With the all-new Olympus 5, Altra faces the paradox any successful footwear maker is eventually faced with: always and forever compelled to produce the “new,” how does a brand update / reinvent a winning model — in this case the Olympus 4 — to a degree that doesn’t completely ruin its design but does enough to warrant its update in the first place? The ideal answer: with tact. You're very welcome Alberto. And yes, the Stinson has very good midfoot hold. Even though it is a big shoe, I wouldn't term it "ponderous" - a great description Sam has used before. It holds your foot very well. The eventual result was the brand’s zero drop “Balanced Cushioning” that puts the heel and toes the same distance from the ground. This gives optimal alignment, cultivates better form, and encourages a low-impact landing. The upper is engineered mesh with a few strategically placed overlays for reinforcement, with minimal foothold reinforcement. The heel and toebox are where you’ll find most of the reinforcement, with the heel massively built up over last year.

Zero-drop cushion and a wide base offers a lot of inherent stability. I appreciate this because I really do not like the feeling of a posted arch or heel– especially on the trails. This feels natural and– as I said before– very balanced. Cushion: It might not be for everyone, but the bounce in this ride is undeniable. I experienced fewer pointy zingers and less daily foot fatigue in these shoes when compared to other, less-cushioned shoes that I have used (and loved) while thru-hiking. Number two: Overall, the fit is a little like eating a platter of fully loaded nachos without a napkin or utensils… a bit sloppy. That cheese is movin’. I kind of expect it from a max cushion shoe, but I was really hoping for a supremely secure fit like that found in the Altra Timp 2. Just an FWI and to set the record straight. The Olympus 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 also have Vibram MegaGrip on their soles. This newer 4.0 just seems to add possibly a bit more and what appears to be more aggressive lugs. Great looking update that will replace my 3.0’s with tons of miles.While this is great for more technical trails, this may be a bit less desirable for more runnable trails that you may come across. Pro:Direct are working in partnership with our carriers to reduce the impact on our environment with low, or zero carbon emissions in the last mile delivery to your door. So where does this wide-toe-box, high-cushion trail shoe fit in my trail running lineup, and how does it compare with other options on the market? After about 75 miles in the shoe, I have some thoughts about where the Olympus does well, as well as where I’ve found myself reaching for a different pair of shoes.

Thirdly they believe in balanced cushioning with a 0mm heel drop for optimal alignment and to cultivate better form. TAYLOR: Max cushion on the trails is pretty much owned by a singular company that provides ample top-notch options. If you run, we don’t have to tell you who (but yeah we’re talking about HOKA). But let it be known¬– “they” are not the only ones slayin’ the game as of late. The shoe doesn’t do anything “wrong” per se, but it’s just a maximally cushioned shoe that isn’t designed with maximal speed as the priority. Nothing that I experienced in any subsequent runs in the Olympus 4.0s did anything to diminish my opinions about the viability of the shoe either.Hoka’s versatile trail shoe can be used for big mile cruising or more technical terrain. Its midsole material is similar to the Olympus 5, with a more robust outsole, and a much more dialed in fit, especially in the toebox. Personally I like the wide toebox of the Olympus, and my style of running tends to favor the less technical terrain, but I can definitely see why the Speedgoat is a trail favorite. Flimsy, short and not very efficient. with the 4.0 its not perfect either but way better to lace up before bombing down some technical Trails. Great all-day underfoot protection is not the only thing you’re getting with the Olympus. All-day comfort is coming from the topside too. An engineered mesh upper provides a soft feel and great breathability. The Olympus 4 has a new thin gusseted tongue that provides a noticeably better fit and another comfortable touch.

Enter the Altra Olympus 4, a shoe that’s as hulking as it sounds and ready to handle the fire of the gods. Like many of Altra’s 2020 lineup, the Olympus 4 sports a new and fresh look. It’s even been featured on Hypebeast, which you know would’ve been insane for any Altra shoe three years ago. That said, it is one of the few models that retains some of its classic technology. So, if you have been in the Altra cult since the beginning, listen up. Experiment is often the precursor to innovation, and that was certainly the case with Altra, whose origins lie in the humble toaster oven their founders used to melt heel counters off running shoes. The tongue of the Altra Olympus 4.0 is a great example of Altras attention to detail. Its low-profile and minimal construction is light and comfortable, but what I like best about it is the side gussets that keep the tongue from floating down the side of your foot. They also help to keep trail debris out of the shoe, which is nice for longer runs. All that ‘white’ is just foam, not rubber. It doesn’t grip at all when wet, which takes some getting used to. But hey, look at the rubber after 700 miles. Pretty good shape.

ERIN: This is, I think, the third iteration of the Olympus that I’ve reviewed (maybe it’s the second?) and now that I’ve also tried the HOKA Stinson ATR, I concur with Taylor’s Godzilla versus King Kong comparison. They’re both… I mean, they’re big shoes. Real big. Almost comically so. Who would win? Well, that’s not really the point of this review, I guess, but leave a comment if you want to answer. The Good As an aside, when I reported the early failures to Altra ( I asked for nothing, just wanted to report the problems) “customer service” showed no interest or concern.

Additionally, Lone Peak 4.5 looks quite pretty ( this Gray/Orange color of Lone Peak 4.5 is really liked by many - including me). The first is a Footshape Toe Box that allows the toes to spread, allowing your big toe to remain in position for maximum stability and power. I hear you regarding speed being relative. The 49:53 I ran 4 decades and 2 hip surgeries ago would now get me 5 miles instead of 10. :)

Secondly Fit4Her technology has a completely different fit for men and women’s shoes designed around the key physical characteristics of the foot. Recently, I reviewed the HOKA ONE ONE Stinson ATR 6. If that shoe is Godzilla, the Olympus 4 would be King Kong. Do not even try to twist this into a larger metaphor of who would crush the other in a monster street brawl, and definitely do not make this a political matchup… it’s a shoe review, dangit! All I am saying is that they are both huge shoes and are very similar in properties and performance. That said, the Olympus is different enough to distinguish itself as its own “monster” on the trails. Compared with your recently reviewed Hoka Stinson ATR 6, which one do you think has a softer, “pillowed” cushion? I have 2 pairs of Lone Peaks and have even used them to hike a 22 miler with 6000 elevation no problem. My recent run last week of 24.5 left the tip of my right foot all swollen and in a lot of pain.. was thinking because I was running not hiking I needed more cushion. I only have 1 week before my 50k not sure wether to use new Lobe Peak 5 or Olympus 4. Just received both and don’t have a lot of time to break them in. Both feel good. Any suggestions? Shoes which start falling apart as early as a month or two of very light use. No running, just going to the office and using them as everyday shoes. Holes in the fabric, sole flattening out and more. ABSOLUTE JUNK !