You’re in the market for a new pair of running shoes, and saw that Brooks and Altra are two of the top running shoe brands offering great choices in popular categories.
Altra is a unique brand that stands out for its zero-to-low drop running shoe designs that provide a natural fit and feel.
On the other hand, you have Brooks, a brand that’s well-known for its comfortable and versatile options.
Altra vs. Brooks, which brand offers the right fit for you? Keep reading as we compare some top choices from their lineups throughout this article to help you decide.
Everyday Trainers: Altra Escalante 5 vs. Brooks Ghost 18
Runners in need of a great pair of everyday trainers will appreciate the versatility of the Altra Escalante 5 and Brooks Ghost 18. Let’s take a look at how they compare.
Altra Escalante 5
The Altra Escalante 5 is a unique option for a daily trainer that goes for a natural feel that keeps you low to the ground. Here are some things to consider in this comparison:
- Offset: This is a zero-drop shoe, so there’s no difference in the amount of cushioning under your heel compared to the forefoot. It’s a great fit for runners with a midfoot strike who prefer a natural feel in their shoe. It’s close to the experience of running barefoot, just with some nice padding underneath.
- Stack height: This is a lower-profile shoe with a stack height of 24 mm. The lower stack keeps you closer to the ground, which some runners like since it makes you feel more connected with the ground on each stride.
- Weight: Since there’s less padding in the shoe and it keeps a minimalist feel throughout, the Escalante 5 weighs a bit less than the Brooks Ghost 18. The Escalante comes in at an average of 9.7 ounces in men’s shoes and 7.75 ounces in women’s.
Brooks Ghost 18
The Brooks Ghost 18 is closer to the traditional running shoe experience for those who want a higher stack with extra impact resistance. Here’s how it compares:
- Offset: This shoe has an offset of 10 mm, so there’s a significant difference between the amount of padding you get under your heel compared to your forefoot. It’s a great option for heel strikers who need extra impact resistance in the back of their shoes.
- Stack height: The Ghost 18 features a higher stack at 36 mm in the heel and 26 mm in the forefoot. It provides a nice amount of cushioning underfoot for extra impact resistance, which runners who train on hard surfaces, such as pavement, may prefer.
- Weight: The Ghost 18 is heavier, averaging 10.2 ounces in men’s and 9.2 ounces in women’s. That extra weight comes from the additional padding and support elements in this shoe that the Altra Escalante 5 doesn’t have.
Final Verdict on the Altra Escalante 5 vs. Brooks Ghost 18
Runners who want a versatile, barebones shoe that keeps them low to the ground will appreciate the Altra Escalante 5.
Alternatively, those seeking a more traditional running shoe experience will prefer the Brooks Ghost 18 with its extra cushioning and high drop.
Stability Trainers: Altra Torin ST vs. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Those who overpronate (feet roll inward excessively) will want a good stability trainer to support optimal running form. The Altra Torin ST and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 are both top options in this category.
Altra Torin ST
The Altra Torin ST is a stability shoe that still goes for a more natural feel. Here’s what to consider while comparing it to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25.
- Stability mechanism: The Torin ST offers a very similar stability mechanism to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS. It uses a GuideRail system that has raised edges along the sides of the shoe that prevent your feet from tilting too far to one side or the other. However, the Guiderails in the Torin ST feel a bit more subtle overall.
- Offset: This is another zero-drop shoe from Altra, going for a natural and even feel. It’s a good fit for midfoot strikers who just need a little overpronation support.
- Weight: The Torin ST is a lighter shoe, averaging 10.4 ounces in men’s and 8.55 ounces in women’s. It goes for a more minimalist, streamlined designed compared to the bulkier, more traditional Adrenaline GTS.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 is your more traditional stability shoe experience and is a great fit for heel strikers. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Stability mechanism: The GTS 25 uses a similar stability mechanism as the Torin ST, with the raised GuideRails system along the sides that prevent your feet from tilting. However, you will notice this stability system kicking in more while you’re running, and the shoe feels firmer and more supportive overall.
