If you’ve been in or around the running shoe world long enough, you’ve likely heard of the barefoot running movement. This movement took the world by storm in the mid-2000s and was based on the idea that barefoot or minimalist running is more natural and helps reduce injuries compared to modern running shoes.
Today, many brands have gone in the opposite direction, adding more and more cushioning to their shoes’ midsoles. But two brands, born out of this barefoot movement, continue to exemplify comfortable, minimalist footwear.
These two brands, Altra and Topo, are two of the top brands today for anyone looking for low-profile, minimalist shoes in a sea of max cushion trainers.
While the two brands have adapted and innovated over the years, they both maintain high-quality running shoe lines based on the principles of barefoot and natural running. From the zero-to-low drop offset to the wide, foot-shaped toe-box, Topo and Altra both offer a grounded feel without sacrificing comfort and support.
So how do these two brands differ, and which of these very similar running shoe brands is right for you?
There’s no easy answer to which brand is better for your feet. Both offer several different shoe options that could be a perfect addition to your running rotation. The best way to decide which one is right for you is to dive into all the different options and learn what works best for different types of runs, preferences, and needs.
We know with so many running shoe models out there that all this information can be a lot to take in. But luckily, at Marathon Sports, we have your back. We’ll take a closer look at Altra vs Topo shoes, and help you decide which option is right for you.
Altra vs Topo: A Quick Overview
Both brands got their start during the rise of the barefoot running movement, born out of the desire for more low-profile, natural running shoes that mimic running barefoot.
Altra has a slightly longer history, with the founding dating back to 2009. The company got their start in minimalist trail shoes with a natural foot shape, allowing feet and toes to splay out over long runs on tough terrain. Today, the shoe continues to be a trailblazer when it comes to low and zero-drop running shoes, offering a huge range of models for hiking, trail running, walking, road running, weight-lifting, and more.
In 2013, Topo was founded with the goal of bridging the gap between extreme minimalist shoes and modern cushioned running shoes. The brand aimed to maintain what people love about natural running shoes – a wide toe-box and low drop – and incorporate the cushioning and comfort people love about present-day running shoes.
While Topo shines in the trail running space, the brand has also grown to include a huge range of road running shoes, gym shoes, and more. And like Altra, the brand is most known for its anatomical toe-box, roomy forefoot, and low/zero-drop design.
Both brands have a similar goal and history, but there are some key differences to keep in mind while comparing their running shoes. We’ll go over some of their top running shoes in several categories, including:
- Daily Trainers
- Stability Shoes
- Max Cushion Shoes; and
- Trail Shoes
With a closer look at how these brands stack up in these categories, you’ll have all the knowledge and insight you need to make the right choice for your feet.
Altra vs Topo: Daily Trainers
A good daily trainer is the bread and butter for any running shoe brand. Here’s how Altra and Topo’s daily drivers stack up against each other.
Altra Torin 9
If you’re looking for a versatile everyday trainer from Altra, the Torin 9 is one of the best options out there.
With 28 mm of cushioning throughout the heel and forefoot, the Torin 9 offers enough cushioning to protect you from the ground while still maintaining the stable, grounded, and minimalist underfoot feel that draws people to the brand.
Altra’s new dual-density 935X foam feels soft and responsive, so the Torin can tackle anything from uptempo workouts to long recovery runs. The zero-drop design keeps your foot in a natural position throughout your run, allowing you to feel the ground, improve your foot and ankle strength, and reduce the risk of certain impact-related foot and joint injuries.
And whether you have a wide forefoot or just prefer some extra wiggle room in the toes, the Torin provides a spacious and accommodating fit. The lightweight mesh upper hugs your heel and midfoot, while the signature FootShape design offers a natural fit with lots of extra width in the forefoot.
Topo Phantom 4
Topo also offers a balanced, moderately cushioned everyday trainer – The Phantom 4.
The ZipFoam midsole is remarkably lightweight and bouncier than ever, making the 4th Phantom iteration a versatile and adaptable shoe for any type of workout. And with a stack height of 35/30 mm, there’s plenty of foam to absorb impact and improve overall comfort while still maintaining groundfeel and stability.
The Phantom 4 features Topo’s signature 5mm drop, which can be ideal for anyone who prefers a slight offset or is slowly transitioning to a zero drop. Like the Torin, the Phantom also features an anatomical toe box with plenty of space for toes to spread out throughout runs.
