REVIEW: Take Flight in Altra’s Zero-Drop™ Vanish-R Racing Flat
The Vanish-R is one of the lightest flats available, but a few negative aspects make it feel more like an awesome prototype than a market-ready product. (74/100)
Comfort & Fit
Like most Altra shoes I’ve worn, the Vanish-R felt really cozy at first fit. My toes come to the end of the 10 (my usual size), which is fine, given the stretchiness of the upper and the fact that these are racing flats, not trainers.
Unfortunately, it didn’t take much more than a lap around the track for these shoes to begin digging into my outer metatarsal. While the Vanish is wide in the toe box (Altra’s M.O.), it gets narrow through the mid-foot, which causes my foot to essentially fall off the side of the platform.
You do get two different insoles, so I switched out the standard pair for the thinner comfort insoles. That helped to some extent. I do feel like making these shoes unisex was a huge mistake by Altra, as a single width is unlikely to fully please either demographic.
Performance
Let me first say that the overall weight (3.9oz) and responsiveness of the Vanish-R is fantastic. The 14mm stack height provides just the right amount cushion, while the Propel Plate™ delivers a very snappy feel.
It’s weird to admit, but my New Balance 1400’s (at 7.9oz), which I previously loved, now seem unbearably clunky. That’s saying something.
Be that as it may, the flexibility of the upper does lead to some serious slippage. When wheeling around tight corners and curves, I get thrown off the side of the shoe, especially in the toe box. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but I hope it’s something Altra fixes in future versions.
Durability
After a month of use on the track, my Vanish-R’s are starting to show some wear. I think they would break down even faster on pavement, but they are racing flats, and as such, their primary purpose is speed, not durability.
I do think that the laminated rubber pods on the big toe and outer heel help prevent some wear on the softer, exposed EVA midsole. However, the front pods also make you feel like you’re being tipped to the outside, since they rise above the midsole—again, it’s a minor annoyance, not a deal-breaker.
Style
The Vanish is a simple shoe. I think the “V” on the tongue is a nice touch, and the colors are pretty straightforward.
I picked up the red and blue versions, which I’m happy with, overall. It’s a testament to the shoe’s name that parts of the upper are actually see-through.
Price
$100 is on par with most other flats in the same category, and the fact that you get two different pairs of insoles is a nice bonus.
Best Uses
I’ve been using these shoes for tempo workouts on the track, which they’re well-suited to, despite some slipping around the curves.
You could easily use them for road races—anything from a mile to a 10K, or even a half marathon (assuming you’re feet are tough enough and you’re used to running in something this light). I haven’t run a race in them yet, but my initial tests on the road have been promising.
The Bottom Line
While I’m less than happy with the fit of these shoes, I honestly can’t imagine switching back. If you’re looking for a super-light, Zero-Drop racing flat with a toe box that actually matches the shape of your foot, the Vanish-R simply blows away its competitors.
Score: 74/100
