Imported Rubber sole Whether you are running for miles or hitting the trails, the Altra Olympus 5 Sneakers deliver enhanced comfort, flexibility, and breathability that your feet desire. Breathable engineered mesh and synthetic upper. Lace-up closure for a secure fit. Textile lining. Removable cushioned insole. Whether you are running for miles or hitting the trails, the Altra Olympus 5 Sneakers deliver enhanced comfort, flexibility, and breathability that your feet desire. Breathable engineered mesh and synthetic upper. Lace-up closure for a secure fit. Textile lining. Removable cushioned insole. Altra EGO MAX midsole compound is responsive, yet soft for increased energy return. Balanced cushioning platform positions heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground. FootShape toe box allows your toes to relax and spread naturally for more comfort and stability during uphill climbs and downhill descents. TrailClaw canted lugs positioned strategically beneath the metatarsals to provide traction at the toe off. GAITERTRAP hook-and-loop tab allows strapless gaiter attachment that prevents debris build-up beneath the shoe. Vibram MegaGrip high-performance sticky rubber outsole provides unrivaled grip on wet and dry surfaces, rugged longevity, enhanced ground support.
Imported Rubber sole Whether you are running for miles or hitting the trails, the Altra Olympus 5 Sneakers deliver enhanced comfort, flexibility, and breathability that your feet desire. Breathable engineered mesh and synthetic upper. Lace-up closure for a secure fit. Textile lining. Removable cushioned insole. Whether you are running for miles or hitting the trails, the Altra Olympus 5 Sneakers deliver enhanced comfort, flexibility, and breathability that your feet desire. Breathable engineered mesh and synthetic upper. Lace-up closure for a secure fit. Textile lining. Removable cushioned insole. Altra EGO MAX midsole compound is responsive, yet soft for increased energy return. Balanced cushioning platform positions heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground. FootShape toe box allows your toes to relax and spread naturally for more comfort and stability during uphill climbs and downhill descents. TrailClaw canted lugs positioned strategically beneath the metatarsals to provide traction at the toe off. GAITERTRAP hook-and-loop tab allows strapless gaiter attachment that prevents debris build-up beneath the shoe. Vibram MegaGrip high-performance sticky rubber outsole provides unrivaled grip on wet and dry surfaces, rugged longevity, enhanced ground support.
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Imported Rubber sole Whether you are running for miles or hitting the trails, the Altra Olympus 5 Sneakers deliver enhanced comfort, flexibility, and breathability that your feet desire. Breathable engineered mesh and synthetic upper. Lace-up closure for a secure fit. Textile lining. Removable cushioned insole. Whether you are running for miles or hitting the trails, the Altra Olympus 5 Sneakers deliver enhanced comfort, flexibility, and breathability that your feet desire. Breathable engineered mesh and synthetic upper. Lace-up closure for a secure fit. Textile lining. Removable cushioned insole. Altra EGO MAX midsole compound is responsive, yet soft for increased energy return. Balanced cushioning platform positions heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground. FootShape toe box allows your toes to relax and spread naturally for more comfort and stability during uphill climbs and downhill descents. TrailClaw canted lugs positioned strategically beneath the metatarsals to provide traction at the toe off. GAITERTRAP hook-and-loop tab allows strapless gaiter attachment that prevents debris build-up beneath the shoe. Vibram MegaGrip high-performance sticky rubber outsole provides unrivaled grip on wet and dry surfaces, rugged longevity, enhanced ground support.
Imported Rubber sole Whether you are running for miles or hitting the trails, the Altra Olympus 5 Sneakers deliver enhanced comfort, flexibility, and breathability that your feet desire. Breathable engineered mesh and synthetic upper. Lace-up closure for a secure fit. Textile lining. Removable cushioned insole. Whether you are running for miles or hitting the trails, the Altra Olympus 5 Sneakers deliver enhanced comfort, flexibility, and breathability that your feet desire. Breathable engineered mesh and synthetic upper. Lace-up closure for a secure fit. Textile lining. Removable cushioned insole. Altra EGO MAX midsole compound is responsive, yet soft for increased energy return. Balanced cushioning platform positions heel and forefoot at an equal distance from the ground. FootShape toe box allows your toes to relax and spread naturally for more comfort and stability during uphill climbs and downhill descents. TrailClaw canted lugs positioned strategically beneath the metatarsals to provide traction at the toe off. GAITERTRAP hook-and-loop tab allows strapless gaiter attachment that prevents debris build-up beneath the shoe. Vibram MegaGrip high-performance sticky rubber outsole provides unrivaled grip on wet and dry surfaces, rugged longevity, enhanced ground support.
