Which Altra Shoe Should I Buy?

So you’re in the market for some new running shoes, and you’ve decided you like the zero-drop and wide toe box nature of Altra. But you’re left thinking, “What Altra shoe is right for me”? Well, that’s what I’m going to help you answer today. 

Using my knowledge from my running shoe sales days, I’ll break down the current Altra lineup for both trails and on-road and lead you down the path to awesome shoes.

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Altra Trail Shoes

Altra Lone Peak

First up, the Altra Lone Peak. The shoe that really kicked Altra into the trail running market. 

With a well-protected upper and a quality outsole, it’s hard to go wrong with the Lone Peak. 

If you’re looking for your first Altra trail runner, I’d normally reach for a Lone Peak because it encompasses all of what is good in Altra without getting too dug down in the specifics. 

It’s worth noting there are multiple versions of the Lone Peak, such as the hiker, the alpine, the all-weather. But they all use the same foot shape and have the same fit.

If in doubt, go for the Lone Peak.

Weight: 11 oz / 314 g
Stack Height:
25mm
Midsole:
Altra EGO
Outsole:
MaxTrac™

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Altra Lone Peak

Altra Timp

The Altra Timp can be a tricky one to describe. It’s like the Lone Peak but with more cushion, but not quite the Olympus (coming later). 

The only time I’d suggest looking into the Timp is when runners or hikers have used the old Lone peaks (before Lone Peak 3) and are still looking for the same squishy feeling. That’s because the current Lone Peaks have stiffened up as they’ve matured. 

Weight: 11 oz / 311 g
Stack Height:
29mm
Midsole:
Quantic™
Outsole:
MaxTrac™

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Altra Timp

Altra Superior

The Altra Superior is my preferred shoe of choice. Mostly because it’s the shoe with the lowest stack height (cushion), it’s light, and it’s on the cheaper end of the Altra shoes. 

If you’re looking for more flexibility and a little bit of ground feel, then the Superior is the only Altra for you.

For a full review on the Altra Superior 6.0, head on over to my up-to-date review where I breakdown fit, feel, and durability.

Weight: 9.5 oz/ 270 g
Stack Height:
21mm
Midsole:
Compressed EVA
Outsole:
MaxTrac™

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Superior

Altra Olympus

The Altra Olympus is the big daddy of the trail group. With a whopping 33mm stack height, it’s much like running on platforms. It may be an acquired taste, but if you’ve run in the likes of Hoka, or any maximal shoes before, the Olympus could be what you need. 

Normally, I’d offer the Olympus to individuals who are looking to up their distance significantly. The extra cushion can keep you safe in the later stages of a run. You should be aware though; more cushion is not always a good thing though. It’s hard to work on running form with a huge wedge underfoot. 

Another situation where the Olympus can work for runners who are carrying a little extra weight. Having the extra cushion prolongs the shoe’s life a little longer, meaning more bang for their buck. 

Weight: 11 oz/ 313 g
Stack Height:
33mm
Midsole:
Compression Molded EVA
Outsole:
Vibram® MegaGrip™

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Altra Olympus

Altra Road Shoes

Altra Escalante

The Altra Escalante is a shoe that’s been great throughout the years, without the need for much change between versions. 

Sitting at the lower end in terms of stack height (cushion), the Escalante is normally the go-to shoe for many casual runners and walkers that want a bit of flexibility and zero-drop feel. 

As a bonus, there are many color options, and it’s certainly the best-looking Altra out there. 

For a more in-depth review of the Altra Escalante 2.5, head over to my up-to-date post, where I discuss the shoe’s fit, feel, and durability.

If in doubt, the Altra Escalante is the place to start.

Weight: 8.5 oz / 241 g
Stack Height:
24mm
Midsole:
Altra EGO™ with InnerFlex™
Outsole:
FootPod™

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Altra Escalante

Altra Torin

Next up is the Altra Torin. A step up from the Escalante in terms of stack height (cushion) and features. 

The extra $$$ gets you a full rubber outsole and a little more toe protection to match. 

If you’re a more serious runner looking at ½ to full marathons, then the Torin is a sure bet for you.

Weight:  9.8 oz/ 287 g
Stack Height:
30mm
Midsole:
Altra EGO™ MAX midsole
Outsole:
FootPod™

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Torin

Altra Provision

The Provision is Altra’s foray into the land of stability shoes. And whereas that’s a bit strange for a company attempting to retain a zero-drop, barefoot philosophy, when we’re looking at shoes with high cushioning, it makes more sense. The possibility of rolling becomes easier the more you have under your foot.

If you’ve had stability shoes in the past and want to try out Altra’s, then the Provision is the shoe for you.

Weight: 11.2 oz / 318 g
Stack Height:
27mm
Midsole:
Ultralight EVA Top Layer and InnerFlex™
Outsole:
Rubber FootPod™

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Altra Provision

Altra Rivera

The Altra Rivera is the new kid on the block, and it looks to bring back the Altra roots. It sits just between the Escalante and the Torin in terms of cushion but keeps things simple. A one-piece upper, lightweight midsole, and a pretty reasonable price. 

The Rivera is a great way to dip your toe into the range if you’re new to Altra. 

Weight: 9.1 oz / 257 g
Stack Height:
26mm
Midsole:
Altra EGO™
Outsole:
Neutral Innerflex™

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Rivera

Altra Paradigm

Just like its trail cousin, the Olympus, the Altra Paradigm is the big daddy on the road lineup of Altras. 

If you’re looking to go long on the road, then the Paradigm is for you. With a huge 30mm of cushion, the only shoes that come close to the feel of a Paradigm are offerings from Hoka. 

If you’re a heavier runner, the Paradigm can work well, as the voluminous cushioning will pack down slower, meaning they’re last a little longer. 

Weight: 11.2 oz / 318 g
Stack Height:
30mm
Midsole:
Altra EGO™
Outsole:
FootPod™

Free Returns on Amazon

Paradigm
Nick
Nick

Nick is a UESCA-certified ultramarathon coach and avid barefoot runner, having over 5 years of experience in barefoot training and has competed in multiple ultra marathons wearing barefoot shoes. Starting his journey in the running industry over 10 years ago in New Zealand, Nick evolved from a running shoe salesperson to a passionate advocate for the transformative power of barefoot running. He believes in its potential to enhance running experiences for all and combines his unique insights from both personal achievements and professional coaching to guide and inspire the running community."

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