Altra Men's Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX Black / 9

I bought this boot without checking the reviews, and after about 7 miles of wear I started to get some pain on the outside of my right ankle. It almost seemed like the stitching was too tight on the interior seam there. So I changed socks (right foot to left foot) and kept going. The next day I did about 8 miles with a pair of really thick socks and the laces a little loose to start. I also got the boots pretty damp/wet to start. I had to stop a couple times and re adjust the boot and sock. After that they feel fully broken in, and by far the most comfortable boot I have ever hiked in. I have been hiking as a guide for 30 plus years. I remember when all good boots came with a long, and often very uncomfortable break in period. I am not saying that this isn't a ... MoreI bought this boot without checking the reviews, and after about 7 miles of wear I started to get some pain on the outside of my right ankle. It almost seemed like the stitching was too tight on the interior seam there. So I changed socks (right foot to left foot) and kept going. The next day I did about 8 miles with a pair of really thick socks and the laces a little loose to start. I also got the boots pretty damp/wet to start. I had to stop a couple times and re adjust the boot and sock. After that they feel fully broken in, and by far the most comfortable boot I have ever hiked in. I have been hiking as a guide for 30 plus years. I remember when all good boots came with a long, and often very uncomfortable break in period. I am not saying that this isn't a design flaw in the boot, it probably is, but if they hold up for another 80 plus miles I will gladly buy another pair, and go through the break in process if necessary. Its thats comfy. The last heavy pack trip I did my feet have never been so pain free. I got done and couldn't believe it. No aches, no hot spots, no soreness, nothing. Really impressive. So, maybe you will have an ankle issue? Maybe it will go away pretty quickly if you take care of it? Maybe you will buy different boots. The last thing I will say is this. I buy, and completely wear out a lot of boots every year. I have never owned a pair that lasted for more than 90 miles of wet heavy packing, that didn't have some break in issues.

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 ... MoreI 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.

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 ... MoreI 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.