Altra Solstice XT 3 Review: Gymin’, Joggin’, and More

Introduction to the Altra Solstice XT 3

JOHN: The Solstice. It’s been on a strange path. It was one of my favorite Altras ever made — inexpensive, fast, and just a fun shoe. I was devastated when it became the XT.

The only gym shoes I’ve ever used have been multi-purpose ones like the Topo ST-5, which I reviewed right here, and a few pairs from On. I recently started having hip issues, and my PT suggested I should take it easy on the running for the next few months. I’d been using dead running shoes for my gym shoes, and I felt this was a great opportunity to purchase and review the Altra Solstice XT 3 — yes, I actually went out and bought this one. I could have purchased any of the other gym shoe options out there right now, but I chose the Solstice XT3.

Let’s see how it did during my recovery and dive into the weird world of gym shoes.

What we like about the Altra Solstice XT 3

JOHN: The Solstice XT 3 is nice and wide. It fits my foot perfectly with no moving around in the shoe, but is still roomy enough for my feet to splay out. There’s padding on the tongue and heel that feels really good.

The A-frame quarter panel is where this shoe shines the most to me. It helps if you are injured or have issues with stability, especially lateral movement. I sweat excessively, especially when indoors doing workouts, but I found this shoe very breathable. It’s also protective and seems like it should be extremely durable.

What we don’t like about the Altra Solstice XT 3

JOHN: I initially didn’t use this shoe to run since the Altra website didn’t say that was recommended, so I contacted my guy, Kurt Stein. Kurt has been an Altra Red member and run a bunch of ultras, but mainly now messes with kettlebells and medieval mace workouts — dude’s a total badass.

Anyway, he does, in fact, run in the Solstice XT 3. He doesn’t run big miles in it, but he does get out there for a few at a time, so this prompted me to try it out on the gym treadmill, and it’s serviceable for light miles, gym work, and walking. I think the difficult thing for many hardcore runners, especially those who detest the gym, is buying a $130 shoe and not using it to run longer miles. If I weren’t injured, I would probably have this mindset too.

Final thoughts on the Altra Solstice XT 3

JOHN: I’ve worn this shoe everywhere — to the gym, as a caregiver, and to my daughter’s dance competitions — and it’s been my go-to rehab shoe.

I highly recommend this one if you are injured or doing more gym work. Functionality-wise, I think it’s tough to buy a shoe just for the gym, but it’s far better than using dead running shoes, Chucks, or even some of the hybrid gym shoes recommended for running. Especially when it comes to the lateral movements and doing certain workouts, I just feel much better.

If you are considering a gym shoe, try the Solstice XT3 and don’t get injured. Runners, make sure to lift some weights and take care of yourself out there, because I sure didn’t.

You can pick up the Altra Solstice XT 3 for $130 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.