Was thinking the same. Im all about Altra due to the wind toe box. Shoe is snug around the heel but gives room at the toe. Would love to try a wide toe with low ,Hoka like, foot drop of 4-5mm. If only . . .
@@jada8331 Same size. Yeah. And they both fit well - although hoka is a bit narrow which is expected compared to Altra all shoes will be slightly (or a lot) narrower than altra in the toebox and in the midfoot. I see altra as a great shoe for less technical terrain. They tend to slip sideways when you run on a sloped terrain (sideways to the hill if that makes sense).
Just like Altra's, some Hoka models are cut wider than others. Models like the Mach and Rincon can be cut narrow for sure. I have found this Clifton 8 runs nice and wide for our customers. More so than some of the other Hoka models. If you were to dip your toes in the Hoka waters, I would probably start there.
I tried Hokas a few years ago - ordered them online, walked around the house for five minutes to get a feel o them, and as soon as I removed them, my toes said to me - "THANK YOU!!!" Returned them right away and went back to Altras...
Glad to see I'm not the only one who has the Provision and Paradigm cross-wired :) Would love to see a comparison between the new Altra Via Olympus vs. the Bondi 8. Seems like they are identical targets in terms of stack height.
Haha. Yes, I have a lot of shoes to keep track of when I do these videos. And thanks for the recommendation. I will talk with my video guy and see if that's a video we can do. We appreciate your support.
my wife got me the torin 6 after I told her id like to try something else besides hoka and wow am I amazed at the comfort these shoes bring me. if you're looking for everyday shoes, trust me... the altras are GREAT.
First time viewer, but I love when people make videos like this. It's so informative. If I've worn even one of those shoes I can get a grasp of how it might feel to wear the others. Especially as a new runner, comparisons are the only useful way for me to understand what you're talking about. You can use as many words as you want, but if you don't compare it to something that I have actually tried, then I'm not really learning much of anything. So please do more comparisons please! I've been looking for a good max cushioned shoe (got one Hoka Clifton 2 in 2015 and it's been the only shoe I've worn until now). I love me some pillow-y goodness! Thanks for the detailed analysis and I will always vote for more comparisons over anything else. For this video, you've gained a new subscriber. Thank you for the help!
Highly appreciate your information sir. I have had struggles with Altra's shoe advisor on the internet and I am just glad to see you can be the alternative. I live in Europe, I can not order my shoes with you, so please accept a virtual thank you note!
Love your shirt man! I’ve been looking into Hoka since my produce guy had em on. I’m on my feel 12+ hours a day so I’m thinking I’m going with the Bondi. Thanks for the link!
Love the video, great information. Have been a long time Altra fan, however since they have gone to the three different shoe platforms they have been a huge disappointment. Things are just becoming narrower and narrow with each new version of shoe. I feel they have lost their original mission trying to cater to the masses. As for Hoka, they have always been narrow, even with the wide and extra wide offerings, really not wide at all.
I hear you. They have a lot of shoes now they call "standard fit" which is not what got a lot of people in the brand to begin with. I got to see the 2023 shoes recently and they will have at least one new model that seems like a good step back in the old direction. Sort of a big step backward but in a good way.
Good video!! I run in both of these brands the most. Very different for the most part but both have models I absolutely love and enjoy. Happy running 🏃♂️☺
I just switched to Altra after running in Hoka for about 8 years I got plantar fasciitis running in Hoka - had for a year just starting to run again and taking it slow - altra was recommended to me - I use Riviera 2 for treadmill and Torin 6 for outside on the road Thanks for comparison
Thank you very much for your tremendous help! I’m a HOKA person and have gone through 3 pairs of Bondi 7 and 2 pairs Speedgoat so far 😂. I run uphill to work everyday so the maximum cushion and durability are what I’m always looking for :). I think I’ll get Bondi 8 from your online shop in the near future 😁😎
Very informative video, Steve. Altras for me please!. Did my first run in the Torin 6's (mail ordered from your shop) and was very happy with the feel right out of the box.
