Altra and Wyde Footwear both make shoes with a roomy toe box and a zero or low drop. They make them for different jobs. Altra builds running, trail, hiking, walking and gym shoes. Wyde makes shoes for everyday city wear, including sandals, a slip-on and sneakers. This comparison looks at what each brand offers for warm weather: models, soles, toe boxes, uppers, prices as of October 2026, sizing and returns.

Contents

How do Altra and Wyde compare at a glance?

Altra makes mesh-upper shoes with 23mm to 30mm of stack height in the models below. Wyde makes sandals, a slip-on and sneakers with 10 mm plus insole to 22 mm. The table uses each brand's own figures. Wyde prices are in Swedish kronor on wydefootwear.com and euros on the EU store. Altra prices are in US dollars on its US store.

What are the main differences in short?

• Open shoes: Wyde, with the Maia and Maia Strap sandals and the Nilo slip-on.
• Running and trail shoes: Altra, for example the Torin 9 and the Lone Peak 9.
• Thickest listed stack heights: Altra Voyager, at 30mm/26mm, and Altra Torin 9, at 28mm. The Wyde Soma has 22 mm.
• Insole width listed in centimetres for every size: Wyde.
• Leather, suede and nubuck uppers: Wyde. Mesh uppers: Altra.
• Half sizes: Altra. Wyde sells full EU sizes only.

Which Altra shoes are in this comparison?

This comparison uses four Altra models with mesh uppers: the Torin 9, the Solstice XT 3, the Voyager and the Lone Peak 9. Altra's shoe categories include road, trail, hike, walk, gym and training, waterproof and wides.

What do the Torin 9 and the Solstice XT 3 offer?

The Torin 9 is a road running shoe. Altra lists it as best for daily runs and walking. It has a mesh upper, a 0mm drop, a 28mm stack height, Mid cushion and the Standard FootShape fit. Altra describes the upper as a breathable mesh upper. It costs $160.00 on the Altra US store as of October 2026.

The Solstice XT 3 is a training shoe. Altra lists it as best for the gym and walking. It has a mesh upper that Altra says is engineered for breathability, a 0mm drop, a 23mm stack height, Low cushion and the Standard FootShape fit. It costs $140.00 as of October 2026.

What do the Voyager and the Lone Peak 9 offer?

The Voyager is Altra's lifestyle shoe. Altra lists it as best for walking and lifestyle, and calls it a casual streetwear shoe. It has a ripstop mesh upper, a 4mm drop, a stack height of 30mm/26mm, Mid cushion and the Standard FootShape fit. It costs $155.00 as of October 2026.

The Lone Peak 9 is a trail shoe. Altra lists it as best for trail running, hiking and thru hiking. It has a 100% RPET ripstop mesh upper, a 0mm drop, a 25mm stack height, Mid cushion and the Original FootShape fit, which is Altra's roomiest toe box. It costs $145.00 as of October 2026.

Which Wyde models are open or slip-on?

Wyde makes two sandals, the Maia and the Maia Strap, and a slip-on called the Nilo. All three are handmade in Portugal and made for everyday wear on concrete and pavement.

What are the Maia, the Maia Strap and the Nilo made of?

Wyde describes the Maia as a timeless sandal design with adjustable straps, a cushioned footbed and a structured outsole. The upper is waxed leather and the lining is suede, both LWG Gold certified from Portugal. The midsole is cork, the outsole is rubber and the buckles are metal with an engraved logo. The stack height is 14.6 mm: a 10 mm cork midsole and a 4.6 mm rubber outsole. The Maia Strap has the same materials and stack height. Both cost 1,425 kr or €130 as of October 2026. The colours are Beige, Black, Brown, Dark Brown, White, Blue and Kaki Green.

The Nilo is a slip-on built on a cork-based footbed. The upper and lining are suede, LWG Gold certified from Portugal. The midsole is cork, the outsole is rubber and the stack height is 14.6 mm. It comes in Gray and Dark Brown and costs 1,675 kr or €155 as of October 2026.

If you wear Wyde sneakers, Wyde recommends sizing down one size when you buy the Maia. The note applies to the Maia Strap as well.

Which Wyde sneakers are in the range?

