The latest update to a trail running classic // ALTRA OLYMPUS 5 // Ginger Runner Review

[@TheGingerRunner]

What are your thoughts on the new Olympus 5? Super curious what other runners are thinking, especially with so much max cushioned trail competition out there! Also, snag a VERT hat, Elite Power Hiker Shirt & more from the shop! Happy running :)

[@MrHepcat34]

Ethan I grabbed a pair of Olympus 4 since they were on a deal. Pretty good shoes, but man my arches really hurt when using them. Haven’t been able to figure it out yet. Don’t have that problem in my Lone peaks.

[@thomaslemay4672]

I love thé support and cushion of these, but they are expensive. I’m mainly looking for a shoe to walk and run in on pavement. Any suggestions for an alternative with the same cushion and support that isn’t a trail shoe?

[@jamesalvernaz4913]

Olympus 5 lugs peeling off. REI replaced. On 2nd pair of Olympus 5 and the lugs on the bottom after only a month of wear are peeling off again. I'm so hoping this will be remedied in the Olympus 6. Any probably date for when the Olympus 6 will be available?

[@comodice905]

Bloke get with tech

[@bopa1053]

Lots of runners hanging out in the background who love your work.... Nice job once again.

[@ScottLindemann]

I’ve put over 700 miles on these shoes and still no issues on comfort or durability. Excellent shoe

[@MrHepcat34]

Hate to say it, but I’m an Altra fanboy. They are the only shoe that doesn’t hurt my feet. I wish they would put Vibram on the Lone peaks.

[@RayLabs]

I'm a Lone Peak runner as well. The only thing I find about LPs is that the versions are often so different. 3s were my go to shoe, 4 sucked, 4.5 sucked, 5 was acceptable and 6 finally gave me the feel of my beloved 3s (still have 1 pair of unused 3s). As soon as I see the 6 go on sale (as that means they are clearing out inventory) I will be stocking up on a couple more pairs.

[@ckokomo808]

I wish they’d put vibram on all their shoes. It’s one of their weak points. That, and durability with glue in the toe area.

[@caleboconnor3504]

Agreed, great fitting and comfortable but thier maxtrac is downright dangerous anything but dry dirt. It's really prevented me from staying with those shoes. Lone peak and superior need vibram!

[@Neatguyjake]

@@RayLabs I totally agree. Just tried on a pair of the LP7 and they are so narrow I was shook. Literally felt like my mid foot was being squeezed like I tied my shoes super tight

[@Raevenswood]

totally agree! I really love the Lone Peaks I bought several pairs of 6's when they went on sale but the Achilles heel of these shoes is the soles are slippery AF on slick rock and under some other conditions. Thats why I've been considering getting Olympus even though I probably don't need a shoe with 33mm stack.

[@Tybilth]

Super interesting review. I guess it is all subjective ultimately, no two pairs of feet are the same, as I have the Olympus 5s and have really loved them. Mine are bright orange (so there are better colorways out there and I have run multiple 50km races in them. I have also run all of my trail training in them leading up to the races. No outsole issues at all and no midsole degradation to speak of.

[@johnturnbull2146]

I bought a pair to walk the Camino, my first pair of Altra's; 1. Am having to play with laces as they are not quite long enough which is annoying; 2. No arch support on insoles provided but I am working to increase my arch strength to overcome this after trialling arch support inserts that did not work for me; 3. The rear black inner lugs on the outsole are noticeably worn after only 40-50km walking (no running); 4. In Australia these are over $A300; Not sure what I think but as I don't head to Spain until April I am thinking I may have to stop wearing them to avoid them being worn out before I leave...expense trial

[@DanielHurst-hq1bv]

