Hettas is a Canadian shoe brand that’s driven to support women’s running needs. It prides itself on creating and building running shoes for the unique attributes of women’s feet. As their website explains, “We operate from a purely female perspective. Our mission is to ensure the female running experience gets the funding, research, and recognition it deserves.”
Hettas’s first shoe was designed using feedback from a study of women runners of all ages, who each tested different prototypes on 22 runs. The Alma Cruise (featured here) is ideal for gentle runs or walking, with the Alma Speed the one to pull out on race day, and the Alma Ideal for longer interval sessions or speedwork.
Hettas Alma Cruise specs
Cushioning: Neutral
Weight: 265 g
Offset/drop: 10 mm
Stack height: 33 mm
Price: CAD $238.00
Availability: Now
Upper
The moment I slipped these shoes on, I couldn’t help but notice the airy mesh upper—perfect for handling both heat and a splash of water. In warmer temperatures, the mesh kept my feet cool, and if I happened to run through a puddle, they dried surprisingly fast. Designed with a woman’s foot in mind, the narrow heel cup felt secure, and the cushioning on each side really cradled my Achilles tendons, adding a solid layer of stability I didn’t realize I was missing.
One thing that stood out was the stretch in the upper, which accommodated my wider toe spread. I have often found myself squeezed in other shoes, but the extra width here meant my pinky toes could relax without feeling cramped. Whether you’re a fan of a roomy toe box or need that Achilles support, this shoe ticks all the boxes for a comfortable, customized fit.
Midsole
With its 33 mm stack, the Cruise midsole is the most cushioned shoe of the product line, and I felt every bit of that plushness on long runs—keeping my feet comfortable without sacrificing the springy ride. What makes this shoe stand out is the customization you get right out of the box. It comes with two pairs of insoles: a cushy, thicker set for added support and a thinner, firmer pair if you prefer more room or a slightly stiffer feel. You even get an extra ½ size of space with the thinner insole so you can tweak the fit for exactly the level of comfort you’re after.
Adding to that responsive feel, this model features a PEBA plate instead of the oft-used carbon, giving it a snappy, energetic boost that doesn’t feel too stiff or rigid. The PEBA material adds flexibility, helping maintain a smoother, more natural stride while still giving that noticeable propulsion forward. It’s a design that lets you go the distance with pep in every step.
One quick note on sizing: these run about a ½ size small, so going up a half-size will likely be your best bet. The toe box initially felt a touch long when I laced them up, but once I hit the road, it wasn’t noticeable.
Outsole
The outsole is built for versatility and grip, making this shoe a great choice for runners who mix road running with gravel sessions. The multi-directional tread felt like it provided reliable traction on various surfaces, and I felt confident wearing them, whether I was on a road jaunt around the city or tackling more uneven paths. The outsole rubber feels very durable and sturdy, and upon first wear, I thought it might be too stiff; it turned out to provide ample flexibility and didn’t weigh me down.
The verdict
The Alma Cruise prioritizes women-specific design without compromising quality. With features like the customizable insoles and a design that supports a woman’s natural foot shape and movement, this is a solid choice for runners looking for a fit that feels like it was made just for them; best of all, when you get a pair, you’re supporting a women-owned-and-inspired Canadian business.
