Customer Reviews Altra Olympus 6

I've been running in Altra trail shoes a long time - multiple versions of the Lone Peak (GoreTex version included), Mont Blanc and even tried earlier editions of the Olympus. This shoe is definitely goofy looking at first (although I was a big fan of the colors!) - wore them on a couple of dog walks first to make sure they fit well - and the staff at the local coffee shop complimented them and gave me the courage to carry on. :) Over the course of 2 weeks I ran them ~40 miles on trails and covered about 5k' of climbing over a variety of terrain - dusty trails, gravel, rock, sharp rocks, etc. They were comfy right out of the box and my standard size 9 fit just fine. They are cushy - you notice it just walking in it, but it didn't feel laggy or non-responsive on the trail. I did notice that I needed to be extra careful to pick up my feet - no lazy running as I scuffed a few rocks here and there, particularly on the downhills (and took my first somersault of the season). I also tried them on pavement, pushing the pace for 3 miles at the end of a long run to see how they held up (when I travel I like to bring my trail shoes, but frequently that means putting some miles in on the road). They surprised me - didn't feel too tacky or heavy and clocked 7:30 miles without a problem (solid for me!). The construction of this shoe is slightly different from other Altrasit has extra cushion in the heel cup, which felt nice. They put the soft stitch tongue back in this model (vs. the versions that feel like laser-cut vinyl). They used thick, quality grippy lacesthere were no issues with them coming undone. Traction was top-notch on all surfaces. Ventilation was decent with a Smartwool trail sock. Here's the downside - on my 5th trail run with these I noticed some irritation on my ankle bones. I assumed it was the heel insert, but it turns out these shoes are cut about a half inch higher than other models near the ankle bone. After 7 miles my right ankle was rubbed raw and my left ankle felt bruised. A week later they still felt too tender to wear (but not a problem in other shoes). I did take them for an hour walk around the neighborhood tonight (two weeks later) and didn't notice the issue, so will be curious to rotate them back in and see how the foam holds up over time. I suspect if you are just using these for hiking, walking or even cross country running it might not ever be an issue. Full disclosure, I had the opportunity to product test the new Olympus 6 for free in exchange for my honest feedback.

I've been wearing the Olympus shoes for the past 4 years for my long distance hike (40 miles per week), getting the latest model every purchase. I've noticed that there is a heel structure change on the latest Olympus 6 that I purchased last month. Upon my first 10 mile walk on the new Olympus 6, I accumulated 5 blisters on my foot. FYI, I have never gotten blisters on any of the past Olympus shoes. There is an internal "tongue" so to speak, that are attached inside the heel area which are not detachable, which rubbed against my feet and brought on blisters. The feel of the shoes itself felt more ache on my arch, which I never felt on any other shoes, and felt a little less room and created 3 other blisters around my toes and bunion. My guess would be that this structure change was made in an attempt for a cost cut, less material needed for the similar design than previous models, but I wonder how it passed the quality assurance (QA test) if anyone did go through a rigorous QA on longer mileage on the Olympus 6 model against the previous model I am so sad that this change is made, I will no longer buy this model unless Altra changes it back to the Olympus 5 model in terms of the internal structure. I have uploaded the photos to show what I mean, white Olympus is model 5, the previous generation. In the meantime, I am buying up the previous models so that I won't have to look for new shoes. By the way I love the Lone Peak series as well, but love the Olympus better for road/paved street walk with the max cushion.

ALTRA gave me these to sample. They are super comfortable. In the past I have only worn lone peaks in the past and I am so happy I tried these. They add a whole new layer of comfort and durability. I would 10/10 recommend them to anyone in the market.

Wonderful for running and for full day wear in hard work by on concrete floors.

I've had 3 prs of Olympus. Version 4 was great, Version 5 was heavy, stiff and let in all the dirt, Version 6 has fixed all that..thanks ALTRA

I wanted to love these as the thick sole really helps with foot pain in scree or rocky terrain. After two miles into my backpacking trip my left heel started to noticeably blister, followed by my right one shortly after. I love the toe box, but unfortunately don't know if I could risk these again as it truly made the trip painful, something I have never experienced with my darn tough socks. Super bummed, seems to be a theme with these shoes that have the heel cushion.

Heel is way too low causing me to step out of them and they're the correct fit. If I tie them tighter to try to keep my heel in place it hurts the top of my foot. Rubs my heel raw. Bad fit!

The heel is so low I cannot wear these with my custom orthotics- it makes my heel slip and slide and sit too high in the shoe. This will cause such bad blisters so I have to return. So disappointed!

