Choosing the right pair of running shoes is a very important step in achieving maximum performance capability and top-notch activity levels while taking on virtually any terrain or environment. There are a lot of really important factors that you need to consider when choosing which pair of running shoes is right for you given the fact that they’re all designed with very specific running styles in mind.
Based on your running style and the type of terrains that you encounter on a regular basis, some running shoes will provide you with more valuable benefits when compared to others.
Things such as the type of material that the sole is made from, how the toe box is shaped, performance-enhancing technology implementations, and much more.
There are a lot of different brands and companies that produce premium running shoes designed to provide runners with very specific performance benefits and enhancements while on the track, road, or field.
A common issue that runners of all kinds face is injury while out running, this is an unavoidable aspect of the activity given the direct impact of the feet and the overall toll it takes on the body.
Due to foot injury and chronic pain being so widespread amongst runners, a lot of brands now put an emphasis on the amount of relief and pain reduction that their shoe options provide over the competitors.
Every brand has its own approach to providing you with technology that reduces the total amount of impact and damage sustained while out on a run.
Because of this, you need to become educated about the shoe brand that you’re interested in purchasing and how it specifically ensures that their selections offer to deliver stability, support, and comfort while running.
Two of the leading running shoe brands currently out on the market are Altra and Hoka, both of these brands offer high-quality running shoes that are designed for runners who engage in a wide range of different activities and races.
Whether you’re looking for a pair of running shoes that will last a long time as daily trainers or a pair that will perform well for a specific type of event, these two companies will definitely have a pair of running shoes that will meet your exact needs.
If you’ve been looking for the right pair of running shoes between all the options offered by both of these brands, you’re in luck.
In this guide we’re going to provide you with an in-depth review and comparison between both of these running shoe brands so that you can make an educated purchase decision with in-depth knowledge on which pair will provide you with the most benefit.
To begin, let’s take a brief look at some of the history behind both of these brands so that you can get a better view of how they’ve become the powerhouse brands that they are known as today.
In the following section, we’re going to provide you with a detailed breakdown of the main differences that you can expect to encounter when choosing between Altra and Hoka for your running shoes.
Contents
Main Differences Between Altra vs Hoka
The Main Differences Between Altra vs Hoka are:
- Hoka is more performance-driven line of running shoes, whereas Altra is more tailored towards fit
- Altra puts an emphasis on comfort, whereas Hoka is geared more towards personalized performance enhancements
- Altra uses Zero Drop technology which keeps your heel and forefoot the same distance from the ground, whereas Hoka shoes vary in their drop configurations
- Altra has more gender-specific midsole options, whereas Hoka has performance tailored midsoles
History Behind the Company: Altra vs Hoka
Both of these brands have rather rich histories when it comes to the active sports apparel industry and running shoes in particular. Each company has shown a unique dedication to providing its customers with premium running shoe options that can help them improve them to improve their performance in several different areas.
Because of this, each company also has it’s own unique approach to product manufacturing and design implementation which lends itself to some of the core features and traits that you can find in pretty much any selection from either brand.
To help you make the best purchase decision based on pure logic and knowledge, we’re going to provide you with a complete briefing of the history behind both of these companies so that you can get a more realized view into how each one of them tackles the challenges put forth by runner demanding high-quality products that they can trust in for a long time.
Altra History
Altra was founded in 1998 by Brian Beckstead and Golden Harper who were high school classmates that ran together on their school’s track team since the day they met.
Running and athletics are a huge part of their lives and until this very day, both of the men share a passion for quality craftsmanship and producing reliable running shoes that runners of all types can enjoy and depend on.
Oddly enough in 2009, one of the major technologies used in the shoes produced by the company was the result of an at-home science experiment by Golden that turned up 1,000s of positive reviews by customers who had experienced the difference that the enhancement made.
The process involved Golden heating existing models of the shoes inside of a toaster oven but first cutting out the midsole and making the cushioning pattern level so that they were all equal and this resulted in creating a zero drop from the heel to toe.
This is what is now known as the Zero Drop technology that you can find in various different models of running shoes offered by the brand.
In 2010, co-founder Brian mortgaged his dad’s house in order to get enough money to produce the company’s first prototype running shoe which he wore during the Wasatch 100 which he ran 94 miles and had no blisters.
He also beat his previous year’s record for the run in the prototype shoes which led him to have faith that the company indeed would reach massive success.
In 2011, the company released its signature running shoe technologies in the CORE 3 debut which features the FootShape technology, Zero Drop technology, and the Fit4Her technology.
All of these different performance enhancements made a statement about the brand’s dedication and willingness to provide its customers with the top of the line products that they can depend on for a long time.
