ALTRA Men's AL0A7R6Q Olympus 5 Mid GTX Trail Running Shoe Review
The ALTRA Men's AL0A7R6Q Olympus 5 Mid GTX Trail Running Shoe is engineered for those who take their trail running seriously. With its sleek black and gray design, it not only looks great but also packs a punch in performance and comfort. This shoe is particularly notable for its ability to adapt to various terrains while ensuring your feet remain comfortable during long runs.
Featuring Altra’s signature Balanced Cushioning, this shoe promotes a natural foot position that helps reduce impact on joints, making it ideal for both novices and seasoned runners alike. The FootShape toe box allows ample space for your toes to spread naturally, reducing fatigue over extended distances.
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Features
- Signature Altra Balanced Cushioning for improved comfort
- FootShape toe boxes promoting natural toe splay
- Vibram MegaGrip outsole with multi-directional TrailClaw lug pattern for superior grip
- InnerFlex midsole technology enhancing flexibility during runs
- Stack height of 33mm providing excellent cushioning
- GORE-TEX construction for water-resistance and breathability
- Machine washable for easy maintenance
Pros
- Excellent traction on varying terrains thanks to Vibram MegaGrip outsole
- Comfortable fit with generous toe box design
- Lightweight yet durable materials
- Waterproof GORE-TEX lining keeps feet dry in wet conditions
Cons
- May feel bulky to those accustomed to minimalist shoes
- Higher stack height may not suit all runners' preferences
- Requires a break-in period for optimal comfort
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | ALTRA Olympus 5 Mid GTX | Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Merrell Moab 2 Mid Waterproof |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Balanced Cushioning | Moderate Cushioning | Standard Cushioning |
| Weight | Lightweight | Moderate Weight | Heavy Duty |
| Waterproofing | Yes (GORE-TEX) | Yes (GORE-TEX) | Yes (Waterproof) |
| Toe Box | FootShape | Narrow | Standard |
Detailed Review
The ALTRA Olympus 5 Mid GTX excels primarily in comfort due to its innovative design. The Balanced Cushioning technology ensures that your foot remains at an even level from heel to toe, which translates into reduced strain during longer runs. The impressive stack height provides adequate cushioning, allowing you to tackle rugged trails without feeling harsh impacts.
Traction is another standout feature; the Vibram MegaGrip outsole offers unparalleled grip on slippery and uneven surfaces, giving you confidence as you navigate through challenging terrain. The multi-directional lug pattern enhances grip, ensuring stability no matter how demanding the path.
Additionally, the breathable GORE-TEX material keeps your feet dry in wet conditions, making this shoe versatile for various climates. However, some users have noted that the bulkiness might take some getting used to, especially if you're switching from a more minimalistic shoe.
Lastly, the InnerFlex midsole technology contributes to the shoe's flexibility, allowing for a more efficient stride. Despite needing a short break-in period, once adjusted, you’ll likely find the Olympus 5 Mid GTX is one of your go-to options for trail running.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Exceptional cushioning and roomy toe box for long-distance runs. |
| Traction | 10/10 | Amazing grip on varied terrains makes it reliable in different conditions. |
| Durability | 8/10 | High-quality materials ensure longevity even with heavy use. |
| Waterproofing | 9/10 | Effective GORE-TEX lining keeps feet dry without sacrificing breathability. |
User Reviews
I love my Olympus 5s but for winter hiking in the Shining Rock they were getting too wet in rain and muddy trails with their perforated tops. I wanted something more waterproof and these so far do the trick. I haven't hiked in them yet but I took them out in some mud and they are staying very dry. A few reviewers mentioned their sizing didn't match what they were used to in the low O5's. I run 8.5 and they fit true to size for me. Very comfortable, sturdy, steady and they look great. My new favorite winter "boot".
This is an awesome hiking boot for those of us with foot problems. I have a neuroma as well as a Taylors bunion on the same foot which has made walking let alone hiking extremely painful. My podiatrist recommended I give Altras a try and my feet haven't felt this good in a long time. After trying the shoes and seeing how much better my feet felt I decided to try the hiker out to replace my hunting boots that really hurt my feet now. I gave them a good workout hiking down into the bottom of a canyon and back through some swampy areas and crossing over wet logs. At the end of the day my feet felt great and were totally dry! The boots performed great! They were really comfortable with plenty of ankle support and traction. If you love to hike or hunt, but can't enjoy it due to foot pain I highly recommend trying these hikers. They even helped reduce my hip and low back pain that I normally get when spending a lot of time standing or walking.One note, Altras do seem to run a little smaller then normal so get a 1/2 size up and it should be perfect.
Negative stars would be most accurate; but one star is as low as u can go.These shoes are very comfortable with a lot of cushion under foot. BUT the sole has already started to delaminate! See pict. No hiking or heavy use! Slippers would hold up better! THE WORST part is a design flaw that allow the two shoes to lock together!! Imagine walking and mid stride your feet lock together there is NOTHING you can do youre going down and hard !! It happen to me on a gravel driveway and caused multiple injuries ! If it had happened a few feet later I would have fallen right into traffic! This is a design flaw and at this price point is more than unacceptable! I have worn may brands is boots from Keen to Solomon and NEVER had this happen! What if I was hiking ? This could cause your death! Never mind an injury.
This is my second pair. I already had low shoes and wanted something to cover my ankles. The wide toe is super comfortable. Both pair, I hiked in the day I got them. Virtually no need to break them in. They are rugged and comfortable. I highly recommend, especially if you have wide feet.
I tried these on along with 5 other “mid” style hiking boots. These were extremely comfortable and seemed high quality, however they looked like clown shoes. The toe box is extremely wide, almost comically so. The price is ridiculously high compared to the 5 other similar models I tried on, and the ankle support is not as good as a few of the others.
Love the comfort of the boots, but the tread falls off piece by piece. The picture is after three months. No hiking at all, but daily work at a garden center. The Altra site provides many similar reviews. Had a pair of the low top version previously too which lost the tread on both shoes after a few months.
Bought for work as I like the Olympus line will also use to hike local trails will be upset when they discontinue Olympus 5 line
A bit ugly but very comfortable. Love the light weight and wide toe box.