The Altra IQ is a shoe that aims to make a lighter, more efficient, balanced runner. It uses the quad accelerometers and thin force sensors that run the length of the shoes midsoles. Data is sent directly to the Altra IQ App (available for Droid and iOS). Real-time coaching and feedback are provided through the app to improve your running technique.

Currently the only model shipping is for road, but a version for trails is in the works. The shoes are not waterproof, but they can be used to run in the rain. One feature that I’m happy to see in this world of disposable $200 electronics is that the battery is accessible below insole and you can pop in your own fresh coin cell (CR2032) when it gets low. You must run with your phone today to get the data, but an untethered update is in the works. When I go to ultra races Altras brand of trail shoes are usually worn by more than half the participants.

The Altra IQ shoe and app are recording the following metrics:

• Impact Rate
• Left to Right Balance
• Live Data and Coaching
• Cadence
• Landing Zone
• Foot Force
• Ground Contact Time (GCT)
• Time
• Pace
• Distance

[ … Read More @ AltraRunning.com … ]