Since then, the company has gone on to continue improving on their existing running shoe technology and performance enhancements as they’ve introduced several new options including GuideRailTM, Max-LTTM, A-BoundTM, Altra EGOTM, and many other unique running shoe technologies that help improve running capabilities and endurance.
Hoka History
Hoka was founded in 2009 by Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud who were former Salomon employees that had the vision to design a running shoe that would enhance their ability to run downhill at a much faster rate.
They acted on their desire and passion which led them to create a running shoe with an oversized outsole that had increased cushioning to provide the runner with more comfort and added support on longer runs.
The name “Hoka” is derived from the Maori language which means “fly over the earth” symbolic of the runner being able to essentially “fly” over the pavement as they increase in speed.
When the company released its first line of shoes, they were a favourite amongst ultramarathon runners due to the fact that they had increased cushioning which provided maximum support while reducing the total amount of weight that the shoes added to the runner.
In 2013, the brand was purchased by Deckers Brands who is the parent company for UGG and other popular footwear brands.
The company has an established reputation and many lasting partnerships with top runners and running organizations all throughout the industry which is why they are trusted by runners of all types.
As you can see, both of these brands have highly esteemed histories throughout the activewear apparel and sporting industry.
All of the events that have taken place through the beginning years of each company are what has led them to develop their own unique approach to running shoe design and production.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the brief histories behind both of these running shoe brands, it’s time to take a look at what some of the main differences between them are in terms of production quality and the technology that you can expect to find inside of each of their various shoe options and models.
Main Differences Between: Altra and Hoka
When it comes to deciding on which one of these running shoe brands has the features and design enhancements that you’re looking for to improve your overall running performance and ability, there are a lot of different factors that you must consider.
Your running style and the type of activity level that you engage in on a regular basis will play a huge role in the type of technology and design implementations that you need in order to see a real difference in your performance once a pair of shoes are on your feet.
As you can see from the comparison above, both of these brands have very distinctive design features and implementations that they use in all of their products to deliver premium running shoes that are capable of standing up to tedious use and rough terrains on a regular basis without breaking or becoming damaged.
Based on your preferred running style and the type of activity that you engage in on a regular basis, each of the specialized design features and performance enhancements can provide you with real-world benefits while out on the road.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the main differences between both of these brands and what you can expect in terms of direct performance upgrades, it’s time to take a look at some of the core technologies and design integrations that you can expect to gain access to when wearing a pair of shoes from either company.
Core Technology Behind the Shoe: Altra vs Hoka
Every runner has a unique stance and running style that impacts the shoes that they wear in various ways. These specific running attributes will play a direct role in helping you decide which pair of shoes will provide you with the most pain relief and performance boosts while taking on runs of varying types of runs.
To address the core concerns of their customers, both Hoka and Altra dedicate their entire production process to finding new technologies and production techniques that they can use in order to provide you with real benefits that translate into enhancing the running ability and overall performance.
In the following section, we’re going to take an in-depth look at both of these brands so that you can see what kind of technology enhancements and integrations you can expect to find from all of their various shoe options and selections.
You can use this information to make an educated decision about which one of these brands provides the type of shoes which are tailored to your specific running style and activity levels.
Altra Running Technology
Altra utilizes a lot of different running-focused technology to provide their customers with real-world performance upgrades and enhancements.
One of the areas where Altra separates itself from the other running shoe brands on the market is that of gender-specific shoe designs and configurations.
Take a look below to see an in-depth look at all of the various technological improvements that go into Altra selections.
Foot shape Toe Box
Altra shoes feature a unique toe box design that is configured to provide you with space and flexibility near the edge of your toes so that you can enjoy a more relaxed run no matter how far you plan on travelling.
The Footshape Toe Box allows your toes to spread out and relax more naturally in addition to helping your big toe maintain alignment in a straightforward position so that you can maintain maximum stability and performance power.
The design of the toe box also helps to reduce the odds of overpronation occurring in addition to providing you with all-day comfort and stability support.
Due to the increased space directly in the toe area, your big toe will have more room to gain maximum power during toe-off helping you improve your performance capabilities all-around.
Fit4Her Technology
Fit4Her is another unique technology offered by the brand that is specifically made for women.
The technology forms the shoe to be compatible with the natural anatomical shape of a women’s foot which is why shoes using this technology enhancement are made with a narrower midfoot and heel configuration.
This helps to mold the shoes to fit women securely and tight in addition to providing them with added support given the fact that they can use the natural shape of their foot to their advantage when it comes to gaining more power and speed.
This technology also emphasizes a higher instep and comes with a longer arch design so that women can maximize performance efficiency.
This technology also infuses a specialized metatarsal spacing design element which ensures that you can maintain proper spacing and freedom of movement while wearing the shoes.
Balanced Cushioning
Altra also incorporates the use of a special technology known as Balanced Cushioning which is a unique design integration that helps to keep your forefoot and heel positioned in equal distance from the ground.
