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Altra vs. Hoka: What Fits You Well?
Altra and Hoka are known to offer shoes for almost all types of needs. These are the common names when discussing shoe brands that have been around the industry for a long time. Whether you look for everyday running, training trail running, hiking, recovery, or work shoes, the brands offer them all, more or less.
Altra offers zero-drop running shoes with minimum comfort. The grippy Vibram® Megagrip outsole of the shoes will help runners attain absolute performance while trail running. We should also credit the EGO™ MAX midsole, which is super lightweight and brings a luxurious look along with expected durability.
Altra should be the option if you like a more natural feel to your running shoes, and here, the FootPod™ technology has a key role. Compared to any other shoe brand, the wider toe box will ensure ultimate stability in aggressive running and training, as you are supposed to move more freely.
On the other hand, Hoka offers running shoes with maximum comfort in mind. The extra midsole and ultimate cushioning make the shoes suitable for long-distance runners like ultramarathoners. Also, people busy in service and have to wear shoes for a long time find Hoka shoes helpful due to Active Foot Frame™ technology.
Hoka shoes come with a 4-5 mm drop and a higher stack height due to the extra cushioned midsole. Now, this can also be helpful for people who have Achilles and pronation issues. However, you should check a good number of shoes from both brands and choose the most suitable one based on your running purpose and foot type.
Altra vs Hoka: Glance at the Comparison Chart
Altra and Hoka have offered a good number of shoe models. Now, it is always good to go with the side-by-side comparison of two specific models. For example, if you want to purchase trail running shoes, the comparison should be between the brands of shoes made for that particular purpose.
But first, we are going to present an overall comparison chart of these brands. And then, you will put some of the most popular footwear from the two brands in a comparison scale.
| Comparison Points | Altra | Hoka |
| Best for | Trail running, daily running, aggressive running, natural running. | Everyday running, long-distance running, training, service work. |
| Cushioning | Average | Maximum |
| Durability | Around 400-600 miles | Around 400-450 miles |
| Stack Height | Lower | Higher |
| Support | Less supportive | More supportive |
| Weight | Lightweight | heavy |
| Drop | Zero | 4-5 mm |
| Upper | Recycled creel jacquard | Recycled polyester upper mesh |
| Fit | Wider | Narrow |
| Price Range (Approx) | Less expensive | More expensive |
Altra vs Hoka: Best for What?
All the Altra running shoes come with zero drops. Now, zero-drop shoes can be super beneficial for a more natural feel. If you are not a beginner and want more ground feel, improved balance, and ankle mobility, going with the Altra running shoes can be a proper option. For example, the Altra Torin 6 combines balanced cushioning and immense stability.
Timothy Polk was satisfied enough with the Altra shoe. He got the recommendation from his son and then purchased the Torin 5. Timothy always becomes excited while running with the shoe on.
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Technologies like the Altra EGO™ MAX midsole foam and Standard FootShape™ fit are crucial in running performance.
Hoka always emphasizes absolute comfort in every shoe they make. From extra thick midsoles to higher stack heights, all these make Hoka shoes suitable for long-distance running or for people who have to wear shoes for a long period. The recycled polyester upper mesh ensures proper breathability.
Beyond these, the Active Foot Frame™ and MetaRocker™ ensure customers can have protective cushioned shoes with minimal stability and support in mind. The new Hoka Clifton 9 can be a burning example here.
Altra vs Hoka: Which brand Offers More Cushion?
Hoka offers the most cushioned shoes compared to other brands. The shoes from the Hoka come with 3-level cushioning, and the EVA-based foam in the midsole and higher stack height say it all. On the other hand, Altra does offer cushioned shoes, but the amount of cushion in the midsole is average.
Paul brought a pair of shoes from Hoka for his wife. His wife is very happy due to the comfort and accurate fit the shoes offer.
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Moreover, Altra brings shoes with minimal comfort due to the Altra EGO™ MAX midsole foam, which generates improved plush. You can have more mid-cushioned mutual shoes from Altra—for example, the latest Altra Escalante 3. Now, if we compare this with the Hoka Clifton 9, you will notice the maximalist cushion with the shoe.
Are you looking for the most cushioned options from the brands? Then check the Torin 6 and the Bondi 8.
Altra vs Hoka: What Is Going to Last Longer?
Shoes’ durability depends on whether you choose the right pair for the proper purpose and how you use it. Both brands bring shoes that last for a long time. According to experts, changing shoes every 500 miles is good. Thankfully, you can expect the Altra and Hoka shoes to last this time.
But as the midsole of Hoka running shoes is supposed to compress a lot, it can wear out faster. According to some users, shoes from Hoka can last between 400-450 miles. On the other hand, Altra running shoes can last a little bit longer.