I used to wear SAS shoes for many years. The cost is between $150 to $200. Now wear these kind of shoes that they are comfortable and fit better. Thanks for the review .
i kinda pick and choose, having a 4e size Bondi is great, in use it for everyday and recovery or if my feet start to get tired standing too much at work (bought a second pair on sale for the more casual stuff like that )and i use the escalante racer for short runs and casually walking around etc, so i interchange between both in a sense , the Bondi really is "when my feet needs a bit of relief" but i again i buy the 4e extra wides 😅
Great video! I loved how you made a face-to-face comparison of the shoes in each lineup. Having tried the escalante, clifton, and torin, I would say that the clifton and torin are probably more similar to each other in terms of plushness, although I understand why you paired the clifton to the escalante in your video. Looking forward to more videos like this. Thank you for the great content.
@@DR-ti7yi the dudes, just giving general advice to help people. He’s not here to hold your hand and tell you exactly what you to buy that’s kind of to you. You have to use your own brain at some point he’s just here to help with general advice lol. He’s not your personal guide lol.
I'm a fan of all brands I have altra Olympus, new balance fresh foam v4 hoka Clifton 8 what I do is I try all diffrent sneakers and rotate them on my runs. Oh I also have nike invincible great running sneakers
Great informative video. I just got my 1st Altra and it is the Rivera 2. No complaints. I chose it because I have a narrow foot and the Rivera 2 has the slimmest fit for Altra.
Thank you! Yes, along those lines. The Escalante 3 and Rivera 2 are so close in cushion now but then again the Rincon and Clifton are relatively close as well.
Altras for the win... But here me out... The real difference is when you wear Zero Drop all the time, not only running.. Thats where your feet, ancles, knees and back after weeks, months, and years gets the pay out.
Good video and relevant to me as I’ve juggling between both brands mainly in the trail line up. Also Bondi is pronounced more like Bond-eye than Bond-ee.
I am a HOKA fan but I am attracted by the idea of trying Altra. What about Altra durability? There’s a lot of buzz about them not being the best on quality and also on their website there are a lot of bad reviews and comments…a lot
They dont last long, but they are comfortable (after your transition!!!) And the thing is, Altras will benefit your knees, back ancles and feet on the longer run when your grow old. Why? Because your feet naturally grow and have shape around Altra, Vivobarefoot or Xero Shoe. Hookas, on the other side do the opposite and trick your mind on the short runs
I've run in Altra's for many years and the durability and quality of construction has declined over the years and now I am running in Hoka's. For example, the Altra Rivera 2's that I have run a half size small, the tongue does not stay in place and I saw significant wear on them after two hundred miles. They are my lawn mowing shoes now. I started running in a pair of Hoka Mach 4's about five months ago and I love them.
@@DanielOutdoors I am old (almost 66) and I have been running for over 30 years. The only major injury I've had is a meniscus tear which happened while I was running in the Rivera 2's.
@@ricksquires6218 jupp and I know plenty of runners, and old people too, wich alls problem is their balance when they reach 80. If you got hurt due to the Rivera is problaby because your muscles and joints under your feet, have an arch or bunions for running and walking with the unatural shoes all your life, apart from when you where born. The habitually shod foot has weaker intrinsic muscles and ligaments with less plantar fascia when you run AND WALK over time with barefoot stile shoes.. You see when the arch collapses, the muscles and tendons provide less elastic recoil - possibly leading to injuries. So if you didnt use the Rivera 2 as supposed, and straight went for a run with those (Because I know PLENTY OF PEOPLE like I said who has dont exactly that) have to take a break from injury. But there are those who follow instructions, from both Altra, Xero Shoes or Vivobarefoot, and Im one of them, and surely has gain 60% stronger feet, joints and muscles as well as improved my balance and reduced trouble pain.. Hookas are like pissing in the wind or weating your pants, because the trouble with those start later...
Great and timely video, thanks Steve. I run on both brands (Bondi, Clifton, Olympus, Torin). Mix of road and trail. What would you recommend for a 80kg supinator with a normal arch, no injuries and looking to stay that way. Distances up to 20kms. Thanks!
