Customer Reviews Altra Olympus 6

I had the pleasure of testing the Altra Olympus 6 on various trails, including the steep rocky paths in the mountains of Colorado, to the muddy trails of the Michigan coasts. As a long-distance trail runner with over seven years of experience, I can confidently say these shoes are a standout. Performance: The wide toe box allowed my toes to splay naturally, enhancing comfort and reducing blisters. The cushioning felt like running on soft grass, even on rugged terrain. The Vibram Megagrip outsole provided exceptional traction, keeping me stable on slippery and uneven surfaces that gave me confidence while taking on challenging runs. Likes: Comfort: The fit was extremely comfy right out of the box. Although, I did have to size up. Traction: Excellent grip on all terrains, from rocky paths to muddy trails. Stability: The balanced cushioning platform and midfoot support prevented ankle rolls. Areas for Improvement: I had to shift a size up compared to my other Altra shoes. Also, the softer cushioning on the tread might not be as durable as the rest of the sole and could wear down quickly. Recommendation: I highly recommend the Altra Olympus 6 to trail runners of all levels, especially those tackling varied terrains and long distances. Their comfort, support, and durability make them a reliable choice for both daily runs and ultramarathons. Overall, the Altra Olympus 6 has earned a spot in my go-to gear lineup. I look forward to many more miles with these outstanding shoes. Happy trails! P.S. ALTRA gave me this product free to try.

These shoes handle amazingly for anybody in need of a hiking, trail running/racing, or comfortable/durable all terrain shoe. I tested these shoes running/hiking in Hawaii and the Indo Pacific on roads, grass, clay trails, jungles, and technical rocky trail hikes. Out of the box: The shoe has an extremely lightweight upper section that is breathable yet provides enough durability and protection to prevent rocks or other debris from entering the shoe. The gaiter attachments feel very secure for when added protection is necessary. The padded ankle cup is an interesting feature I have never experienced on a shoe before but seems to add a large amount of secureness in the heel cup. The tread and sole have a similar feel and weight to the Hoka Tekton X, which is my preferred trail racing shoe for 5k-24k trail races, but also has more cushion for added comfort. The protection around the toe box seems to be larger than most trail shoes I have used in the past, but does not make the shoes feel clunky in the slightest way. Running/hiking: There is a flare on the heel similar to the Tekton X or other racing shoes that helps the foot roll into the next step very smoothly. The shoes take a while to break in, especially the foam in the upper portion of the heel cup. The extra support around the ankle from the foam takes a little bit of getting used to but creates a great heel lock for technical runs. The shoe feels about 0.5 sizes smaller than what I usually wear, which I believe is a result of the ankle cushion. The technical of the ability of these shoes are unmatched from other shoes I have worn such as Hoka, Brooks, and Salewa. The rubber is incredibly resilient and seems as if its able to hold onto anything whether it be rocks or tree branches while running. I reccomend these shoes to a person looking for a technical shoes that manages to balance comfort, technical precision, and speed. *Altra gave me this free product to try.

The only way you'll get my O5 out of my closet is to replace them with the O6. For comfort, grip and support on and off the trail, I have never found any better shoe or brand. I have lone Peaks for short distances and wearing in the gym sometimes. I have regular runners and light weight runners, but the best of the bunch is the Olympus line. That's probably for two main reasons: 1.) I am a big, heavy guy who wears out running shoes quickly; 2.) I have high arches and wide feet and a small amount of pronation in my left foot. Frankly, there are very few shoe brand, let alone shoe models that work for me. Yes, The Brooks Beast was my go-to until I started wearing Altras. They are lighter without sacrificing support and so much more comfortable to wear all day. Plus the vibram sole makes rock scrambles or downhill trail running feel so much better on my knees.

The Olympus 6 are a perfect blend of comfort, durability, and functionality, making them ideal for any hiking adventure. From the moment I put them on, I noticed the exceptional comfort provided by the cushioned insole and supportive arch. Even on long hikes, my feet felt well-supported and free from fatigue. The shoes' fit is true to size, with ample room in the toe box, preventing any discomfort during descents. The durability of these hiking shoes is impressive. The high-quality materials and reinforced stitching ensure they can withstand the toughest trails and roughest terrains. I've taken them through muddy paths, rocky inclines, and even shallow streams, and they still look and feel as good as new. One of the standout features is the excellent traction. The outsole provides a firm grip on various surfaces, giving me confidence and stability on slippery or uneven ground. The waterproof feature has also been a game-changer, keeping my feet dry in wet conditions without sacrificing breathability. Overall, the Olympus 6 have exceeded my expectations. They offer outstanding performance, comfort, and durability, making them an excellent investment for any hiking enthusiast. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality hiking shoe.