Last updated at 21/03/2026 13:49:57
Mens Altra Olympus 5, The Running Company, Blue / 14
Free delivery by Thu
Mens Altra Olympus 5 Blue / US 14
Free delivery between 26 Mar – 3 Apr
originally posted on altrarunning.com
Size up at least a half size!! I have been using Altra Olympus 4s for some time and love them. Knowing that Altra would no doubt dramatically change the next version ( as they did with the Times and lone peaks) I bought as many 4s as I could. My closet is full! I decided to give the 5s a try after discussing sizing with an Altra representative I sized up from 8.5 to 9. First the negatives and what I did to deal. The long tongue dug into my ankle tendons so I trimmed it down. The upper felt tight and I got a painful pressure point on the top of my big toe metatarsal. I changed the lacewing pattern so the laces didn't cross over that area of my foot. Everything else is good. Feels like a more supportive, more cushioned Timp 1.5 now. Snug mid foot with no heel ... MoreSize up at least a half size!! I have been using Altra Olympus 4s for some time and love them. Knowing that Altra would no doubt dramatically change the next version ( as they did with the Times and lone peaks) I bought as many 4s as I could. My closet is full! I decided to give the 5s a try after discussing sizing with an Altra representative I sized up from 8.5 to 9. First the negatives and what I did to deal. The long tongue dug into my ankle tendons so I trimmed it down. The upper felt tight and I got a painful pressure point on the top of my big toe metatarsal. I changed the lacewing pattern so the laces didn't cross over that area of my foot. Everything else is good. Feels like a more supportive, more cushioned Timp 1.5 now. Snug mid foot with no heel slipping. Comfortable wide toe box ( thank you for not messing that up like the other models. I've hiked quite a bit in them and I'm not having issues with the thread coming off although my sister did with her pair first walk in the rain. I will still use my old reliable Olympus 4 on the PCT this year as I know how many miles I can get with them already.
originally posted on REI
I have been a long time Altra devotee, and generally love their shoes. I have had a handful of Lone Peaks (shoes and boots), road shoes, and even a pair of casual shoes. All of which I have loved. I originally purchased a pair of Timp 4, however Altra has unfortunately strayed away from their original foot shape with that shoe. I returned those for the Olympus for longer runs that would be on paved road, gravel road/multi track, and single track.Original impression of the Olympus was that the shape was wonderful and fit my foot perfectly. The materials were generally well sourced, but the shoe laces were woefully short. For the huge amount of stack (30mm), the shoe was pretty unimpressive. Felt stiff and dead, with little spring for such an amount of cushioning. ... MoreI have been a long time Altra devotee, and generally love their shoes. I have had a handful of Lone Peaks (shoes and boots), road shoes, and even a pair of casual shoes. All of which I have loved. I originally purchased a pair of Timp 4, however Altra has unfortunately strayed away from their original foot shape with that shoe. I returned those for the Olympus for longer runs that would be on paved road, gravel road/multi track, and single track.Original impression of the Olympus was that the shape was wonderful and fit my foot perfectly. The materials were generally well sourced, but the shoe laces were woefully short. For the huge amount of stack (30mm), the shoe was pretty unimpressive. Felt stiff and dead, with little spring for such an amount of cushioning. The Vibram tread was a nice shift on Altra’s part, and did well transitioning from surface to surface.The straw that broke the camels back with this shoe was that the tread came unglued middle of a very critical race for me. So much so, that I had to stop, and rip it off the shoe to continue. There was about 4 inches of tread flapping around between the shoe and the ground.I am hoping that Altra gets their act together on a few things, mostly to include QC and shifting back to their roots in actual foot shaped shoes.Would not recommend the Olympus for the time being, especially for the price.
