Are the Altra Olympus Trail Runners Still Worth It After 4,000km?

Thru-hiker Kate Donald won’t even look at another running shoe after wearing the Altra Olympus Trail Runner – a max-cushioned shoe built for long-distance hikers and runners chasing comfort all day on the trail.

When you find a pair of trail runners that actually work for you – don’t let them go. I’ve turned down countless offers to review other shoes simply because I’ve already found the one (and no, I’m not sponsored by Altra). From now until forever, I will only wear the Altra Olympus 6 Trail Runner.

They’re the kind of shoe that’s still comfortable after 50 kilometres of running. The kind that I can trust to grip on any surface. The kind that has never given me a blister.

Read more: How To Prevent Blisters While Hiking

If you’re chasing a shoe that will go from multi-day hikes to daily runs on the local track, the Altra Olympus might just be the one for you too.

Sunsets with my shoes with never get old | @courtneyevewhite

Why am I the right person to do this review?

I’ve been wearing the Altra Olympus range of trail runners for over two years now. Hiking and running more than 4000km, I’m onto my third pair. They’ve taken me through everything, from the muddy forests of New Zealand’s Te Araroa Trail to the hot, rocky path of South Australia’s Heysen Trail.

Before landing on these, I tried plenty of other trail runners including Hoka Speedgoats, Salomon Speedcross and Arc’teryx Aerios, but in my opinion— the Olympus does it best.

My natural habitat | @courtneyevewhite

Quick Specifications

Weight: 289g
Stack height: 33mm
Fit: Wide toe box, regular fit
Heel-to-toe Drop: 0mm
Extras: GaiterTrap
Colour: Black or Teal
RRP: $269.95

Note: This review is based on the Altra Olympus 6 Trail Runner (non-Gore-Tex) model. There’s also a hiking-specific model (has GORE-TEX) available in both low and boot cut.

Performance

When Altra first released this shoe, it was marketed for thru-hikers and long-distance runners – and this is exactly where it delivers. They’re comfortable enough for big-mile days with a heavy pack, but responsive enough to pick up the pace for fast-packing or a casual jog.

Case in point: I wore them for a spontaneous 50km run around Canberra and had no foot issues (humble brag).

Durability

Trail runners typically last 500–800kms of wear, but I like to expect around 1000km if I’m just hiking in them. The Olympus blows those numbers out of the water. Over two years, I’ve pushed three pairs across 4000km, and they’ve held up far better than expected.

My last pair (Altra Olympus 5) ticked over 1000km before I replaced them with the Altra Olympus 6. Sure, the Vibram grip is peeling at the sole and the cushion has softened (entirely), but they’re still holding shape and the upper barely shows wear. I’ve taken them through mud, snow, water, and tonnes of gravel – and they just keep going.

Read more about my experience wearing Altra Olympus 5: The Four Pairs of Shoes I Wore Thru Hiking Te Araroa Over 116 Days

Old vs new

Weather Resistance

The Olympus comes in both GORE-TEX and non-GORE-TEX versions, but I always opt for the non-GTX model. It dries faster, feels lighter on the foot, and breathes much better.

While the Gore-Tex model might keep the feet dry in light rain, once wet, they stay wet. For multi-day hikes when getting soaked is inevitable, fast-drying shoes win every time.

This is the weatherproof boot cut version

Comfort

This is where the Olympus truly shines. These shoes quite literally saved my hike on the Te Araroa (a 3000km thru-hike down the length of New Zealand). I’d been battling with shin splints and blisters, and swapping into the Olympus mid-hike turned everything around.

The wide toe box (Altra calls it the Original FootShape Fit) gave my toes room to splay naturally, stopping the blisters I’d been getting between and around my toes. Turns out I have narrow ankles and a wide forefoot and didn’t know (cheers, genetics).

The plush 33mm stack height feels like bouncing on clouds. Gravel? Asphalt? Rocky trail? You barely feel it. The EVA midsole foam takes a couple of wears to mould to the foot, but once it’s dialled in, the comfort is next-level.

One feature I’ve grown to love is the ‘Achilles Pillows’: cushioned pads around the heel that help lock in the foot and reduce heel slip. For someone with chicken legs (my family’s words, not mine), they’ve been a game-changer. That said, it won’t suit every foot. One of my friends called them ‘devil shoes’ because the pillows rubbed her ankles raw. So, definitely try them on before committing.