- Offset: The Adrenaline GTS 25 has a high offset of 10 mm, which places much more cushioning under the heel to reduce impact for heel strikers.
- Weight: It weighs a bit more at 10.6 ounces in men’s and 9.5 ounces in women’s. With the extra weight and cushioning, the Adrenaline has a more traditional, denser stability shoe feel.
Final Verdict on the Altra Torin ST vs. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
The Altra Torin ST is a great choice for light pronators or those who prefer more subtle support.
On the other hand, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 offers a more traditional stability shoe option with a stiff, supportive feel throughout that may benefit those who need stronger correction for overpronation.
High Cushion Shoes: Altra FWD VIA 2 vs. Brooks Glycerin 23
In the high-cushion category, we have a couple of options that are pretty different from each other in the Altra FWD VIA 2 and the Brooks Glycerin 23.
Altra FWD VIA 2
The Altra FWD is one of Altra’s highest cushion option, with a 37/33 mm stack height. It has a bit of a firmer foam, so it’s a good choice for runners looking for something a little different in their cushioned trainers. Some essential qualities to consider are:
- Offset: Unlike the other Altra options discussed so far, the FWD VIA has a low 4 mm drop. While this is higher than other Altra shoes, it still keeps the feet in a natural position, especially compared to the Glycerin’s higher 8 mm drop.
- Fit and feel: The FWD VIA 2 fits a bit wider overall. It’s a great choice for runners who prefer extra wiggle room in their high-cushion trainer.
- Stability and control: One of the problems runners can encounter with high-cushion options is that being so high off the ground makes them feel disconnected and can lead to some stability issues. The FWD VIA 2’s low drop design and balanced foam helps offset that with a more natural feel that’s closer to the ground.
Brooks Glycerin 23
The Brooks Glycerin 23 will be your choice if you’re looking for a higher stack height with extra padding underfoot. Important aspects to consider are:
- Offset: This shoe offers a moderate-to-high offset of 8 mm, so you get that extra padding under the heel to reduce the impact of any heel striking.
- Fit and feel: The Glycerin 23 is a bit narrower overall and hugs your foot nicely. It has a sleek and athletic look for a high-cushion option, and is pretty versatile for different types of training because of that design.
- Stability and control: The stability is good overall in this shoe, but runners who don’t like a high stack and want more connection with the ground may find that this one doesn’t fit their needs.
Final Verdict on the FWD VIA 2 vs. Brooks Glycerin 23
Runners who want a firmer, more natural choice in the high-cushion category will like the Altra FWD VIA 2. It keeps you lower and more connected with the ground, which is harder to find with high-cushion trainers.
Alternatively, the Brooks Glycerin 23 offers a higher stack and extra cushioning underfoot. Those looking for the true plush high-cushion experience will appreciate this option.
Race Day Shoes: Altra Vanish Carbon 2 vs. Brooks Hyperion
You need a high-performing pair of shoes that’ll help you perform at your best on race day. Let’s take a look at how the Altra Vanish Carbon 2 and Brooks Hyperion can fit those needs.
Altra Vanish Carbon 2
Coming in with another zero-drop option, Altra’s Vanish Carbon 2 offers a different feel for runners looking for an alternative to the usual race day super shoe. Here’s how it compares:
- Responsiveness: This shoe features a full-length carbon plate and EGO™ PRO foam in the midsole. It’s very responsive overall to keep you propelling forward on race day, but it doesn’t have quite the same bouncy feel that you get with the Brooks Hyperion.
- Stability: The zero-drop design on this shoe gives you a natural feel that adds stability as you’re pushing the pace during races. It’s a balanced option that keeps your strides consistent throughout.
- Fit and feel: Many race day shoes will feel pretty stiff and hug your feet tightly to keep them in position. However, the Altra Vanish Carbon 2 feels a bit more flexible and has some extra roominess in the toe box, so your feet don’t feel as cramped.