Thanks Ethan I appreciate your candid reviews. I'm on my second pair of Olympus 5's. I had never owned a pair of Altra's until these. I have to say I really like them overall. I was honestly surprised how much I liked them. The price is steep but they got me comfortably through my first 50 miler and they were great. I had a great lock down feel and they performed better than expected. No hotspots, no blisters, no problem for 50 continuous miles. Changed my socks at mile 28, dumped out dirt on occasion (gaiters would have been a good idea) and I was good to go. I did have the issue that was talked about with the outsole glue failing. I had less than 100 miles on them when it happened. They started coming unglued during a 20 mile run on the Enchantments trail. I could feel the strips of the Vibram rubber hanging down and dragging when my foot got close to the ground. From what I saw looking at the glue marks on the loose parts of the outsole it seemed as though there was not enough glue to secure and seal them to the midsole allowing stuff the get around and under the rubber and probably start the outsole pulling away. I emailed Altra explaining what was going on and sent them some pictures of what was happening. They contacted me within 2 days and sent me a new pair that arrived a few days later. So far the second pair is holding up much better. The midsole still feels good to me at 200'ish miles on them. I'm not to big though (5'-11" 165 pounds size 12 shoe) so that may have some to do with it. I'd buy them again at this point.

[@curtistavares3146]

I dig it, I ve got two pairs that I swap between, both pairs have 80 plus miles. No breakdown yet, tread and materials are standing up to AZ desert trails.

[@toddpdroneworks563]

WOOHOO Another great video Ethan. Use to be an Olympus runner but this shoe is a why for me.

[@andrewtarango4128]

Yesterday was my first day running the Olympus fives did 9.2 miles on the trail by lake desire here in WA. And it felt very odd moving into a maximum cushion shoe. I very quickly noticed the 33 mm height, but I got these as a bday gift and plan to do a 40mile SNAKE TO LAKE in these. Thankfully they were purchased at REI and if I not pleased with them I will be exchanging them. But I do enjoy the grip and feel and my feet weren’t beat up in as my arc’teryx norvan ld2. My other trail runner is vibram five fingers.

[@jeremyfitzwater681]

I’ve had the Vibram grip start peeling off on my Olympus 5 mid GTX shoes after 150km of walking. I found Supaglue works well to stick back down.

[@JonPhillipssea206]

Man, it’s like Ginger-kah! Three review drops in three days 😂 Love em all.

[@TheGingerRunner]

More to come!

[@seekingUltraNick]

Great review, Ethan! I’m rocking the Olympus 4 (black/white/red of course!) and planning to run them thru a 50miler here in two weeks. Great shoe! Thanks again! -Nick

[@TheGingerRunner]

Good choice!

[@vegardaamot6980]

I know a few gingers personally, a lot of them great people, gingerwise. However, you are my favourite ginger!! 😁

[@afewmominutes]

Great and thorough review Ethan. I think I'd cut that ankle loop off! I'm still running in Olympus 3, but ALL of my Altras have ripped apart prematurely on the inside edge near the ball of my foot (Lone Peaks, Olympus, Timps). Sometimes it's from catching a rock with the side of the shoe that starts a little tear, I wish they would add some hard protection there. I keep buying them for the toe space and zero blisters, they fit me great. Think I'll try the 4s for now instead of jumping up to the 5s. Thanks for this!

[@ckokomo808]

It’s my biggest complaint. No other shoe fits like Altras but that dang spot always rips for me!

[@Neatguyjake]

That spot is the bane of my existence

[@afewmominutes]

@@Neatguyjake I've started putting some shoo-goo on that spot right after I buy them, to help protect it, it think it's helping a little, but I know it's going to rip eventually

[@BananaBabys]

I hiked some of the pct in the olympus 4s and They eventually break down on the foam and feel just as flat as a less cushy sole, like the lone peak. They aren’t offered in a wide like the lone peak, which i consider basically a barefoot shoe once the foam breaks down. I wouldn’t go any less foam then a lone peak, for altras. They are the bare minimum protection you would want for long hikes. gonna try the brooks caldera 6. hopefully that fit my wide foot and have better durability.

[@kevinhaskins6619]

My Olympus 4s are done at this point so crossing the fingers and hoping the 5s work.

[@peetcronje2695]

Have a pair of Olympus 4.0 & had the same issue with the outsole coming loose after 240km. The midsole also didnt last long against rocky terrain. Love the comfort & support in the shoe and especially the fit. But I might rather go with a pair of Hoka Mafate shoes as a replacement

[@bopa1053]

I just recently stocked up on 6 pairs of the Olympus 4s at great prices .... Happy Camper here!

