Kevlar-Reinforced Matryx Upper for Lightweight DurabilityThe best feature of the Altra Olympus 275 is its Kevlar-reinforced Matryx upper, which makes the shoe significantly lighter, more durable, and more secure than its predecessor — without compromising on the plush cushioning Altra is known for.
What are the Altra Men's Olympus 275 Shoes?
The Altra Olympus 275 are high-performance trail running shoes designed for comfort, durability, and superior grip on challenging terrain. They offer a protective yet breathable upper that resists abrasions, ensuring longevity and ventilation. Their design encourages a more natural running stride, enhancing stability and efficiency. With an advanced outsole engineered for exceptional traction, they perform best on rocky, muddy, and highly technical trails, providing confidence and control in various conditions.
What are they made of?
The Altra Olympus 275 shoes are built with a MATRYX upper, a high-tech material woven with Kevlar-infused yarn.
Why Kevlar? It's incredibly strong and abrasion-resistant, meaning your shoes can take a beating on rough trails without wearing out quickly. Each yarn is individually coated to enhance breathability so your feet stay cooler during intense runs.
For grip and traction, the outsole features Vibram Megagrip, a premium rubber compound engineered for maximum durability and all-terrain performance. This material is formulated to offer a mix of flexibility and toughness, adapting to both wet and dry surfaces. Its high-friction properties ensure superior grip on rocky, muddy, or uneven ground, making it a go-to choice for trail runners and hikers seeking reliable traction.
What are their features?
Zero-to-Low Drop Design
This design keeps your heel and forefoot at the same height (33mm/33mm stack height), encouraging a more natural stance and movement pattern. Evenly distributing weight across your foot helps reduce excessive pressure on the forefoot, which can minimise discomfort and strain over long distances. The goal? To support efficient, stable movement so you can tackle the trails with better alignment and less fatigue.
Max Cushioning
Long runs and rugged trails demand serious comfort, and that's where max cushioning comes in. The high-stack midsole acts like a shock absorber, soaking up the impact with every step. Whether running ultra-marathons or spending hours on technical terrain, this plush cushioning helps reduce foot fatigue so you can keep going longer without feeling the toll on your joints.
Scree Sleeve
Trail running can get messy, but the scree sleeve keeps things clean. This built-in barrier helps block out dirt, pebbles, and debris, so you're not constantly stopping to shake out your shoes. Less hassle, more focus on your run.
Original FootShape Fit
Altra's signature FootShape™ toe box is all about comfort and natural movement. Unlike traditional running shoes that squeeze your toes together, this design gives them room to spread and relax. Your big toe stays in a straight, natural position, improving balance, stability, and push-off power. The result? Less overpronation, more comfort, and a solid foundation for every step.
GaiterTrap System
Designed for runners who venture into dusty, rocky, or loose terrain, the GaiterTrap system makes attaching gaiters easy. A hook-and-loop tab allows you to secure gaiters without needing straps, preventing debris from sneaking into your shoes.
Features:
- MATRYX upper for durability and breathability
- Zero-to-low drop for natural alignment and balanced weight distribution
- Max Cushioning for impact absorption and long-distance comfort
- Vibram Megagrip Outsole for traction in all conditions
- Original FootShape Fit for natural toe splay and stability
- GaiterTrap System to keep out debris
- Scree Sleeve for added protection
Altra Olympus 275 Review At Trekitt, we've seen many trail running shoes come through our doors, but the Altra Olympus 275 stands out as something special. Building on the beloved Olympus 6 platform, the 275 takes everything trail runners loved — maximum cushioning, zero-drop geometry, and the iconic FootShape™ toebox — and makes it even better. Out on the trail, they feel incredibly cushioned yet surprisingly nimble — like you're floating over the miles without losing touch with the ground. The new upper hugs your foot in all the right places, giving you that locked-in, secure feel without any pressure points, even on long, technical descents.
Altra Olympus 275 Weight One of the first things we noticed? They're lighter. Altra shaved off a bit of weight compared to the Olympus 6, and you can feel it — especially when the miles start to add up. Men's versions come in at about 338g (11.9oz), while women's models are around 274g (9.6oz) — noticeably lighter than the Olympus 6. You feel it after mile 15; they're springy enough to make those long climbs feel more manageable and cushioned enough that you're not screaming for recovery the next day.
What is the stack height and drop of Olympus 275? The Olympus 275 has a 33 mm stack height with a 0 mm heel-to-toe drop — classic Altra. That means you get loads of plush cushioning underfoot without being perched too high or unstable. The zero drop encourages a more natural, balanced stride, especially over long distances, helping reduce impact and fatigue. It’s ideal for runners who want protection and comfort without sacrificing ground feel or biomechanics.
FAQ
What's new in the Olympus 275 vs Olympus 6?
The Olympus 275 features a Kevlar-reinforced Matryx upper for durability, a mini gaiter for debris protection, and is about 1.5oz lighter than the Olympus 6.
Does the Olympus 275 have the same cushioning?
Yes, it keeps the same plush EVA midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole as the Olympus 6, delivering high comfort and reliable grip over long distances.
What is the weight of the Altra Olympus 275?
The Olympus 275 weighs around 283–298 grams (10 to 10.5 oz), offering a lighter feel without compromising on cushioning or protection.
Do the Altra Olympus 275 fit true to size?
Yes, they fit true to size and retain the classic Altra FootShape™ toebox. The new upper adds a more secure and adaptive feel.
What is the stack height and drop of the Olympus 275?
The Olympus 275 has a 33 mm stack height and zero-drop platform, supporting a more natural stride in line with Altra's Balanced Cushioning philosophy.
What are the Altra Olympus 275 best for?
These shoes are perfect for ultra-distance runners, thru-hikers, and anyone needing max cushion, grip, and protection on challenging trails.
Are the Olympus 275 trail shoes durable?
Yes, the Kevlar Matryx upper is built to last, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole provides excellent traction and abrasion resistance on rough terrain.
Why is it called the Olympus 275?
“275” refers to the 275°F toaster oven used to mould Altra's first shoe prototype — a fun tribute to the brand's origins and innovation.