originally posted on altrarunning.com
First, a caveat: these shoes are a replacement for a pair of Timp 4s that fell apart on me after 200 miles or so. The Olympus shoes I got to replace them don't seem to be showing the immediate signs of wear that the Timps did (other than a minor cosmetic issue with the Altra logo on one shoe--see the picture below), but I have only had them for about three weeks/55 miles or so. With that said, I am enjoying the latest version of the Olympus. The fit is good, and although the cushion is high, it still feels stable. I've had a couple of pairs in the past where I felt like I was running on platform shoes, which was why I had moved to Lone Peaks and then Timps. Whatever Altra did with the cushioning and the footbed, I feel much more stable in these. The loop at the heel ... MoreFirst, a caveat: these shoes are a replacement for a pair of Timp 4s that fell apart on me after 200 miles or so. The Olympus shoes I got to replace them don't seem to be showing the immediate signs of wear that the Timps did (other than a minor cosmetic issue with the Altra logo on one shoe--see the picture below), but I have only had them for about three weeks/55 miles or so. With that said, I am enjoying the latest version of the Olympus. The fit is good, and although the cushion is high, it still feels stable. I've had a couple of pairs in the past where I felt like I was running on platform shoes, which was why I had moved to Lone Peaks and then Timps. Whatever Altra did with the cushioning and the footbed, I feel much more stable in these. The loop at the heel is VERY large and easy to use to pull on the shoes. I was worried that it would rub up against the back of my heel (also a problem with prior Olympuses) but so far I haven't had any issues. So, with the caveat that I haven't really tested the durability of these shoes yet, I would say that they are worth buying, and perhaps the best version of the Olympus I have tried so far.
Mens Altra Olympus 5, The Running Company, Blue / 14
Free delivery by Thu
Mens Altra Olympus 5 Blue / US 14
Free delivery between 26 Mar – 3 Apr
Size up at least a half size!! I have been using Altra Olympus 4s for some time and love them. Knowing that Altra would no doubt dramatically change the next version ( as they did with the Times and lone peaks) I bought as many 4s as I could. My closet is full! I decided to give the 5s a try after discussing sizing with an Altra representative I sized up from 8.5 to 9. First the negatives and what I did to deal. The long tongue dug into my ankle tendons so I trimmed it down. The upper felt tight and I got a painful pressure point on the top of my big toe metatarsal. I changed the lacewing pattern so the laces didn't cross over that area of my foot. Everything else is good. Feels like a more supportive, more cushioned Timp 1.5 now. Snug mid foot with no heel ... MoreSize up at least a half size!! I have been using Altra Olympus 4s for some time and love them. Knowing that Altra would no doubt dramatically change the next version ( as they did with the Times and lone peaks) I bought as many 4s as I could. My closet is full! I decided to give the 5s a try after discussing sizing with an Altra representative I sized up from 8.5 to 9. First the negatives and what I did to deal. The long tongue dug into my ankle tendons so I trimmed it down. The upper felt tight and I got a painful pressure point on the top of my big toe metatarsal. I changed the lacewing pattern so the laces didn't cross over that area of my foot. Everything else is good. Feels like a more supportive, more cushioned Timp 1.5 now. Snug mid foot with no heel slipping. Comfortable wide toe box ( thank you for not messing that up like the other models. I've hiked quite a bit in them and I'm not having issues with the thread coming off although my sister did with her pair first walk in the rain. I will still use my old reliable Olympus 4 on the PCT this year as I know how many miles I can get with them already.