[@etiennekingsley7288]

I agree, the 4’s were a lot better all around and I miss them dearly. I have 5’s and use them regularly. I can attest to the outsole durability issues but crazy glue fixed them fairly well. The biggest change that I found was sizing. The 5’s are tighter or the toe Rand is larger and rubs against my toes. I had to size up 13 to 14.

[@slavasss2189]

I found them much firmer also compared with ver 3

[@peterchow911]

Thx for the review. I personally still think that LP is the best design one except the durability and outsole needs lot of improvement. I will definitely buy a LP with it combines with the Vibram outsole.

[@RayLabs]

Maybe it is just how I run, but in all the years of running on Altras I have not experienced the Mid-Sole issue. Granted I'm on the smallish size (135 pounds) and over the years I have moved from heal strike to mid foot striking. I tend to do 3-5 hour trail runs with maybe a bit of hard pack here and there. On the Olympus line I got the 5 in and tried it for a day before sending it back (love the no questions asked return policy). That Achilles protection rubing just irked me and I knew once my brain was thinking about it, I would always be conscious of it. So back to my trusty Lone Peak 6s for Trail running (still have 1 pair of unused 3s as my backup). Really would like to find an Altra with more cushioning that worked for me. Maybe if Altra would put a Olympus bottom on a Lone Peak 6 top that would be my wish.

[@MichaelHilliard]

Killing it, Ethan!

[@stephenlupe1754]

Had 2 pairs of the Olympus 4 (Altra replaced 1 twice), and they just fell apart. They were very comfortable, but the durability was terrible. The fabric along the inside, at the transition from fabric to the denser material separated in all of them. I really want to love Altras, but they just need to fix the durability issues.

[@AmnesiaTanner]

they need to learn something from salomon and la sportiva in this department! especially for their price point. durability aside they are fantastic, but that’s a big thing to put ‘aside’ haha.

[@gregprevite8548]

With some of the issues you spoke of 180 seems steep. If they were more durable they’d be worth it. Topo has a new zero drop shoe called persuit that’s worth a serious look.

[@abrahamseo]

In this ALTRA OLYMPUS 5 video you talk about being a big guy. Most of my faves are little (Seth) or tall but skinny (Edd) and I know you're not obese like me (320/6'3") but I'd love to have a link or recommend a "best shoes for big guys" and I love you work!

[@douglasadams4424]

Yep. The MegaGrip sole on my Olympus 4s peeled off on most lugs and the side walls collapsed. I had to glue the lugs back on while walking the Pacific Crest Trail. I’ll not be buying Altra again and have changed to Hoka Speedgoat wide shoes. Shame because the Altra Olympus 4 was a very comfortable shoes for long distance walking carrying a load.

[@CameronHardyultrarunner]

I was fond of the Olympus 1.5...while it lacked traction, the rest of it was ideal.

[@runswithdogs3069]

1st off Happy Thanksgiving! not the news I was hoping for :( the 4's were really good I was hoping for a little softer mid sole (speed goat soft) and trimmer ankle opening was all the shoe needed to be a all time great it's very perplexing that these companies don't listen to the consumers who spend their hard money on their products just like Nike and the poor wet grip mid sole flattening and sizing have been an issue with Altra for years. thanks for all the hard work and great reviews and films.

[@jamesalvernaz4913]

Olympus "6" Any insight on about when the Altra Olympus 6 going to be available?

[@blaineadams8494]

Between quality with the 4s and the 5 I left Altra all together after years of being dedicated to the Olympus. I moved to Caldera’s and love them.

[@AG-uh1ni]

Brooks Caldera, Cascadia and Catamount are pretty good as well. Eventually, in my case which implies a lot of multidays treks, they all breakdown after a year or so (I don’t know in miles/km).

[@kainoskid7042]

Altra said in a reply to a review that I read that the outsole issues have been corrected and was an issue with the makeup if the materials. Not sure if it was glue or rubber, but they did say it has been corrected and that they will replace those with issues.

[@Moneiato]

That’s food to know as I’m going to buy a pair rn!

[@cbeazley]

How did you manage to tie the laces? Its impossible with the laces I got with them!