Are you looking for more of a road or trail shoe? The Hoka Arahi 6 is awesome for a road supinator. It has the same cushion as the Clifton so if that was enough for you and your mileage that would be a great one to try (wearing a pair as I type this). On the trail, the Olympus 5 is the only one that is going to have any type of supination support to it. It's a lot of shoe but as you know, it's awesome. I also mix the Hoka Speedgoats into my trail mix and while it does not have the lateral stability it has never caused me any IT Band stress from excessive supination. Hope that helps!
Great vid. Thank you for the breakdown. I have used both brands, but am locked in with Altra due to the fit. I may need to try a pair of the Paradigm for road running. Question. I need to get a higher stacked pair of trail shoes for an upcoming ultra. I currently have the Lone peaks. I am thinking of either Mont Blanc, or Olympus. I’m thinking I love the feel of the Mont Blanc, but I because of my massive supination issues I should go with the more stable Olympus.
I give my two cents: For trail shoes, I tried many different things and just never felt comfortable in them, especially the width. Then, after watching an AT thru hiker talk about his shoes I tried the Altra 4. GAME CHANGER for me. They are so comfortable and the stack is plenty for "Rocksylvania" where I live and hike the AT. They are so comfortable I want to wear them all the time, but at that price I didn't want to wear them out. So, I actually searched for a used pair to use as daily wear shoes. I found a guy who bought several pair of Altra 1.0 shoes. He had 5 pair brand new still in the boxes because he didn't like them for running. I ended up buying 4 pair at $40 each. Now I have daily wear Altras for quite a long time!! :-) Good luck finding a shoe that works for you.
I agree with your assessment that if you are a big supinator the Olympus will give more lateral support. I also severely supinate but for me, even when I am doing higher trail miles, I don't have to worry about it as much as I do on the road. With the undulations on the trail, you are never really running and landing in the same spot. If I wear the wrong shoe on the road I know immediately. On the trail, I don't have to worry as much about neutral/stable-type trail shoes. Hope that helps.
Steve, I love the video. Nice job on the sound effects and visual graphics, you're taking these videos to the next level. I agree with a previous comment on doing the same review with trail shoes. I know you have an extensive knowledge of the foams used in shoes and would love to see you sharing your knowledge/science on the current technology
Thanks so much! We have really tried to step our game up and I appreciate you saying it's noticed. We actually have been going through comments to find ideas for new videos. We can totally add that to the list.
I think I would have compared the models: Mach4/5 vs Vanish Tempo, Clifton vs Torin, Paradigm vs Bondi, Provison vs Arahi, Carbon X vs Vanish Carbon, Escalante vs Rincon. But in the end, no comparison is possible. Thick and rigid sole with drop VS flex sole with zero drop. The stride is completely different. I run in Hoka and Altra, and the further I go, the less I use the Hoka. Hoka disrupts my stride, and I lose all the training I did with the Altra.
Hi! Thanks for this video. Any suggestion In what’s best shoes for Camino pilgrimage? Long day walk mostly paved road with some trails along the way. Thanks 🙏
You just helped me immensely. There's so much conflicting information out there. I have terrible plantar faciitis pain at the end of a 12 hour shift in a nursing facility. Additionally, i experience over-pronation and consistently twist my ankle if I run barefoot. Currently in the newest Arahi by Hoka, but I've noticed they don't help at all with my pain. I want to try the paradigm shoe, do you know if they'd help me to strengthen my feet?
@GandaBaer yes!! I went and bought the Altra Paradigms. I can't rave about them enough!! I broke them in on a shift and was amazed by how much less pain I have now, even after I take them off. I had been wearing the Hoka Arahi 6, but still noticed a ton of pain from my PF at the end of a shift. I look forward to buying more pairs of the Altra Paradigm shoe!! Again, thank you so much for your help and for checking back in!
@@courtneybayles8192 thanks for replying! That's awesome that it works out for you. What size shoe did you get? I find it's a little hard to find a detailed sizing chart for Altra haha. I've seen one chart say 1/2 up from regular narrow running shoe. Or measure the CM of your foot and add +1cm and that's your shoe size.