This helps to form a natural foundation for your feet by which you can maintain optimal alignment when running on a range of different terrains and various environments.
This added design support also helps you have proper form in addition to reducing the overall impact that you experience upon landing.
All of these various design features to aid in making all of the various running shoe options offered by Altra some of the most trusted in the industry.
Regardless of what your running style is or how you plan to use your running shoes, the brand has a selection for you that will match all of your core desires.
Hoka Running Technology
Hoka integrates several different specialized technology and performance enhancements into all of their running shoes which will help you improve your overall performance efficiency and capabilities when taking on tracks and terrains of all different types.
The company takes into consideration some of the most common issues that runners face and all of their technology integrations work to help solve these issues so that you can optimize your all-around running performance.
Cushioned Midsole
The brand is known for its superior midsole cushioning technology that is designed to be lightweight and extra shock-absorbing.
The cushioning support in the midsole of their shoes is very responsive which adds a level of efficiency to your running capabilities when taking on virtually any type of run.
The integrated cushioning is also very durable so you can rest assured that you can run in your shoes for a long time to come without worrying about unnecessary damage.
The added support also protects your feet from injury and accelerated wear which helps you to maintain high-performance levels for extended periods of time.
The cushioning reduces weight and adds speed enhancements to all of the shoes offered by the brand which is why they are such a respected name in the running industry today.
Meta-Rocker
For increased responsiveness and speed, these shoes use a special technology known as meta-rocker which helps to enhance your running game by way of geometrically supporting your feet.
The technology combines a heel-toe drop design which helps you maintain balance and stability in any type of running situation.
The design feature is also combined with a uniquely designed midsole that includes the signature cushioning support runners have come to love from the brand.
All of these design elements work in tandem to provide you with more support in your natural gait cycle helping propel you forward with maximum power with minimal physical exertion.
Active Footframe
These shoes also come with a specialized technology known as an active foot frame that helps to secure your feet into the frame of the shoe. It targets the foot and heel so that they can be firmly planted into the midsole of the shoe.
This helps to eliminate the need for extra support such as posts which can impact your overall flexibility and range of motion.
This feature acts like a bucket seat that cradling your feet on all sides to provide superior protection and enhanced performance benefits that can be felt in each step you take while wearing the shoes.
J-Frame
The J-Frame feature on this brand of shoes works to provide your foot with guidance and support without the need for using heavy and very limiting materials that can impact your ability to run for extended periods of time.
This design feature uses a fine density foam that works to support the interior of your heel and foot for increased performance ability and longer runs. In essence, these design elements help to provide comfort and stability support that can be felt throughout the entire shoe.
Profile
This design element uses a dual-density midsole material that has high shock-absorbing properties which help to reduce the total amount of impact that your feet take upon striking.
This added midsole support also helps to provide you with improved responsiveness and an enhanced toe-off so that you can maintain optimal performance.
It combines the use of soft cushioning support in the heel area while providing you with firmer foam in the forefoot area so that there is a balanced amount of support for your landing surrounding your entire foot.
This is a great performance-enhancing feature that allows runners to run for longer periods of time without becoming uncomfortable or subjecting themselves to unnecessary injury.
All of these different design features and integrations that each company puts into their running shoes can provide very distinct benefits to runners who engage in a variety of different runs.
Before making your final purchase decision, it’s important for you to consider all of these different design features and how they translate to real-world performance benefits when compared to the exact features and capabilities that you’re looking for.
This will help you make the most educated purchase decision so that you can select a pair of running shoes that will last a long time even when exposed to consistent, brutal use.
Now that we’ve gone over all of the core technology integrations and design elements that you can expect to encounter when choosing between both of these running shoe brands, it’s time to give you our decision about which one of these running shoe brands will provide you with the most benefit while running.
Our Decision
When it comes to choosing which one of these brands provides the most well-designed running shoes, both of these companies offer very viable options that will provide you with really specialized benefits in accordance with your preferred running style and the type of activities that you engage in on a regular basis.
Since every runner has different needs in terms of the amount of support and design enhancements that they need in order to maximize performance, it’s difficult to state for certain which brand is definitely better than the other however, based on overall design quality and the amount of attention put into trying to find a practical resolution to many of the common problems runners face, we have to give the best running shoe award to Hoka.
The company seems to put more of an emphasis on the comprehensive support and stability enhancements while also taking into consideration the comfort and safety of the runners.
When compared to Altra, the company puts a focus on providing all-around solutions that runners of all types can choose from to boost their ability to run for extended periods of time while remaining comfortable.
In the next section, we’re going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to runners who are trying to choose between both of these brands for their next pair of trusted footwear.
FAQs
Question: Which company has a better return policy?