[@ElineElodie]

Thanks for the review. Consistent with what you hear about the 5. I run 2 pairs of 4, love them. I'm a Altra fanboy since the very beginning. If there just hadn't always been these quality issues (for me always the uppers ripping apart with different Altra models). No issues with the 4s. Will stock up on 4s and wait for 6. 4s can be have quite cheaply currently.

[@charliejg]

Nice review!! I am not a runner, rather a hiker and I'm 63 years old. I hike mostly in NE Pennsylvania where it is pretty rock on trail. I wanted something really comfortable with good grip. As soon as I put the Olympus 4 on my feet it was like night and day compared to the others. Now, I wish I had bought several pairs. Mine are surprisingly in good condition yet. I tend to blow out shoes in the toes. But, hasn't been an issue at all with the Olympus 4s. And, I just LOVE that toe box. Questions: Is there a good outlet for buying older versions where I might find some 4s? Is there another shoe that compares closely with the Altra 4? Thanks again, have a great week!

[@4Bobay]

Old Altra runner here. Try the New Balance X 840 v1 shoes. As good as the Altra Olympus. Big toe box, high stack height.

[@captainamerica6182]

Can you use these to walk on regular pavement like sidewalks or the asphalt?

[@Redbeardedrunner]

Just brought the Olympus 5, keen to see how they perform. Been running in Topo’s so also keen to see the comparison.

[@buster7804]

well how did they go?

[@darlingrunnerpt3342]

Love the Altra Olympus 4 but DANG what is up with the Achilles killer? That new Achilles loop basically about sliced my Achilles off and I was just walking around in the store. So bummed. Now have to scour the internet for the old 4 version which is awesome.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Oh man that sucks!

[@darlingrunnerpt3342]

Just scored an Olympus 4….. non-Achilles killer online for only $118. Yeah!!!!

[@Max-trek]

Are these shoes true to size? or do they come a little bigger ??

[@andrewschuschu3499]

They're so good that someone stole the ones I ordered right off my porch. Mark of a good shoe!

[@matsmith1984]

Great review, Ethan! As always. I'm looking to get a new pair of shoes and was eyeing up the Olympus 5 (they would be my first Altra's) and was looking forward to your review on them. They look so good and 'on paper' I thought they were going to be 'the ones' but along with your video I've also read elsewhere that durability is an issue. A lot of money to spend on something that isn't absolutely solid.

[@kentsvensson8666]

How is this in size? I have 42,5 EU in Lone Peak. Altra are so difficult with sizes.

[@DNF4U]

Mine had lost bounce after 150km... but then I'm a heavy dude, so perhaps thats why?

[@alanmalik4519]

does the toe cap protection is hard ?

[@chotovai9425]

Brother, is there any air circulation? is it suitable for summer? As like in 37-38° temperature? Asking to know from south asia.

[@dougsphoto]

But the Gore Tex version is like wearing ski boots. Altra doesn’t have a Hoka Clallenger 6 GTX or Nike Shield compensator. And no water resistant road/hybrid shoe. The Out Road should of made a All weather version of it.

[@valdius85]

Foot shape shoe - so sad that it has to be mentioned 😆

[@2spoons]

TheGingerRunner - I need to ask advice as I'm running The Snowdon †rail Ultra this summer..... and I ran last years Trail Marathon in my Altra Londpeaks..... trouble is this year is I Have some Plantar Fasciitis and I've tried Inov8's G270 but they aren't as comfortable as the Altras and not offering the the wide toe box..... I've been told to look as the Altra Olympus 5 as it's also a Altra and offers the very wide toe box..... but I need a spongy heal and lots of support for my high rises arches foot....? Sorry there's a lot of detail but working from home leaves me no support.... H E L P

[@world5168]

short shoelaces

[@rorypotatochip1373]

I like these shoes, but will only get them on sale due to how long they last, which isn’t terribly long. My Akasha’s last at least twice as long

[@rorypotatochip1373]

And I have/had six pairs

[@KevinHoegler]

I definitely agree that with Altra, across the board, there are midsole issues. Seems like every shoe I wear with them dies out prematurely

[@cmadelaide56]

Short laces. Such ridiculously short laces - why god?!