@GandaBaer I read they're a bit smaller than standard sizing but wider in the toe box. When I ordered my hokas, I read that they can be a bit more narrow, so I bought my normal size, but wide. The paradigm, I bought a half-size bigger, but standard width. They fit very similarly but the hokas feel longer on my foot at a size 9.5W than the paradigms at a 10 standard. The back of the heel in the paradigms also isn't as stiff as the arahis, if that makes a difference to you!
Hi Steve! Great video! as always. Just a question: would you say that these Altra and Hoka are a few steps ahead Saucony Triumph 20? In my case, I suffer high archs. Thank you.
I really enjoyed this! It'd be great to see the same comparison (Altra & Hoka) of each brand's trail shoes. Also, I wonder what type of insole is a good replacement in Altra's for someone with a high arch. I love the cushiness of the Altra insoles and would like to swap them for something comparable. Is there something by Altra?
The tricky part with swapping an insole in an Altra shoe is it changes the drop. Most over-the-counter insoles have a few millimeters of lift to the heel. Currex makes an insole for high arches that is zero drop. That would be a good one to check out.
Thanks for the video I’m an altra runner due to foot injury and I’ve worn escalates since switching to the brand. Which altra shoe would you recommend for staying around half marathon distance?
The "stability" feature on the Paradigm caused rubbing and blistering around my ankle. The only Altras that have caused that for me. Basically unwearable for me unfortunately. I mostly wear the Torins.
Sorry to hear that. While we love the Paradigm, it isn't for everyone. It's nice to hear the Torin works for you. If you are looking for support and the Paradigm didn't work out, we recommend adding an insole to your Torin. A supportive insert such as a Superfeet Green or Currex Blue will do the same thing that the GuideRail technology on the Paradigm does.
Thank you very much. Not being able to try running shoes in person. Could you please advise if a Hoka 'Bondi' in US11 would be equivalent to an Altra 'Torin' regarding size?
Since I started to run with Altra shoes (after ASICS, Adidas, Mizuno and Nike to list a few), I wont go back to a shoe which doesnt offer Zero Drop. Jus bought mu new pair of Altra yesterday by the way in the only shop in Malaysia which carry this brand…
I wear Brooks Ghost for everyday trainer. I also have to Hoka Mach 5 which i wear for walking running. What Alta compares to those. I feel the Hoka is too soft for a everyday trainer
Any shoes that are classified as stability shoes will help with plantar fasciitis. From Hoka, there's the Arahi 6 and Gaviota 5. From Altra, there is the Provision 8 and Paradigm 7. Some other popular options include the Brooks Beast, Mizuno Wave Horizon, and the New Balance Vongo.
Its kinda confusing....i'm someone who has a high arch and i strike with the left corner/right corner of my heel. The result is that my shoes are always worn out on the left/right hand corners of the heel of the soles, to the point where i have to buy new shoes, even if the rest of the shoe and the sole are fine! I am not sure about whether the Torin 6 or the Provision, because i keep hearing the same characteristics for both models...
Any shoes that are labeled as stability shoes work best for plantar fasciitis. The stability shoes that Altra offers include the Paradigm 7 and Provision 8. These shoes are built with a higher arch profile and Altra's GuideRail technology to keep your foot nice and supported. The stability shoes that Hoka offers are the Arahi 6 and Gaviota 5. Similar to the Altras, they have a higher arch profile. Hoka uses its proprietary J-Frame and H-Frame technologies to keep your foot supported.
If you are struggling with tight calves that is making your achilles at the heel hurt what would you choose? I mostly walk and do some running but not for long. Current shoes are Brooks Adrenaline and I’m thinking the high drop may be the problem.