The engineered mesh upper is light and breathable, giving the shoe a secure and snug fit around the midfoot. Topo shoes also tend to hug the arch a bit more than traditional running shoes, and the Phantom 4 is no exception. While the soft upper wraps the top of the foot, the midsole fits to your arch to better support your foot.
Torin 9 vs Phantom 4: Final Thoughts
Anyone looking for a daily trainer with moderate cushioning, a grounded underfoot feel, and a wide toe box will find plenty to love about both Altra and Topo’s daily trainer. But when you take a closer look while comparing the two shoes, a few key features stand out:
- The Torin 9 has a 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, while the Phantom 4 has a 5 mm drop. While these are both on the lower end, runners who prefer a completely level shoe will likely lean towards the Altra Torin. However, while zero-drop shoes can be beneficial, they can also place strain on the achilles, calf, and rest of the lower leg. Anyone with a history of these injuries, or who prefers a slight drop in their shoe, should consider the Topo Phantom.
- While both feature a lightweight upper and midsole foam, the Phantom is slightly lighter overall, weighing in at 9.3 oz for men’s and 7.6 oz for women’s. The Torin 9 is 9.8 oz and 8 oz for men’s and women’s shoes respectively.
- Like many Topo shoes, the Phantom 4 has a slightly higher built-in arch. This can be comfortable for anyone who prefers something hugging their arch, but runners with lower arches may find this support a bit uncomfortable over time.
Despite these differences, both the Altra Torin 9 and Topo Phantom 4 are great options for any runners with a wider forefoot looking for their next everyday trainer.
Altra vs Topo: Stability Shoes
The Torin 9 and Phantom 4 are ideal for runners looking for a neutral daily trainer. But some runners need a bit more support in their running shoes.
Those who overpronate, meaning their arches and ankles roll inward when they walk or run, may want to consider a stability shoe to help correct their gait and keep everything aligned. And both Altra and Topo offer an alternative daily trainer for those that need a bit of extra support.
Altra Torin ST
As you might suspect from the name, the Torin ST shares many similarities to the Torin 9, its neutral counterpart. Like the Torin, this everyday trainer features a 28/28 mm stack height, a zero-drop design for natural landings, and a plush yet balanced midsole.
The biggest difference between these two shoes stems from Altra’s unique GuideRail technology. This GuideRail technology offers gentle guidance and support along the medial side of the shoe, supporting your arch without feeling too stiff or intrusive throughout the course of a run.
On top of the shoe, the mesh upper securely wraps the foot in a lightweight and breathable mesh. And while the redesigned heel and tongue with extra padding keeps the foot locked in place, the roomy FootShape toe box provides plenty of space for your toes to move naturally inside the shoe.
Topo Ultrafly 6
While Altra takes a more minimal, subtle approach to support, the Ultrafly 6 from Topo incorporates some elements of traditional overpronation support in their stability daily trainer.
The Ultrafly is a moderate cushion stability shoe ideal for anyone that values a natural, low-drop shoe but needs a touch more support and correction. The midsole has 32 mm of foam in the heel and 27 mm in the forefoot, giving the shoe a low 5 mm heel-to-toe drop.
The ZipFoam midsole is springy and responsive, making this shoe a versatile daily trainer that can handle both long runs and more uptempo days. A lightweight engineered mesh upper wraps your foot, while the anatomical toe box boasts a spacious fit for extra comfort.
Traditional stiff medial posts have become less and less common in daily trainers, as they can often feel overly stiff and uncomfortable under the foot. The Ultrafly 6 avoids this pitfall with a very subtle medial post that adds some support to the arch while maintaining a plush and balanced underfoot feel. There’s also an external TPU heel counter to provide an extra layer of support and improve alignment with each landing.
Torin ST vs Ultrafly 6: Final Thoughts
Every brand has their own approach to support and stability, so it’s no surprise that Altra and Topo use very different technology and designs in their stability daily trainers. Here are a few factors to keep in mind when debating between these two shoes:
- Like in most Altra vs Topo model comparisons, the Altra Torin ST has a completely flat midsole design, while the Topo Ultrafly has a 5 mm drop.
- The Altra Torin ST is the more expensive option, coming in at $159.95 compared to the Ultrafly at $149.95. Anyone looking for a more budget-friendly stability shoe may want to try out the Ultrafly 6.