I have been a long time Altra devotee, and generally love their shoes. I have had a handful of Lone Peaks (shoes and boots), road shoes, and even a pair of casual shoes. All of which I have loved. I originally purchased a pair of Timp 4, however Altra has unfortunately strayed away from their original foot shape with that shoe. I returned those for the Olympus for longer runs that would be on paved road, gravel road/multi track, and single track.Original impression of the Olympus was that the shape was wonderful and fit my foot perfectly. The materials were generally well sourced, but the shoe laces were woefully short. For the huge amount of stack (30mm), the shoe was pretty unimpressive. Felt stiff and dead, with little spring for such an amount of cushioning. ... MoreI have been a long time Altra devotee, and generally love their shoes. I have had a handful of Lone Peaks (shoes and boots), road shoes, and even a pair of casual shoes. All of which I have loved. I originally purchased a pair of Timp 4, however Altra has unfortunately strayed away from their original foot shape with that shoe. I returned those for the Olympus for longer runs that would be on paved road, gravel road/multi track, and single track.Original impression of the Olympus was that the shape was wonderful and fit my foot perfectly. The materials were generally well sourced, but the shoe laces were woefully short. For the huge amount of stack (30mm), the shoe was pretty unimpressive. Felt stiff and dead, with little spring for such an amount of cushioning. The Vibram tread was a nice shift on Altra’s part, and did well transitioning from surface to surface.The straw that broke the camels back with this shoe was that the tread came unglued middle of a very critical race for me. So much so, that I had to stop, and rip it off the shoe to continue. There was about 4 inches of tread flapping around between the shoe and the ground.I am hoping that Altra gets their act together on a few things, mostly to include QC and shifting back to their roots in actual foot shaped shoes.Would not recommend the Olympus for the time being, especially for the price.
First, a caveat: these shoes are a replacement for a pair of Timp 4s that fell apart on me after 200 miles or so. The Olympus shoes I got to replace them don't seem to be showing the immediate signs of wear that the Timps did (other than a minor cosmetic issue with the Altra logo on one shoe--see the picture below), but I have only had them for about three weeks/55 miles or so. With that said, I am enjoying the latest version of the Olympus. The fit is good, and although the cushion is high, it still feels stable. I've had a couple of pairs in the past where I felt like I was running on platform shoes, which was why I had moved to Lone Peaks and then Timps. Whatever Altra did with the cushioning and the footbed, I feel much more stable in these. The loop at the heel ... MoreFirst, a caveat: these shoes are a replacement for a pair of Timp 4s that fell apart on me after 200 miles or so. The Olympus shoes I got to replace them don't seem to be showing the immediate signs of wear that the Timps did (other than a minor cosmetic issue with the Altra logo on one shoe--see the picture below), but I have only had them for about three weeks/55 miles or so. With that said, I am enjoying the latest version of the Olympus. The fit is good, and although the cushion is high, it still feels stable. I've had a couple of pairs in the past where I felt like I was running on platform shoes, which was why I had moved to Lone Peaks and then Timps. Whatever Altra did with the cushioning and the footbed, I feel much more stable in these. The loop at the heel is VERY large and easy to use to pull on the shoes. I was worried that it would rub up against the back of my heel (also a problem with prior Olympuses) but so far I haven't had any issues. So, with the caveat that I haven't really tested the durability of these shoes yet, I would say that they are worth buying, and perhaps the best version of the Olympus I have tried so far.
I’ve been in various Altra shoes over the past 4 years (2 pairs of Lone Peaks & a pair of Mont Blancs) and the Olympus’ are certainly the most comfortable I’ve tried yet. I mainly use the shoe for light-duty hiking and around town walking and for that they work great but I would not use these as a dedicated trail running or hiking shoe. I’ve experienced less than ideal durability with Altra shoes and the Olympus’ are no stranger to that. A piece of the sole came unglued from the bottom of the shoe about 2 weeks into ownership, which was disappointing. Instead of returning them, I decided to re-glue with Gorilla glue and pressed on. Since then, I’ve had almost no issues with the shoe. They did just rip near the toe box but they’re seen some use over the past 4 months ... MoreI’ve been in various Altra shoes over the past 4 years (2 pairs of Lone Peaks & a pair of Mont Blancs) and the Olympus’ are certainly the most comfortable I’ve tried yet. I mainly use the shoe for light-duty hiking and around town walking and for that they work great but I would not use these as a dedicated trail running or hiking shoe. I’ve experienced less than ideal durability with Altra shoes and the Olympus’ are no stranger to that. A piece of the sole came unglued from the bottom of the shoe about 2 weeks into ownership, which was disappointing. Instead of returning them, I decided to re-glue with Gorilla glue and pressed on. Since then, I’ve had almost no issues with the shoe. They did just rip near the toe box but they’re seen some use over the past 4 months so I’m not losing sleep over it. I’d like to see Altra improve the durability of their shoes in the near future. They fit my feet perfectly which is why they continue to get my business. However, 3 of my 4 Altra shoes have seen premature durability issues and for that I’m about at my wits end.Going forward, I’d like to find a different company that makes a durable, wide toe box hiking / trail running shoe. I’ve done some reading up on Topo Athletic but I’m not sold quite yet.
