Unlike many of the running shoe comparisons we’ve done around here through lots of mileage, these two brands are indeed fairly different. Altra Vs Brooks is usually a discussion when someone is starting to consider zero drop shoes or hears about these wide toe boxes. But Brooks offers some wider shoes, so let’s look at how the models compare.
Both brands offer high quality shoes with a variety of cushioning options, but a lot of the similarities stop right there.
I first tested Altra after a few years on the market and I wasn’t so sure about them, but they have come a LONG way and you’ll find two pairs in my running shoe rotation now.
Meanwhile Brooks, I mean it carries my name so that feels like an unfair advantage. I’ve run in so many models since 2003, and loved some, meh on others.
The Main Differences Altra vs Brooks
Like most running shoe brands, they offer a variety of styles for different levels of cushion, support and trail or road. They differ in fit and philosophy.
I break down the differences in more detail below, but here’s a quick overview:
Altra Running Shoes
- Zero drop running shoe with cushion (no change from heel to toe)
- Wider toebox than any traditional running shoe
- Focused on improving key styles, rather than adding more styles
- Has some clothing, but primary focus is running, trail and hiking shoes
Brooks Running Shoes
- Traditional running shoe with 6mm-12mm heel drop
- Exclusively designs running shoes, with a huge variety of models
- Science-driven to accommodate rather than correct gait
- Has more fun holiday styled shoes than any other brand (Christmas, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, St Pat’s)
- Increasing focus on performance apparel
Particularly if you are dealing with numb feet while running or frequently getting runner’s toe, you need to consider the toebox fit.
Altra vs Brooks Feature Comparison
Altra is relatively new on the market when you look at the lifespan of Brooks Running. (also how am I not sponsored by a company using my name…who came first?)
The differences in these two lines is significant to me from fit, to feel, to function.
While both provide various levels of cushion and trail shoes, Brooks is going to offer more traditional versions of things like a stability or motion control shoe and does not currently offer a zero drop model.
The following breaks down each shoe based on the components buyers need to consider when purchasing a running shoe.
It’s gonna get a little TECHY…so you can just skip on down to the specific model comparison if you want, but personally if I’m shelling out $150 for shoes, I kinda want to know why.
Durability
The lifespan of shoes from both companies is fairly comparable.
- Altra shoes have a life expectancy ranging from 300 to 600 miles. I’ve heard many runners say they feel like they last longer.
- Brooks shoes have a life expectancy ranging from 300 to 500 miles, or three to six months, depending on your monthly mileage.
Determining when to replace running shoes, of course, all depends on your gait, weight, and whether you run mostly on trail or road.
Fit
Altra stands apart when it comes to fit.
- Larger toebox for a shoe more shaped like your foot.
- Zero drop shoe means a smaller heel.
- A lot of focus on how gender changes fit.
- Some have noted they feel the size runs small in length, but that is not what I’ve found.
Brooks shoes have a wider toe box than other traditional models, which makes them a great choice for runners with wide feet or bunions. The brand recommends that buyers go up a half size from their everyday shoe.
Brooks does a great job with online fit, the Brooks shoe fit finder will give you an idea of what to look for in a running shoe when you do visit your local store.
Cushioning
Altra focuses on a technology of Balanced Cushioning with Quantic. Thus providing that even level of cushion from the heel to toe of the shoe and keeping the zero drop.
Brooks uses two types of cushioning in their designs, which allows for a wide variety of cushion from plush to more minimal.
- DNA LOFT – Soft cushioning, that adapts to a runner’s profile, stride, and speed
- BioMoGo DNA – also adapts to runner’s profile, stride, and speed, providing a more balanced experience with a bit of spring.
Stability
Both brands have two different categories: Neutral and Support and both use a system of GuideRail technology to help stabilize rather than over correct your stride.
Rather than “fix” the way someone runs, Brooks technology helps to stabilize your stride based on how you naturally run.
Whether that’s a little bit more support in the arch or through the midline of the foot it helps hips, knees, and joints to move naturally, offering support when needed. Neutral runners may only require them to kick in when their stride is off.
