As an avid runner, I understand the importance of having the right shoes. Brooks and Altra are two great brands, but they have key differences when it comes to fit, cushioning, support, and intended use.
This article will compare the key features of shoes from Brooks versus Altra to help fellow runners determine which brand may be a better fit for their individual needs and preferences. We’ll look at founding and technologies, comfort, durability, price, design, popularity, and target market. Let’s get started!
Comparison Table Between Brooks And Altra:
| Category | Brooks | Altra |
|---|---|---|
| Founded In | 1914 | 2010 |
| Comfort & Fit | Wide range of sizes and support features for all foot types | FootShape design allows natural toe splay but limited support features |
| Color Options | Many colors and print designs | More limited color selection |
| Durability | Durable but some models only last 300-500 miles | Comparable durability from 500 up to 1,000 miles |
| Performance | Innovative technologies for pronation control and energizing cushioning | Zero drop platform improves form and natural foot positioning |
| Design & Style | Contemporary sleek styles with some retro options | Simple, minimalist styling |
| Popularity | Well-established brand that’s widely popular | Smaller but growing cult following |
| Best Seller | Adrenaline GTS | Torin 7 |
Brooks Overview
Brooks running shoes originated in 1914 in Seattle, Washington when the Brooks Shoe Company was founded. Though it started as a specialty shoe brand, Brooks eventually pivoted to focus on athletic and performance footwear in the 1970s.
Some of the long-running iconic features of Brooks shoes include:
- BioMoGo DNA: An adaptive midsole foam that provides soft landings followed by firm toe-offs for propulsion.
- GuideRails: An engineered support system around the midsole to limit excess pronation or inward foot rolling.
- Flextra: Outsole rubber strategically placed for flexibility where the foot needs to move.
- Ideal Pressure Zones: Designated cushioned zones on the outsole positioned under important areas.
- Adjustable saddle: A structured component that customizes midfoot support and fit.
- HydroFlow: Shock-absorbing cushioning units in the midsole for plush softness.
In addition to catering to regular neutral runners, Brooks offers stability, trail, walking, and casual shoes. Some of their most popular models through the years include the Ghost, Adrenaline GTS, Glycerin, and Ravenna.
With over 100 years of experience, Brooks uses proven technologies and innovations to create high-performance shoes suited for runners of all types.
Altra Overview:
Altra was founded in 2009 by Golden Harper, who set out to create the first “foot-shaped” running shoe after becoming frustrated with uncomfortable conventional shoes.
Altra’s foot-shaped toe box and zero-drop platform are key features that set them apart. The foot-shaped toe box is designed to allow toes to relax and splay naturally, promoting proper alignment and reducing irritation. The wide toe box accommodates a variety of foot shapes comfortably.
The zero-drop platform places the heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground, promoting low-impact landings and better form. This helps strengthen muscles in the feet and lower legs naturally.
Some key technologies used in Altra shoes include:
- Balanced Cushioning: Provides soft, responsive cushioning tuned for optimal comfort and energy return.
- FootShape Toe Box: Allows toes to relax and align naturally to enhance stability.
- ZeroDrop Platform: Designed for low-impact landings and optimal body positioning.
- InnerFlex Midsole Grid: Enhances flexibility while retaining cushioning.
Altra makes a variety of road and trail running shoes, along with shoes designed for walking, hiking, cross-training, and everyday wear.
The brand has gained a loyal following among trail runners, distance runners, and athletes who prefer the natural foot positioning of their shoes. Altra continues to innovate while staying true to its founding philosophy of foot-shaped comfort.
Major Differences Between the Brands
1) Comfort and Fit
Brooks offers various fits for narrow, standard, and wide feet with models catering to flat, neutral, or high-arched runners. They provide ample toe box room while still conforming closely for a secure feel.
Altra recommends sizing up a half or full size to allow natural toe splay room. Their FootShape toe box permits free flexion but the overall fit may feel loose and sloppy to some.
2) Durability and Performance
Select Brooks models use long-lasting blown rubber outsoles offering 500-mile lifespans for hardcore training with responsive cushioning technologies like DNA LOFT, DNA Flash and BioMoGo DNA.
The GuideRails support system also helps avoid early breakdown from overpronation. Altra uses durable rubber compounds for resilient cushioning but outsole wear may vary by model.
Wet traction and downhill control are better in certain Brooks models but Altra’s FootShape design helps stabilize footing.
3) Price
Prices overlap from $100 into the $150 range but Brooks frequently offers sales in the $80-100 bracket where few Altra models dip below $100.
Generally, Altra is positioned as a value player but lacks the same name recognition as Brooks. However, the growing popularity of zero-drop natural running shoes is making Altra more competitive.
4) Design and Style
Brooks shoes come in an array of colors with bold accent prints ranging from staid stability models to flashy lightweight racers. The designs project an athletic dynamism fitting the active runner profile.
Altra keeps ornamentation minimal with muted tones and focuses on fundamental shaping and finish details rather than flair. The look blends in for urban streetwear flexibility through to trail running adventures.
5) Popularity
Brooks enjoys broad popularity built over many years while Altra occupies a niche for zero-drop foot-shaped natural running shoes.
However, Altra’s cult following is steadily increasing thanks to positive reviews and word-of-mouth buzz. Their minimalist but functional design aesthetic also appeals to the growing athleisure shoe segment.
6) Target Market
Brooks has wide appeal spanning dedicated runners training for marathons down to weekend joggers and gym enthusiasts wanting cushioned treadmill models.
Their adiprene, flextra, and bromogo compound-equipped performance shoes cater to competitive runners while softly cushioned models appeal to comfort seekers.
Altra primarily targets runners interested in reaping the benefits of zero-drop natural foot positioning. The roomy toe box suits wide feet and their cushioning balances impact protection and proprioception.
Final Verdict
In the final analysis, Brooks Running shoes better suit runners needing pronation control and customized cushioning like overpronators or high mileage trainers. Their breadth of technologies and profile fits empower athletes to reach for PRs and push personal limits.
Altra’s FootShape designs work best for neutral runners focused on low-impact natural running form or seeking relief from bunions or other foot issues aggravated by conventional tapered shoes.
Their zero drop platform, FootShape toe box, and balanced cushioning facilitate agile performance within a simpler construction ethos compared to feature-packed Brooks models.
Considering these key distinctions, runners should evaluate their individual gait, foot shape, running style, and comfort priorities to decide which brand aligns best.
There’s no universally “better” option since each brand shines for certain use cases and runner types. Hopefully, this detailed comparison of Brooks versus Altra shoes makes selecting the ideal pair a smoother process!