Lems vs Altra: Which Shoes Are Best for Natural Movement and Comfort?
Short answer: Altra excels in cushioning and long-distance comfort, while Lems prioritizes minimalist flexibility and consistent sizing.
Fit and Sizing
- Lems uses unisex sizing, with a snugger overall fit. A 23.3 cm foot length typically matches a women’s US 7.5, while 26.8 cm corresponds to a men’s US 10.5.
- Altra has gender-specific sizing charts and often runs small-many users size up. A 27 cm foot equals a men’s US 9, while 24.5 cm matches a women’s US 8.
Key difference: Lems’ sizing is more predictable, while Altra’s varies by model.
Lems Trailhead
Trail Running Shoe
Toe Box Design
- Lems provides a rounded, non-tapered toe box (e.g., Primal 2 measures 90.7 mm wide). Lems’ widest toe boxes include the Boulder Summit, Primal 3, and Chelsea Boot. The toe box is rounded and doesn’t taper at the tip, making it great for different foot shapes, including those with bunions.
- Altra’s toe boxes are generally wider than Lems, to give your toes the maximum space to spread (e.g., Altra VIA Olympus 2 is more than 104 mm). Other Altra models with wide toe boxes include the Lone Peak 8, Escalante 4, and Olympus 6.
Best for toe splay: Both shoes provide a wide toe box that allows your feet to splay, but Altra gives you more space for the natural alignment of your foot.
Altra Escalante
Running Shoe
Cushioning Technology
- Lems offers more minimal cushioning, staying true to a barefoot-inspired design. Lems uses 8–10 mm air-injection rubber soles, with an additional 3-4mm removable insole.
- Altra provides more substantial cushioning compared to Lems. Altra uses advanced foams in their models like Ego, Ego Max, and Ego Pro, with stack heights up to 22 mm for impact absorption.
Long-distance pick: Altra’s cushioning is better for distance walking and running, and reduces foot fatigue.
Trailhead Boulder Summit
Wide Toe Box Boot
Barefoot Experience
- Lems shoes are flexible and lightweight (e.g., Primal 2 weighs 6.9 oz), with a more barefoot feel.
- Altra prioritizes cushioning over ground feel, though models like the Superior trail runner mimic barefoot mechanics. Altra shoes, while designed with a zero-drop platform, generally provide less of a barefoot experience.
Zero-drop platform: Lems give you more ground feel, while Altra delivers more cushion.
Altra Lone Peak 8
Wide Toe Box Snealer
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FAQs
Which brand is better for flat feet?
Altra’s stability-focused models (e.g., Provision 7) outperform Lems for arch support.
Are these shoes good for wide feet?
Yes-Altra’s toe boxes rank among the widest, while Lems suits moderate widths.
How do Lems and Altra compare in terms of toe box width?
Lems and Altra both make shoes with wide toe boxes, but they have some differences. Lems shoes are great for letting your toes spread out naturally, with their widest options including the Boulder Summit, Primal 3, and Chelsea Boot. They also have wide-toe options like the Boulder Boot and Primal Pursuit, and medium-width options like the Trailhead. Altra is known for having an even wider toe box at the front, which helps with toe alignment. Their widest models include the Lone Peak 8, Escalante 4, and Olympus 6, while some, like the Timp 5 GTX, are slightly less wide. However, Altra also makes slimmer options, like the Rivera 4 and Vanish Carbon, for those who don’t need as much toe room. Both brands are great for people who want space for their toes, but Lems focuses on consistent sizing, while Altra’s fit can vary between styles.
Which brand offers better support for flat feet, Lems or Altra?
Altra is generally a better choice for flat feet compared to Lems, thanks to its supportive features. Altra’s zero-drop platform keeps the heel and forefoot level, which helps with proper alignment and weight distribution, making it easier for flat-footed individuals to walk comfortably. Altra also offers a wide toe box for natural toe splay and a range of cushioning levels, which can reduce foot pain. Models like the Provision 7 are specifically designed for stability and support, ideal for people with flat or flexible arches. In contrast, Lems focuses on minimal cushioning and flexible shoes, which promote natural movement but may not provide enough structure for those needing extra support for flat feet.
Are Lems or Altra better for long-distance walking?
For long-distance walking, Altra is generally a better choice than Lems for most people. Altra shoes offer more cushioning, like the Olympus model, which stays comfortable even after hours of walking and helps reduce foot fatigue. Both brands have wide toe boxes for natural toe splay, but Altra’s are typically wider, which is helpful as feet tend to swell during long walks. Altra shoes, such as the Lone Peak 8, are also durable and versatile, performing well on various terrains. For extra support, models like the Provision 8 provide stability without sacrificing comfort. While Lems focuses on minimalist design and flexibility, their lower cushioning may not suit everyone for long distances.
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