Im a front foot runner and i was using Altra Rivera 1 and Lone Peak 5 for almost year. I ran two ultramarathons in LP and aprox 1800km in riveras. After that my heel started hurting so badly that I couldn’t run for 3 weeks. I had to go back to shoes with drop. Saucony Ride 15 and now Cumulus 25. Pain goes away 🤷♂️ i don’t know what could cause this pain but it is interesting that this pain was only in altras (0mm). Now im testing speedgoats 5 for this trail season and im really curious what will happen 🤷♂️
I have had Topo and Altra shoes. I use them for walking. The Topo Terraventure has better built and the Vibram outsole of the Topo ( still in very good condition now) last longer than the Altra Timpson and Lone Peak. There are many reports of poor built/quality of the Altras , they are probably right. I alternate between the Topo and Altra , the sole of the Altra Timpson has gone within 1.5 years of walking ( I don't run , I am not young anymore and I am not overweight )
I have Mortons Neuroma in my left foot, not a runner just looking for a comfortable shoe to walk in. Sounds like the Altra Torin 6 might be a good fit. I am looking for widest toe box, zero drop and max cushion and can use a custom orthotic insole. What shoe would suggest fits that bill?
Same! I have a Mortons neuroma as well! Currently have the Bondi 8 in a 4E width. I would like to try a shoe for walking that has a wider toe box only(not the whole shoe)
@@davegoslingphoto after researching quite a bit i decided against the Atra because it seems they are poorly made and fall apart quickly. I have ordered a pair of "Flux Adapt Runner" which should be here around Friday, will let you know if they're any good. They are not "max cushion" but don't need to be since I am only going to be walking in them. I can't imagine that only about 4 brands make shoes that fit the human foot, seems utterly insane. Altra, Topo, Lems, Flux are the only ones I can find that aren't ultra minimalist barefoot type shoes. Altra is out for poor quality. The Topo Magnifly 4 sounds good. The Lems Primal Zen And the one I just ordered Flux Adapt Runner. The Topo Magnifly 4 is my second choice. One other possibility is the Oofos shoe just not sure about the toe box
I mainly want for working in so I don't think any shoe would last over a year. I just need more toe room.. But I want a really cushioned shoe... Love the Bondi for that.@@nunyabizz50
We are trying to do more comparison-style videos or just overall injury-of-foot issue videos in the future. Now, the easiest way to compare the Arahi and the Gaviota...Think of the Arahi as the little sibling to the Gaviota. The Gaviota is bigger, denser, heavier, more stable, and taller. The Arahi is lighter, more nimble, and less stable. They both are designed for pronation issues but the Gaviotas has more of it. The tradeoff is it weighs more and costs a few bucks more.
I have used many different type of shoes and mostly fo rrunning, but because my upper side foot is pretty wide the shoes always cracks on the outer sides both on the right and the left and then I'll have to through them away after 8 months. Now, I really would like to choose the right suitable shoes for my feet and the invironment that I'm using them, which is mostly on outdoor school activities and running sometimes on the asphalt or in the forest. So I really would like to get your help on which shoes do you recommend me to purchase (Altra Olympus 6) or (Hoka clifton 8 ) to be honest with you the Altra shoes seems to me a bit a big and huge compare to Hoka which basecally makes me a little bit hesitant to purchase them. Looking forward for your replay before making the order. Thank you
Nice video, thanks. I've recently felt I need to get a decent shoe for walking/treadmill. I live in "Chucks" and all these high shoes scare me. I tried a lot on at running store and came home with the asics GT4000 2. I've worn them walking on my treadmill for two days and find that even though they are cushy my toes rub on the side. I will be taking them back. This was the first time I've had my feet measured in ages - they're a lot bigger and flatter than I thought. I tried one pair on which IMO looked like clown shoes but they felt awkward walking in them. I'm going to ask about the Altra when I take the ascis back. I haven't worn anything besides my "Chucks" or UGG slippers. Any suggestions?
We appreciate your support for our channel! If you have been living in the Converse Chuck Taylors we would recommend looking at some models from Altra. They will give the closest flat sole “skate shoe” feel thanks to all of their shoes having zero heel drop and having a minimal stack height when compared to other brands. People with flatter feet have a tendency to pronate so we recommend either the Provision or the Paradigm. Both of these shoes are stable shoes that have a higher arch profile to help them provide more support for people with flatter, falling arches.
I would try looking into the Altra Torin 6 wide. It is essentially a 2E for women's, which is a double wide. You would have to size up in the Altras though.
