We all know how difficult it can be to find the perfect trail running shoe. There are so many different brands and styles on the market it takes time to figure out where to start. And once you’ve found a shoe you like, it’s even harder to find one that fits well, looks good, and performs even better. One option is the Altra OLYMPUS 5 trail running shoe. This review will closely examine what this shoe offers in terms of comfort, energy return, and overall performance.

What's In The Guide

Altra OLYMPUS 5 Review

Altra OLYMPUS Review Guide

The Altra OLYMPUS 5 is a trail running shoe for comfort and energy return. It features a cushioned midsole and a responsive outsole, which work together to provide a smooth, comfortable ride. The midsole is also designed to promote natural foot strike and provide ample cushioning. In contrast, the outsole provides traction and stability on all types of terrain. The shoe is available in both men’s and women’s sizes and comes in various colours, including the Limited Edition Chamonix. Read on to find out more about what this shoe has to offer!

Altra OLYMPUS 5 Features

  • Zero-drop: for natural foot strikers
  • FootShape™ toe box: for comfortable toe splay on the trail
  • A-Bound™ cushioning: for energy return over long distances
  • MaxTrac™ outsole: for maximum traction underfoot on the trail

Altra OLYMPUS 5 Wide Toe Box

One of the best features of the Altra OLYMPUS 5 is the FootShape toe box. This allows your toes to spread out naturally, which feels more comfortable and helps improve balance and stability. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference, and you’ll notice it the first time you slip on a pair of these shoes.

Outsole & Grip On The Altra OLYMPUS 5

Another great feature of the Altra OLYMPUS 5 is the MaxTrac outsole with Vibram rubber. This provides maximum traction on even the most challenging trails, so you can keep moving forward no matter what the terrain throws at you. Vibram is a super durable and robust compound, giving you a grip on the trail you can trust.

Altra OLYMPUS 5 Midsole

Altra OLYMPUS 5 Vibram

The A-Bound cushioning is another excellent feature of the Altra OLYMPUS 5. It’s designed to absorb impact and provide energy return, so you can run longer. Keep going even when you’re feeling fatigued. It’s an excellent feature for long-distance runners or anyone who wants to get the most out of their trail running experience.

Suitable For Natural Foot Strike

Zero-drop design of the Altra OLYMPUS 5 is perfect for runners who prefer a natural foot strike. This means that your heel and toe are at the same level, encouraging a more efficient running style and helping to reduce fatigue.

Is Zero-Drop Right For Me?

If you need to figure out whether a zero-drop shoe is right for you, it’s worth considering whether this shoe is suitable for your running style and goals. There are many benefits to Zero-Drop, such as improved running efficiency and reduced impact on the knees. However, it’s only suitable for some. Some runners don’t like the feel of a shoe with no heel-to-toe drop, and it’s important to ensure you’re comfortable before committing to a purchase.

Altra OLYMPUS 5 Chamonix Limited Edition

Altra OLYMPUS 5 Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • The zero-drop design encourages a natural foot strike
  • FootShape toe box allows for comfortable toe splay
  • A-Bound cushioning provides energy return
  • MaxTrac outsole offers maximum traction
  • Perfect for runners who prefer a natural foot strike

Cons:

  • Some runners may find the zero-drop design uncomfortable
  • The FootShape toe box may be too roomy for some

Altra OLYMPUS 5 Final Thoughts

The Altra OLYMPUS 5 is a trail running shoe that ticks all the boxes. It’s lightweight but durable and comfortable but supportive. It has a grip that will keep you steady on even the most challenging trails. And best of all? It looks great, too. Whether you are an experienced runner looking for a new challenge or a beginner just starting out, the Olympus 5 is the perfect shoe for you. Looking for other options? Take a look at our running shoe reviews sections for more guides and articles.

Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links, and I earn a small commission from any sale that occurs via my links. This, however, does not change my opinion; I always do my best to provide the facts and suggest products that will benefit my users. You pay no more and no less for using these links. It does, however, help to sustain my blog.

Disclosure: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases." We earn commissions (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase products from retailers after clicking on a link from our site. We do our very best to offer comprehensive and detailed reviews and guides, regardless of the links placed.