Review: ALTRA Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoes
Karen Parnell
April 23, 2025
Review: ALTRA Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoes (Purple, EU 42)
Mountain-tested by a trail-running triathlon coach in Southern Spain
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Introduction to the Altra Olympus 6
If you’ve ever suffered from plantar fasciitis, you’ll know just how debilitating it can be—especially when running in the mountains is not just a passion, but your daily routine and part of your job.
Just six months back, I was limping through my days with plantar fasciitis taking the joy out of every step.
Since then, I’ve been experimenting with all sorts of recovery tools and gear adjustments. One big game-changer? Shoes with a wide toe box.
Enter my second pair from ALTRA—this time, the Olympus 6, in a gloriously loud purple.
After the Altra Experience Wilds (which were comfy but lacked that sticky grip underfoot), I was really keen to put these Vibram-meets-max-cushion trail beasts through their paces.
Living and coaching at 800 meters in the rugged hills of Southern Spain means steep, technical, loose, and rocky terrain is my daily bread—and the Olympus 6 has been eating it right up.
Technical Specification & Price
- Weight: 12.17 oz / 345 g (Women’s EU 42 weighed on my scales)
- Stack Height: 33 mm (Zero Drop™ platform)
- Midsole: Altra EGO™ MAX cushioning
- Outsole: Vibram® Megagrip
- Upper: Durable engineered mesh
- Fit: Standard Altra FootShape™ fit (plenty of toe splay room)
- Price: Around €180 / £160 / $170 (as of Spring 2025)
Key Features
- Vibram® Megagrip outsole – legendary grip for wet and dry conditions
- 33 mm stack height – plush ride, great for ultra-distance or injury-prone runners
- Zero Drop™ platform – natural foot positioning and better form over time
- Wide FootShape™ toe box – lets your toes splay, which I’ve found crucial for plantar fasciitis recovery
- Durable upper – handles rugged terrain without compromising breathability
How They Performed on the Trails in Spain
Let me start with comfort: if you’re looking for that clouds-on-a-rocky-mountain feeling, these are it. From the first run, I felt supported but not boxed in. The wide toe box gave my foot room to spread, helping relieve tension on my heel and arch—which is key when you're coming back from PF. They also have more arch support than the Experience Wild which I need with my very plat feet!
Altra shoes are a good choice for runners with flat feet (like me), thanks to their Balanced Cushioning and roomy FootShape™ toe box. The wide forefoot offers natural stability, while the level platform helps reduce stress on the Achilles—an area that often takes extra strain when arches are low or collapsed. I have always suffered from soreness in my Achilles and I’m hoping over time these shoes will alleviate this.
The Vibram outsole is a total upgrade from the Experience Wilds and you will notice them sticking to floor tiles like I did when I tried them for the first time in my house.
The fabulous Vibram sole on the Altra Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoes
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I took them on a long, muddy descent after a spring storm and felt locked in—zero slipping, even on wet rock slabs and loose scree. That confidence underfoot is priceless.
Climbing? Sturdy. The cushion absorbs a lot of that harsh underfoot feedback you get on steep gradients with sharp stones. But fair warning: if you’re used to a more nimble, ground-feel shoe, the Olympus can feel a bit like a tank at first. It's a trade-off—cushion and protection vs. agility.
Altra’s signature “Achilles Pillow” is like a hug for your heel—plush, protective, and surprisingly effective at keeping trail grit out. It fills in that tricky collar gap where pebbles love to sneak in. And speaking of bold features, it’s connected to one of the biggest pull tabs I’ve ever seen on a trail shoe. Seriously, you could grab it wearing mittens in a blizzard. But hey, it fits the Olympus vibe—go big, stay comfy, crush trails.
Note: I had to go up a size to get the right size for me – this may be because I am only wearing wide toe box shoes, so my toes have spread out plus one of my feet is a whole size bigger than the other!
Coaches Tip: If you are new to wide toe box shoes and transitioning to natural running shoes then start with something like the Altra Experience Wild with a small drop then go to a zero-drop shoe like the Altra Olympus to help your feet get used to the new toe spread. From there you can reduce the cushioning or stick with just zero-drop and wide toe box.
