Altra Olympus 6 Review

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As a long-time fan of Altra, especially the Lone Peak series, I was eager to try the Altra Olympus 6, hoping it would offer the same comfort and durability I’ve come to expect. In this review, I’ll share my thoughts on the Olympus 6, covering its build quality, comfort, performance, and overall value. While the shoe has some strong points, there are a few areas where it could improve.

Altra Olympus 6 Specifications

First Impressions

When I first tried on the Altra Olympus 6, the fit wasn’t immediately perfect. As someone who typically wears a size 12 in Altra’s Lone Peaks and Superiors, I found that a size 13 was necessary for this model. Once I found the right size, the shoes felt snug yet spacious enough to allow for natural foot movement.

Hitting the Trails in the Altra Olympus 6

West Michigan’s trails present a mix of challenges—from rocky paths to soft, loamy forest floors. The Altra Olympus 6 excelled across these varied surfaces. The Vibram MegaGrip outsole provided exceptional traction, which gave me confidence while navigating slippery rocks and steep inclines. Running through dense forests, the shoe’s wide toe box allowed my toes to splay naturally, reducing the risk of blisters during long runs.

Altra Olympus 6: Build Quality

The Altra Olympus 6 immediately stands out for its solid construction. Altra has clearly upped their game in terms of quality, with the Vibram Megagrip outsole offering impressive traction on both wet and dry surfaces. The updated lug pattern adds to the shoe’s durability and stability, making it a reliable choice for technical terrain.

The mesh upper is another highlight. It’s designed to enhance breathability, which is crucial for long days on the trail. However, I do wish there was a bit more rubber on the midsection of the outsole for added durability. The midsole is a standard compressed EVA foam, which is comfortable but might not hold up as long as I’d like, especially for heavier runners. The Achilles pillow (extra heal cushioning) adds an extra layer of comfort, but overall, the shoe feels a bit over-engineered, with thick overlays that, while durable, compromise breathability and add weight.

Overall, the build quality of the Olympus 6 is impressive. It’s a shoe that feels built to last. I’d rate it 9 out of 10.

Altra Olympus 6: Comfort

Comfort is where the Altra Olympus 6 truly excels. From the first step, I could tell these shoes were built for a cushioned ride. The plush midsole does an excellent job absorbing impact, especially on downhills. Altra’s Original FootShape Fit provides a roomy toe box, allowing my toes to splay naturally—a big plus for longer runs.

The engineered mesh upper flexes well with the foot, and the padding around the ankle and heel is generous without being too bulky. However, the heel cushioning felt a bit low at first, which, along with the initial lack of a snug heel lock, made the fit feel less secure. Fortunately, after breaking them in on a few runs, the heel cushioning softened up, and my foot felt more secure. The shoe provided ample support and a stable ride throughout my runs.

Achilles Pillow

The comfort of the Olympus 6 exceeded my expectations. It’s a shoe I can comfortably wear all day. I’d give it a 8 out of 10.

Altra Olympus 6: Performance

Performance is where the Olympus 6 has its ups and downs. The shoe performs admirably on the trail, particularly in terms of grip and stability. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is outstanding, providing consistent traction even on tricky terrain. The wide landing platform and thick midsole offer excellent protection against sharp rocks and roots, eliminating the need for a rock plate.

However, the shoe’s weight is a noticeable drawback. At 13.25 oz (375.63 g), it’s on the heavier side, and that extra weight is felt, especially on longer runs. The midsole, while comfortable, doesn’t offer much energy return, making the shoe feel less lively than I’d like. It’s not the most agile shoe, which could be a dealbreaker for those seeking something more responsive.

Performance is a mixed bag. The Olympus 6 excels in stability and grip, but the weight and lack of agility are limiting factors. I’d rate performance at 7 out of 10.

Altra Olympus 6: Value

At $175.00, the Altra Olympus 6 is a significant investment, and this is where my biggest reservations lie. While the shoe offers plenty of comfort and durability, there are other options available that provide similar benefits at a lower cost. The exposed EVA on the outsole raises concerns about long-term durability, and for this price, I expected more in terms of performance and energy return.

Considering the price, I’m not convinced the Olympus 6 offers the best value for money. I’d rate the value at 6 out of 10.

Conclusion

The Altra Olympus 6 is a solid trail running shoe that offers great comfort and durability. It’s well-suited for runners who prioritize cushioning and stability over agility and speed. If you need a workhorse shoe for long days on the trail, the Olympus 6 is worth considering. However, if weight and price are significant factors for you, there might be better options available.

For more information, visit www.atrarunning.com or www.rei.com. The Olympus 6 is available in multiple colorways, including black/black, gray/orange, taupe, black/green, and red, priced at $175.00.