I have been running in Altra shoes, specifically the Olympus 5 for the last couple of years. I was excited for Altra provided me these shoes for free to test out. I found these to be very similar to the Olympus 5 with a few upgrades. Most notable is the tongue. I find the tongue to stay in place better than previous versions and it is more padded. Both of these features enable a better lockdown of the shoe and keep it more comfortable for longer. I am excited to keep running in these shoes more this summer and look forward to some full day runs. While I will likely switch back to the Mont Blanc for 50-100k races, these will see abundant use in most of my training runs.

From running to coaching to working retail, I am blown away by the Olympus 6! I've used them on dirt, asphalt, concrete, rocks, every terrain I can think of and have loved every second in them. The incredible cushion without loss of stability is something I haven't felt in a max cushion shoe yet, Altra absolutely nailed it with these. The decreased heel padding is a huge help in keeping your feet feel locked in while you're on the move, a major improvement from the Olympus 5. So glad I have a pair of these for my longer treks and to protect me on some of the rockier portions of the trail. Never met an Altra I didn't love, but these are in their own category. As a long time user of the Lone Peaks, I didn't think I could get into a max cushion runner, but these have changed my mind.

his is a very comfortable trail shoe capable of covering ultra distances with comfort. Plenty of room on the uppers and caused no blisters over about 80 miles. Soles have plenty of grip on dry,rocky and wet sufaces. I have a narrow ankle but love the toe splay these provide and had to use all four upper lace holes to secure heal lock. I'm excited to see these through many more miles and the durability of the upper and soles seams to be great, shows no wear so far. I loved the 1st edition and this will definitely last many miles as those did. Buy them. These were provided by Altra at no charge no I'm not influenced by this in any way. Buy a pair.

I usually stick to shoes with less drop/stack but I figured that I love the Superior & Lone Peak from ALTRA, might as well give the Olympus 6 a shot. First thing out of the box, I thought to myself these look huge and loud. I was worried I'd trip over my own feet because they're a bit clunkier than my daily shoes. It's super hot out here in AZ so I haven't taken them on longer treks, but I gotta say for the 5ish miles per run I've used them- they sure are comfortable and breathable! I wore them on a couple of warehouse shifts as well, hard concrete where sometimes my feet end up sore when I'm off but the cushioning on these ones is amazing. Would recommend! ALTRA gave me this free product to try.

ALTRA gave me this free product to try. Last summer I sustained a major ankle injury, tearing 3 ligaments in my ankle, stopping my outdoor pursuits for months. After a long recovery process with lots of physical therapy I've recently been able to return to the outdoors! The new ALTRA Olympus 6 have been amazing on and off the trail, with their amazing traction and shock absorption helping me get back outdoors and "stay out there". Over the course of the testing, I used them for over 180 hours: 120 hours standing/walking at work, 20 hours of physical therapy, 10 hours trail running, 2 hours pavement running, 35 hours of hiking, 10 hours of climbing technical terrain, 1 hour river crossing, and ~40 hours misc. You can see the different ways I used them in the video (Please don't judge when I stumble or land funny with my foot, still isn't 100% better. LOL) They exceled on slippery and steep terrain and felt more comfortable the rougher the trail! When I got them soaked, they were extremely quick drying, and didn't feel heavy from holding too much water. The wide toe box was amazing on my feet and let my toes rest naturally and un-crammed. I was constantly given compliments on them, with others loving the muted upper and striking lower colors. My only issue with them is they aren't the most breathable, so when it was above 80 degrees out my feet felt a little too warm. However, when using them in the 50-75 degrees range, they were perfect, so keep it in mind when planning your uses. My ankle felt incredibly stable whenever I wore these, no matter how rough the terrain, and I felt little to no pain when I jumped and landed in them. The shock absorption on these continually astonished me with its effectiveness. I would recommend these shoes to anyone with an outdoor pursuit involving some of the roughest terrain out there!

This is the best Altra shoe I've tried yet. Great look, quality production materials, comfortable feel for foot, right amount of cushion, impressive traction on trail, stable footing when planted, and zero blisters after 60+miles. I really have yet to find a negative with this shoe. (First time ever!)

Functionally, they are the most versatile shoes I've ever owned. Not only do they hold their own on the trail, or on a hike - they are incredible for long distance runs and leisurely walks.