Olympus 6 vs. Experience Wild – Comparison Table
Here’s how the Olympus 6 stacks up against the Altra Experience Wild, which I reviewed previously:
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Altra Olympus 6: Pros and Cons
Every shoe has its strengths and trade-offs, and the Olympus 6 is no exception. After putting it through technical climbs, muddy descents, and long recovery slogs, here’s where it really shines—and where it might not suit everyone’s style.
Pros
- Super comfy for long-distance and recovery days
- Excellent grip thanks to Vibram Megagrip
- Wide toe box = happy feet (especially if you’ve had PF or bunions)
- Tough upper material that breathes well
- Cushioned yet responsive ride
- Good built in arch support which suited me
Cons
- A bit bulky—more Land Rover than Porsche sports car
- Takes a couple of runs to get used to if you’re coming from low-stack shoes (expect some calf “heat”)
- Pricey (but worth it for the comfort and grip combo plus priceless if it helps with your PF pain!)
Altra Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoe has a deep mid-sole!
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Conclusion
If you’re dealing with plantar fasciitis, wider feet, or just want to give your toes a break, the Altra Olympus 6 is a serious contender for your next trail shoe. I’d recommend it especially for:
- Ultra-distance runners
- Heavier runners who want cushion and support
- Injury-prone runners (PF, Achilles, metatarsalgia)
- Anyone doing long trail days with variable terrain
- If you enjoy both trail running and hiking
They’re not the lightest or most nimble, but they’re built for comfort and stability—two things I’ve come to value deeply after injury. Think of these as your trusty trail cruiser: not flashy, but built to take you far, pain-free, and sure-footed.
If your trails are technical, your body needs TLC, and you want a plush ride that grips like crazy—give the Olympus 6 a go.
Karen Parnell is a Level 3 British Triathlon and IRONMAN Certified Coach, 8020 Endurance Certified Coach, WOWSA Level 3 open water swimming coach and NASM Personal Trainer and Sports Technology Writer.
Karen is currently studying for an MSc in Sports Performance Coaching at the University of Stirling.
Need a training plan? I have plans on TrainingPeaks and FinalSurge:
I also coach a very small number of athletes one to one for all triathlon and multi-sport distances, open water swimming events and running races, email me for details and availability. Karen.parnell@chilitri.com
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FAQ – Altra Olympus 6 Trail Running Shoes
Q: Are the Olympus 6 good for plantar fasciitis?
A: Yes, absolutely. The wide toe box allows natural toe splay, which can reduce tension through the plantar fascia, and the max cushioning helps absorb impact. I've been using them as part of my PF recovery, and they’ve made a noticeable difference.
Q: How’s the grip on technical or wet terrain?
A: Excellent. The Vibram® Megagrip outsole really steps it up compared to the Altra Experience Wild. It handles wet rock, loose gravel, and steep descents with confidence.
Q: Are they suitable for long-distance or ultra running?
A: 100%. With 33 mm of cushioning and a stable base, these are built for endurance. Ideal for back-to-back long runs or ultra distances where foot fatigue and protection matter most.
Q: Do they feel heavy or bulky?
A: They’re not the lightest trail shoe out there. If you’re used to minimal or low-stack shoes, they’ll feel a bit like a tank at first. But the trade-off is comfort and protection. For long, rugged trails, it’s a worthwhile swap.
Q: Can I use them for hiking or walking too?
A: Yes! They’re actually fantastic for hiking—especially if you want a cushioned feel and grippy sole. Great for active recovery days or just covering ground comfortably.
Q: What’s the fit like?
A: True to size for most. If you’re between sizes or like a snugger feel on downhills, you might size down half. But the FootShape™ toe box gives your forefoot plenty of room to breathe.
Q: Are they breathable in hot climates?
A: Yes, the upper mesh is surprisingly breathable for such a robust shoe. I’ve been running in the southern Spanish mountains where it can hit 30°C+, and they’ve stayed comfortable.
Q: How do they compare to the Altra Lone Peak?
A: The Lone Peak is lighter and more flexible, better for short to mid-distance or if you like more ground feel. The Olympus is your go-to for long haul comfort and max protection, especially if you’re nursing injuries or logging serious vert.