Altra Olympus 5 Shoe Review
Published: January 13, 2023
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
- Felt heavy deep into longer runs
- 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
Shoe Specs
| Sizing | True to size |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Toe Box | Medium to wide |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Grace: "Altra made subtle changes to the upper for version 5, but the minimal tweaks made a big impact. Specifically, I appreciated the new highly-cushioned pull tab and the heightened level of protection from rocks and trail debris. That said, I did not like the length of the laces, and if you are a runner who uses the runner's loop, then you may not have enough length to complete the tie.
The Olympus 5's fit is spot-on for my foot, providing a secure foothold and a well-supported heel that made me feel equipped to take on anything the trails could throw at me. Like other Altras, the Olympus 5 provided ample room for my toes to splay thanks to Altra's signature FootShape design, which I am sure fans of the brand will appreciate."
Midsole
Grace: "The Olympus 5 has a max-cushioned design that was great at protecting my feet and legs from the impact of footstrikes, which enabled me to feel confident using the shoe for long runs on the trails. Even with a ton of cushioning underfoot, the Olympus 5 felt surprisingly responsive and performed well at a variety of paces.
Like every Altra, the Olympus 5 has a zero-drop midsole, so if you are a runner who likes a more natural feel with less ground contact, then the Olympus 5 may be the perfect trail shoe for you. I typically prefer a 4- to 8-mm drop from a trail shoe, so it took me a few miles to get used to it, which I wanted to note for those who, like me, are less acclimated to zero-drop shoes."
Outsole
Grace: "The lugs on the Olympus 5's outsole were fairly small, but the traction from the sticky Vibram rubber was perfect for the hard-packed, technical trails I typically run on. After 80 miles, the bottoms still look and perform great, and there is no question that the Olympus 5 was built to last and cover long distances."
Comparable Models
Grace: "The Olympus 5 is very similar to version 4, but with the slight updates from Altra, version 5 feels like a big upgrade to me. The Olympus 4's heel counter was very loose around my ankle, and I was a little nervous about not sizing down for version 5 purely based on the 4's fit.
Altra fixed both of these issues in the Olympus 5. The heel counter is now much more comfortable, and the extra padding helped prevent all heel slippage. Also, the fit was much more consistent throughout. If you liked the Olympus 4 but had some fit issues like me, I would consider giving the Olympus another try with version 5."
Individual Thoughts
Grace Overall Score: 7/10
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 midsole 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.
Men's Altra Olympus Running Shoes
The Altra Olympus is Altra's most cushioned trail running shoe. With sticky traction and all-day cushioning, this is a great choice for ultramarathons or rugged trail runs.
Women's Altra Olympus Running Shoes
The Altra Olympus is Altra's most cushioned trail running shoe. With sticky traction and all-day cushioning, this is a great choice for ultramarathons or rugged trail runs.