- The brands take very different approaches to stability. In a commitment to a natural, minimalist design, Altra offers subtle support in the form of medial GuideRails, while Topo takes a more traditional approach to stability and alignment. Those who prefer just a touch of support will likely prefer Altra’s approach, while runners who significantly overpronate may appreciate the Ultrafly’s more hands-on arch support.
- While you can typically expect stability shoes to be heavier than their neutral counterparts, the Torin ST is slightly heavier than the Ultrafly, coming in at 10.4 oz (M) and 8.55 oz (W) compared to the Ultrafly at 9.6 and 7.5 oz.
Altra vs Topo: Max Cushion Shoes
Both brands may have gotten their start in minimalist, low-cushion shoes, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t evolved and adapted to the more recent running shoe trends. In fact, both brands now have a popular high-cushion trainer designed to provide extra comfort and cushioning on recovery runs or long runs.
Altra FWD VIA 2
No Altra shoe model departs from the brand’s traditional formula quite like the FWD VIA 2. But even as a newer model in their running shoe line-up, this high-cushion trainer has quickly built a following among runners, walkers, and gym-goers.
The midsole features a whopping (especially for Altra!) 37 mm of foam in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot. Along with adding lots of lightweight foam underfoot, Altra also diverted from their zero-drop design to feature a low 4 mm heel-to-toe offset.
Altra’s EGO P35 foam gives the shoe a soft, springy, and lightweight underfoot feel on runs. This responsive midsole also features a rocker geometry to help propel you forward on runs.
This unique Altra shoe is tied together with an engineered mesh upper, complete with the brand’s iconic FootShape design for a comfortable and roomy forefoot fit.
Topo Atmos 2
Altra isn’t the only natural running shoe brand that’s ventured into the high-cushion craze. Topo has also joined in on the fun with the Atmos 2, its high-cushion, neutral daily training shoe.
The Atmos features a higher stack height than the Altra FWD VIA – 40/35 mm – with a slightly higher 5 mm offset. The high stack of Topo’s standard ZipFoam cushioning feels lighter and softer than ever before in this cushioned daily trainer. And while it is a neutral shoe, the wide base and subtle rocker geometry adds a touch of inherent stability and fluidity.
While nearly all Topo and Altra running shoes boast a wide toe box, the Atmos features one of the widest toe boxes you can find in the running shoe market today. The recycled mesh upper provides a snug fit throughout the rest of the foot, while the remarkably roomy toe box offers plenty of width and volume to accommodate all different foot types and shapes.
FWD VIA 2 vs Atmos 2: Final Thoughts
Both brands took a step outside their comfort zone with the release of plush, max cushion shoes, and we’re happy to report that both brands saw massive success. Both the Atmos and FWD VIA offer a comfortable, high-cushioned ride that absorbs impact and keeps your feet comfortable and happy throughout any long run.
But which max cushion shoe is for you?
- Both shoes feature a wide toe box, but the Atmos has even more width and volume than the FWD VIA, making it a great choice for anyone who prefers a more spacious all-around fit.
- While both feature a slight drop, the Atmos has 1 extra mm between the heel and toe compared to the FWD VIA
- The FWD VIA has plenty of foam underfoot, but it offers a stiffer and more responsive underfoot feel, especially compared to the plush and bouncy Atmos foam. Runners who prefer some extra softness underfoot may prefer the Topo Atmos over the Altra FWD VIA.
Despite these differences, the FWD VIA and Atmos have a lot in common, and are both great options for anyone who wants a wide toe box but doesn’t want to make the leap to minimal, barefoot-inspired shoes.
Altra vs Topo: Trail Shoes
Now it’s time to take a closer look in the area where both Altra and Topo truly excel: trail shoes.
Both brands got their start in creating durable, high-quality trail shoes, so it likely won’t come as a surprise that the two brands continue to dominate in that category. Let’s take a closer look at one of Altra and Topo’s top trail running shoe models.
Altra Lone Peak 9+
If you’ve ever looked into trail running shoes, you’ve likely come across the Altra Lone Peak. This classic Altra shoe is a fan favorite, and over 9 iterations, has built a loyal fan-base of runners, hikers, and walkers.
