With a focus on runners and a passion for finding a running shoe that fits the natural shape of the feet, Golden Harper began modifying shoes in hopes of learning more about designing a better performing shoe, specifically one that would be zero drop. Along with co-founders Brian Beckstrand, Quiri Hansen, and Jeremy Howlett, Golden attempted to present their ideas to various footwear companies but met with little success. This sparked their desire to create their own company in 2009, called Altra, which derives from the Latin word “altera,” meaning to fix or mend something that is broken.
From there, the company was acquired by Icon Health & Fitness in 2011 and has changed ownership several times since, finally being taken under the parent company VF Corporation in 2018. Other brands such as Timberland, Icebreaker, The North Face, Vans, JanSport and Eastpak are also under VF Corporation.
Altra is based in the Logan, Utah and has over 1500 retailers selling their shoes all over the world.
