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Altra Size Guide
Altra Size Guide — Trail, running & hiking shoes
Founded in 2009 in Logan (Utah, United States) by Golden Harper and Brian Beckstead, Altra revolutionized running shoes with two key innovations: the zero drop (heel and forefoot at the same height) and the FootShape™ toe box (wide toe box to allow toes to naturally spread). The range covers trail, road, hiking, and walking. This guide helps you find the right size before ordering on Alpinstore.
Source: official Altra guide (eu.altrarunning.com/fr-fr/pages/size-chart and eu.altrarunning.com/fr-fr/pages/guide-des-pointures).
Summary — Altra Size Guide
Alpinstore return tips — Altra shoes
- Altra officially recommends taking a half size larger than your street shoes. The wide FootShape™ toe box may feel unusually spacious at first try — this is normal and intended. This space allows the toes to spread naturally to improve balance and absorb shocks.
- Measure your foot at the end of the day : feet swell during the day and during activity. Altra officially recommends this for accurate measurement. Add 0.5 cm to your measured foot length and convert with the chart below.
- If your two feet are different sizes : always use the measurement of the larger foot. Official Altra recommendation.
- Zero drop : plan for a gradual transition. If you are coming from traditional drop shoes (≥ 8 mm), Altra recommends gradually increasing the use of zero drop shoes to allow time for your calves, Achilles tendons, and feet to adapt. Start with 30 minutes per outing before increasing.
- Wide width available : the Lone Peak, Torin, and Paradigm models are available in Wide version (2E width vs standard D). If your foot is very wide, the Wide version offers even more space than the already generous standard toe box.
Part 1 — Altra Technologies & how to measure
1. The 2 fundamental Altra technologies
Zero Drop (Zero Drop™)
The heel and forefoot are at the same height. Difference with classic shoes (drop 6–12 mm) which elevate the heel and shift weight forward. With Altra: natural posture, weight shift across the entire foot, less stress on the knee.
Midfoot or forefoot landing naturally favored.
FootShape™ Toe Box
The shape of the front of the shoe follows the natural shape of the human foot — wider at the toes than a traditional shoe. Toes can spread naturally, improving balance, shock absorption, and propulsion.
May feel strange at first try: the space is intentional.
2. How to measure your foot — official Altra method
Official Altra steps
- Place a sheet of paper on a hard floor, against a wall.
- Place your foot on the sheet, heel slightly against the wall.
- Mark with a pen the tip of the big toe and the outer part of the heel.
- Repeat with the other foot.
- Measure the distance between the two marks for each foot.
- Add 0.5 cm to the obtained measurement.
- Convert with the chart below.
Key Altra rules
- Measure at the end of the day : feet swell during activities.
- Take the larger foot if both feet are different sizes.
- If you are buying Altra for the first time : start with your measured size +0.5 cm, which generally corresponds to a half size larger than your street shoes.
- In case of doubt between two sizes : take the larger size.
Part 2 — Altra Size Charts
3. Men's Size Chart Altra (EU / UK / US / cm)
Source: official Altra chart (eu.altrarunning.com/fr-fr/pages/size-chart). The "cm" column is the foot length to which you add 0.5 cm before conversion.
| EU | UK | US | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 3 | 4 | 22.0 |
| 37.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 22.5 |
| 38 | 4 | 5 | 23.0 |
| 38.5 | 4.5 | 5.5 | 23.5 |
| 39 | 5 | 6 | 24.0 |
| 39.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 24.5 |
| 40 | 6 | 7 | 25.0 |
| 40.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 25.5 |
| 41 | 7 | 8 | 26.0 |
| 42 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 26.5 |
| 42.5 | 8 | 9 | 27.0 |
| 43 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 27.5 |
| 44 | 9 | 10 | 28.0 |
| 44.5 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 28.5 |
| 45 | 10 | 11 | 29.0 |
| 46 | 10.5 | 11.5 | 29.5 |
| 46.5 | 11 | 12 | 30.0 |
| 47 | 11.5 | 12.5 | 30.5 |
| 48 | 12 | 13 | 31.0 |
| 49 | 13 | 14 | — |
4. Women's Size Chart Altra (EU / UK / US / cm)
Source: official Altra chart (eu.altrarunning.com/fr-fr/pages/size-chart). Same principle: add 0.5 cm to your foot length before conversion.
| EU | UK | US | Foot length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36 | 3 | 5 | 22.0 |
| 36.5 | 3.5 | 5.5 | 22.5 |
| 37 | 4 | 6 | 23.0 |
| 37.5 | 4.5 | 6.5 | 23.5 |
| 38 | 5 | 7 | 24.0 |
| 38.5 | 5.5 | 7.5 | 24.5 |
| 39 | 6 | 8 | 25.0 |
| 39.5 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 25.5 |
| 40 | 7 | 9 | 26.0 |
| 40.5 | 7.5 | 9.5 | 26.5 |
| 41 | 8 | 10 | 27.0 |
| 42 | 8.5 | 10.5 | 27.5 |
| 42.5 | 9 | 11 | 28.0 |
| 43 | 9.5 | 11.5 | 28.5 |
Note: for the same EU size, the US Women's size is 1.5 to 2 points higher than the US Men's size (e.g.: EU 40 = US Men's 7 / US Women's 9). Foot widths differ: see section below. Source: official Altra guide.
