Altra  Olympus 7 Trail-Running Shoes - Women's

After despising both the Olympus 5 ‘s stiff tongue and the Olympus 6’s collar/pillows, I’ve been waiting ages for the 7 to come out. The Lone Peak has been my go to for hiking since 2016, but I’ve been wanting more cushion for my bad knees and hips. The Olympus should be that shoe, but it always falls short. This model (7), however, comes close. The heel is finally locked in. No more heel slip. They got rid of the heel collar/cushions/pillows and opted for a more subtle cushioned collar. This is a major improvement and will allow for far less trail dirt/debris to end up in the shoe now that they don’t gape open around the ankles. They also fit better in the toe box…the 6’s had excess material there that creased even when stationary. These do not do that. As for the tongue, it’s an improvement over the Olympus 5. I had to fold the tongue over in that model so the sharp edges didn’t cut into the front of my leg. The new tongue will still be a problem for many. It is slightly padded, but it’s more like neoprene with heavy stitching along the top makes the ring feel rigid. It can rub the front of your leg if wearing thin or very low socks or going on long hikes in them. From my pictures, you can compare the Olympus 7, 5 and 4. The 6 was so bad, I refused to buy it. You can see the difference in tongues and the stitching that is likely to bother a lot of people. Overall, I do really like the shoe and I plan to keep it. The tongue may force me to keep these as my low mileage shoe, though.

After despising both the Olympus 5 ‘s stiff tongue and the Olympus 6’s collar/pillows, I’ve been waiting ages for the 7 to come out. The Lone Peak has been my go to for hiking since 2016, but I’ve been wanting more cushion for my bad knees and hips. The Olympus should be that shoe, but it always falls short. This model (7), however, comes close. The heel is finally locked in. No more heel slip. They got rid of the heel collar/cushions/pillows and opted for a more subtle cushioned collar. This is a major improvement and will allow for far less trail dirt/debris to end up in the shoe now that they don’t gape open around the ankles. They also fit better in the toe box…the 6’s had excess material there that creased even when stationary. These do not do that. As for the tongue, it’s an improvement over the Olympus 5. I had to fold the tongue over in that model so the sharp edges didn’t cut into the front of my leg. The new tongue will still be a problem for many. It is slightly padded, but it’s more like neoprene with heavy stitching that makes the top margin rigid. It can rub the front of your leg if wearing thin or very low socks or going on long hikes in them. A little more padding or softer tongue would resolve this. I’m not sure why Altra doesn’t just replicate the tongue that is on the Lone Peak. It seems like an obvious fix. From my pictures, you can compare the Olympus 7, 5 and 4. The 6 was so bad, I refused to buy it. You can see the difference in tongues and the stitching on the 7 that is likely to bother a lot of people. The shoelaces are worth mentioning. They are wide and flat. They do not slide through the holes easily, so they don’t tighten or loosen quickly. You have to adjust each segment between holes separately. They do stay tied and tight though. Overall, I do really like the shoe and I plan to keep it. The tongue may force me to keep these as my low mileage shoe, though.

I was so excited to find these shoes. Super comfortable and a great find. My first Altras in a few years. Sadly they didn’t hold up well. One week and around 14 miles later the seams along the inner ankles have split. So sad.

Guys. I’ve literally never left a review before but my loved ones are tired of listening to me talk so much about these shoes I had to- They’re perfect. The toe box is wide but doesn’t let you slide around, the new protective outer mesh layer is breathable, but unflappable and keeps me safe every time I accidentally kick another rock, the Vibram soles won’t budge on even the most technical Colorado rubble, the laces are strong, AND they look sick?? I’ve usually purchased separate boots for long haul hiking and trail runners for my sprints, but these do it all. It’s abundantly clear people who are actually out on the trails created these. I’m so serious who do I need to kiss

I have been hiking and trail running in Altras since 2014. The Olympus 4's and 5's were great; then, unfortunately, came the 6. I'm happy to say Altra listened to us and got rid of that bizarre heel bump inside the 6. These 7's are PERFECTION. I've taken them out on 3 occasions so far. Technical trail, fireroads, and roads. Let me tell you, this one is it! I think I may stock up on this bad boy because I have a 200-mile ultra coming up next year, and I really think this is going to be THE shoe of choice for my training and that race. The 7's fit like a glove, provide the cushion I need for long runs, are breathable, and have the best laces. Seriously in LOVE!

I would love these if the tongue had a tad more padding. I have moderately high arches, and the top of the shoes are uncomfortable because the laces at the top and near the tongue area dig into the top of my foot when I lift my foot to take a step. If it weren't for this, they would be pretty perfect. Apparently this on all olympus. This is my first pair as someone who LOVES my lone peaks and paradigms.

I used these shoes as my main shoe for my 120 mile / 32k feet elevation, thru hike through the Lofoten Islands of Norway. They provided great support and cushion throughout the entire 10 day journey. I usually wear the Lone Peak shoe, but I wanted a shoe with extra cushion for the hike, so I chose the Olympus. It was a good choice!

I suppose it depends on what's important to you, but I could not get past the shoe laces/lacing system on these. Supremely annoying! The laces are flat and rectangular, but Altra designed the shoe so that these flat laces run through round sleeves...it's like the proverbial square peg in a round hole, and it just doesn't work. It was very difficult to adjust the laces...every lace had to be individually picked at and adjusted, and it was difficult for me to figure out which lace led to where. The system also results in laces that are curled and limp and fall onto each other, compounding the problem of figuring out which lace goes where. And I don't understand what benefit this system provides. I wore these shoes outside and tried to make them work for me, but I just could not deal with the laces especially since I was taking the shoes on and off several times a day. I have loved the 5 and 6 but absolutely do not recommend the 7. I used the shoe for urban walking and light trail hiking.

I am a little confused at the Olympus number change,, but guessing it is just as good?

These squeezed my little toe so hard it made my toes numb. They’re not made for wide feet I guess.