Altra Olympus 5 Review

This week at Northern Runner we came together to discuss and review the Altra Olympus 5. The Altra Olympus 5 is Altra’s latest trail shoe designed to offer the highest level of cushioning and underfoot protection for the longest runs. Altra shoes feature their trademarked Zero Drop with a rounded FootShape Toe Box. This is to promote a more natural forefoot strike and allow your feet to spread and function in the shoes, so that you can maintain a more natural upright posture. This not only helps you run more efficiently but reduces wear and tear which reduces the chance of injury.

The Olympus is made on Altra’s ‘Original Fit’ last. This is the broadest of Altra’s lasts, with the most space and volume. The rounded toe box makes the Olympus especially broad feeling in the toe box and is like a 2E fit in other brands.

The Olympus 4 was a very popular Altra model, due to its cushioning level, protection, and durability. The updates made to the Olympus 5 don’t harm any of these things. The fit (including sizing) is the same as the Olympus 4. The Olympus 5 offers a bit more stability and is designed to support tired feet at the end of a long day out, but will also provide some mild pronation support. The rand that goes around the shoe is higher on the medial side of the shoe than it was on the previous version. The midsole also splays out a bit more at the heel to give a broader more supportive base to the shoes. Ideal for power hiking or long descents on tired legs.

The outsole is Vibram Megagrip, as on the previous version. This is a sticky rubber outsole that offers a good balance between grip and durability. The lugs are 4mm in length, which are deep enough for trail use, but aren’t designed for the real thick mud (nor is the stiffer feel, which is great for longer runs).

The upper is softer and more flexible than on the Olympus 4. This gives the shoes a bit more of a slipper-like feel and allows the upper to stretch over bunions etc.. more successfully. The upper is also quite deep once the insole has been removed, which together with the stable base to the shoes would make it suitable for an orthotic insert. The heel tab comes higher up the Achilles tendon and has more padding compared to the Olympus 4. This improves the heel fit and gives a more protective cushioned feel. The upper has the same gaiter traps as the previous version, so the Altra gaiters can be attached to reduce the chance of debris getting into the shoes.

The midsole is compression moulded EVA with a stack height of 33mm. It feels cushioned and luxurious and lacks the responsiveness of the Timp 4 or Mont Blanc. This is perfect, as the Olympus 5 is designed to protect you during those longer slow days out, rather than help you run or race quickly. The cushioning isn’t too soft and soggy, as Altra trail running shoes like the new Olympus are designed to allow your feet function. Your foot needs to ‘know’ it has touched the floor, so it spreads out to absorb shock, recoil, and spring you into your next step.

In Summary

I found the Olympus 5’s a great shoe for longer relaxed runs–exactly as intended. I am already a Zero Drop and very roomy toe box fan. The cushioning level is exceptional, which reduces inflammation in the joints so your legs don’t feel as stiff and sore after a long run as they would do in a less cushioned shoe. A lot of customers use them for everyday training and the Olympus 5 is plenty durable and protective. In the Olympus 5 you are trading some of that feel for the floor beneath you for super-comfortable mileage. If you are used to trail running with a thinner midsole that feels nimble on the trail, these will take some getting used to and are filling the gap as your more ‘relaxed day’ shoe. Dancing over tree roots and rocks you rely on the midsole of the shoes absorb a lot of the lumps and bumps on the trail in a similar way to the tyre of a mountain bike.

In summary the Altra Olympus 5 would suit a runner who is looking for a shoe with a high level of underfoot protection for long runs or days out. The fit is broad with a high volume in the upper. So, this would suit a high volume or broad foot or a runner who likes room for their feet to spread.

Altra don’t make many of their shoes in the Original last. In our experience this is the most popular last and one that allows the most foot function. Currently only the Lone Peak and Olympus use this last. For those that love the fit of these shoes and are looking for a road shoe for their winter training. We are expecting a road version of the Olympus to arrive in December. If you would like us to let you know when they arrive, then let us know by emailing sales@northernrunner.com.

Olympus 5 Hike GTX

The Olympus 4 has been used for everything from ultramarathon races to multi day hikes. For this reason, Altra now makes a GTX version and a mid-boot in the Olympus 5 for e an Olympus with more weather protection.

Other Considerations

Hoka Mafate 4: Hoka’s have more of a pointed toe box. The Mafate is Hoka’s Ultra shoe and for that reason is slightly broader than the regular Hoka fitting which is very narrow. The cushioning is softer than the Olympus but, there is a rocker to give you some propulsion.
https://www.northernrunner.com/hoka-m92/mafate-t97

Topo Ultraventure 2: A similar broad rounded toe box to the Olympus 5. A firmer feel to the cushioning makes it easier to pick the pace up in these. Here is a link to our review which will give you more information:
https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-ultraventure-2-review/

La Sportiva Jackal: A similarly cushioned shoe but more nimble in feel. 6mm from heel to forefoot. A more versatile grip. Here is a link to our review for more information: https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-jackal-review-2/

Inov-8 Ultrafly 300 Max: Although these are made on Inov-8’s standard last which is their broadest there isn’t much volume in the upper. So, they won’t offer the same width and volume as the Olympus. They have a similar plod along feel. Here is a link to our review for more information:
https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-trailfly-ultra-g-300-max-review/

Saucony Xodus: Although Saucony is normally a narrow fitting brand with pointed toe boxes the Xodus has more width and more of a rounded toe. This is to allow more room for your feet to expand during long runs. They are lighter and more flexible than the Olympus but, for this reason doesn’t offer the same high level of underfoot protection. https://www.northernrunner.com/saucony-m56/xodus-t205