When it comes to finding shoes that prioritize foot health and natural movement, Lems and Altra are two standout brands. Both are famous for their wide toe boxes, but they differ in design, cushioning, and support. Whether you’re seeking minimalist flexibility or extra cushioning for long walks, this comparison will help you decide which brand is the best fit for your feet and lifestyle.
Fit and Sizing
Lems Sizing
- Lems shoes generally have consistent sizing across their models, with many people finding a size 43 fits well.
- Lems shoes generally have a consistent fit across different styles, a size 43 being a popular common size.
- Lems uses unisex sizing for most of their barefoot-style shoes.
- For women, a foot length of 23.3 cm usually matches a US size 7.5 or EU 38,
- For men, a foot length of 26.8 cm is typically a US size 10.5 or EU 44.
Lems Trailhead
Trail Running Shoe
Altra’s Sizing
- Altra’s sizing, on the other hand, can be less predictable, often running small with users often needing to size up.
- They have separate size charts for men and women, where a foot length of 27 cm corresponds to a US size 9 or EU 42.5 for men.
- 24.5 cm matches a US size 8 or EU 39 for women.
- Altra’s wider toe boxes, especially at the front, may offer a better fit for some.
Altra Escalante
Running Shoe
Comparison
- Lems sizing is more consistent compared to Altra.
- Altra’s sizing inconsistency often requires users to check size charts or try shoes before buying.
- Both brands offer wide toe boxes, but Altra’s are generally wider, especially at the front.
Toe Box
Lems Toe Box
- Lems shoes have a wide toe box that gives your toes plenty of room to spread out naturally.
- The Lems Primal 2 is especially roomy, measuring 90.7 mm at the widest part—about 12 mm wider than average.
- The toe box is rounded and doesn’t taper at the tip, making it great for different foot shapes, including those with bunions.
- Their widest options include the Boulder Summit, Primal 3, and Chelsea Boot.
Trailhead Boulder Summit
Wide Toe Box Boot
Altra Toe Box
- Altra is well-known for having very wide toe boxes, even wider than Lems, especially at the front.
- The toe box is widest at the ends of the toes, where your feet need the most space.
- Altra’s design can fit toe spacers like Correct Toes, which help with alignment.
- Their widest models include the Lone Peak 8, Escalante 4, and Olympus 6
Altra Lone Peak 8
Wide Toe Box Snealer
Comparison
- Both brands have wider toe boxes than regular running shoes.
- Altra’s toe boxes are generally wider than Lems, focusing on giving toes maximum space to spread.
- Lems balances toe room with an overall snug fit, while Altra prioritizes extra space for splay.
- Some people notice that Altra shoes feel narrower in the midfoot compared to their wide toe box.
- Both brands offer wide toe boxes, but Altra’s are typically wider and may feel looser3.
- Lems provides a wide toe box without feeling overly roomy, striking a balance between space and responsiveness.
Cushioning
Lems Cushioning
- Lems offers more minimal cushioning, staying true to a barefoot-inspired design.
- Most Lems shoes have 8-10mm air-injection rubber soles, with an additional 3-4mm removable insole.
- The cushioning is lightweight and flexible, providing some protection while maintaining ground feel.
- Lems’ cushioning is designed to ease the transition for those moving from traditional shoes to more minimalist options.
Altra Cushioning
- Altra provides more substantial cushioning compared to Lems.
- They use three main cushioning materials: Ego, Ego Max, and Ego Pro.
- Ego foam offers a springy feel and improved durability compared to traditional EVA.
- Ego Max is softer but less responsive than Ego.
- Ego Pro is Altra’s lightest and most responsive cushioning, used in their racing shoes.
- Altra’s cushioning philosophy is called “Balanced Cushioning,” providing an even level of cushion from heel to toe while maintaining a zero-drop platform.
Key Differences
- Altra generally offers more cushioning options and higher stack heights than Lems.
- Lems focuses on minimal cushioning for a more barefoot-like experience.
- Altra’s cushioning technology is more advanced, with different foams for various purposes.
- Lems’ cushioning is primarily air-injection rubber, while Altra uses more sophisticated foam compounds.
Barefoot Feel
Lems Barefoot Feel
Lems shoes, particularly the Primal 2 model, offer a more authentic barefoot experience:
- Extremely flexible upper and sole, allowing for natural foot movement.
- Minimal cushioning with 8-10mm air-injection rubber soles and a thin removable insole.
- Zero-drop platform promotes natural foot positioning.
- Lightweight design at 6.9 ounces, enhancing the barefoot sensation.
The Lems Primal 2 is described as feeling “minimal with a ton of flex, halfway between cushioned and barefoot”.
Altra Barefoot Feel
Altra shoes, while designed with a zero-drop platform, generally provide less of a barefoot experience:
- More substantial cushioning compared to Lems, with stack heights typically higher.
- The Altra Escalante Racer 2 comes closest to a barefoot feel in their road running line, with a 22mm stack height.
- Altra Superior is the trail running shoe that most closely approximates a barefoot feel.
However, it’s important to note that “having 22mm of foam + rubber under your foot changes the way you run drastically”. This additional cushioning can reduce ground feedback and alter natural running mechanics.
FAQs
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.
Related Topics