The short answer: both Altra and Topo Athletic are known for roomy, foot-shaped toe boxes that let your toes spread. Both also sit lower at the heel than most running shoes. Altra is best known for zero drop, but not every Altra is zero drop: some current models have a 4 mm drop. Topo makes shoes in 0, 3 and 5 mm drops.
What is a wide toe box?
Many running shoes taper at the front. A wide or foot-shaped toe box follows the natural shape of your foot, so your toes have room to spread as you land and push off. Runners with wider forefeet, bunions or toes that feel squashed in standard shoes often find them more comfortable.
What is drop?
Drop is the height difference between the heel and the forefoot. Zero drop means the heel and forefoot sit at the same height, like standing barefoot, but with cushioning underneath. Many traditional running shoes have a drop of around 8–12 mm.
Altra at a glance
- Drop: mostly zero drop, but not all. Altra's Experience range (Form, Flow and Wild) and the FWD VIA have a 4 mm drop.
- Toe box: Altra's FootShape toe box, which comes in different fit volumes depending on the model.
- Good for: runners and walkers who want plenty of toe room and a low or level platform.
The Altra models we stock:
- Torin 9 (road): 0 mm drop
- Olympus 275 HiLo (trail): 0 mm drop
- Experience Flow 3 (road): 4 mm drop
- FWD VIA 2 (road): 4 mm drop
Topo Athletic at a glance
- Drop: Topo makes shoes in three drops: 0, 3 and 5 mm, depending on the model.
- Toe box: roomy, anatomical toe box with a more secure fit through the midfoot and heel.
- Good for: runners who want toe room with a feel closer to a standard running shoe, or who like a snugger heel.
The Topo models we stock:
- Specter 3 (road): 5 mm drop
- Ultraventure 5 (trail): 5 mm drop
Switching from a traditional shoe
Moving from a shoe with around 10 mm of drop to a zero or low drop shoe changes how your lower legs work, so it's worth easing in. Altra's own advice is to alternate your new pair with your current shoes for the first few days, and it notes you may feel some tension in your calves while you adjust. Start with shorter, easy runs in the new shoes and build up over a few weeks.
A 4 or 5 mm drop model, like Altra's Experience Flow 3 and FWD VIA 2 or Topo's Specter 3 and Ultraventure 5, can be a gentler middle step than going straight to zero drop.
Which should you choose?
- Want maximum toe room and a completely level platform? Try a zero drop Altra like the Torin 9 or Olympus 275 HiLo.
- Want toe room with a little drop? Try Altra's Experience Flow 3 or FWD VIA 2, or Topo's Specter 3 or Ultraventure 5.
- Not sure? Try both brands. They feel quite different on the foot, and that's the fastest way to know.
We stock both brands in Berwick. Book a free OCHY gait analysis and we'll let you try them side by side. For sizing, see our running shoe size guide or browse wide fit running shoes.
Quick FAQ
Is zero drop good for beginners?
It can be, as long as you ease in. If you're new to running and used to regular shoes, a 4 or 5 mm drop shoe can be a gentler start.
Are Altra and Topo good for bunions?
Many people with bunions find a roomy toe box more comfortable because there's less pressure on the side of the foot. Comfort is personal, so try them on.
Do Altra and Topo run true to size?
Sizing varies by model. Check the brand charts in our size guide or come in for a fitting.