Article by Ernst Linder
Altra Running Olympus 275 ($185)
Introduction
Ernst: I received the Altra Olympus 275 (O275) at a time when I was busy breaking in the Altra Lone Peak 9 (LP9) that now have 255 miles on them – see my RTR review.
On my first try of the O275 I immediately noticed a pleasant rocking and forward motion much different from similarly weighted Altra models like the Timp4. I also wrongly guessed that perhaps this shoe has a small drop, say 5mm – it does not! It is zero drop.
Although the O275 is about ¾ oz heavier than the LP9 for my size (8.5 US), the weight difference was not noticeable, possibly due to this responsiveness which I attribute to a more pronounced rocker geometry in the O275.
Both models have a compressed EVA foam midsole, and the additional 6 mm stack height of the 0275 and its beefier Vibram outsole might explain the heavier weight, I was very skeptical about running trails in a high stack shoe – O275 has 33 mm stack height compared to the more nimble 27mm of the LP9.
I have over many years preferred the more minimal shoes for trail running. Being light-weighted, and since I am doing most of my trail runs on New England single tracks that have uneven surfaces, in particular many protruding tree roots, stability was more important for me than cushioning. My initial gut reaction to the O275 thus was: “This shoe could actually turn me into a high-stack devotee”.
Pros:
A “fun” shoe for mid- to long distance trail and gravel road hikes and runs. Ernst
Sturdy and solidly built for long distance hiking in rugged terrain. Ernst
Altra’s “original” fit which is its widest.. Ernst
Foot is locked in very tightly. Ernst
Well cushioned, yet responsive. Ernst
Excellent traction (Vibram® MegaGrip Outsole). Ernst
Very strong yet flexible and soft-feeling upper (Matryx® ). Ernst
Redesigned lace-lock system works well. Ernst
Updated collar and scree sleeve feel comfortable. Ernst
Cons:
Too much stack height for running on very technical trails. Ernst
Too much stack height for off-trail running. Ernst
On the heavier side for racing. Ernst
Stats
Spec Weight:
W (8.5) | 9.65 oz / 274 g
M (10.5) 11.95 oz / 339g
Sample Weights:
men’s oz / g US 8.5 10.8 oz /306 gr (0.2 oz difference left to right)
Stack Height: 33 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot
Platform Width: 90 mm heel / 85 mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Ernst: Right out of the box I found it difficult to fit my feet into the shoes, and my feet felt cramped and I was worried about lack of roominess. Yet after a few hundred meters of running the shoes felt very comfortable and after a few miles I started to appreciate the snug fit. The very solidly Kevlar reinforced “Matryx” upper ended up being soft enough and pliable to make the initial run enjoyable.
After all, the M275 is marketed as a fun shoe for hiking and running alike on trails and rugged terrain that will last for a long time. The fit is snug but not uncomfortable and is true to my US men 8.5 size.
A noticeable feature is the lace-lock system which is one loop further up than the similar device on the LP9 and it has reduced-size holes for the lacing to provide additional drag to keep laces in place throughout a run. This seems to work very well. Another features is the knit scree sleeve that is attached to the heel collar to keep small debris out of the shoe. This should work well especially in combination with tight-fitting gaters or even compression socks. The sleeve is not really noticeable during the run. The heel collar is lower than in most models thus I had no issues of rubbing against the ankle bone or other discomforts.
Midsole & Platform
Ernst: The midsole consists of a compressed EVA foam, supposedly similar or identical to that of the Olympus 6 model. The number 275 is the degree F Altra co-founder Golden Harper would use in a toaster oven to modify running shoes to mold into zero-drop shoes. And if you wonder about the tiny numbers imprinted on the medial side of the midsole, these are the coordinates of the peak of Mount Olympus near Salt Lake City, in Utah, USA. The platform is moderately stiff with pronounced tapers at the front and the heel, which gives it a forward motion for a fun ride.
Outsole
Ernst: The outsole is the well-tested and liked Vibram Megagrip® outsole. It has 3.5 mm lugs throughout that are arranged in rows toe to heel. The Megagrip sole has additional grooves between the rows of differing depths (2 – 4 mm) that provides additional traction where the shoe can “dig in” for example in mud, but also for better traction in wet conditions on leaves, rocks and gravel, and to keep the shoe aligned with the running direction. I have not had a chance to thoroughly test the outsole.