I was initially skeptical of the shoe based on looks thinking that the fit may be narrower and not have the zero heel-to-toe drop. But it's still the classic wide toe box and zero drop ALTRA shoe. Multiple people complimented me on the color scheme of the shoe. Once I put on the shoe, I questioned the fit due to the protruding foam pads at the heal, marketed as an achilles pillow. The heel pad functions to provide a snug entrance to the foot and also seems to function to keep debris out of the shoe. I didn't even realize how well the shoe worked until I got home, removed my shoes, and rocks didn't fall out. I took the Olympus 6 on steep single tracks, dirt trails, and the road. The cushion and wide sole was comfortable and provided nice shocks while running downhill. I'll continue to use these shoes in my trail running repertoire in addition to hiking activities. They also have a piece of velcro to add gaiters. ALTRA gave me this free product to try. What would I change? There's nothing I can think of to improve the product other than using a faster drying material.

Altra gave me this shoe to test out and I used it to train for the Tour de Mont Blanc this year. I put a ton of miles on it, working technical trails that were rocky steep and wet with mud and loose rock and gravel. This shoe preformed exceptionally well. - rising to every challenge. I will note that the toe cap is a lot different (more durable and sturdier) and that took a little getting used to, and the upper material is so light, that you barely can tell that you have anything at all on your foot and it makes me wonder about long term durability but it dries really fast if your land in a puddle. But other than that it represents the Olympus line admirably and I would definitely recommend it.

Altra sent over these Olympus 6s to be gear tested prior to official release. I've been brand loyal to Altra for nearly 10 years due to their roomy toe box, and my big bunions that tend to eat through all other running shoe brands. I spent several hours breaking these in before I got them out on some technical high-elevation hikes and trail runs around Bend, OR. The first thing noticed during testing was how the Achilles pillows caused a bit of heel slippage. I have super narrow heels, and a runner's lace cleared up that issue immediately. For a maximalist shoe, the Olympus 6s are extremely lightweight. The super sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole provided confidence and stability on literally everything it touched and made the downhill super fun, eating up every rock and root! These things are super fast and agile. The bread and butter of max cushion trail shoes. I only wish I would have sized up half size! HIGHLY recommend!

Trail runners and hikers, rejoice! From technical trails to leisurely hikes, this is a fantastic shoe. These trail running shoes are the perfect blend of performance, comfort, and durability, making them an essential addition to any outdoor enthusiast's gear collection. Unparalleled Grip: From the first step, I was blown away by the exceptional traction these shoes provided. The aggressive lugs bit into loose dirt, gravel, and even slick rock with ease, instilling a sense of confidence that allowed me to push my limits on challenging terrain. I put them through their passes on a Cirque Series Race at Brighton UT which has super technical downhills with loose dirt, loose rocks, and snow. Descending steep slopes felt controlled and secure, and I never experienced any slippage, even in wet conditions. Roomy Toe Box Bliss: These shoes completely changed the game. The spacious design allowed my toes to splay naturally, preventing blisters and hot spots even on my longer runs. I come from a skiing background so we are used to jamming our feet into boots for "performance" and I was always skeptical of the roomy toe box but these enhanced stability and reduced fatigue. I get it now! Unwavering Stability: Technical trails are no match for these sturdy shoes. The robust construction and supportive midsole provided a stable platform for my feet, even when navigating rocky and uneven terrain. I felt protected from sharp objects and impacts, and my ankles remained secure throughout my adventures. Surprisingly Nimble: Despite their rugged build, these shoes surprised me with their agility on flat sections. The responsive cushioning and flexible forefoot allowed for a quick and efficient stride, making them surprisingly fast on smooth trails. I could easily transition from technical sections to open paths without feeling weighed down. Cushioning Perfection: Finding the right amount of cushioning can be tricky, but these shoes strike the perfect balance. The midsole provided ample protection from impact without feeling overly plush or mushy. My feet felt comfortable and supported on both short runs and on race day. Versatility at Its Best: These shoes truly excel in their versatility. They are equally at home on technical mountain trails, winding forest paths, or even casual hikes. The combination of performance, comfort, and durability make them a go-to choice for any outdoor activity. Final Verdict: If you're looking for a trail running shoe that can do it all, look no further. These shoes offer exceptional grip, a roomy toe box, unwavering stability, surprising agility, impressive durability, and just the right amount of cushioning. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a casual hiker, these shoes will elevate your outdoor experience and become a trusted companion on all your adventures. ALTRA gave me this free product to try**

The new Olympus 6 is comfort right out of the box with little to no break in time. The Vibram sole provides great traction on dirt trails, rocks and wet rocks at river crossings. The cushioned midsole provides the right blend of comfort, cushion and the ability to feel the trail under your feet. Combine those with a secure heal cup and a comfortable lining inside and I was able to backpack 16 miles days in comfort with no break in time. The only problem I had was on the left shoe. The side of the shoe did hit the bottom of my ankle bone. It's a problem that I have with many shoes that most people don't seem to have so don't let it stop you from trying the new Olympus 6. Altra did give me this shoe to try but that does not affect my review.