Answer: Both brands offer similar return policies and protect their products with manufacturer warranties so you can get first-class customer support assistance from both in the event that you experience issues with your shoes
Question: Which brand is more affordable?
Answer: Both brands offer running shoe options that come in various design options and performance levels so the range of which they cost varies all depending on the type of shoe you’re purchasing as opposed to which brand
Questino: Which brand lasts longer?
Answer: Both brands are rated for premium quality and have established reputations of lasting very long times even when exposed to consistent use on a regular basis.
Now, it’s time to take a look at some of our top alternative recommendations if neither of these brands seems to offer the type of running shoe that you’re looking for.
Top Recommendations
If after going through all of the information we’ve included about both of these brands but you still haven’t decided which may be best for you.
Don’t worry, this section is going to provide you with our top alternative recommendations so that you can have a broader selection of potential options to choose from.
Keep in mind, all of these various recommendations will have different design elements and features that impact your abilities as a runner in various ways.
Keep this in mind so that you will be able to make an educated decision about which pair of running shoes will be best for you.
#1 Hoka One One Bondi 6
The Hoka One One Bondi 6 shoe from Hoka features the most advanced cushioning support in a shoe from the brand to ever hit the market.
It has an engineered mesh body construction that provides maximum breathability and overall comfort to runners of all kinds.
It also has a lycra frame heel that is optimized for optimal comfort and support while taking on terrains and running conditions of all sorts.
The shoes also come with a full-length compression-moulded midsole made from EVA material in addition to a heel that has a bevelled design for very smooth transitions and enhanced durability for runners who like to tackle long-distances on a regular basis.
They also feature a redesigned rubber outsole that is very lightweight and gives you maximum damage resilience while also providing a solid platform for smooth transitioning.
The game-changing Bondi family's new offering is the most cushioned shoe in HOKA ONE ONE's road-shoe lineup. This delivers a consistent ride for all distances. The Bondi 6 will take you far and wide in comfort.
#2 Hupana Flow
The Hupana Flow shoes are designed to be an all-around solution for those who want a reliable pair of shoes that can be used for a wide range of different activities including regular gym sessions, at-home workouts, and runs.
They come with an open-knit construction design that encompasses the midfoot area and provides for enhanced breathability around the forefoot area.
They also come with a rubberized outsole that is made from foam which provides you with increased cushioning support and precision flexibility to provide you with enhanced running capabilities all-around.
The outsole design also gives you more spring-action on your steps for increased mobility and speed in addition to them having a double eyelet design that provides more lockdown protection across the instep section on the shoe.
Made using smooth, natural fibers, the Hupana Flow Wool upper works to keep you warm when it's cold out and cool when it's hot out. And for added ease, the Hupana Flow Wool features no-tie elastic laces for a snug fit and easy on and off. Responsive and soft to the touch, this shoe looks good and feels good all day long.
#3 Escalante 2
The Escalante 2 shoes come with an outsole that uses FootPod technology to provide you with enhanced support and stability when taking on long and demanding runs.
They have an upper that is made from an engineered knit material to give the shoe enhanced breathability and flexibility under all sorts of different running conditions.
They weight 7.9oz in total and come with an Altra EGO midsole that allows you to increase your performance capabilities.
They also have a fully cushioned Zero Drop platform that comes with FootShape technology inside of the toe box area for more room so that your feet can remain comfortable for extended periods of time.
Altra Escalante 2 keeps its Altra EGO midsole, but the addition of flex grooves in the midsole and outsole allow for a smoother, more performance-driven ride.
#4 Lone Peak 4.5
The Lone Peak 4.5 shoes come with a 5mm insole that is made from a contoured material for added support and overall stability.
These shoes also have a stack height of 25mm and they come with a midsole that is made from dual-layer EVA material with an A-Bound integration and Stone Guard for maximum protection and performance enhancement so that runners of all kinds can increase their ability to take on terrains and conditions of all types.
They also have an outsole that is made from MaxTrac Rubber with TrailClaw which provides you with more precise foot positioning and security when taking on different running situations.
The Lone Peak 4.5 includes all of the Altra trail shoe must-haves like StoneGuard™, MaxTrac™, Balanced Cushioning and the FootShape™ toe box. To top off the update, the midsole foam formula has been tweaked just enough to give you a more resilient feel underfoot.
Conclusion
Use all of the information we’ve included in this guide to help you make the right decision when it comes to whether Hoka or Altra has the best running shoes for your desired performance needs.
Consider your personal needs and the areas your current pair of running shoes impede on your ability to perform at your best so that you will be able to make an educated decision about which brand offers the type of support and stability that you need.
As long as you follow all of the tips that we have given you access to, you will be able to find the right pair of running shoes for your next adventure in no time.
Other Hoka One One Models to Consider
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