Altra Olympus 5

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78%
πŸ… Highly Rated
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Altra Olympus 5: Review

β€œA trail shoe that combines maximalist cushioning with a natural stride.”

Overview


The Altra Olympus 5 is a trail running shoe designed for those who seek a blend of comfort, protection, and durability on unpredictable terrain. This shoe is known for its maximalist cushioning and zero-drop platform, which encourages a natural foot strike (the way your foot contacts the ground).

Key Features:

  • Maximalist Cushioning: Provides a plush ride, ideal for long distances on rugged trails.
  • Zero-Drop Platform: Encourages a natural running gait (the way a person walks or runs) and helps to reduce impact on the joints.
  • FootShape Toe Box: Offers ample room for toes to splay (spread out), enhancing stability and comfort.
  • Vibram Megagrip Outsole: Delivers exceptional traction (grip) on a variety of surfaces.

The Altra Olympus 5 is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize cushioning and protection for long runs. Its Vibram outsole offers reliable grip, making it suitable for a range of trail conditions.

With an average review score of 78%, it's in the lowest rated 30% of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just above the median price of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Altra Olympus 5


The Altra Olympus 5 has garnered attention for its robust cushioning and protective features, making it a solid choice for trail runners seeking comfort on long runs. The shoe's maximalist design and zero-drop platform work together to provide a natural running experience while shielding the feet from rough terrain. The Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures reliable traction, and the FootShape toe box allows for natural toe splay. However, the shoe's weight may be a drawback for those looking for speed over trails. Despite this, the Altra Olympus 5's durability and comfort make it a strong contender for runners who value protection and a plush ride. Overall, the Altra Olympus 5 is a dependable trail shoe that excels in providing comfort and protection on long, challenging runs.

Updates to Altra Olympus 5


The Altra Olympus 5 introduces subtle yet impactful updates from its predecessor, the Altra Olympus 4.0. Notable changes include a roomier toe box and a more padded heel for better lockdown. The addition of a pull tab facilitates easy on and off, and the fit is snugger and more secure.

Comparable Shoes


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The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a lighter and less expensive option compared to the Altra Olympus 5, suitable for runners who want a durable shoe without the added weight.

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The Altra Superior 5 is another alternative that avoids the lace bite issue some runners experience with the Olympus 5, offering a more comfortable lacing system.

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The Mont Blanc Boa features a new lacing system and is designed for fast running on tough terrain, contrasting with the Olympus 5's focus on cushioning and protection.

Special versions of Altra Olympus 5


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The Altra Olympus 5 GTX is a special version that offers additional features such as waterproofing for wet and rugged conditions. It shares the same core attributes as the standard model but is designed for even more challenging environments.

7 Altra Olympus 5 Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Offers maximalist cushioning for long-distance comfort.
Features a zero-drop platform for a natural running gait.
Provides a wide toe box for natural toe splay and stability.
Equipped with a durable Vibram Megagrip outsole for excellent traction.

3 Cons

Heavier than some other trail running shoes, potentially affecting speed.
Short laces may limit lacing options for a secure fit.
Zero-drop design may require an adjustment period for some runners.

In Depth


Upper

The Altra Olympus 5 features an upper designed to balance breathability and durability. The engineered mesh material allows for good airflow, keeping feet cool during runs. The updated heel collar with increased padding ensures a secure fit and added comfort around the Achilles tendon. However, some runners may find the laces short, which could limit the use of the runner's loop lacing technique for a tighter fit.

Midsole

The midsole of the Altra Olympus 5 is a standout feature, offering a generous amount of cushioning that protects the feet and legs from the impact of the trail. The zero-drop design promotes a natural running gait, although it may require an adjustment period for those not accustomed to this style. The shoe's responsiveness is notable, performing well across various paces.

Outsole

Equipped with a Vibram Megagrip outsole, the Altra Olympus 5 provides excellent traction on diverse trail surfaces. The lugs, while not overly large, offer sufficient grip for hard-packed and technical trails. The outsole's durability is impressive, showing little wear after extensive use, and is built to withstand long distances.

Size/fit

The Altra Olympus 5 fits true to size, with a secure midfoot and heel area, while the wide toe box is a signature feature of the Altra brand. This design allows for ample toe room, reducing the risk of black toenails and providing a comfortable fit for wider feet.