The Olympus had always been my go to shoe. This new model gave me SO many blisters. I was shocked because I have worn different Altra shoes and NEVER a blister until these. I ripped out the Achilles pillow to see if that would help.. That made it better but still... blisters. I am now looking at another brand because I need a 0 drop high, cushion, wide toebox shoe for longer runs. So disappointed.

These shoes rubbed my heels. I returned them. I was very disappointed. Bring back the original Olympus please.

The Achilles heel pad acts as a trap for all of the sand/dirt/debris that gets kicked up as you hike or run, and then literally rubs your heel raw like sandpaper. My husband and I both got horrible blisters in the same exact spot on the backs of our heels, and we never experience the same feet problems so it makes me think this is a serious design flaw. I really wanted to love these shoes as they're similar to the lone peaks I loved but with more cushion. Please please please get rid of the heel pad situation!

I wanted to love this shoes so bad. Everything was great (the roomy toe box which I love) EXCEPT that annoying Achilles heel pillow. It rubbed my heel raw. My shoes kept slipping when I walk. Made my walks uncomfortable so I had to return it.

I've been a faithful Altra customer but these shoes failed to hit the mark. The cushion is great, however the heel is terrible and too low, causing too much rubbing. So disappointing, hope it gets better next round.

What is that in pad on the inside? I have been a loyal altra customer for years and have never had shoes so bad. The sizing is off and the pad on the heel is terrible- rubbed the skin off my ankles. I am very dissatisfied.

The heel is terrible. This was my favorite shoe of all time until the heel changed. This current bersion's heel cannot be used on anything steep unless you want pain/blisters/rubbing.

I wish shoe companies would realize that if the shoe is amazing and selling great, they don't need to change them. Altra lowered the back of all their shoes and now I get blisters and heel pain. I never got this before and I'm a longtime consumer.

Not the same Olympus. The heel slip is terrible. The laces need to be replaced. Needed to walk almost a mile back home barefoot because they hurt so bad. I've never had that.

I have wore the Olympus 2 through Olympus 5 and love them, best trail shoes I've ever owned so when the 6 came out, I ordered one without hesitation. Whatever support you put in the arch cause terrible knee pain for me plus the heel rubs now. Please get rid of these horrible changes. Because I bought these from a running store and ran in them about 3 miles they would only give me a store credit. They do not carry any other zero drop shoe, but your brand which I can no longer use. I am so disappointed in the changes you made to a great running shoe.

At 40 miles into the Camino de Santiago the shoe started squeaking. I have 460 miles to go and I cannot listen to that. I spent a substantial amount on these shoes for nothing. I am EXTREMELY disappointed. I would NOT recommend. I am in the middle of nowhere with a poor choice.

The new Achilles pillow feature caused me huge blisters after just 4 miles of walking, and I have used previous models of altra shoes and have NEVER had a blister (walking hundreds of miles). If you are prone to blisters, especially on the heals, I highly recommend not getting these shoes and going for a different model without!!! A seriously strange addition to the new model

I LOVE these shoes. I bought them for Bhutan, after I googled "what's the best shoe for wide feet?" I bought the orange/red pair, then the waterproof pair, and now these. I travel all over the globe, as well as domestically. These shoes increased my overall stamina, over miles of all terrain, rocky, sandy, and pavement. The cushioning is unparalleled. I've worn a number of other brands, but never with this level of comfort.

I bought these shoes because of the online recommendation (not Altra) for wide feet and all terrain hiking, and my trip to Bhutan to make the ascent to the Tiger's Nest. They have more than exceeded my expectations. The width and toe box accommodate my wide feet. The cushion gives me ample comfort and support on pavement, rocky trails and dusty dirt for mile after mile. The sand is my second pair of the Olympus 6. I also bought the waterproof version. This is the best hiking/walking shoe I've ever worn.

The shoes I received look nothing like the picture you sent in this email. Did I receive the shoes I ordered. I received Olympus 2.

Being a loyal Loan Peak wearer, I decided to try something a little more cushy. I love all the Altra shoes, and even have my road shoes from Altra. I've always been a fan of the zero drop because I've done that my entire adult running life. To me it is less stress on the forefoot and ankle. Me and my friends like to go far, far, far and these keep my feet feeling perfect all day. I'm trying to get back to my Ultrarunning after some years of wear and tear on my body and these are going to get me there. I have back issues and these shoes helped to alleviate that issue as well. They are so cushy and grippy I've able to go out on the trail several times in rocky, sandy slipper terrain with no problem. Not even one ankle roll. The Vibram sole really was a great addition. I was able to put these on and go with zero issues no blisters. It's like they were custom-made for me. I have also already washed these a couple times in my washing machine in a net bag with the laces off and then I stuffed them with a towel to dry. They don't say you can do that, but I have. And the shoes have not fallen apart.