Brooks Hyperion Elite 5
Runners looking to prioritize responsiveness may prefer the Brooks Hyperion Elite. Here’s how it stacks up:
- Responsiveness: The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is the bouncier and more responsive option. The combination of its full-length carbon plate and DNA GOLD foam in the midsole provides lots of energy return off the ground and feels more explosive overall than what you get with the Altra Vanish Carbon 2.
- Stability: Despite its explosiveness, you still get some nice stability with the Brooks Hyperion Elite. You won’t have quite as much control as you get with the Altra Vanish Carbon 2’s zero-drop design, but the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 still performs really well in this category for a high-powered race day option.
- Fit and feel: This shoe fits tighter in the toe box and midfoot. It does that purposefully to keep your feet in an optimal position, but runners who like some extra wiggle room might not like this fit as much.
Final Verdict on the Altra Vanish Carbon 2 vs. Brooks Hyperion Elite 5
Runners who want to prioritize stability and a natural feel on race day may prefer the zero-drop design of the Altra Vanish Carbon 2.
Alternatively, those who want to get the most energy return and responsiveness from their race day shoe may prefer what the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 offers.
Trail Running Shoes: Altra Lone Peak 9+ vs. Brooks Cascadia 19
When you need a pair of shoes that provides some extra grip and protection on trails, the Altra Lone Peak 9+ and Brooks Cascadia 19 are both top choices.
Altra Lone Peak 9+
The Altra Lone Peak 9+ is your low-profile zero-drop trail shoe. It offers a natural feel while incorporating features for grip and protection. Here’s how it performs in essential categories:
- Grip and durability: One of the big upgrades to the Lone Peak 9+ was adding more prominent Vibram lugs on the outsole. The Lone Peak 9+ ends up gripping much better and being more durable than its predecessor.
- Offset and stack height: This is another zero-drop shoe from Altra, providing a natural feel for trail running. It also features a lower overall stack height, which can help with good stability and connection with the ground on unpredictable trails.
- Fit and feel: The Lone Peak 9+ is wider overall, especially around the toe box. It gives you some nice wiggle room for extra comfort during your trail runs.
Brooks Cascadia 19
The Books Cascadia 19 is the more versatile choice when you want to prioritize grip on different terrains. Here’s how it compares:
- Grip and durability: The Cascadia 19 is a good all-purpose trail running shoe. The lugs on the bottom are more prominent than those on the Altra Lone Peak 9+, so you will get some extra grip. It’s also very durable and will hold up well while running on different types of terrain, uneven surfaces, and in wet and dry conditions.
- Offset and stack height: This shoe has a low offset of 6 mm, providing some extra cushioning under the heel. It’s a great fit for those who heel or midfoot and want a touch of extra cushioning under the heel. It also has a higher overall stack to give you more impact resistance.
- Fit and feel: The Cascadia 19 fits more narrowly throughout the shoe and hugs your foot in place. It’s a good design to keep your feet in an optimal position, but it may feel a bit too snug for some runners.
Final Verdict on the Altra Lone Peak 9+ vs. Brooks Cascadia 19
Those looking for a low-profile option with a natural feel may prefer the Altra Lone Peak 9+.
On the other hand, runners who want to prioritize grip, durability, and versatility across different terrains may prefer the Brooks Cascadia 19.
Try on These Brooks and Altra Running Shoes at Marathon Sports
Now that we’ve discussed Brooks vs. Altra running shoes in popular categories, it’s time for you to try them on to see which ones you prefer.
We offer a wide selection of Brooks running shoes and Altra running shoes at Marathon Sports. You can stop in at one of our stores to try them on for yourself, or shop online to have them conveniently shipped straight to your doorstep.
Whichever way you shop, we’re here to support you as you make your decision. Start browsing our selection today to find a new pair of running shoes that provides the right fit!
