Altra Olympus 4.0 Review
February 10, 2021
Maximal Cushion, Natural Feel
Altra's premium trail shoe has maximum cushioning to keep you on the trails longer.
Likes
- Highly cushioned
- Grippy traction
- Stylish design
Dislikes
- Slightly heavy
- Thin tongue
What's New
The Olympus 4.0 offers subtle yet noticeable updates that will help wearers take their trail running to the next level. To begin, its all-new look features a redesigned upper that is meant to improve breathability and durability. Moving down to the midsole, the Olympus continues to utilize a high level of A-Bound cushioning to give runners a soft, protective underfoot feel. Altra also redesigned the outsole with lots of Vibram Megagrip to improve traction so wearers can focus on the run ahead.
The Bottom Line
With thick cushioning underfoot, paired with a breathable upper and a redesigned outsole, it is easy to see why runners will love the Altra Olympus 4.0. The new mesh upper is now more breathable and durable than its predecessors, which should help wearers feel more comfortable on their runs. To keep runners on their feet, the Olympus continues to utilize Vibram's sticky Megagrip outsole. This outsole provides traction on a variety of terrains—anything from dry gravel to wet and rocky slopes. Overall, these updates add up to a better experience that will please longtime Altra Olympus fans and newcomers alike.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Wide | Height: High |
| Midfoot Volume | Men's: Medium | Women's: Medium to high |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 11.2 oz (size 9) | Women's: 10.2 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 33 mm (Heel), 33 mm (Forefoot) | 0 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
David: "This cushioning feels soft but not mushy or dead. It was great for impact absorption, especially on long downhill sections."
Ride/Energy Returni
David: "Even with a ton of cushioning, the Olympus 4.0 felt surprisingly fast and responsive. It worked well at a variety of paces and was able to adapt quickly as I picked up the pace."
Underfoot Protectioni
David: "A large amount of cushioning provided plenty of protection from the trails. The Olympus 4.0 has a 33-mm stack height and a Vibram Megagrip outsole that allowed for a smooth ride over even the rockiest of trails."
Flexibilityi
David: "Because of the high stack height, the Olympus 4.0's flexibility is limited. Despite this, the shoe had a smooth ride, and I didn't experience any issues with my stride."
Upper Supporti
David: "I love the new upper material on the Olympus 4.0. It felt secure in the heel and midfoot while still offering a roomy toebox without being sloppy."
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.
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.
Individual Thoughts
DavidOverall Score: 9/10
This has to be my favourite version of the Olympus so far. It maintains a high level of cushioning that feels protective and responsive without being mushy. The Vibram Megagrip outsole does an excellent job of keeping me locked onto the trails, even when encountering loose rocks and debris. Plus, the fit is spot-on, with a secure foothold throughout that leaves room for my toes to splay.
This is an awesome shoe for a variety of trails, and I found that it was able to perform well on steep climbs, descents, fire roads, and even on the pavement on my way to the trailhead. I will keep using this shoe when I want to feel well-protected without being slowed down. I would highly recommend this Altra Olympus 4.0 for any runner looking for a highly cushioned and grippy trail shoe that can handle plenty of mileage.