I have been loyal to Altra Lone Peaks for the last decade. I use them for every day wear and for hikes of all lengths, from walking in the foothills to climbing big mountains to crossing the Grand Canyon. But I don't love most of Altra's color schemes and the color selection was particularly bad last time I needed shoes so I decided to try the Olympus with the Vibram sole. I loved the extra cushioning and wore them out of the box to climb an 12,000 foot peak in Idaho (14 miles round trip) and the next weekend I wore them to climb an 11,000 foot peak, (12m miles round trip) in the Wasatch. I also noticed much better grip on rock than the original Altra souls. I had no blisters and my feet felt great after both hikes. I even changed my socks and put them right back on ... MoreI have been loyal to Altra Lone Peaks for the last decade. I use them for every day wear and for hikes of all lengths, from walking in the foothills to climbing big mountains to crossing the Grand Canyon. But I don't love most of Altra's color schemes and the color selection was particularly bad last time I needed shoes so I decided to try the Olympus with the Vibram sole. I loved the extra cushioning and wore them out of the box to climb an 12,000 foot peak in Idaho (14 miles round trip) and the next weekend I wore them to climb an 11,000 foot peak, (12m miles round trip) in the Wasatch. I also noticed much better grip on rock than the original Altra souls. I had no blisters and my feet felt great after both hikes. I even changed my socks and put them right back on for the rest of the day after both hikes. They are the comfortable. After the second hike I realized the lugs on the souls of the shores are coming unglued from the rest of the shoe. I hope is a defect on this particular shoe. It seems like these souls should last more than 2 hikes and 26 miles. I give 5 starts for comfort and improved traction and 1 star for durability. I hope the next round of soles are better.
I have been running (and hiking) in Altra trail runners now for several years, primarily Lone Peaks, but also Timp and Superior models. After a toe injury I decided to try the new Olympus 5s for their thicker sole and support, but I have been quite disappointed. I bought size 9.5 and 10s to try to see if fit was the issue but neither one worked for me, especially compared to my other Altras. For some background, I run 95%+ trail with lots of hills and, until recently, average mileage between 8-13+ miles or so. Now re-training, I'm at around 4-5 miles, still on trails.Here is my main problem: if the laces are comfortably tight then I have significant slippage, mainly in the heel, but if I tighten them more to mitigate the slipping then the shoes are quite painful. ... MoreI have been running (and hiking) in Altra trail runners now for several years, primarily Lone Peaks, but also Timp and Superior models. After a toe injury I decided to try the new Olympus 5s for their thicker sole and support, but I have been quite disappointed. I bought size 9.5 and 10s to try to see if fit was the issue but neither one worked for me, especially compared to my other Altras. For some background, I run 95%+ trail with lots of hills and, until recently, average mileage between 8-13+ miles or so. Now re-training, I'm at around 4-5 miles, still on trails.Here is my main problem: if the laces are comfortably tight then I have significant slippage, mainly in the heel, but if I tighten them more to mitigate the slipping then the shoes are quite painful. While the toe box space remains fine, the mid-foot becomes so uncomfortably tight that it causes lasting pain even after taking the shoes off. I thought they may need to break in so I've tried to give them a fair shake, but after less than 40 miles of running plus some hikes they should have been worn in enough by now if that was the problem. Strangely enough the 9.5s (which is my usual size in Lone Peak & Superior) slip more than the 10s did. The 10s were just too large with extra space in the front, however they still had the same mid-foot tightness problem. With both sizes I even tried different lacing methods to fix the issue. Not much changed. It just seems the mid-foot is too narrow and so far I've never need a "wide" size in any of my shoes.A related problem is the lace "bite." The upper part of the tongue has inadequate padding. You can really feel the pressure from the laces, especially if you use the "extra" lace holes (which I need to on these to try to lock in the heel as much as I can.) And of course tightening these down only makes the "bite" worse.I wish I could compare these to prior Olympus models (the 4 seems to be well-liked). I still have my Lone Peak 6s (size 9.5) with low miles and they fit great, especially compared to these.For some positives, I did find that the toe box still had ample room consistent with my other Altras and they did provide the extra support I was looking for. And at least there are a couple of decent colorways in the Olympus 5.(Side note: what is with the Altra colorways in all the new models? Who is deciding that these are the colors people want? Most of them are terrible.)Finally, I haven't really had them long enough to adequately test the durability issues that others mention but I can see how they wouldn't hold up for very long. Unfortunately Altra has always been know for their durability anyway. However my Lone Peak 5s lasted the longest of any of my Altras.
