With the second version of the Altra Vanish Carbon, the US brand has taken a big step forward. Compared to the original version of the competition shoe, several key components have been fundamentally revised to make the shoe even more comfortable, stylish, reactive and, above all, faster.

Key changes include the Altra EGO PRO midsole. Instead of 33 millimetres, the height is now 36 millimetres. The midsole material has also been made significantly softer and more reactive. Combined with the integrated carbon plate, this ensures a noticeable push and a light-footed running sensation. The reduced weight also contributes to this. In the sample size, the significant weight loss is almost 20 grams. For me and many other runners who also wear slightly larger shoes, it could even be over 20 grams.

Not only the new midsole, which also comes with a laterally optimised structure but also the upper material of the Altra Vanish Carbon 2 knows how to impress. The shoe is extremely breathable, especially in the forefoot area. This is particularly noticeable on hot summer days when the feet are wonderfully ventilated and cooled. Just like the mesh-like part of the upper described above, the rest of the upper material also makes a very well-thought-out impression. Also worth noting are some visible small holes, which save an extra gram or two of weight and help ventilate and cool the feet.

The tongue of the shoe has a minimalist design but still sits comfortably on the foot. The laces are quite long, somewhat elasticated and never unravelled unintentionally during testing. Nevertheless, there is still some room for optimisation here to reduce the likelihood of them coming undone and to improve the length a little. The multi-part outsole makes a durable impression and offers good grip even in wet conditions and away from tarmac roads and paths. The flex grooves in the outsole, together with the asymmetry, which Altra claims has been improved by 14 per cent thanks to an updated continuous carbon fibre plate, provide 75 per cent of the flexibility. You can feel this, so the shoe is also convincing on natural trails in competition.

My conclusion? With the Altra Vanish Carbon 2, Altra has undoubtedly arrived at the highest carbon competition shoe level. In terms of weight, the shoe is now even superior to some competing brands due to its lower weight. The main reason for this is the 32 per cent lighter midsole material compared to its predecessor, which takes the running experience to a new level. In addition, the upper material is the absolute market leader when it comes to the breathability of the toe box. Anyone looking for the Altra Vanish Carbon 2 will have to reach into the first drawer of top competition shoes in the future. And if the brand founded in 2009 can continue this steep upward trend, further outstanding new developments can be expected in the coming years.

Tip: With the discount code "BLAUEAUSDAUER" you can find the shoe reduced here.

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