While Altra may have departed from its roots in some of its road shoes, the Lone Peak 9+ exemplifies the natural, minimalist mindset the brand was founded on. The midsole has a 25/25 mm stack height and is made up of the incredibly lightweight and responsive EGO foam. This low stack height, zero-drop design, and responsive cushioning help you feel the ground with each step, giving you all the stability you need to tackle tough terrain.
The grippy Vibram outsole is another crucial feature when you’re heading off-road. This sturdy outsole, paired with aggressive lugs and a Stoneguard protective insert, will keep you feeling secure and protected with each step, no matter where your adventures take you.
Finally, the ripstop mesh upper is lightweight yet durable, so you can enjoy mile after mile on the trail. And with the brand’s Original FootShape design, you’ll have plenty of space for your toes to splay out throughout any hike or trail run.
Topo MTN Racer 4
If you prefer a bit more cushioning underfoot on your trail runs, look no further than the Topo MTN Racer 4. This responsive, moderate cushion trail runner is a perfect choice for anyone who wants some extra cushioning and protection without sacrificing stability and sturdiness during their runs.
The MTN Racer 4 has a stack height of 33/28mm, offering plenty of comfort and protection from rocks without feeling too padded and unstable. The natural 5 mm drop and wide toe box are designed to help you feel secure and comfortable with each step, while the responsive midsole foam provides extra bounce and rebound on any off-road run.
Durability and grip are key in any trail shoe, and the 4th iteration of the Topo MTN Racer nails both these aspects. The Vibram MegaGrip outsole and aggressive lugs provide reliable and consistent grip so you can feel safe and secure, whether you’re on gravel, rocky trails, or slippery terrain. The upper is also designed with technical terrain in mind and holds up well against rocks and debris so you can continue to enjoy all this trail shoe has to offer.
Lone Peak vs MTN Racer: Final Thoughts
When it comes to trail shoes, Altra and Topo are two of the best in the running shoe industry. And while both brands have a huge range of trail shoe models, the Altra Lone Peak and Topo MTN Racer stand out as two of the best options for any runner who prefers to take their workouts off-road.
When you’re deciding between these two powerhouse trail running brands, there are a few key factors to consider:
- The Lone Peak has Altra’s standard zero-drop design, while the MTN Racer has a 5 mm drop. While drop can be less noticeable on tough, technical terrain, it’s important to keep in mind when deciding which shoe is best for you.
- Runners who prefer a minimal design and like feeling the ground on runs will likely prefer the Lone Peak 9+’s low stack height, while anyone who prefers more cushioning underfoot will likely lean towards the MTN Racer 4.
- The shoes have a similar price tag, with the Lone Peak 9+ costing a few extra dollars compared to the MTN Racer 4. The Lone Peak 9+ costs $159.95, while the MTN Racer 4 costs $154.95.
While there are a few crucial differences between these two trail shoes, if you’re looking for a reliable and durable trail shoe with a wide toe box, you truly can’t go wrong with either of these options.
Which Brand is Right For You?
If you’re looking for an easy answer as to which brand is right for you, that’s unfortunately not something we can provide. Every runner is different, with different running needs, preferences, histories, and goals.
Altra was the original minimalist, zero-drop running shoe brand, so if you’re looking for a reliable brand with a fantastic reputation and loyal following, you can’t go wrong with an Altra shoe. Their wide range of zero drop options are also ideal for anyone who wants some extra stability and sturdiness underfoot.
But while Topo hasn’t been around quite as long, they’ve quickly proved to be a dominant force in the natural running shoe game.
The company’s low-drop shoes offer an alternative to completely flat shoes that can be a great option for those who want a wide toe box but have certain ankle or lower leg injuries. And while most of Topo’s shoes fall in the low-drop category, they’ve also ventured into more minimalist, zero-drop designs with the Magnifly and ST-5, offering even more options to choose from.
We can go on and on about all the specs, details, and features these two brands have to offer. However, the best way to decide which shoe works best for you is to try them on and take them for a test run.
Fortunately, at Marathon Sports you can do exactly that. Whether you’re after a specific Altra or Topo shoe or just need a hand narrowing down your options, our footwear specialists at any of our New England stores are here to help.
Stop by your local store today to try out Altra, Topo, and some of the other top brands in running today. With the perfect shoe for all your needs, you’ll be ready to hit the road or trails and make all your running goals a reality.