The Heysen Trail probably didn’t feel as soft for anyone not wearing Altras, just sayin’ (these are the Altra Olympus 5 Trail Runners)

Design

The Vibram Megagrip outsole gives incredible traction whether scrambling over slick rocks, sliding scree slopes, or tiptoeing across slippery boardwalks. I’ve rarely had to think about my footing since wearing these, which says a lot.

The zero-drop design is iconically Altra; practically their entire range is zero-drop. This means there’s no height difference between the heel and toe, so the foot sits completely flat inside the shoe. It promotes a more natural stride – like barefoot walking, but with max cushioning. It took me a few hikes to adjust to (my calves definitely noticed), but now I love how stable they feel. Zero-drop isn’t for everyone though, so it’s worth easing into if you’re new to it.

Brand new and ready to rumble

Looks-wise, I’ll be honest: they’re fine. The colour options are okay but a little plain. I’d love to see Altra have more fun with the designs, like the wild Hoka colourways I’ve seen this season. And I get that not everyone loves the chunky silhouette, but hey – function over fashion, right?

There’s also Altra’s GaiterTrap system: a velcro patch on the heel and a metal hook at the front for attaching lightweight running gaiters. It keeps out sand and stones, further reducing the chance of blisters, and helps keep laces secure. If investing in any Altra shoe, I’d recommend grabbing a pair of Altra Trail Gaiters too.

Read more: 6 Reasons (Other Than Snakes) to Wear Gaiters While Hiking

No red dirt in my socks thank you very much!

Weight

At 289g (for the women’s model), they’re not the lightest trail runners out there. However, it’s similar to the Hoka Speedgoat (278g), which is often seen as its closest rival. Considering the stack and durability, I’d say the weight is totally justified.

Sustainability

Altra doesn’t speak as loudly as some brands about sustainability, but they are making steps in the right direction. Their parent company, VF Corp (which also owns The North Face), have some broad environmental commitments, like public sustainability goals and a Responsible Sourcing Program.

Altra also claims to use low-waste manufacturing methods, though details about the specific factories or sourcing processes are a bit vague. They’re not B-Corp certified, Fair Trade, or super transparent about materials used in the Olympus 6, which leaves a bit to be desired.

There’s a lot of potential for Altra to step up their game in sustainability.

Price

At $269.95, the Altra Olympus 6 is not cheap, but in the world of gear that actually goes the distance (pun intended), I believe you get what you pay for. These shoes have outlasted every other pair I’ve worn (looking at you, Hoka Speedgoats, which fell apart after three weeks on the Te Araroa).

Whilst I may have been gifted the Altra Olympus 6 by Wild Earth, I have paid for previous pairs and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. They’re worth every cent!

Breaks are so much more enjoyable without aching feet | @courtneyevewhite

Final Thoughts

Altra Olympus Trail Runners have carried me through thousands of kilometres and continue to be my go-to shoe for every hike and trail run. If you’re chasing max comfort, want zero-drop, and a wide toe box, this might just be your forever shoe too.

FAQs Altra Olympus Trail Runners

Can you wear orthotics in Altra Olympus Trail Runners?

Yep, orthotics and insoles can both be used inside Altra Olympus Trail Runners.

Are Altra Olympus shoes good for wide feet?

100%. The Original FootShape Fit gives your toes room to splay naturally, reducing blisters and making long days way more bearable.

Are Altra Olympus shoes waterproof?

The Altra’s come in GORE-TEX (waterproof) and non-GORE-TEX versions.

Do Altra Olympus Trail Runners last long?

Yes! Expect well over 1000km of hiking use. Explorer Kate racked up 4000km over three pairs!

Are Altra Olympus shoes good for hiking and trail running?

Absolutely. The Olympus is built for both big-mile hikes and trail runs, offering max cushioning, great grip, and durability.

Are trail runners or hiking boots better for hiking?

This debate will never, ever die. Check out this article comparing trail runners and hiking boots to help decide which side of the fence you sit on!

Find Your Goldilocks Trail Runner With These Reviews

• Arc’teryx Norvan LD3 Trail Runner – Reviewed & Tested
• Norda 002 Trail Running Shoe – Reviewed & Tested
• Salomon Women’s Wildcross Trail Runners – Reviewed & Tested
• Hoka Stinson 7 – Reviewed & Tested