Like many many many other people have commented in these reviews, the outstole started delaminating right away. Initially it felt easier to buy a tube of shoe glue to try and fix than to complain to Altra. What are they going to do, send me a new pair where the same thing happens? Refund me? Then I'm still without my favorite shoes. But the problems with the sole glue are so severe that shoe glue doesn't cut it. As soon as you glue one section down, another starts to delaminate and the shoe glue only lasts for so long. Judging by how many people have made this complaint, it's an obviously a big problem, and Altra should stop selling these shoes until it's fixed and then clearly state somewhere that it has been fixed. Otherwise it reads like it probably is: a ... MoreLike many many many other people have commented in these reviews, the outstole started delaminating right away. Initially it felt easier to buy a tube of shoe glue to try and fix than to complain to Altra. What are they going to do, send me a new pair where the same thing happens? Refund me? Then I'm still without my favorite shoes. But the problems with the sole glue are so severe that shoe glue doesn't cut it. As soon as you glue one section down, another starts to delaminate and the shoe glue only lasts for so long. Judging by how many people have made this complaint, it's an obviously a big problem, and Altra should stop selling these shoes until it's fixed and then clearly state somewhere that it has been fixed. Otherwise it reads like it probably is: a calculation that enough people won't bother to complain that it remains profitable to keep selling through the inventory even while appeasing the people who do complain. Altra should cut it's losses and remove these from the market to try and preserve it's reputation. Otherwise I'm sure competitors like Topo Adventure would love to move in on Altra's dominance of the natural footshape max cushion market.
After excellent experiences with Olympus 4 these Olympus 5s are a real disappointment. I bought 3 pairs of these ahead of training season; like happened to many other Reviewers here the sole on the first pair delaminated on the first run and made a 'squishing' sound with every step; the sole on the second pair lasted a couple of weeks but then the tread delaminated and detached. The third pair were the worst - the treads on the sole delaminated severely after a single use. After 3 uses the shoes were effectively unusable. All use was on trails and tracks; some of it rocky but not enough to cause severe sole damage. In addition I found the shoes slightly shorter inside than the Olympus 4, but did manage to get used to that. Yes, the laces are stupidly short also. I ... MoreAfter excellent experiences with Olympus 4 these Olympus 5s are a real disappointment. I bought 3 pairs of these ahead of training season; like happened to many other Reviewers here the sole on the first pair delaminated on the first run and made a 'squishing' sound with every step; the sole on the second pair lasted a couple of weeks but then the tread delaminated and detached. The third pair were the worst - the treads on the sole delaminated severely after a single use. After 3 uses the shoes were effectively unusable. All use was on trails and tracks; some of it rocky but not enough to cause severe sole damage. In addition I found the shoes slightly shorter inside than the Olympus 4, but did manage to get used to that. Yes, the laces are stupidly short also. I wanted to love these shoes, and I did find them very stable and well cushioned, but Altra have a real lemon on their hands here. Add to this the run-around given by Altrarunning.eu warranty team (they don't respond to claims; are elusive and difficult to contact: god knows when or if they will even respond to my warranty claims) I have to say my love for Altra is fading fast. If you're thinking of trying Altra - think again.