Wyde's sneakers are the Nova and the Soma. The Nova is a laced sneaker with a rubber outsole and a stack height of 10 mm plus insole. Wyde notes that the shoe looks as if it has a higher stack height, and that this is purely a visual effect. The Nova comes in White, White/Gum, Beige/Green, Beige/Blue, Beige/Peach, Dual Black and Brown Suede. The Nova Fly comes in White/Sand, White/Gray and Gray/Green. The Nova costs 2,375 kr or €215 as of October 2026.

The Soma is a cushioned sneaker with an air mesh and suede upper, a velvet lining, an EVA midsole and a rubber outsole. It has a 22 mm stack height and weighs 300 g in size 39. It comes in White, Sandstone, Frost Gray, Midnight Navy, Silver and Earth Black. It costs 1,875 kr or €179 as of October 2026, and the Earth Black costs 1,975 kr or €189.

How do the toe boxes compare?

Both brands make a roomy toe box. Wyde uses the same wide, foot-shaped toe box on every model. Altra makes three versions of what it calls its FootShape fit: Original, Standard and Racing.

How does Altra describe its FootShape fit?

Altra says a FootShape shoe is not a "wide" shoe. It is a shoe with a roomy toe box that keeps the foot secure through the midfoot. The Original fit is the roomiest toe box and is used on the Lone Peak family. The Standard fit has plenty of room for the toes with a secure midfoot and is used on the Torin and Experience families. The Racing fit has a snug midfoot. Altra also has a few styles with a wide midfoot as well as a roomy toe box.

How does Wyde describe its toe box?

Wyde builds every model with a wide, foot-shaped toe box, zero drop and no toe spring, and says it designs its shoes to allow unrestricted toe bending. Wyde lists the insole width of every size in its size guide. It runs from 10.0 cm in EU 36 to 12.2 cm in EU 47, and is 11.2 cm in EU 42. You can measure the widest part of your forefoot and compare it with that number.

Wyde's size guide adds that the shoes follow the natural shape of your foot and may feel more spacious at first. Wyde says this is intentional. For more on the design, read Foot-Shaped Shoes: Wide Toe Box, Zero Drop and Flexible Soles Explained.

What do zero drop and toe spring mean?

Zero drop means the heel and the toes sit at the same height, like standing barefoot. Toe spring is the upward curve at the front of many shoes that lifts the toes off the ground. Every Wyde model has zero drop and no toe spring.

Altra makes zero-drop and low-drop shoes. It says the heel-to-toe drop of all its shoes is always 0mm or 4mm. The Torin 9, the Solstice XT 3 and the Lone Peak 9 are 0mm. The Voyager is 4mm. If zero drop matters to you, check the drop on each Altra model before you buy.

How much sole is under each shoe?

Wyde's sandals, slip-on and sneakers have between 10 mm plus insole and 22 mm of stack height. The Altra models in this comparison have between 23mm and 30mm.

What does stack height measure?

Stack height is how much shoe sits between your foot and the ground. Altra uses it to define three cushion levels, Low, Mid and High. It rates the Solstice XT 3 as Low and the Torin 9, the Voyager and the Lone Peak 9 as Mid. Wyde gives one stack height per model.

How do the stack heights line up?

• Wyde Nova: 10 mm plus insole.
• Wyde Maia, Maia Strap and Nilo: 14.6 mm.
• Wyde Soma: 22 mm.
• Altra Solstice XT 3: 23mm.
• Altra Lone Peak 9: 25mm.
• Altra Torin 9: 28mm.
• Altra Voyager: 30mm/26mm.

Every Wyde model has a removable insole. Wyde describes the sole of its shoes as flexible.

What are the shoes made of?

The Altra models in this comparison use mesh uppers. Wyde's sandals, slip-on and Nova use leather, suede or nubuck, and the Soma uses air mesh and suede.

What are Altra's uppers made of?

The Torin 9 has a mesh upper that Altra calls breathable. The Solstice XT 3 has a mesh upper that Altra says is engineered for breathability. The Voyager has a ripstop mesh upper with toecap overlays that Altra says add durability. The Lone Peak 9 has a 100% RPET ripstop mesh upper, which Altra describes as 100% recycled.

What are Wyde's uppers made of?

