface beneath your feet. And the forefoot is so wide because the shoe is built on an "anatomic" last, so it lets your toes splay out the way they would if you were barefoot. The design resonated with testers, who loved the extra breathing room up front. All of these elements combine to give you a barefoot-like feel but without those barefoot-like intense slaps of your sole against the road. One tip: Traction is minimal, so don't wear these on a rainy day.

BOTTOM LINE: A perfect shoe for someone transitioning to barefoot running but seeking solid protection underfoot.

Now Altra has taken more steps and expanded their line of shoes...the new Torrin is one of the newest models!! Plus I love the color schemes and the feel of the shoe!! They have really done a great job with this one!!

Propel your run, protect your body and perform with Zero Limits with the new Torin™.

The Torin is the newest lightweight, max-cushioned shoe that will help you experience a stable and comfortable run with cushioning that helps return energy back into each stride while reducing the impact of hard surfaces. The outsole of the shoe is also unique because it maps the bones and tendons of the human foot for a natural flex and superior traction. And as with all Altra shoes, they have the ZeroDrop Technology which allows you to run the way you were born—placing your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground for natural posture, more power and better running technique.

Technical Stuff

Ideal Uses: Road Running, Light Trail Running, Fitness
Designed to Reduce: Shin Splints, Knee Pain, Forefoot Pain, Bunions
Platform: ZeroDrop™ Platform with Maximum Cushioning, Foot-Shaped Toe Box
Weight: 8.6 oz
Stack Height: 28 mm
Midsole: Two-Layer EVA/AltraBound™
Outsole: Blown Rubber MetaPod™
Insole: (2) 5mm Contour and 3mm Strengthen
Upper: Quick-Dry Air Mesh

If you’re looking for that next big thing that will “fix” your running, make you injury proof, and help you become a better runner...look to Altra shoes. Both my husband and I will agree that once we hit the pavement with Altra, it is hard to go back to any other type of shoe. It may take a little bit to get used to the feel of landing more natural, but natural is best even if it doesn't feel right at first!! Your body will adjust and will thank you once it does!!!

One lucky reader will receive a pair of the Torin for this week's giveaway. Here is how you enter: (Leave a SEPARATE comment for every item you do to increase your chances!!)

1) Follow Discover Your Happy Blog. Specify whether you are a Follower or following by email, or both. If by both, you will get 2 separate entries...so leave 2 comments.

2) Share about this giveaway on your blog. Encourage your readers to come and check it out!!

3) Like Discover Your Happy on Facebook.

4) Share about this Giveaway on your Facebook page.

5) Like Altra Running on Facebook.

6) Visit the Altra Website and tell us one new thing you learned about their awesome shoe line!!

This contest will run through Monday, February 25th at 5pm. The winner will be selected shortly after.

Good Luck!!!!