How to Choose Hiking Boots

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.
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Imported.
View all Altra Men's Day Hiking BootsBest 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 |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.2 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.4 |
Altra’s unique FootShape™ toe box and zero to low shoes are built to place your foot in a natural position, with a stable and confident foundation to run on. When fitting, be sure to allow a full thumb’s width in front of your toes. If your feet are used to cramped toe boxes, Altra shoes may feel a little big at first. Give your toes some time to get used to the newfound wiggle room.
Altra offers a range of FootShape fits:
Original Fit: The fit that started it all, Original is the roomiest of the 3 options from Altra.
Standard Fit: The most common fit from Altra is right in the middle of Original and Slim.
Slim Fit: The slimmest-fitting Altra option still allows room for your toes to spread out naturally.
IS THIS SHOE TRUE TO SIZE? The product Features above will provide a suggestion if Altra advises you to size up or down in this particular shoe. If no such note exists, please order your regular size.
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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.
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
Man, I don't know what people are talking about the boot being uncomfortable. I'm on a k9 unit and I wanted a hiking boot for tracking in the woods and I'm buying in to the whole anatomical boot shape thing. It's sooooo much more comfortable on my foot than a salomon or a lowa. I had the keen nxis evo and those are perfect as well but I wear body armor and a pack for the dogs rehab and the cushion on the olympus helps keeping my feet in service. Thank you Altra for making the all black version. I never had the 4 or the 5 but the health features this has are what I'm looking for and the comfort is there.
I was super excited to get the new Olympis 6 Trail as I have feet issues that cause a lot of pain when backpacking, which zero drop shoes remedy. I also was hoping that the peeling sole issues from the previous model was fixed as I hike in the SW mtns. So, after a few hikes trying to break in the leather on these I can report that the way the upper boot creases at the forefoot bend (just above big joint) is painful!!! I am not sure if it is the leather or the new Goretex liner (which feels dangerously thin BTW) but it is not good! Perhaps this will break in further, but as I leave for a trip to the Southern San Juans, I am concerned... Did the folks at Altra actual walk around in these for more than a minute??? As is, I doubt that anyone would find these to be comfortable. This is a shame as the boot has a unique stiffness in the midsole for the amount of cushion which in theory makes it uniquely suitable for backpacking (You can still feel a bunch of pointy rocks undergoot BTW). Also, come on Altra could you give us a third color? These colors aren't as good as the previous model.
We appreciate you taking the time to provide us with your feedback regarding the Men's Olympus 6 Hike shoes. Whether constructive or positive, we welcome any feedback and ensure it is directed to the appropriate department. Our teams take all feedback seriously.  
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.
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!
This shoe has the honor of being the most expensive and the absolute WORST shoe I have ever purchased. The shoe has ZERO insulation so after about 2 hours your feet are soaked in sweat, which cause the shoes to squeak so bad you can be heard from 3 rooms away. Whoever designed this shoe is a moron.
Just avoid the entire line. While the shoe fits well when stationary, movement creates issues. The shoe is uncomfortable around the ankle and squeaks louder than cicadas at the height of summer. There is a disconnect between the construction and design folks, and it apparently there is more focus on expanding the line instead of fixing the problems. I might try one last iteration, but I miss the threes and maybe even the fours.
We regret to hear you were not satisfied with the Men's Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX. Whether constructive or positive, we appreciate any feedback and ensure it is directed to the appropriate department. Our hard-working teams take all feedback seriously. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Please visit our website at https://www.altrarunning.com/warranty.html for information on our warranty policy and to begin a claim. Our warranty team will be happy to help!
Same exact issues as the Olympus 5s. The crease between the upper and the front panel of the shoe digs into the ankle and is painful when stepping. People have been talking about the pinching at the ankle for over a year on the 5s. How have they not fixed this on the 6s!!??
Thank you for reaching out to Altra! Please visit our website at https://www.altrarunning.com/warranty.html for information on our warranty policy and to begin a claim. Our warranty team will be happy to help!
I bought these for duty boots and couldn't be happier. They are super light, very supportive and comfortable. I'm going to order another pair. My only gripe is that they are not a true black, more of a dark grey. I wish Altra made an actual black version.