The Airia one running shoes are a different type of running shoe in that they are zero drop and have a lateral slant (forefoot valgus wedge) under the forefoot. This will have different biomehcanical affects in different runners. The company that makes them claims that you can get a performance advantage using the shoe.

The Airia One is a pretty unusual running shoe that was designed with a strong biomechanical twist. It was developed by a Swedish company (Airia Running) with the goal of enhancing running efficiency and speed. Their marketing claims were bold: something like “8 out of 10 runners see a performance gain between 1-7% when using them.”

Key design features include:

• An asymmetric sole geometry, meaning the midsole is thicker under the lateral (outer) forefoot compared to the medial side. There’s a transverse drop (rather than only a longitudinal heel-to-toe drop).
• A pronounced toe spring (the toe portion curves upward), and a rounded heel. The idea was to promote a more efficient toe-off and reduce ground contact time.
• Lightweight materials: thin, breathable mesh uppers; Vibram rubber outsole; OrthoLite insoles.

What Users Found Good / Challenging

What people liked:

• Once runners got used to them (after a few miles), many report a very natural, “rolling” running feel. The toe-off is often praised.
• For shorter, faster runs (intervals, tempo runs) or for people who already run with a midfoot or forefoot strike, the Airia One could feel quite exciting: light, responsive, and pushing runners to engage different muscles in different ways.

Challenges & criticisms:

• The design takes a lot of getting used to. Many users felt awkward at first, especially because the sole geometry forces different foot behaviour (e.g. landing and toe-off) than what many are used to.
• Some discomfort was reported, especially around toes or the balls of the feet. The toe spring can cause pressure or rubbing.
• Because of the firm ride and unusual sole, long runs could be tough; for many, the shoe was better suited to shorter distance performance work rather than full-marathon pacing.

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Where it Stands / Legacy

• As of now, Airia One is no longer available (production has ceased).
• Despite that, it has made waves in the running community as a kind of “experimental” or “cult” shoe: one that pushes boundaries in how a running shoe can influence biomechanics rather than just cushioning or support.
• Its biggest legacy might not be in how many people used them daily, but in how it sparked discussions about sole geometry, foot strike patterns, and what “running efficiency” really means. For runners curious about something outside the norm, the Airia One remains a reference point.

Most Useful Resources:
Airia (PodiaPaedia)
New “Biomechanically Perfect” Shoe (Foot Health Forum)
Airia Running shoes: the new “Biomechanically Perfect” Shoe (Podiatry Arena)
The new ‘biomechanically perfect’ running shoe from Airia? (Running Research Junkie)
Another look at the performance claims by the Airia One running shoe; a theoretical context (Running Research Junkie)
Airia Running Shoes (Podiatry TV)
AIRIA ONE : cette chaussure fait-elle vraiment courir plus vite ? (Runners.fr)