The Altra Olympus 5.0 is a versatile trail shoe that can handle any challenge you encounter. Whether it's a smooth path or a rugged terrain, this shoe ensures your feet remain comfortable throughout your trail adventure.
Do you deserve Olympus 5?
The Altra Olympus 5.0 is an excellent choice for runners seeking ample cushioning and foot protection. This shoe ensures that changes in terrain, whether it be rocks, roots, or roads, pose no issues. The Olympus is equipped to handle it all.
The Altra Olympus 5.0 may not be the best choice for trail runners seeking to maximize speed. This shoe, although powerful, may not be the top preference for those aiming for a fast and runnable trail race, as there are lighter alternatives that could be favored in such circumstances.
Olympus 5 Brief Review
The Altra Olympus 5.0, the latest iteration of Altra's highly cushioned trail shoe, is an absolute powerhouse. Personally, I find this to be a fantastic attribute. This shoe is built to withstand any trail conditions, ensuring that your feet remain comfortable even after extended periods of wear.
Related: Nike UltraFly is also a pair of great shoes for trail runners.
The Olympus 5.0 bears a striking resemblance to its predecessor. It adheres to Altra's customary zero-drop foundation and boasts the typical foot-shaped toe box that is a trademark of the Altra brand.
Olympus 5 Try-on Experience
The Altra Olympus 5.0 is a powerhouse, and I'm certain that it may be too much shoe for certain individuals. However, if you're a fan of a maximum cushioned trail shoe, this might be the perfect fit for you.
Upon completing my initial run in the Altra Olympus 5.0, it became evident that this shoe lived up to its claims. Regardless of the challenges presented by the trail, such as rocks or roots, my feet remained comfortable throughout the entire run. Even on the more difficult portions of the trail, where my feet are typically unhappy in most shoes, the Olympus 5s caused me no problems.
The Altra Olympus 5.0 boasts exceptional traction. Its lugs offer a strong grip on various surfaces, even in unfavorable conditions. I quickly gained confidence in the shoe's stability and never experienced any slipping, even after covering many miles on muddy trails.
With its comfortable padding and reliable grip, there's no question that the Altra Olympus 5.0 is an excellent option for tackling long distances on challenging paths.
Are these shoes suitable for a more runnable trail? Absolutely, but if you're looking to go fast, you might prefer a lighter shoe that enables you to lengthen your stride and move swiftly! However, if the trail is challenging and you plan on spending a significant amount of time (or even longer) there, this shoe will definitely meet your needs.
Olympus 5 Safety
I believe that a significant number of individuals who are interested in the Altra Olympus 5.0 are primarily concerned about the level of protection that the shoe offers. And just like I have emphasized throughout this review, the shoe's protective features are unparalleled.
Your feet are shielded from any objects you encounter on the trail, thanks to the cushioning in the midsole and the Vibram outsole. Additionally, the shoe features a sturdy toe cap to protect your toes in case you accidentally hit a rock, allowing you to continue without any worries.
The only aspect where this shoe might fall short in terms of protection is in its upper. The upper is made of a strong mesh material which may not offer sufficient defense for your feet during intense off-road excursions. However, if you are traversing a relatively well-maintained trail, this shoe should provide you with a high level of comfort.
Olympus 5 Longevity
After several runs, the Altra Olympus 5.0 remains in excellent condition with no noticeable signs of wear.
I am completely confident that this shoe will endure for a considerable period of time, and I would not have any concerns about its durability and performance in races of any distance.
Olympus 5 Performance
As previously stated, the Altra Olympus 5.0 is not designed for high-speed racing. I encountered no problems when I ran in these shoes. In areas of the trail where the terrain is more challenging, you can definitely increase your pace and run in them. However, if the trail is mostly easy to run on and you want to prioritize speed, I would recommend opting for a lighter shoe.
The Altra Olympus 5.0 provided a comfortable fit that was true to size. While the shoe's tongue initially caused some friction on my ankle/shin, this problem was easily resolved by folding it down.
The shoe's toe box is designed in the shape of a foot, which is highly valued for its ability to let the toes spread out freely while running, without experiencing any limitations or discomfort from friction.
So, taking everything into account, I find no problems with the shoe's comfort or how it fits.
Olympus 5 Summary
The Altra Olympus 5.0 may be described as a formidable shoe, but I view it as a positive attribute. I have utilized this shoe for numerous extended runs on the trails, and I have never regretted my decision. My main focus when it comes to trail running is cushioning and protection, and these are the aspects where this shoe truly excels.
While not the ideal trail shoe for my preferences due to its slightly heavier weight, this footwear will undoubtedly remain a staple in my collection. It will most likely be my go-to option whenever I venture onto new trails that are expected to be moderately challenging in nature.
In the end, your choice regarding the Altra Olympus 5.0 will depend on your preference for shoe size. If you're open to sacrificing some comfort in exchange for a lighter shoe, then I would suggest not choosing these.
If you're in search of a sturdy shoe that will provide ample protection for your feet on extensive trail runs, the Altra Olympus 5.0 is an excellent choice.
- Price: $170
- Style: AL0A7R6P990
- Usage:
- trail
- hiking
- Constructions $ Features:
- engineered mesh upper
- cushion: Minimal/Low/Medium/High/Maximal
- true to size
- foot-shaped toe box design
- Vibram Megagrip outsole for extreme traction
- padding and support in heel collar
- midsole extends up for improved stability
- Inner Flex underfoot grooves for better flexibility and light weight
- Compression Molded EVA for resilient underfoot protection
- heel stack : 36mm
- heel drop: 0 mm
- weight(men's size 9): 10.8 oz / 306 grams
