The Altra Olympus 6 Trail Runner is a zero-drop, maximum cushion trail runner shoe that is great for thru-hiking and backpacking on moderate hiking trails. It has a Vibram Megagrip outsole that provides excellent traction across a wide range of conditions, while the foam midsole makes the shoe feel like you’re walking on air, all the while still maintaining adequate “trail feel” through the sole.

• Heel-to-toe drop: 0mm
• Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lugs
• Weight (pair): 26 oz / 737 g – men’s 10.5 US (women’s also available)
• Wide Sizes: Yes (men’s and women’s)
• Cushion: Max
• Stack height: 33 mm
• Support: Neutral with sidewalls for guidance
• FootShape: Original (roomiest)
• Fit: True to size for length; high volume over forefoot
• Pros: Outstanding grip and braking when descending steep terrain, very cushioned yet stable, roomy toe box, good toe and sidewall protection
• Cons: Warm in summer, smearing requires more force, wide sizes are not available

Fit and Comfort

The Olympus 6 keeps Altra’s signature roomy toe box with the Original FootShape, which is the brand’s most generous. This allows your toes to spread naturally and splay on descents without jamming, which helps eliminate black toenails and toe blisters on long days. The shoe’s length runs true, the width is forgiving, but unfortunately, wide sizes are not available.

The Olympus has the signature large toe box that Altras are known for.

The midfoot wrap is secure without squeezing, and the heel counter holds well with a simple shoelace knot. The tongue padding is a bit thin, but passable with a fully gusseted tongue, to prevent fine grit from sneaking in on dusty trails. If you hike on sand or in shorts, pair the shoes with low gaiters (the Olympus retains Altra’s gaiter trap in the rear and gaiter ring at the toe).

Underfoot, max cushion defines the ride. The 33 mm stack is plush without feeling too mushy. Sidewall sculpting on the interior gently centers the foot, adding guidance. The rocker is subtle; it helps roll you forward but doesn’t feel tippy. Overall, the level of comfort is excellent for hikers who want all-day protection.

The sidewalls of the heel area have extra padding to lock in your foot and eliminate heel rubbing.

Performance and Traction

Grip is where the Olympus 6 shines. The Vibram Megagrip outsole and lugs improve bite on wet slab and roots, particularly on rocky descents. Lug depth and spacing shed mud well, and braking lugs at the heel provide control on steep descents with a backpack.

The flared heel improves stability and helps to offset the stack height.

The platform is tall, so you’ll feel more height and less stability on very loose and rocky trails than in a mid-cushion shoe; that’s the trade-off for comfort. Torsional rigidity is moderate, and forefoot flex is natural enough for hiking. There’s no rock plate, but the foam thickness and outsole coverage effectively mute sharp edges. You still get basic ground cues for foot placement without the jabby feel common in low-stack trail runners like the Altra Lone Peak 9.

While the max cushioning is a dream on rocky descents, the Olympus struggles with subtle rock moves on the incline. For example, smearing the forefoot or wedging the shoes in a “corner” takes extra power to compress the max cushion. On the flip side, it’s easier to compress the cushion when coming downhill because you have your entire bodyweight behind it, and that’s when the extra traction of the megagrip outsole really shines through.

Durability and Build Quality

The upper uses a tightly woven mesh that resists abrasion. Heavier welded overlays wrap the toe and sides, guarding high-wear zones without turning the shoe into a boot. The rand is more robust than on the Altra Lone Peak or Altra Timp, providing much better protection for the toes and around the entire perimeter of the shoe.

The midsole foam holds its rebound well for a max-cushion shoe. Expect some softening past 250–300 hiking miles, depending on your weight and pack load. Stitching and eyelets are clean, the heel pull tab is sturdy, and the insole is serviceable, barely, though I prefer replacing it with a supportive aftermarket footbed with more arch support, like the Superfeet Run Carbon Low or the Currex RunPro, because it maintains the shoe’s zero drop.

Toe protection is very good and helped by the high rand.

Protection and Versatility

Toe protection is very good. The front bumper spreads impact across a wide area, and the higher sidewalls help with occasional lateral bumps. While not a technical scrambling shoe, the Olympus 6 handles rough trails and rocky approaches with confidence. The max cushion takes the sting out of heel strikes on long descents.

Versatility is a strong suit. The shoe transitions comfortably from dirt to crushed gravel to pavement, making it a smart pick for mixed-surface days or travel where one pair has to do it all. Breathability is decent, but it runs warmer than Altra’s lighter models. Drainage after full submersion is adequate; the shoe doesn’t hold much water, but the thicker foam takes a bit to dry.

Weight and Ride

The weight is reasonable for the amount of protection that the shoe provides. On foot, the shoe feels lighter than the scale number suggests because the rocker keeps turnover smooth. The zero-drop platform encourages a midfoot strike if that’s your style, yet the cushioning is forgiving for heel strikers. The wide base and sidewalls provide a stable landing. Long high-mileage days are where the Olympus 6 really pays off: legs feel fresher, and foot soreness is reduced compared to mid-cushion models.

The grip on steep descents will make mountain goats jealous (steep decline shown).

Ideal User

• Hikers accustomed to zero-drop, or slowly transitioning from low-drop
• Hikers and backpackers logging long days who want maximum cushion and a roomy toe box.
• Hikers and backpackers who value grip on steep or wet terrain

If you’ve had issues with plantar fasciitis or Achilles irritation, ease into the zero-drop if you’re coming from 8–12 mm shoes. Gradual mileage increases and calf/foot strength work will help.

Recommendation

The Altra Olympus 6 is a top choice for hikers who want supreme cushioning, excellent wet/dry traction, and a spacious fit. It’s more protective and durable than Altra’s lighter trail runners, with a Vibram Megagrip outsole that inspires trust on rock and steep forest trails. Downsides are modest: it runs warm and the stack feels tall on steep boulder climbs. If you prioritize comfort over absolute ground feel and want a do-it-all trail runner for big days and mixed surfaces, including road walks, the Olympus 6 belongs on your short list. I never thought I’d like using a max cushion trail runner, but the Olympus 6 made me change my mind.

Disclosure: Altra donated a pair of shoes for review.

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