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The Altra Olympus 6 Trail Runner is a zero-drop, most cushion path runner shoe that’s nice for thru-hiking and backpacking on reasonable mountain climbing trails. It has a Vibram Megagrip outsole that gives glorious traction throughout a variety of situations, whereas the froth midsole makes the shoe really feel such as you’re strolling on air, all of the whereas nonetheless sustaining ample “trail feel” by means of the only.
- Heel-to-toe drop: 0mm
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lugs
- Weight (pair): 26 oz / 737 g – males’s 10.5 US (girls’s additionally obtainable)
- Cushion: Max
- Stack peak: 33 mm
- Support: Neutral with sidewalls for steering
- FootShape: Original (roomiest)
- Fit: True to measurement for size; excessive quantity over forefoot
- Pros: Outstanding grip and braking when descending steep terrain, very cushioned but steady, roomy toe field, good toe and sidewall safety
- Cons: Warm in summer time, smearing requires extra drive, vast sizes are usually not obtainable
Fit and Comfort
The Olympus 6 retains Altra’s signature roomy toe field with the Original FootShape, which is the model’s most beneficiant. This permits your toes to unfold naturally and splay on descents with out jamming, which helps get rid of black toenails and toe blisters on lengthy days. The shoe’s size runs true, the width is forgiving, however sadly, vast sizes are usually not obtainable.
The midfoot wrap is safe with out squeezing, and the heel counter holds effectively with a easy shoelace knot. The tongue padding is a bit skinny, however satisfactory with a totally gusseted tongue, to forestall high-quality grit from sneaking in on dusty trails. If you hike on sand or in shorts, pair the footwear with low gaiters (the Olympus retains Altra’s gaiter entice within the rear and gaiter ring on the toe).
Underfoot, max cushion defines the trip. The 33 mm stack is plush with out feeling too mushy. Sidewall sculpting on the inside gently facilities the foot, including steering. The rocker is delicate; it helps roll you ahead however doesn’t really feel tippy. Overall, the extent of consolation is superb for hikers who need all-day safety.
Performance and Traction
Grip is the place the Olympus 6 shines. The Vibram Megagrip outsole and lugs enhance chew on moist slab and roots, significantly on rocky descents. Lug depth and spacing shed mud effectively, and braking lugs on the heel present management on steep descents with a backpack.
The platform is tall, so that you’ll really feel extra peak and fewer stability on very unfastened and rocky trails than in a mid-cushion shoe; that’s the trade-off for consolation. Torsional rigidity is reasonable, and forefoot flex is pure sufficient for mountain climbing. There’s no rock plate, however the foam thickness and outsole protection successfully mute sharp edges. You nonetheless get primary floor cues for foot placement with out the jabby really feel widespread in low-stack path runners just like the Altra Lone Peak 9.
While the max cushioning is a dream on rocky descents, the Olympus struggles with delicate rock strikes on the incline. For instance, smearing the forefoot or wedging the footwear in a “corner” takes additional energy to compress the max cushion. On the flip facet, it’s simpler to compress the cushion when coming downhill as a result of you’ve your complete body weight behind it, and that’s when the additional traction of the megagrip outsole actually shines by means of.
Durability and Build Quality
The higher makes use of a tightly woven mesh that resists abrasion. Heavier welded overlays wrap the toe and sides, guarding high-wear zones with out turning the shoe right into a boot. The rand is extra sturdy than on the Altra Lone Peak or Altra Timp, offering a lot better safety for the toes and across the complete perimeter of the shoe.
The midsole foam holds its rebound effectively for a max-cushion shoe. Expect some softening previous 250–300 mountain climbing miles, relying in your weight and pack load. Stitching and eyelets are clear, the heel pull tab is sturdy, and the insole is serviceable, barely, although I want changing it with a supportive aftermarket footbed with extra arch help, just like the Superfeet Run Carbon Low or the Currex RunProfessional, as a result of it maintains the shoe’s zero drop.
Protection and Versatility
Toe safety is excellent. The entrance bumper spreads influence throughout a large space, and the upper sidewalls assist with occasional lateral bumps. While not a technical scrambling shoe, the Olympus 6 handles tough trails and rocky approaches with confidence. The max cushion takes the sting out of heel strikes on lengthy descents.
Versatility is a powerful swimsuit. The shoe transitions comfortably from grime to crushed gravel to pavement, making it a sensible decide for mixed-surface days or journey the place one pair has to do all of it. Breathability is respectable, nevertheless it runs hotter than Altra’s lighter fashions. Drainage after full submersion is ample; the shoe doesn’t maintain a lot water, however the thicker foam takes a bit to dry.
Weight and Ride
The weight is cheap for the quantity of safety that the shoe gives. On foot, the shoe feels lighter than the dimensions quantity suggests as a result of the rocker retains turnover easy. The zero-drop platform encourages a midfoot strike if that’s your fashion, but the cushioning is forgiving for heel strikers. The vast base and sidewalls present a steady touchdown. Long high-mileage days are the place the Olympus 6 actually pays off: legs really feel brisker, and foot soreness is decreased in comparison with mid-cushion fashions.
Ideal User
- Hikers accustomed to zero-drop, or slowly transitioning from low-drop
- Hikers and backpackers logging lengthy days who need most cushion and a roomy toe field.
- Hikers and backpackers who worth grip on steep or moist terrain
If you’ve had points with plantar fasciitis or Achilles irritation, ease into the zero-drop if you happen to’re coming from 8–12 mm footwear. Gradual mileage will increase and calf/foot power work will assist.
Recommendation
The Altra Olympus 6 is a best choice for hikers who need supreme cushioning, glorious moist/dry traction, and a spacious match. It’s extra protecting and sturdy than Altra’s lighter path runners, with a Vibram Megagrip outsole that evokes belief on rock and steep forest trails. Downsides are modest: it runs heat and the stack feels tall on steep boulder climbs. If you prioritize consolation over absolute floor really feel and need a do-it-all path runner for giant days and blended surfaces, together with street walks, the Olympus 6 belongs in your brief record. I by no means thought I’d like utilizing a max cushion path runner, however the Olympus 6 made me change my thoughts.
Disclosure: Altra donated a pair of footwear for assessment.
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