Altra Olympus 6 Reviews

The Olympus 6 got them through trail marathon training and the race itself; they love the wide toe box and extra cushion over the Lone Peak.

The first of two pairs lasted about 400 miles of slow jogging on gravel roads, ATV trails and the odd snowy, icy run, by a heavier (around 200 lb), wide-footed tester. They love the max cushion, wide toe box and grip, and found it comfortable all day. By 400 miles that pair had holes and felt flat and dead on runs, and the shoe is heavy; they also note some people find the thick stack hides terrain feel on steep descents. Best for easy, long-distance comfort rather than speed.

Kept the Olympus 6 and bought a second pair after cutting out the heel pillows; annoyed at needing surgery, but the cushioning is perfect and doesn't flare their plantar fasciitis.

About 250 miles over a couple of months of trail running and hiking. They like the wide fit, the thick cushioning underfoot for older feet, the breathable upper that stayed cool through hot summers, and the sturdy toe bumper. On the downside, the Achilles pillow felt odd until they laced the shoes tighter, dust gets in through the vents, and only around 55-60% of the sole is Vibram, so rocks can lodge in the soft midsole gaps and pinch.

'Cushion with grip.' A more breathable upper and lugs with even more traction than v5. Keep it off roads to save the lugs. Roomy FootShape toe box, but not a wide shoe overall.

A max-cushion, max-comfort, max-mileage shoe for trail runners and hikers, and somehow the most fun Altra he's tested in years. A very cushy entry into a slower phase of his running.

Long-term tested: comfortable and durable. After 100 running miles they looked nearly new, and cushioning held near 500 miles of rough off-trail canyon use. Unlike earlier versions, the heel cup holds without slipping. The Timp is cozier and lighter.