The Maia and Maia Strap use waxed leather with a suede lining. The Nilo uses suede throughout. Wyde states that the leather and suede on these three are LWG Gold certified from Portugal. The Nova uses leather, nubuck or suede, and the grade depends on the colourway. Most Nova colourways use LWG Gold certified nubuck or suede. The Nova White uses LWG Silver certified aniline leather.

LWG stands for the Leather Working Group. Its audit assesses how tanneries manage, monitor and report their environmental impact. The certificate belongs to the tannery that made the leather, not to the finished shoe.

The Soma has an air mesh and suede upper with a velvet lining, and its suede is leather. Wyde has no vegan shoes.

Where are the shoes made?

Wyde makes the Nova, Maia, Maia Strap and Nilo by hand in Portugal. Its FAQ says its leather models come from three family-run factories in Portugal. The Soma is made in China by a long-standing partner that Wyde chose for its expertise in suede and textile construction.

How much do the shoes cost?

As of October 2026, the Wyde models in this comparison cost between 1,425 kr and 2,375 kr, or between €130 and €215. The Altra models cost between $140.00 and $160.00 on its US store.

What does each Wyde model cost?

• Maia and Maia Strap sandals: 1,425 kr or €130.
• Nilo slip-on: 1,675 kr or €155.
• Soma sneaker: 1,875 kr or €179, and 1,975 kr or €189 in Earth Black.
• Nova sneaker: 2,375 kr or €215.

What does each Altra model cost?

• Solstice XT 3: $140.00.
• Lone Peak 9: $145.00.
• Voyager: $155.00.
• Torin 9: $160.00.

The currencies differ, so check the product page before you buy. For every Wyde model and what it includes, read Wyde Shoe Prices: What Each Model Costs and What You Get.

How does sizing work at each brand?

Wyde sizes by foot length in full EU sizes from 36 to 47. Altra gives men's and women's charts and recommends measuring your foot in centimetres.

How do you choose a size at Wyde?

• Stand upright with your full weight on the foot you are measuring.
• Measure from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe, in a straight line.
• Compare the length in centimetres with the foot length range in the size chart.
• If one foot is longer, choose the size that fits the larger foot.

Wyde does not make half sizes. If you are between sizes, size up. Do not size up for width, because the wide toe box is standard on every model. For the Maia and Maia Strap, choose one size down from your Wyde sneaker size. The full process is in Wyde Footwear Sizing, Size Exchanges and Returns Explained.

How does Altra handle sizing?

Altra's size chart converts US, UK and EU sizes and lists a measurement in centimetres. The men's chart includes EU half sizes, for example 42 and 42.5. Altra recommends measuring your foot in centimetres and cross-referencing the chart. It also offers a TrueFit tool that gives size recommendations based on foot shape, activity level and shoe history.

How do the return terms compare?

Wyde gives 30 days from delivery for unused shoes and free size exchanges in three markets. Altra gives 30-Day Trial Runs to customers in the US and Canada, with refunds but no exchanges.

What are Wyde's return terms?

You have 30 days from the day you receive your order to register a return in Wyde's return portal. Try the shoes on indoors on a clean floor. A few minutes of walking around indoors is fine. Shoes must come back unused, in original condition and in the original box. Visible outdoor wear means Wyde can refuse the return.

Size exchanges are free in Sweden, the EU and the USA. For a refund, Wyde deducts 100 SEK in Sweden and €10 in the EU to cover the prepaid label and warehouse handling. If you are unsure whether your pair still counts as unused, email support@wydefootwear.com before you send it back.

What are Altra's return terms?

Altra's 30-Day Trial Runs are guaranteed on altrarunning.com. If you are not completely satisfied within 30 days after purchase, you can return the shoes for a full refund. The offer is only for customers based in the US and Canada. Refunds go back to the original form of payment, original shipping charges are not refunded and exchanges are not available.

When does Altra suit you better?

Altra suits you better if you want a shoe for running, trails, hiking or the gym, or a mesh upper in a roomy-toe-box shoe.

What are Altra's strengths?

