I never expected Alo Yoga’s new Alo Runners to, as they say, slap as hard as they did. Between the brand’s Airlift leggings I refuse to take off to its Airbrush Real Bra Tank that offers just the right amount of range of motion and compression, I already know and love Alo as a label that’s mastered athleisure and yoga apparel. To venture outside that lane into the footwear category is no easy feat but with sportswear apparel brands itching to stay more relevant than ever to a wider range of professional and budding athletes alike, the release of the Alo Runner couldn’t have come at a better time.
I trained, ran and lived in the Alo Runners for a week to see how they held up to the trails, tread and track.
The newest runners in Alo's lineup embody a blend of style and functionality, offering an aesthetic fit for any influencer's matching set along with specs that'll please even the most discerning of athletes. A stabilizing heel clip for a supportive stride and breathable?mesh to keep your?feet bone dry and chafe-free make them a practical buy — and though they cost a pretty penny, they're too pretty to pass up.?
What are the Alo Runners?
Whether you’re a jogger or a sprinter, the unisex Alo Runners are designed to propel you forward and help you comfortably hit your goals. Coming on the (literal) heels of the Recovery Mode sneaker release designed to support you on rest days, they’re a more tech-driven runner than your casual streetwear pair. Decked out in specs like a stabilizing heel clip to prevent slipping, traction-heavy outsole grip pods ideal for a range of terrains, a crash pad to limit impact during heel-to-toe strides and a double layer of mesh to keep sweaty feet at bay, Alo left no stone unturned in the construction of these runners. They currently come in black and white colors, are available in men’s sizes 3.5 to 16 and women’s sizes 5 to 17.5 and ring in at $185 a pop.
What I liked about them
They’re breathable
Conveniently, the bulk of my testing occurred during a heatwave, allowing these shoes to shine. I’m already a foot sweater, which means that after any run, my feet are drenched. Add unseasonably high temps and I’m basically a Florida-grade swamp. Yet even in thick socks, the Alo Runners felt cooling against my feet — akin to a personal air conditioner or fan following me around with every step. They also fared well on steep inclines on a treadmill and hill, allowing my feet to breathe even as my body temperature sored.
They make movement enjoyable
I like to think of myself as a veteran runner of sorts. I’ve run numerous half marathons, I run up to five or six times a week and I coach clients (and basically anyone who will listen) on how to safely get back on the pavement pre- and post-partum as a certified personal trainer with a specialization in orthopedic exercise. I absolutely love that each purchase comes with exclusive access to Alo Moves’ four-week Runner’s High program launched in tandem with the sneaker’s release on Sept. 5. It’s an endurance program geared towards helping runners hit that coveted 30-minute mark, which is a worthy goal considering the average person should aim for 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise five times per week. On the best of days, running can feel tedious. On the worst of days, it can feel like flat-out torture. The combination of these lightweight grippy runners and a tailored running program is such a helpful tool in bringing a sense of joy back into movement.
What’s more is that they’re the perfect addition to NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), the kind of movement you perform during everyday activity outside of intentional exercise. They made roaming around an apple orchard complete with uneven terrain a total breeze. The level of cushioning helped offset some of the discomfort inherent in stepping over sharp branches and rogue apples, so you can imagine just how comfortable they are on flat ground.
They’re versatile
Footwear experts will tell you to wear a different sneaker for your cross training and your high-impact cardio. A flatter outsole helps you feel more grounded in your stance during heavy lifts while something a bit more cushion-forward absorbs impact on your joints, limits injury (to some extent!) and helps generate power and momentum. Because I like to begin my workouts with a strength training session and end on a cardio blast, I need something that can sustain me through both.
The Alo Runners weren’t so foam-heavy they threw me off balance during a single-leg dumbbell deadlift or lateral lunge, and they weren’t so flat that I could feel the ground beneath my toes during a sprint. If you had to invest in just one pair of sneakers, they’re ideal for taking you the extra mile in workouts that combine both strength and high-impact cardio.
The aesthetic is on point
The branding. Oh, the branding. I am such a logo girlie, I’ll proudly rock an emblem for a brand I ride or die for. Alo is no exception. I adore the subtle signage at the vamp along with the second more visible one below the collar at the foxing. It’s what one might call the epitome of demure and mindful. I’m into metallic elements that provide visual interest without introducing too many new color schemes (seriously, they’re in for fall and beyond), and the glossy reflective detail at the back is such a fashionable yet functional touch for running in low-light settings.
What I didn’t like about them
The color selection is limited
My quips about the Alo Runners are so minor, they’re almost not worth mentioning. Firstly, I would have loved a wider color selection, but that’s neither here nor there. I like my running gear high in dopamine points (i.e: colorful, flashy and featuring all the things), but these two options force me to consider function over form while eliminating decision fatigue.
The sizing is off
The brand does not hide on its website copy and marketing materials that the shoes are sized small. I never understood this. Just make the shoes fit! Knowing this, I ordered a half a size up, but was gifted another half a size up since they assumed I hadn’t done my homework. So unfortunately, these shoes only fit properly when I’m wearing two pairs of extremely thick socks. When your shoes are too small, they contribute to everything from bunions to hammer toes. When your shoes are too big, they can contribute to blisters resulting from friction.
In an era where online shopping has become the standard and norm, asking customers to adjust the size they normally order is a risk. After communicating this concern with the team, I received the correct size (still a half up from my usual) and the fit is absolutely divine. It’s interesting how significant a difference half a size can make on the entire wearing experience.
The bottom line
As a massive fan of all things Alo, I wanted to avoid diving into testing the Alo Runners wearing rose-tinted glasses. Even with a discerning eye and foot, the Alo Runners soared above my expectations. They offer a comfortable stride, provide ample support where I need it most during both low-impact and plyometric pursuits and boast an aesthetic chic enough to wear with a matching set running errands. Whether you’re looking to log serious miles in the Alo Runners or just look like you did, they’re a solid addition to your running gear arsenal for both Alo stans and those new to the brand.
