Altra Olympus 5 Shoe Review
Altra Olympus 5 Improves Fit to Complement High-Level Protection
Likes
- Plenty of soft cushioning
- Smooth ride with versatility for multiple paces
- Comfortable upper, improved fit
Dislikes
- Short laces
What's New
The Altra Olympus 5 is a neutral max-stacked trail shoe that has been outfitted with subtle yet effective updates designed to help wearers take their trail running to the next level. The Olympus' all-new look features a redesigned upper that is crafted to improve the shoe's breathability and durability.
Additionally, version 5 has an updated heel collar with increased padding, which promises runners a better lockdown and increased comfort along the Achilles tendon. The Olympus 5's compression-molded EVA midsole uses a healthy amount of foam to give runners a soft and protective underfoot feel that improves upon version 4's standard EVA midsole. The Olympus' Vibram Megagrip outsole remains more or less the same in version 5, but this extremely capable outsole is built to deliver reliable traction that will instill confidence while running on any type of trail.
The Bottom Line
With a thick slab of EVA foam underfoot, a breathable engineered mesh upper, and a durable Vibram outsole, it is easy to see why trail runners love the Olympus and why they will continue to love version 5 of this Altra classic.
The newly updated mesh upper is more breathable and more protective than that of its predecessor, improving the shoe's level of comfort and making it better suited to long miles on a broader range of trails. Speaking of comfort, the additional padding in the heel not only adds a dose of plushness to the Olympus' upper, but it helps dial in the shoe's overall fit, making long runs that much more enjoyable.
To keep runners secure and confident as they tear it up, Altra continues to utilize Vibram's sticky Megagrip outsole, providing just as much traction on highly technical trails as it does on packed fire roads. Also, with slightly retooled sidewalls, the Olympus 5 now provides a whole new level of stability.
While the updates Altra made are fairly minimal, they do a lot to improve the shoe's performance, especially concerning comfort. Newcomers and longtime Altra fans alike will enjoy many great runs in these trail shoes.
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Sizing | True to size |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Toe Box | Medium to wide |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 306 g (size EU 42.5) | Women's: 275 g (size EU 39) |
| Stack Height | 36 mm (heel), 36 mm (forefoot) |
| Terrain | Trail |
Men's Altra Olympus
Women's Altra Olympus
Individual Thoughts
To date, the Olympus 5 is my favorite iteration of the shoe. This is a result of the high level of protection offered by the shoe's outsole and the responsive yet stable midsole. The Olympus 5's Vibram Megagrip outsole also does an excellent job of keeping me securely locked down on the trails, even when running on rocky segments littered with debris.
The fit is spot-on for me in version 5, providing me with a highly secure foothold that also leaves plenty of room for my toes to splay. I was surprised by how versatile the Olympus was throughout testing, performing exceptionally well on steep climbs and intimidating descents. Furthermore, the Olympus 5 had no issues going a few miles on the pavement as I made my way to the trailhead.
I will continue to use the Olympus when I need trustworthy protection that can go long distances without zapping my energy, and I would highly recommend the Altra Olympus 5 for any runner looking for their next long-haul shoe to take on a majority of their trail runs.