My prev fav was Xero's Z-Trail.
Compared with that, the Alpha foot beds last *alot* longer and are gentler on your joints, especially on concrete.
I thought I wouldn't be able to adapt to the toe strap either, but it was surprisingly easy and that skin area has thickened nicely with time.
Ah, yes: compared with the Z-Trail, I've found the clasp system on the Alpha to be way more trustworthy.
My Z-Trail always came undone once I put about 6 months of hard use on it.
Alpha is remaining strong, hasn't come undone during use even once. It's a better clasp system.
Mine are still holding up great and I've ran a half marathon in them
