Altra Olympus 5
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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
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.
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.
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
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
3 Cons
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.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
| released | ReleasedJul 2022 | Nov 2023 | Dec 2023 | Dec 2023 | May 2024 | Dec 2023 |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| Weight | Weight349 g | M: 303 g W: 281 g | M: 309 g W: 272 g | M: 289 g W: 249 g | ||
| Forefoot | Forefoot33 mm | 32 mm | 28 mm | 30 mm | ||
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop | 10 mm | 4 mm | 8 mm | 6 mm | |
| Heel | Heel33 mm | 37 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm | 36 mm | |
| Terrain | TerrainTrail | MudTrail | Trail | MudTrail | MudTrail | MudTrail |
| Brand | BrandAltra | Hoka | Nike | Nike | ASICS | Saucony |
| Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strike |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeComfortableLow drop | ComfortableLow drop | Comfortable | ComfortableLow drop | ComfortableMaximalist | ComfortableMaximalist |
| Rocker | Rocker | |||||
| Breathable | Breathable | |||||
| Rock plate | Rock plate | |||||
| Techs | TechsVibram | Vibram | Vibram | ASICS Gel | ||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationHigh archOrthotic friendlyRemovable insole |
- Jul 2022
- Jun 2020