Cushioned in all the right places. Trying out the new Altra Olympus 6 trail shoes. They offer great support and traction on the trails. No hot spots, the right amount of cushion and support. I liked the heal cushion support to keep the heel locked in on the up hills. I also love the toe guard that blocks the direct hits from rocks on the toes. I have a bunion on my right foot, so this toe shape box is perfect for those with wide feet. I'd highly recommend these for anyone looking for more support on those long trail runs. Even though there is more cushion, I didn't feel that they were heavy or slowing me down. The longest run I've done on them is 7 miles, and average about 9:14/mile, on dry dirt single track trails in Forest Park, Oregon. Traction was good on loose gravel and rocks. The extra cushion absorbrs those sharp rocks. ALTRA gave me this free product to try.

I have used these shoes for trail running and hiking as well. My feet were comfortable for everything but the down hill parts and that was because I got a half size too small. Just make sure to get a size with a little extra room so that your toes don't get cramped when you are going down hill. Overall, I would definitely recommend these shoes! ALTRA gave me this free product to try.

Altra sent me these shoes to try for free, and I've since put 35-40 miles on with them. In that time, I've taken them through all sort of off road terrains: gravel, grassed trails, mulched trails, sandy beaches, and sand dunes. These shoes have conquered them all with ease. I have wide feet and these shoes feature a wider toe box that is hands down the most comfortable running experience I've had- especially without a lengthy break-in period. Usually, it takes me about 20-30 miles to break in a shoe to the point where I can run in them for more than a mile without pressure points. I never had that issues with these shoes! I thought the extended sole would change my stride, or create a different impact point on my foot, but I really haven't noticed. But, I would definitely say it adds additional stability to the shoe while on uneven terrain. I wouldn't say that they're a shoes I would wear going up a extremely technical course, but they can handle a heck of a lot more than a flat land run. I can't comment to much on the durability of the shoe, but I see no red flags yet. I'm looking forward to putting more miles on these beauties! Couldn't recommend them enough; especially for folks with wide feet.

I agree with other reviews. I loved the previous model (pre 5). The 6 looks to be similar to the 5. The 4 had a deeper inset for the heal allowing for better utilizations of thin insoles, less bulky, and I liked the thinner shoelaces much better. I hope Altra reads these and makes the perfect cushion zero drop, wide toe trail shoe! I don't have a better option, so I will continue to buy these.

Topos used to be my go-to, but then the toe box got so wide that my feet would slide around. Changed to the Olympus 6 and have a whole year with many road and trail runs on them. Comfy, no blisters, good cushion. A bit too warm for my preference in the summer, but they've been great in the rainy PNW winter. I see a lot of negative reviews, but my experience has been really great for the last year of runs in them.

- Foam in heel seems to break down quickly. - Rubber tread is shortish lived vs other brands that use vibram - Tread is too shallow, flat, and causes sliding on loose hard pack - Across mid foot does nto feel supportive - Toe box is too wide. wide is good but too wide to the point where you feel totally unsupported is not - Shoe is heavy - lacking rubber in a few key points like across the entire back of the heel so it's not as slippery and maybe rocks pushing up into it althogh I don't have too much of a problem with that just the slipperiness of this shoe on dry loose ground. - I like the stability - I like the initial cushion but it doesnt last long - I liek the burlieness but hate the weight - I hated the heel but at first but haev come to not mind it. I don't get blisters from it or anything - Shoe definitely needs insoles as its flat as f* and has like 0 support - It is definitely overpriced for what it is. - No on makes a shoe I like especially Altra. - They should combine this shoe with the Salomon Speedcross. - durability of upper materials has been fine for me unlike others. I like it.

Hiking. Hot spots on my heels and near the toes. Also, the shoes do squeak quite a bit. Once you go through the pain of the blisters they are comfortable.

Overall I would recommend and will keep wearing these shoes. My complaints would be the two layers of upper material trap rocks and debris in between them as they're not stitched together at the top. Second I've torn the uppers in the same location on every pair so far. And thirdly I would like additional rubber on the sole.. specifically in the heel area as I've noticed by about 250-300 miles in the back heel foam degrades and doesn't give you the same support and protection. My heels have felt many pointy rocks right in the middle of the foam where rubber is missing.

I went through six pairs of Olympus five they fit like a glove. Bought one pair of Olympus six and now they feel like they're half size too big and standing side-by-side. You can actually see the length difference. I don't know why the change, but I hope they go back to the original Shoe size of the Olympus five. The green and grey Olympus 5 was an outstanding shoe for all my activities run walk lift hiking