ALTRA ORIGINAL FOOTSHAPE™ – FREEDOM TO MOVE NATURALLY Altra's Original FootShape™ toe box allows your toes to spread and move freely so that you can run, hike, or walk in total comfort. Unlike narrow shoes that squeeze your feet, this design helps with balance, stability, and a more natural stride. It reduces pressure, allowing your foot to work as it should—without restrictions. You'll feel the difference whether you're hitting the trails or staying active. More room, better movement, and all-day comfort. Why confine your toes?
What are the Altra Women's Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoes?
The Altra Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoes are perfect for runners seeking luxurious comfort and dependable performance on rough trails. Ideal for both strenuous hikes and leisurely trail runs, these shoes provide the support and durability required for any off-road adventure.
What are they made of?
The upper part of the Altra Olympus 6 is constructed from a durable and breathable mesh. This mesh material is designed to withstand the rigours of trail running, offering toughness that can handle rough terrains. This mesh is highly breathable, promoting excellent airflow. This ventilation is essential for keeping your feet cooler and drier, even during extended runs in warm conditions, thus enhancing overall comfort and reducing the likelihood of overheating or excessive sweating.
The Altra Olympus 6's outsole is made from Vibram Megagrip, which, according to Vibram, delivers excellent traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Whether running on a muddy path after a rainstorm or on dry, dusty trails, the Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures that your shoes will provide excellent grip, helping you stay steady and secure with every step.
What are their features?
The Altra Olympus 6 trail running shoes come with a premium Achilles pillow, which provides an elevated step-in feel. This cushioning at the back of the shoe is crafted to deliver a soft and comfortable experience for your Achilles tendon, reducing irritation and ensuring a secure, snug fit with every step.
Additionally, the shoes boast an updated underfoot lug pattern. These redesigned lugs are the small rubber protrusions on the outsole that enhance grip and traction. The improved pattern offers extra confidence and stability, especially on uneven or slippery surfaces, ensuring you can easily tackle any trail.
The Altra Olympus 6 features the Original FootShape Fit, which is Altra's signature design that allows your toes to relax and spread out naturally. This design keeps your big toe in a straight position. It reduces overpronation and enhances overall stability, offering comfort that adapts to your natural foot shape.
Thanks to balanced cushioning, your heel and forefoot are positioned equally from the ground. This natural foundation aids in optimal alignment and encourages a low-impact landing, which is gentler on your joints and promotes a more efficient running style.
Features:
- Durable and breathable engineered mesh upper
- Updated underfoot lug pattern for extra confidence
- Premium Achilles pillow for an elevated step-in feel
- Vibram Megagrip outsole for unparalleled grip on both wet and dry surfaces
- Original Footshape Fit for natural toe spread and stability
- Balanced cushioning for optimal alignment and low-impact landing
What is the weight and stack height of the Olympus 6? The Altra Olympus 6 is designed as a max-cushioned trail running shoe, and that’s reflected in both its weight and its substantial stack height:
Men’s version weighs approximately 345g (12.2oz)
Women’s version weighs approximately 289g (10.2oz)
Stack height is 33 mm in both the heel and the forefoot, delivering zero-drop geometry The zero-drop platform means your heel and forefoot are at the same level from the ground, which encourages a more natural footstrike and posture.
The 33 mm stack height is among the highest in the Altra trail range, making the Olympus 6 particularly well-suited for ultra distances, back-to-back long runs, and multi-day hikes, where underfoot protection and shock absorption are critical.
How does the Olympus 6 compare to other Altra trail shoes like the Timp 5 or Lone Peak? The Olympus 6 offers the most cushioning among Altra's trail lineup, making it ideal for long-distance runs and hikes. The Timp 5 provides a balance between cushioning and ground feel, while the Lone Peak is lighter with less cushioning, suitable for shorter, more technical trails.
So, in short:
Go Olympus 6 for max comfort and long mileage
Choose Timp 5 for a balance of cushion and trail feel
Pick Lone Peak when you need to move fast and light on more rugged ground
It all comes down to your priorities—comfort, responsiveness, or agility.
Is the Olympus 6 available in wide sizes? Right now, the Altra Olympus 6 isn’t available in dedicated wide widths, which might sound like a dealbreaker if you’ve got wider feet. But here’s the good news: thanks to Altra’s signature FootShape™ design, the toe box is already quite roomy. It’s intentionally built to let your toes splay naturally, which not only boosts comfort but also improves stability on uneven terrain.
For a lot of runners and hikers—especially those who usually need a bit more space up front—the standard fit of the Olympus 6 actually works just fine.
FAQ
Is the Olympus 6 good for hiking as well as trail running?
Yes! While designed for trail running, the Olympus 6 is a favourite among long-distance hikers and backpackers. Its plush cushioning, grippy Vibram® Megagrip outsole, and stable platform make it ideal for both running and hiking on varied terrain.
Does the Olympus 6 run true to size?
For most people, yes. However, some have noted a snugger heel fit due to the Achilles pillow. If you're between sizes or prefer more room, consider sizing up by half a size, especially if you wear thicker hiking socks.
How do I clean the Olympus 6 after a muddy run?
Altra recommends hand washing with cold water, mild soap, and a soft brush or cloth. Avoid machine washing or using direct heat for drying, as that can damage the shoe materials and structure.
Is the upper breathable in warm weather?
Yes, the engineered mesh upper allows for good airflow, helping to keep your feet cooler on warm runs or hikes. It's a solid balance between breathability and trail protection.
Does the Olympus 6 provide protection from rocks and debris?
Absolutely. The thick midsole, reinforced toe cap, and Vibram outsole help protect your feet from sharp rocks and trail hazards, making it a reliable choice for rugged terrain.
Does the Olympus 6 dry quickly if it gets wet?
The breathable mesh upper drains and dries reasonably well, but the thick cushioning can hold moisture longer than lighter trail shoes. Pairing with moisture-wicking socks can help with comfort during drying.
How durable is the Olympus 6?
The Olympus 6 is built to last. The Vibram® Megagrip outsole offers excellent durability on rocky, technical terrain, and the upper holds up well over time if cleaned and dried properly.
Can I use custom insoles or orthotics in the Olympus 6?
Yes! The insole is removable, so you can replace it with custom orthotics or aftermarket insoles without issue. Just keep in mind the shoe already has a high stack height.