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Have you heard of The Antepes Muscle Runners? Likely not, but this small brand is making big waves in the running world. They are completely different from any other running shoe. Why is that? They have a negative heel to toe drop so the front is actually higher than the back. If you are someone who runs on your toes, these might be the shoe you've been waiting for. For everyone else, they are going to take some time to work into. They shouldn't be your primary running shoe because changing your gait quickly can result in injury.
Antepes Muscle Runners Facts:
Weight: 9 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: -10 mm (yes, -10)
Cost: $225
Type of shoe: daily trainer
With a negative heel to toe drop, they are the first shoe designed to strengthen your lower legs. Just because you aren't a toe runner doesn't mean you can't run in them; it just means you'll need to take time to work into them. I'm talking a long time; it should be painfully slow to transition. Unlike every other shoe in the running world, the forefoot sits higher than the back. This means they have a -10 heel to toe drop. So if you're looking for a running shoe with a negative heel to toe drop, the answer is Antepes Muscle Runners.
The Antepes Muscle Runners' upper is moisture-wicking and made from 30% merino wool. This allows them to dry quickly, but not just that, they feature Lenzing™️ Tencel. What is that? Lenzing Tencel is made from Eucalyptus tree fibers that keep you cooler when you sweat. The shoelaces are made from 80% Lenzing Tencel with biodegradable lace tips. The use of Lenzing Tencel makes the shoe much more eco-friendly but also feels comfortable. The last 20% is made from recycled PET.
Antepes Muscle Runners really makes a stride for eco-friendly shoes, and the upper also has an Eco-Friendly Non-Fluorine Water Repellent Finish. That helps keep your feet dry in wet conditions. It kind of reminds me of that spray we would use in Upstate NY to keep UGG boots water-resistant, and I was worried it would make the shoe feel heavier. Honestly, it doesn't, and you don't even realize this repellent is on there.
When I tried on the Antepes Muscle Runners, I immediately felt comfortable. There was nothing weird or annoying, and I didn't feel like I needed to break the shoe in. It actually fits like a slipper, and there are no hot spots or weird spots that create blisters. With the medium last, the shoe can fit wider feet. I've taken them out in inclement weather, and while they are dirty, they breathed well, and I didn't feel like the upper was restrictive.
In running shoes, I usually wear between a women's size 10-11 wide and found the size 11 of the Antepes Muscle Runners fit the best.
Plus, with nowhere else to put this, I love the all-white color. I'm glad that is making a comeback in running shoes.
The Antepes Muscle Runners' ride is different. Really different, and that is what makes them unique. To my knowledge, there isn't another running shoe out right now with a negative heel to toe drop. I know brands have tried before, but it's never stuck. Trying a new brand and new shoe can be weird. You have zero clues what to expect, and you just hope you got the size right. Would I like the ride? Would I use them more than once? First, let's take a look at the technology of the Antepes Muscle Runners. They do keep the Antepes Muscle Runners technology mysterious.
Antepes Muscle Runners Technology:
I do wish we could find out more information about the proprietary blends. Would it change how I feel running in the Antepes Muscle Runners? No, but at least I would understand the shoe more.
Anyway, onto the Antepes Muscle Runners shoe. There is a carbon plate. The majority of the cushion is in the front of the shoe.
The split carbon plate is unique because it stabilizes the metatarsophalangeal joints. It provides weight to the ball of the foot rather than on the metatarsals. Most carbon plates disperse the weight onto the toes, which is why many find themselves injured with a metatarsal stress fracture. On a side note, I'm curious to see when we will see more research about how carbon plates can cause injuries.
I was actually very curious about the outsole because with a negative heel to toe drop, you expect more traction on the forefoot since that is where you're striking the ground. That is completely the case, and the Antepes Muscle Runners have the most traction there. As far as durability, the Antepes Muscle Runners look like they will last a long time. I've already put over 200 miles on them, and I expect at least another 200. Which is great because for $250 they aren't cheap.
I was worried about getting injured in the Antepes Muscle Runners. I first took them out for a few 1-mile runs. After the first 1-mile run, I was sore. You'll feel it in your calves. After I was comfortable with the 1-mile runs, I did a couple of 2-mile runs. Since nothing felt weird, I gradually increased the distance. I was sore in the Antepes Muscle Runners at first, like I was running in racing flats. They are definitely not a shoe you should rush into; you'll feel sore.
After about a month of them in my rotation, I began taking them out for longer runs. Now they are a daily run shoe for me. Something I like for those easy runs that you may not run fast but those daily training runs. As far as the carbon plate, yes it has one but more to keep the shoe stiff. It's not made to compete with the racing carbon plated shoes.
I really like the Antepes Muscle Runners and I hope they continue to stay around. It will be interesting to see if other brands follow suit and create something similar. But my guess is likely not since this is a niche type of shoe. They are expensive but I do think they are worth it, especially if you are a forefoot runner.
Who is the Antepes Muscle Runners made for? If you are a forefoot runner, this is the only option of a negative heel to toe drop.
Who is the Antepes Muscle Runners not made for? If you are someone who lands on their heel and don't want to change your form, there is no need to try this shoe. Plus, if you don't have the time to work into it (I'm talking a month or more), then it's probably not the right one. You need to have the time to dedicate to it, so I wouldn't recommend it as your only daily trainer unless you've run in it before.
I was paid to write an honest review of my choice.
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