Compare Cushioning Between Altra and Hoka

[daneckit]

How does the cushioning in the women's Altra Paradigm compare to the Hoka Bondi 7 and Arahi 5? She also has the Gaviota 2 for everyday wear. My wife has wide feet/bunions and Hoka wide works for her. With Altra's wider toebox they might be better/more comfortable, but she absolutely loves the cushioning in the Hokas. Therefore, the dilemma on whether to give the Altra's a shot or just stick with Hokas.

Thanks for any feedback/advice you can give.

 

[Joe]

Generally speaking, sticking with the known quality is the best bet - stay with what you know works. As far as cushioning goes, when you add stability, you tend to get less softness. The Arahi and Gaviota being stability shoes are less soft than the Bondi - same for the Paradigm. As far as fit, the wide HOKA is going to be wider than a normal width Altra. Bottomline, I'd stick with the HOKA's she loves.

Joe

 

[Bob99]

Can't speak to the woman's models but I have wide feet and bunion issue on the outside of my forefoot(taylor bunion). Although Altra's are wide by the toes, they are not(excluding new wide versions which I have not tried yet) that wide right behind the toes. I have ripped through at the bunion area in the last 3 pairs I tried so have stuck mainly with Hoka wides. An alternative that is very cushioned and you can get in very wide is the New Balance Fresh Foam More which has the best cushion in the NB line and I alternate with my Bondi's. These have much better cushion than the NB 1080 Fresh Foam, especially in the forefoot.

 

[daneckit]

Thanks to both of you for your input, much appreciated. I'd like to piggyback one more question in this area. I also rotate Gaviota 2, Bondi 7, and Arahi 5. If I wear the Bondis too often I think the lack of support (although Hokas to me are inherently stable) cause some aching due to pronation. But because of age/back/knee issues, I like the cushioning. What is the most cushioned stability shoe on the market? Gaviota 3 or another brand? I also tend to be a heel striker, in case that makes a difference on shoe choice.

Thanks again for any input/feedback.