[@abhijit1393]

Durability has been a serious issue with Altra shoes in the past 2 years or so especially with the outsole. A lot of my friends have faced the same issue irrespective of the model they have been using. LP 3 was a great shoe and I still believe it was the best trail shoe by Altra but LP 4 onwards the upper as well as the outsole quality has degraded over the years. Same with the Superior. Hope they work on it.

[@trailrunningnic]

Vibram Megagrip is definitly super sticky... but I find it wears out more quickly than other materials such as Salomon's contagrip.

[@denyhoudy2085]

I am a thru hiker and Olympus 4 lasted me 900 km where as 5 has currently 400 and bottom of the shoes starting to peel off. Don’t buy it it’s comfortable, but also the shoe laces are shorter. Stick with 4

[@mutestyles]

The sole seems stiffer than the 4's to me. I like it though.

[@mutestyles]

I do not like the green accent color on the black ones. I wish they stuck with the blue.

[@slavasss2189]

I have ver 3, which is much softer....5th version is bricks

[@HotKooks]

3:33 you said it. Not me 🎅 4:18 (second hand)

[@Ni1zz]

No Zegama?? =(

[@TheGingerRunner]

Uploaded my review of the Zegama earlier this week

[@samattapoluttamayotin1457]

Dear TheGingerRunner , how about the water drainage of this shoe ? (In case of creek crossing)

[@doepicshit454]

I had the outsole peel off in under 50 miles. I reached out to Altra for a refund, but they sent me a replacement (at no cost). I received no further response when I asked why they sent a replacement, when I asked for a refund. The replacement pair started to peel at 40 miles. Considering I intended to use these for ultra running, I would say this is a useless shoe. I would NEVER trust them on a 50 mile run. This was the first time I tried Altra's, and might be the last. I'm going back to the other brand that makes foot-shaped shoes.

[@borekhanousek5714]

Thanks for info. I would like to try them but the durability issues reported apparently more often than in case of other brands ( currently I am Merrell fan - no durability issue ever, except standard wear) is a no go for me. I do not understand Altra's approach as this not new topic and to me it seems they do not consider this as a problem to be solved. But it really is as they are not on the cheaper side of the market. I have just bought Hoka shoes for really long runs...

[@matthiassventoest6800]

gotcha... good

[@Yoshua-Robinson]

33mm stack is a no go for me. Superior 5 or 6 all the way!

[@fynthemtns]

I want to love Altra but their continued durability issues are just bad. It's been a long time issue, they need to make a change, and also stick to their original, or even wider, footshape. The brand just frustrates me - could be so great but lacks in some key areas.

[@df540148]

WTAF is that ankle loop? Why do brands feel the need to "innovate" every year? Figure out what people want, iterate on that and stop adding superfluous crap to stand out that ends up having a negative impact on the running experience.

[@afrh9042]

I love this shoe but I don't think it's the most cushioned shoe by Altra. I think the Mont Blanc is more cushioned. Mont Blanc is the GOAT of altras. Wonderful shoe.

[@TheGingerRunner]

The Mont Blancs are probably my least favorite Altra, haha! That fit is horrendous! See the review I just dropped of the BOA version

[@Wh33ls]

180$ for a shoe that will likely have the same durability issues that Altra can’t seem to solve.

[@Sedona-Faise]

Cadillac of dog walking shoes!

[@TheAlanb85]

Heel slip makes this totally unusable 🤷‍♂️

[@TimElliottuk]

Don't you get any adverse reactions going from zero drop to stacked? ...asks a guy who's never ran but contemplating zero drops ?

[@16pgtips]

180 bucks for a shoe thar has serious durability issues. Definite WHY!!!

[@percrunner1433]

I loved Altra…until this years topo stuff. The Spectre and Pursuit pulled me away from Altra.

[@arinkim708]

Heard many good things about these so I figured I try. I will never buy ALTRA or any products from them. Their quality especially at this price is is flat out horrific. I tried 3 Olympus 5 and everyone of them were just out right garbage in quality. The outsole just comes unglued. 1st one less then 5 miles two of the lugs along outsole unglued. 2nd one out of the box was unglued. Guess someone returned and they just placed it back into lets sell it to people w/o checking? 3rd one made it to 25 miles before coming unglued. Just utter garbage quality.

[@comodice905]

Bloke du they