If you liked the Olympus 4, you'll like the 5...I think the 5 upper is a bit nicer and it maybe even looks a bit better as well, and the attempt at mid and heel lock down is appreciated, even though the weight gain wasn't. AND I am in the camp of hating that minimal tongue or whatever you want to call it...in a beefy shoe like that, what is this vain attempt at thinning in the tongue? It's a wide shoe and needs a bit more tongue padding to make it more versatile for different fits and lace tightness for people. Seriously, that tongue is ridiculous on the Olympus. But nonetheless I warmed eventually to the 4 and have found my lacing happy place, and even got multiple pairs, and the 5 is a solid next step if just a partial and heavier one while keeping tongue ... MoreIf you liked the Olympus 4, you'll like the 5...I think the 5 upper is a bit nicer and it maybe even looks a bit better as well, and the attempt at mid and heel lock down is appreciated, even though the weight gain wasn't. AND I am in the camp of hating that minimal tongue or whatever you want to call it...in a beefy shoe like that, what is this vain attempt at thinning in the tongue? It's a wide shoe and needs a bit more tongue padding to make it more versatile for different fits and lace tightness for people. Seriously, that tongue is ridiculous on the Olympus. But nonetheless I warmed eventually to the 4 and have found my lacing happy place, and even got multiple pairs, and the 5 is a solid next step if just a partial and heavier one while keeping tongue weirdness. I know people have mentioned the laces, and they are shortish...I swap out all my shoes with elastic lock laces, so it doesn't really matter to me, but yes the 5s laces are on the short side...so were the mid boots laces (which I also replaced with boot length lock laces). All told, the Olympus 4 and 5 versions got me back to multiple pairs of Olympus in my closet...the last time that was true was with the 2.0...yes that long ago! I think these new ones fit more 'neutral' compared to some of the Olympus versions, which is important to this supinator, plus they are built better and look better. I am fairly sensitive to pronation control shoes and these Olympus are ok in that regard...looking at the backs of them and that classic Olympus build up of midsole stuff on the medial heel freaks me out, but wearing them doesn't feel that drastic thankfully. But if you're a supinator you will want to test drive that for yourself as that can be a wonky feeling, in a trail shoe especially. Happy trails everyone..
I love Altra shoes normally and have had a couple of Superiors and Lone Peaks. I really wanted the Vibram sole for better grip and bought the Olympus. The fit on these is absolutely horrible. Even though I bought the same size, the fit on the forefront is really tight and uncomfortable compared to superiors and LPs. But the fit on the heel is awful, way way too loose. My ankle kept feeling like it was going to pop out walking. The chamfer on the heel design makes no sense at all like it was designed by someone who had never designed a pair of shoes before. And the ankle loop is totally unnecessary.The worst part is that because the forefoot is already tight, I needed to loosen the laces a bit. But the laces provided with the shoes are way way too short! You cannot ... MoreI love Altra shoes normally and have had a couple of Superiors and Lone Peaks. I really wanted the Vibram sole for better grip and bought the Olympus. The fit on these is absolutely horrible. Even though I bought the same size, the fit on the forefront is really tight and uncomfortable compared to superiors and LPs. But the fit on the heel is awful, way way too loose. My ankle kept feeling like it was going to pop out walking. The chamfer on the heel design makes no sense at all like it was designed by someone who had never designed a pair of shoes before. And the ankle loop is totally unnecessary.The worst part is that because the forefoot is already tight, I needed to loosen the laces a bit. But the laces provided with the shoes are way way too short! You cannot even put them through all the holes. This is a monumentally basic design flaw.The product manager for these has had a nightmare. I am disappointed in Altra for continuing to sell and ship what is clearly a faulty product. And I am supposed to pay a small fortune out of my own pocket to return these to an office Italy! Disaster really.