Read more on different types of running shoes to understand if you need stability >>
Affordability
The prices between the two brands are fairly comparable. Though Altra having a smaller line up means they will have less options on the lower end of the scale. Brooks can be found from $100 to $160, while Altra’s average $120-$180.
Carbon fiber shoes and often trail shoes with extra waterproffing will go beyond those rates.
You’ll notice that every brand offers a range and this is indeed due to a difference in technology and where they sell the shoe. A big box store can sell a running shoe with less technology, while the local running store needs to be best for dedicated runners.
Brooks Vs Altra Running Shoe Models
Now that you know more about each brand, let’s look at their top models in each of the main categories. There’s no winner declared here because all are great shoes, it’s just about which one is best for your foot.
Did you notice I even said the brands in reverse order this time…seriously no favorites, I have run in both brands many different times over the years.
Stability Running Shoe
👉Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23
The brand’s most popular road running shoe (GTS stands for go-to-shoe) just turned 23 and comes in a swath of colors. This supportive shoe is best for a medium to high arch, and is part of the cushion line.
This was one of the very FIRST shoes that I bought at a running store! I thought it was so incredibly cool my name was on the shoe…ha!!! But yes they were super duper bright white (as you’ll see below).
It’s also a shoe I recommend for runners dealing with Plantar Fasciitis because it’s got a high arch and provides a lot of support.
It’s definitely a firmer daily trainer, to help provide that necessary support for overpronation.
- Weight: 10.2 oz Men’s, 9 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 12 mm
- Available in 17 colors
- Available in wide, extra wide, and narrow
- Available on BrooksRunning.com for $140
👉Altra Provision
I am NOT someone who runs in stability shoes and yet I have really enjoyed these. Probably because they are a nicely cushioned shoe, so they just feel good to put on!
They absolutely do not over correct and they are much softer than many of the stability shoes I’ve tested in the past.
Women’s shoe is 8.2 oz, so also lighter than some stability shoes and as with all of their shoes a zero drop.
I also like the design of the bottom of the shoe. It provides some good drip so I could take it out on some low tech trails or days where I’m hitting both pavement and trail.
- Weight: 9.6 oz Men’s, 8.2 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: zero drop shoe
- Available in 7 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available on Altrarunning.com for $140
Neutral Running Shoe
👉Brooks Ghost V 17
The change our team is most excited about is in the heel to toe drop.The Ghost 17 is a neutral running shoe now with a 10mm heel to toe drop.
It’s not a huge difference, but if the 12 mm felt too high, you’ll really appreciate this. Plus, the lower drop will make a difference in potentially reducing knee pain or IT Band issues that often pop up with newer runners.
The second change that you may notice if you’ve worn previous models is from the cushion in the midsole. Brooks still uses its DNA Loft v3 foam but added more nitrogen in the forefoot (3mm) and heel (1mm) for a more cushioned and snappy feel underfoot.
The increase in stack height is actually why they changed the heel drop. It’s allowing for more stability in the shoe and ensures that you aren’t sinking to the ground as they keep adding cushion.
The Brooks Ghost 17 is a mix between soft and firm, like a shoe that you’d throw on when you want to hit party paces, but you also want to be able to get down to business.
They kept the same DNA Loft v3 foam but added more nitrogen to the heel and forefoot to give a little bit more of a pop and softer feeling underfoot. Now, there’s not enough pop that you’d grab these for a speed workout, or if you’re looking to run something like a fast 5k.
- Heel toe drop: 10mm
- Weight: 9.0 oz women’s, 10.1 oz men’s
- Stack: 36 mm
- Available in six colors
- Available in Wide, Narrow and Extra Wide in select colorways
- Available from Brooksrunning.com for $150
- See our full review of the Ghost 17 here >>
👉Altra Experience Flow 2
Having a shoe with a 4 mm heel-toe drop makes Altra an option for those who either have no interest in a zero-drop shoe or want to make the gradual switch.
I’d describe the feel underfoot as a nice blend of comfort and protection. It’s not firm like most Altra shoes, but not super plush like a pair of New Balance or Hokas.