Comfort

Comfort is a key strength of the Altra Olympus 5, with its soft cushioning and smooth ride. The shoe's upper and padded heel collar contribute to an overall comfortable experience, even on longer runs. However, the shoe's weight may be felt during extended periods of running.

Cushioning

The Altra Olympus 5's cushioning is plush and protective, making it ideal for long runs on trails. The compression-molded EVA midsole provides a soft underfoot feel, and the shoe's design ensures that comfort does not come at the expense of responsiveness.

Breathability

The Altra Olympus 5's upper is crafted with a breathable mesh that facilitates good airflow, helping to keep feet cool during runs. This feature is particularly beneficial for trail runners who may encounter varying temperatures and conditions.

Stability

The wide base of the Altra Olympus 5 contributes to a stable ride, which is essential on uneven trail surfaces. The shoe's design ensures a planted feel, giving runners confidence on technical terrain.

Durability

Durability is a strong suit of the Altra Olympus 5, with the shoe showing minimal signs of wear after multiple runs. The robust construction suggests that it will hold up well over time, making it a reliable choice for trail runners.

Grip

The grip of the Altra Olympus 5 is a highlight, thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole. The shoe performs well on both wet and dry trails, providing a secure footing that allows runners to tackle a variety of conditions with confidence.

Who should buy the Altra Olympus 5?


The Altra Olympus 5 is well-suited for trail runners who value a maximalist design and zero-drop platform for a natural running experience. It's ideal for those who require ample cushioning and protection on long, technical trails.

Who should not buy the Altra Olympus 5?


Runners who prioritize speed and a lightweight shoe for trail racing may find the Altra Olympus 5 to be too heavy. Those accustomed to a traditional heel-to-toe drop may also need time to adjust to the zero-drop design. For a lighter option, runners might consider the Altra Lone Peak 6 or the Altra Superior 5.

Altra Olympus 5: What's it good for?


The Altra Olympus 5 is excellent for long-distance trail running, where comfort and protection are paramount. Its robust cushioning and reliable grip make it suitable for a variety of trail conditions, from rocky paths to muddy tracks.

4 Altra Olympus 5 FAQs


How does the Altra Olympus 5 handle different trail conditions?

The Altra Olympus 5 is equipped with a Vibram Megagrip outsole that provides excellent traction on a variety of trail conditions, from wet and muddy to rocky and technical.

Is the Altra Olympus 5 suitable for runners with wide feet?

Yes, the Altra Olympus 5 features a FootShape toe box that offers plenty of room for wide feet, allowing for natural toe splay and enhanced comfort.

What are the main updates in the Altra Olympus 5 compared to the previous model?

The main updates include a roomier toe box, more padded heel for better lockdown, and a pull tab for easy on and off. The overall fit is also snugger and more secure.

Can the Altra Olympus 5 be used for running on pavement?

While the Altra Olympus 5 is primarily designed for trail running, it can handle a few miles on pavement as you transition to or from the trailhead.

Altra Olympus 5 alternatives

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Released
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Weight
Weight
349 g
M: 303 g
W: 281 g
M: 309 g
W: 272 g
M: 289 g
W: 249 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
33 mm
32 mm
28 mm
30 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
10 mm
4 mm
8 mm
6 mm
Heel
Heel
33 mm
37 mm
36 mm
36 mm
36 mm
Terrain
Terrain
Trail
MudTrailTrailMudTrailMudTrailMudTrail
Brand
Brand
Altra
HokaNikeNikeASICSSaucony
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
ComfortableLow drop
ComfortableLow dropComfortableComfortableLow dropComfortableMaximalistComfortableMaximalist
Rocker
Rocker
Breathable
Breathable
Rock plate
Rock plate
Techs
Techs
Vibram
Vibram
VibramASICS Gel
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Altra Olympus 5: what the experts say (2 reviews)

Altra Olympus 5: 3 Expert video reviews

Altra Olympus 5: 1 Manufacturer video

Altra Olympus 5 characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Model
5
Released
Jul 2022
Measurements
Weight
349 g
Heel to toe drop
Heel
33 mm
Forefoot
33 mm

Evolution of the Altra Olympus product family

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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