5. Altra Widths — Standard and Wide
Standard Width (D)
The default width for all Altra shoes. The FootShape™ toe box is already wider than the average of other brands — even in standard width. Suitable for normal to slightly wide feet.
Wide Width (2E)
Available in the Lone Peak, Torin, and Paradigm ranges. The 2E (Wide) width is wider than the standard D width. For very wide feet, splayed toes, or conditions requiring more space. Officially recommended by Altra for these shapes.
Part 3 — Altra Ranges on Alpinstore
6. Altra Trail Ranges
| Model | Type | Stack H (mm) | Terrain | Size & fit advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Peak 8 / 9+ | Versatile trail | 25 | All terrains, rocks, mud | Usual Altra size. Wide available. Altra flagship model. |
| Olympus 6 | Max cushioning trail | 33 | Long distance, ultra-trail, mixed terrains | Usual Altra size. Maximum cushioning Altra. |
| Timp 5 | Technical trail | 28 | Technical terrain, asphalt to trail | Usual size. Good versatility road/trail. |
| Outroad 3 | Trail/road (gravel) | 29 | Routes, mixed paths, gravel | Usual Altra size. Ideal transition road to trail. |
| Mont Blanc Carbon | Trail race (competition) | 30 | Trail running, fast long distance | Usual size. Altra carbon plate, ultra podium. |
| Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Low | Waterproof trail | 25 | Wet terrain, rain, mud | Usual Altra size. Integrated waterproof membrane. |
7. Altra Road Ranges
| Model | Type | Stack (mm) | Usage | Size & fit advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torin 8 / 8 GTX | Cushioned road running | 33 | Road, track, long outings | Usual Altra size. Wide available. Best-selling road Altra. |
| Escalante 4 | Lightweight road running | 24 | Road, tempo, light running | Usual size. Very fitted knitted upper — narrow foot recommended. |
| Rivera 3 | Versatile trail/road running | 27 | Road and paths, versatile | Usual size. Good entry point to zero drop. |
| Paradigm 7 | Max cushioned road running | 33 | Road, track, stable long distances | Usual size. Wide available. Important support for posture. |
| Via Olympus 3 | Max cushioned versatile running | 31 | Main road, long-lasting comfort | Usual size. Road version of the Olympus trail. |
8. Altra Hiking & Walking Ranges
| Model | Type | Stack (mm) | Usage | Size & fit advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lone Peak Hike Low | Low hiking | 25 | Hiking, fast hiking, approach | Usual Altra size. Trail sole, hiking use. |
| Lone Peak Hike Mid | Mid hiking | 25 | Technical hiking, high shaft | Usual size. High shaft for ankle support. |
| Outroad 3 Low | Light walking/hiking | 29 | Urban walking, easy trails | Usual size. Very versatile road/trail. |
9. FAQ — Altra Size Guide
Do Altra run large or small ?
Altra officially recommends taking a half size larger than your street shoes. The wide FootShape™ toe box may give the impression that the shoe is large — this is intentional. To ensure the right fit: measure your foot in cm, add 0.5 cm, and convert with the chart in this guide.
What does "zero drop" mean and is it suitable for everyone ?
Drop is the height difference between the heel and forefoot. Most sports shoes have a drop of 6 to 12 mm (the heel is elevated). With Altra, the drop is zero: the heel and forefoot are at the same level. This promotes a more natural stride and relieves the knees in the long term. However, if you have never run in zero drop, Altra officially recommends a gradual transition to avoid tendonitis and calf pain.
What is the difference between the Altra toe box and a classic shoe ?
Most running shoes have a tapered toe box — narrower at the toes than the actual width of the foot. This compresses the toes, promotes blisters, and disrupts balance. The Altra FootShape™ follows the natural shape of the human foot with space for each toe. At first try, the shoe may feel "too wide" — this is normal. After a few outings, the difference in comfort over long distances becomes evident.
Which range to choose if I run on both road and trail ?
Altra offers several versatile models. The Outroad is specifically designed for road/trail alternations (gravel). The Rivera is also versatile with a good transition from road to easy trail. For mostly trail outings with some paved sections, the Lone Peak remains the reference. For mostly road running with excursions on trails, the Torin or Via Olympus are better suited.
What is the difference between Lone Peak and Lone Peak ALL-WTHR ?
The standard Lone Peak is breathable and not waterproof — the MaxTrac outsole ensures grip on all terrains. The Lone Peak ALL-WTHR (All Weather) integrates a waterproof membrane for wet conditions, rain, and mud. It is slightly less breathable but remains warm in cold weather. Same size between both versions.
Source: official Altra guide (eu.altrarunning.com/fr-fr/pages/size-chart, eu.altrarunning.com/fr-fr/pages/guide-des-pointures). Altra officially recommends adding 0.5 cm to the measured foot length and measuring at the end of the day. In case of doubt between two sizes, take the larger size. Zero drop: gradual transition officially recommended.