• Running, trail running, hiking, walking and gym and training shoes. Wyde makes its shoes for everyday wear on concrete and pavement.
• Mesh uppers on every model in this comparison, and an Original FootShape fit on the Lone Peak 9.
• A few styles with a wide midfoot as well as a roomy toe box.
• A lifestyle shoe, the Voyager, for walking and casual wear.
• EU half sizes on the men's size chart.
• 30-Day Trial Runs for customers in the US and Canada.

When does Wyde suit you better?

Wyde suits you better if you want sandals, a slip-on or a leather sneaker for everyday city wear, with the same wide toe box on every model.

What are Wyde's strengths?

• Two sandals and a slip-on with cork midsoles, handmade in Portugal.
• Leather, suede or nubuck uppers on the sandals, slip-on and Nova, with the LWG grade stated for each model.
• Zero drop and no toe spring on every model.
• Insole width published for every size, from 10.0 cm in EU 36 to 12.2 cm in EU 47.
• Removable insoles on every model, so you can use your own orthotics. There is no traditional built-in arch support.
• One unisex range in full EU sizes 36 to 47, with free size exchanges in Sweden, the EU and the USA.

If you have a question about fit, email support@wydefootwear.com or use the contact form on wydefootwear.com. For a wider field of brands, read Best Brands for Wide Toe Box Sneakers: 8 Brands Compared.

Frequently asked questions

Which Wyde models are sandals?

The Maia and the Maia Strap are sandals. The Nilo is a slip-on. The Nova and the Soma are sneakers.

Are all Altra shoes zero drop?

No. Altra says the heel-to-toe drop of all its shoes is 0mm or 4mm. The Torin 9 has a 0mm drop and the Voyager has a 4mm drop.

Are all Wyde models handmade in Portugal?

No. The Nova, Maia, Maia Strap, Nilo, Chelsea and Norra are handmade in Portugal. The Soma is made in China.

What does a Wyde sandal cost?

As of October 2026, the Maia and Maia Strap cost 1,425 kr on wydefootwear.com or €130 on the EU store. The Nilo slip-on costs 1,675 kr or €155.

Should you size up for wide feet at Wyde?

No. The wide toe box is standard on every model, so choose your size by foot length only. If you are between sizes, size up. For the Maia and Maia Strap, choose one size down from your Wyde sneaker size.

Does Altra sell half sizes?

Altra's men's size chart lists EU half sizes, for example 42 and 42.5. Wyde sells full EU sizes only.

Who founded Wyde Footwear?

The brothers Melker and Rasmus Svärd founded Wyde Footwear. Rasmus is co-founder and head of physiotherapy.

How can you ask about fit at Wyde?

Email support@wydefootwear.com or use the contact form on wydefootwear.com.

What are the sources?

Altra, Men's Torin 9: https://www.altrarunning.com/products/mens-torin-9-al0a85tn

Altra, Men's Solstice XT 3: https://www.altrarunning.com/products/mens-solstice-xt-3-al0a85q5

Altra, Men's Voyager: https://www.altrarunning.com/products/mens-voyager-al0a85sq

Altra, Men's Lone Peak 9: https://www.altrarunning.com/products/mens-lone-peak-9-al0a85pg

Altra, FootShape Fits: https://www.altrarunning.com/pages/footshape-fits

Altra, Return Policy: https://www.altrarunning.com/pages/return-policy

Altra, 30-Day Trial Runs: https://www.altrarunning.com/pages/altra-30-day-guarantee

Altra, Size Charts: https://www.altrarunning.com/pages/size-chart

Wyde Footwear, Maia Black product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/maia-black

Wyde Footwear, Maia Strap Black product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/maia-strap-black

Wyde Footwear, Nilo Gray product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/nilo-gray

Wyde Footwear, Nova White product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/nova-white

Wyde Footwear, Nova Beige/Peach product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/nova-beige-peach

Wyde Footwear, Soma White product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/soma-white

Wyde Footwear, EU store product catalogue: https://wydefootwear.eu/products.json

Wyde Footwear, FAQ: https://wydefootwear.com/pages/faq

Wyde Footwear, Size guide: https://wydefootwear.com/pages/size-guide

Wyde Footwear, Refund policy: https://wydefootwear.com/policies/refund-policy

Wyde Footwear, About us: https://wydefootwear.com/pages/about-us

Leather Working Group, FAQs: https://www.leatherworkinggroup.com/menu-main/knowledge/faqs/