Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Go the distance in the Altra Olympus 7 trail runners. They now have plusher tongues, integrated comfort collars and engineered mesh uppers. Plus updated midsole foam that's lighter and softer.



Imported.
View all Altra Men's Trail-Running Shoes| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 0 |
| Heel Stack Height (mm) | 33 |
| Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 33 |
| Footwear Height | Ankle |
| Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
| Upper | Mesh |
| Midsole | Altra EGO™ MAX |
| Outsole | Vibram® Megagrip with TractionLug™ |
| Rock Plate | No |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 6.89 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
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This shoe feels like a big brother to the Lone Peaks. Original wide toe box (harder and harder to find in Altras lineup). Compared to the new 275 HiLo’s I found the midfoot to hold better with this shoe than the mesh upper, especially during steep descents. I didn’t have any issues with the tongue, as other reviewers mentioned, but I wear crew socks while trail running - perhaps a valid concern if you wear low-cut socks. I’m also grateful that they removed the strange Achilles pad that the Olympus 6 had.
As another review noted, the fatal flaw for this expensive shoe is the lack of comfort on the top of the foot, specifically the design of the tongue. The shoe is stable and has good cushion and grip, but I find discomfort from the tongue sticking straight into where your shin and foot meet. The tongue is not long enough does to bend up on your shin. Also, not enough tongue padding over the inside of the foot shoe lace grommets. I have used these 5 times on hikes over the last 2 months with the laces loosened and still get discomfort on the top of the foot. Really disappointing for the price. Will probably try to return these to REI.
The Olympus 7 is a beautiful shoe, and I was really excited that Altra finally got rid of the heel lock from the Olympus 6. Unfortunately, the new design is just as disappointing. The heel padding ends halfway down the heel, and after a short run, the foam compresses, creating a sharp edge that immediately starts digging into your skin. After just 30 minutes of running, I ended up with blisters on both heels. I have no idea what Altra was trying to achieve with this design, but once again, they missed the mark. I really don't understand why they can't use the same heel padding design as the Lone Peak 9+, which, in my opinion, is currently the most comfortable Altra shoe on the market.
FINALLY! I have been having a nightmare time trying to find a hiking boot that worked for me, as I have a slightly wide foot, high arches, and wear size 13 (no 13.5 sizes exist) and which meant that almost every boot i tried on was either too tight, too slippery, and/or caused pain in my foot/ankle after a few miles. I finally decided to try trail runners and i'm so glad i did. These shoes required no break-in time and I just got back from hiking Half Dome (17 miles) in these with no foot pain or issues whatsoever. The extended toe box was exactly what I needed. If you have trouble finding a comfortable boot, definitely give these a try. 6'4, 190 pounds.
I’m an Altra fanboy with multiple model purchases and have been happy with all but this pair. I have a pair of Olympus 6, the previous version. The 7 itself feels like a lighter, less bulky 6 which is a great thing, but the fatal flaw of this shoe is the tongue. The tongue has an abrasive design that causes chafing on the front ankle when wearing low cut or no show socks. I’ve never had this problem from any other shoe. If you’re a low cut sock wearer like myself you should look elsewhere or stick with the Olympus 6. I expect a much better design for a shoe at this price point.
I purchased the Altra Olympus 7 hoping to wear them while walking the Camino. The shoes were shipped and arrived within a couple of days. I used them on a five mile walk on a paved trail. After 3 miles I could feel the back of my heals beginning to blister. By the 4th mile I had blisters on both heal backs. I tried them a second time after healing up. I tried lacing one shoe using the very top back eyelet and the other the front top eyelet. I had the same results, blistering. I normally wear the Lone Peak 9+ which has a wider, less narrow back to it compared to the Olympus 7. I had read reviews of the same issue with the 6 but few issues with the 7. I did return the shoes to REI with no problems.
I started with the Experience Wild 2 for the Trans Catalina Trail last October. Then went with the Experience Wild 3+ for some tougher trails in Utah. Just got the Olympus 7 and I almost wish I'd gone straight to this shoe in the beginning. I am not a runner, but a fast endurance hiker. The fit, stability, traction and durability of all 3 has been excellent but the Olympus 7 has been the best and most comfortable. This will probably be my go to!
I love your guys product but no matter where I get on to your site it's always clunky and slow. And wants to go to 3D picture and skip over the first picks quite often. It also won't let me scroll down to show size until I give it a minute. Love your product like I said but I got to be able to go through it thoroughly, I am looking at HOKA and NB site as well with no issues. Get it to get it together guys you got an excellent product !
Having fixed the Olympus 6’s horrible issue with the heel pad, Altra has updated this shoe with the softer EgoMax cushion, with a v-shaped groove exposing very soft foam. When you have had multiple thorns pierce your feet through the sole, you have to wonder what thought process (if any) goes into their design.
OVer the Olympus 5, this is amuch better design. More lateral support, better lacing system, and more durable. worth the increase in price (sort of)


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