Altra vs Hoka: Who Provides More Support?
Both brands offer minimal support with their shoes. But you are supposed to have a bit more support with Hoka shoes compared to Altra. Hoka running shoes usually come with a higher drop.
Now, due to this, the shoes can provide more support you need. But the opposite happens for Altra. You can have more ground feel but support less than Hoka’s. Lower-drop shoes can put more stress on the lower legs.
Altra vs Hoka: What About Fit?
Altra shoes come with a wider toe box, making the foot movement super smooth. Beyond that, the Standard FootShape™ fit design plays a leading role in ensuring the ideal fit for almost all types of feet. Moreover, Altra is very famous for its rounded foot shape. Due to the zero drop, the heel and toe of their shoes are on the same platform.
But the Hoka running shoes come with a narrower fit, especially at the heel end. The shoes from Hoka will guide your heel to toe due to a 4-5 mm drop. If you have pronation issues, Hoka shoes are ideal for narrow-foot runners.
Altra vs Hoka: Who Offers More Affordability?
Hoka shoes are expensive compared to Altra. But there is not a huge difference. For example, the most stable shoes of both brands are Provision 6 and Arahi 7. The Altra Provision costs $120, and the Hoka Arahi 7 comes at $145. However, you will find some Altra shoes are more expensive than Hoka.
| Altra Shoes Pricing (Approx) | Hoka Shoes Pricing (Approx) |
| MEN’S RIVERA 4- $130 | Gaviota- $170 |
| MEN’S TIMP 5- $155 | Speedgoat 5 Running Sneaker- $155 |
| Altra Torin 6- $74 | Hoka Mafate Speed 4- $185 |
| Altra Escalante- $150 | Hoka Marc X – $180 |
| Altra Torin 7- $150 | Arahi 6 – $111.99 |
Running shoes: Altra ESCALANTE 3 vs Hoka Clifton 9
| Comparison Points | Altra ESCALANTE 3 | Hoka Clifton 9 |
| Cushioning | Medium | High |
| Materials | Altra EGO™ midsole Rubber outsole, | Breathable engineered knit upper. Gusseted tongue Laces with 70% recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester (excluding aglet) Compression molded EVA foam midsole 87% Recycled polyester strobel board 100% Recycled polyester sockliner top cloth |
| Weight | 9.3 oz | 8.70 oz |
| Heel to Toe Drop | O mm | 5 mm |
| Size | True to size. | True to size. |
| Features | Sock-like upper with added elasticity for a stretch to fit more feet. Modern design for additional versatility. A groovy midsole for flexibility. Flexibility and natural movement underfoot | Symmetrical cushioning for additional support. Active Foot Frame technology for supreme support and comfort. J-frame technology for preventing additional inward roll. Dermabrasion rubber outsole |
| Price | $130 | $145 |
Trail Running shoes: Altra MEN’S TIMP 5 vs Hoka Stinson 7
| Comparison Points | Altra MEN’S TIMP 5 | Hoka Stinson 7 |
| Cushioning | High | High |
| Materials | Updated Altra EGO™ MAX compound New Vibram® Megagrip outsole | Durable toe capEngineered jacquard MeshStabilizing H-Frame™ |
| Weight | 9.8 oz | 12.90 oz |
| Heel to Toe Drop | 0 mm | 5.00 mm |
| Size | True to size. | True to size. |
| Features | Lighter weight for additional comfort. Roomy toe box for natural movement Durable + sticky outsole for fierce trail grip | Stabilizing H-Frame™Deep. Active Foot Frame™ Taller stack height. |
| Price | $155 | $170 |
Lifestyle shoes: Altra TORIN 5 LUXE vs Hoka Tor Ultra Lo
| Comparison Points | Altra MEN’S TIMP 5 | Hoka Stinson 7 |
| Cushioning | High | High |
| Materials | Altra EGO™ MAX cushioning joins an already premium outsole and footbed. Engineered Knit upper. | Rubber toe cap. Non-wicking mesh. Sierra nubuck leather upperRN 88276GORE-TEX bootie construction |
| Weight | 9.2 oz | 16.70 oz |
| Heel to Toe Drop | 0 mm | 4.0 mm |
| Size | True to size. | Neutral. |
| Features | FootShape™ comfort BALANCED CUSHIONING™ Flexibility and natural movement underfoot | Vibram® Megagrip outsole. Symmetrical bed cushioning. Active Foot Frame technology. Forgiving impact and ride due to plushness. |
| Price | $160 | $225 |
Final Words
Now, what brand should you choose, right? Go with Altra for zero-drop shoes, and if you need higher-drop ones, Hoka should be the way to go. You’ll see a bit bulky with Hoka due to the additional weight of the shoes and a bit more compact with Alt.