Whether you’re running or walking, the rocker shape gives you that subtle forward roll with every step. That’s not something you usually expect from an Altra, but with the 4 mm drop paired with the EGO P35 foam, the ride feels smoother and more efficient than what you’d get from their typical zero-drop setup.
The Altra Experience Flow 2 is a great daily trainer, but also feels fabulous as a walking shoe and for standing around.
Altra updated the midsole with the all-new EGO P35 foam. It’s super lightweight with just the right amount of cushion so that your feet feel just as good at the end of a run as they do at the beginning.
- Heel toe drop: 4 mm
- Weight: 7.5 oz women’s, 8.15 oz men’s
- Stack: 26mm/30mm
- Available in 8 colors
- Not Available in Wide
- Available from Altra.com for $140
- Check out our full review of the Altra Experience Flow 2 here >>
Cushioned Running Shoe
👉Brooks Glycerin 22
It‘s a great all–around running shoe, providing great cushioning for a variety of running distances.
Brooks slightly changed things and use their DNA tuned foam underfoot. This EVA foam is the most durable and allows for a lot of softness. With their DNA tuned technology they can change the softness in different areas of the shoe based on usage type.
While this is going to provide great support with each step, it’s considered a neutral shoe. If you’re looking for a little extra stability, that’s where the well loved Glycercin GTS (or any GTS Brooks shoe) would come into play.
Thanks to the dual-cell technology, you’ll find that the heel and forefoot has a little extra support especially as your heel make strike first while walking.
Even though we’re calling this a cushioned shoe, don’t worry about having that sinking feeling when you’re standing around. There’s just the right amount to give that plush feel without having your back ache at the end of the day!
- Weight: 10.2 oz Men’s, 9.1 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 10 mm
- Available in 9 colors
- Available in Medium, Wide and Extra Wide (wide and extra wide widths available in select colors)
- Available from Brooksrunning.com for $165
- Read our full review of the Brooks Glycerin 22 here >>
👉Altra Torrin 8
Considered their most cushioned shoe, I’m going to say it doesn’t feel wildly different than the Paradigm to me. The main difference here is it’s a neutral shoe.
The Torrin is also one of their most popular models, so they have continued to create new versions or offer different styles from leather to waterproof. After taking the 8 out for some runs, I can see why this model has remained so popular.
It’s that sweet spot of cushioning and makes it really easy to transition from your standard running shoes with the padded tongue and heel collar. I could easily see this being a favorite for long runs, once I’ve built up my body to do more zero drop miles.
- Weight: 10.15 oz men’s, 8.4 oz women’s
- Heel drop: zero drop
- Stack height: 30 mm
- 7 colors
- Wide only available in black/white
- Available at Altra Running and retail stores for $150
- Read our full review of the Altra Torin 8 here >>
Trail Running Shoe
👉Brooks Cascadia
If you’re looking for a shoe with a little more traction underfoot for trail walks or hiking, this is a great pick!
The Cascadia is an extremely protected shoe so you don’t have to worry about your feet getting banged up on the trails, plus it’s a super lightweight shoe so it won’t feel like you have two cement blocks around your feet.
If you’re hiking, you need shoes that offer stability and comfort whether your feet are wide or narrow. Cascadia delivers.
- Weight: 11.1 oz Men’s, 9.9 oz Women’s
- Heel Drop: 8mm
- Available in 4 colors
- Available in wode for some colorways
- Available from Brooks.com for $140
👉Altra Lone Peak
One of the models they started with 10 years ago that has continued to be updated and a fan favorite.
The Altra Lone Peak has an EGO midsole that gives you the right amount of cushioning for the trails while still letting you feel the ground. It’s one that many Boulder, CO runners really love.
The MaxTrac outsole provides plenty of grip and traction as you run over uneven and slippery terrain.
Plus, Altra’s signature features were designed specifically for trail running. The zero-drop cushioning improves ground feel when running over roots and rocks, and the FootShape toe box allows your toes to splay for better balance on uneven terrain.