Lack of lifting my feet due to exhaustion during long runs has often resulted in the rear of well-studded shoes grabbing on to protruding rocks and roots which can trigger falls. I tested the O275 for that possibility, although during a short run, and was again positively surprised noticing that the forward motion of the shoe offset any forward “sea-sawing” over obstacles that the high stack and the lugged outsole might create. “ Nice going Altra! There is however a caveat about side-way rocking (see below in Ride).
The shoe has no rock-plate, but with the Vibram outsole and with a more solid TPEE sockliner than in previous Altra models, it provides ample protection from hard surfaces and even from protruding obstacles such as roots and rocks.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Ernst: As indicated above, the O275 is a great shoe for trail hiking and trail running. It provides comfort and a smooth ride especially suited for daily training but also for long-distance outings.
My enthusiasm is just slightly dampened by my overall discomfort with high stack shoes. The issue is the sideways ankle-rolling when going over obstacles that are aligned with the direction of running. I had three incidents in my four runs so far with the O275. None were serious, but it does not take much to injure an ankle. Years of running on and off-trails, the latter mostly by participating in orienteering training and races, has steered me towards low-stack and minimal shoes. I had my share of rolled ankles and I think I have learned instinctively to avoid injury letting myself fall while taking pressure off the ankle. As much as I like the O 275, I realize that I have to be extra careful to avoid injury.
While specific to my build and situation, I am surprised that the shoe is advertised to be a fun shoe for on and off-trail for hiking and running. I imagine I would feel less safe say in off-trail side hilling in rugged terrain than I would with a lower-stack shoe.
Otherwise the O275 is a great shoe, and given its careful design and workmanship, it promises to last for many miles on trails.
Due to its high cushioning design and relatively low 3.5 mm lug outsole, the shoe is also surprisingly comfortable for running on pavement, thus well suited for those hybrid “trail” runs and hikes over any surface from road to single-track.
Ernst’s Score: 9 /10
(Ride: 3 / 3, Fit: 2.6 / 3, Value (0.6 / 1), Style (0.3 / 0.5) Traction (1.5 / 1.5),
Rock Protection (1 /1)
Fit: could have a tad more vertical room.
At $ 185 it is on the pricier side.
Style: meeh – not really my colors.
😊😊😊😊😊
Comparisons
Altra Lone Peak 8 / 9 (RTR Review)
Ernst: The Lone Peak 9 (LP9) has a lower stack height of 27mm, and is about 0.7 oz (20 gr) lighter than the O275. It has a more nimble but still very efficient MaxTrac outsole. Altra improved the performance and possibly durability of the upper over that of the Lone Peak 8.
The Matryx material used in the upper of the O275 is yet another improvement in strength and durability in that progression. The LP8 /LP9 midsole is overall more flexible and has an embedded rock plate called “StoneGuard” enhancing the shoe's ability to handle technical terrain.
I use the LP8 or LP9 for regular training and trail racing. I am not planning to use the O275 for racing on technical trails. Yet for trail ultras that are predominantly on gravel roads, the O275 would be a fine shoe.
See also my review of the Altra MontBlanc Speed (RTR Review) for a lighter racing shoe with stack height 29mmm.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
Ernst lives in the New Hampshire Seacoast area and loves being able to run "from his doorstep" on several connected trail networks. While being the shortest student in grade school, he found almost all sports to be overly challenging, but "distance" running seemed to be natural for him. Eventually his family steered him towards competitive orienteering in his teenage years in Switzerland. This all stopped when he became an exchange student and moved to the USA.
But the seed was sown, and eventually the running spirit reemerged. Throughout the years he has rediscovered orienteering, pursued road, trail and mountain running, adventure racing, triathlon and nordic skiing. He turned towards more competitive running when Loco started organizing races in the Seacoast area, first half marathons in 2007, and later marathons. His marathon PR is 3:03 at age 59, and he has numerous USA Track and Field New Hampshire age group state records. He is 70 years old 5ft 5 inches (165cm) tall and weighs 135 lb (61 kg), and recently started more seriously training and racing in mountain races.
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