How to Choose Hiking Boots and Shoes

Thru-hikers, weekend warriors, overnight hikers and outdoor explorers who don't let weather or trail conditions keep them inside will love the men's Altra Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX waterproof boots.



Imported.
View all Altra Men's Day Hiking Boots| Best Use | Hiking |
|---|---|
| Footwear Height | Over-the-ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Type of Waterproofing | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit waterproof/breathable membrane |
| Upper | Leather |
| Lining | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA |
| Outsole | Vibram Megagrip rubber |
| Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs. 5.2 oz |
| Gender | Men's |
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Last year my podiatrist recommended Altra zero drop shoes secondary to decades long issues with my feet. Whatever the cause of my foot issues, Altra zero drop shoes have fixed the problem. I no longer experience the pain I was having. I have owned the Torrin, Paradyme, Lone Peak and now the Olympus Mid GTX. I wear wides in the lows and went up a half size for the Olympus 6 Mid GTX as it is not available in wide. As long as I wear a midweight weight wool sock I have have plenty of room for my very wide feet. With a stack of 33mm and the zero drop build, this is the most comfortable shoe or boot I have ever used for hiking. The pain I had experienced when hiking over 2 or 3 miles is completely gone. Thanks Altra for helping me return the trails! jackiethehiker
I loved the boots, but they developed a squeak after 50 miles of backpacking. I bought them about a week before my trip to section hike on the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. I wore them to work the week before the trip, to break them in, and found them comfortable. When we took to the trail, I didn't have the left boot tied tight enough and got a blister on my heel, but it didn't worsen after taping and tying correctly. After hiking from Hogpen Gap to Deep Gap, with some side trails, etc, my knees weren't hurting like they have with other boots. The problem wasn't noticed until off trail, when the boots squeaked with every step I took, regardless of the surface I was walking on. They would even squeak when you held them in your hands and bent them where the ball of your foot would be. It seems like an issue between layers in the soles.
I liked the fit and comfort. After 4 months the Vibram sole, along the sides of both boots, separated from the boots. I took them back to REI and they declined to help me with a return or warranty claim, citing that, due to the wear on the Vibram soles, I must have hiked several hundred miles in them, and that they were at end of life. I estimate I put 100 miles on the boots. Very disappointed with the durability.
I really liked these new boots and held out great hope for them. I got measured by an REI employee and discovered I have one foot longer than the other and the other foot is wider. BUT since the toebox for these boots was more of a natural foot shape, I was hopeful. Sadly, after my first hike up a 14er and a 13er, my wide foot was totally bruised by the boot upper. Regardless of how tight or loose I tied it, I was still bruised. Sadly, I returned them. Otherwise, the waterproof-ness was wonderful, and my "longer" foot was totally comfortable.
Fit well. The lacing system is a little wonky, but the fit is excellent, I have this shoe in the low summer oriented trail shoe. For those of you with wide feet, these have a roomy toe-box. Soft on the joints and good traction. The Gore Tex liners makes them suitable for winter use. There are days I want a softer footbed and these are the answer.
This boot is the most comfortable boot I have ever used. I have wide feet and their “original foot shape” on their Olympus line is perfect for my feet. The boot is constructed like a running shoe and is meant for fast hiking without much weight, it also doesn’t last as long as a proper backpacking boot like a lowa or scarpa, but I found these so comfortable that I don’t use any other shoes now. I have used now about 5-6 pairs of these over the last years. One pair lasts me about 6 months of constant use.
I used these on a 62 mile hike doing half of the Tour Du Mont Blanc last summer and they worked great. I tried them on Mt Leconte before I went as well. My feet tend to get sore easily and they never did with these. The wide toe box is great (I went up a half of size for the decents and it was perfect) my feet didn't get hot and I went through some snow and water crossings and kept my feet dry. I bought 2 additional tonal pairs as well. Everyone's feet are different but these were great!
I wrote a review in February about the boots becoming squeaky. the pair that I got after a backorder came in and were great - until I backpacked in them. After 25 miles of pretty easy trail with a loaded pack, the right boot squeaked with every step. So, if you're not going to put them under a load, maybe they'll be fine.
Hits the mark on out of box comfort, toe box room, basic functionality. Misses with serious design flaw of tongue - needs a bellows style to accompany the Goretex. Pull strap for rear heel is useless style add-on unless your fingers are the diameter of a pencil. Lastly, the biggest issue is the soles started separating after less than six weeks of light use. Several reviews had mentioned this issue with Altra
Love Altra shoes, this is my first hiking shoe with them. Fit is roomy in the toe box, and tight enough in the heel. I prefer the over ankle model for keeping out debris, and ankle support. Great cushion to prevent bone bruising on the heel. Light weight compared to many others. I ordered another pair, low cut, for my less technical trails around the house. Highly recommend.