- Weight: 11.15 oz Men’s, 9.3 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 0mm
- Stack Height: 25mm
- Usage: Trail running and hiking
- 7 colors
- Available in wide for some colors
- Available on altrarunning.com for $140
- Check out our full review of the Altra Lone Peak here >>
Carbon Fiber Plate Shoes
Are they cool new technology, yes. Do they last as long as your other shoes, nope.
So if you want to test these out use them for speed work and then race day!
👉Brooks Hyperion Elite
This shoe is Unisex, which means you aren’t getting any of the specific fits for a women’s foot. Traditionally this has meant something slightly narrower and with a little more heel cupping.
Always in these shoes they like to talk about energy savings. Which we’ve seen from studies is debatable for the average runner…perhaps 1%. Then again if I can get 1% on race day, sign me up!!
There is a VERY slight curve that should help your foot roll more quickly from heel to forefoot.
- Heel toe drop: 8mm
- Weight: 7.4 oz men’s 10.5 (Unisex sizing)
- Stack: 40 mm
- Usage: Super shoe
- Available in one color
- Not available in Wide
- Available at BrooksRunning.com for $250
- Check out our full review of the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 here >>
👉Altra Vanish Carbon
Altra’s Vanish Carbon is the latest addition to their line of performance running shoes and has already generated significant buzz among runners and industry experts alike.
They made 17 versions before actually releasing the shoe!
The Vanish Carbon’s upper is made from a breathable mesh material, which provides ventilation and allows the foot to flex and move naturally. The shoe also incorporates Altra’s FootShape™ toe box, which allows for proper alignment and balance, reducing the risk of injuries.
The midsole is constructed from Altra’s Quantic™ foam, which provides a balance of cushioning and energy return for a comfortable and responsive ride. Additionally, the outsole features a durable rubber compound that provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.
- 0 mm heel drop
- 6.2 oz women’s, 7.3 oz men’s
Watch my detailed video on how Carbon Fiber Shoes work.
More About Altra
ALTER + ULTRArunning = Altra.
The name came to be from a crazy path of a young marathon runner named Golden. He started altering regular shoes to create a zero drop with cushion…it slowly became a bit of a black market thing.
People would literally buy a shoe from the running store owned by his family and then ask him to rip it up and remake it as zero drop footwear!
Suddenly, he realized they were doing this for nearly a 1,000 people. Maybe making a shoe would just be easier.
Thus, in 2009 the brand was born.
More About Brooks
Believe it or not, Brooks started out in 1914 making ballet slippers and bathing shoes. Since then, they have made everything from baseball and football cleats to roller skates.
It wasn’t until Frank Shorter won the marathon at the 1972 Munich Olympics that Brooks considered limiting its focus. The first running shoe debuted in 1974 and their most popular running shoe, the Adrenaline GTS first hit the market in 1999.
In 2001, Brooks decided to focus solely on running.
They introduced the Transcend in 2013, a shoe that used new biomechanics technology to create a GuideRails technology, allowing runners to run naturally without trying to correct their gait.
The Seattle-based company is also well known for its commitment to sustainability and giving back. Brooks donates time, gear, and money to companies that align with their values around diversity, equity, and inclusion and staff receive paid annual volunteer time.
How to Choose Brooks or Altra?
Brooks and Altra are two loved running shoe brands, that happen to be very different. So it’s important to focus on what feels good for you, not just what your friends are recommending.
Your gait and feet will change over time and you may need to change shoes.
This is also why I recommend rotating through several pairs of shoes at once.
Keep in mind that shoe design can change, even with the same model, so always assess how the shoe fits every time you replace a pair. And remember to take advantage of great return policies like those at Road Runner Sports (test things out!!)
For more help selecting the right shoe for you, don’t worry, I’ve got you:
- Best Trail Running Shoes
- Top 5 Marathon Running Shoes
- Asics vs HOKA
- ASICS vs Brooks
- How to wash running shoes?
Other ways to connect with Amanda
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Is It Ok To Run in Carbon Plated Shoes Every Day?
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