Altra Olympus 275 Trail Runner Review

Everyone’s heard the horror tales: folks skipping off into the wilderness solely to limp again to civilization with blistered toes, misplaced toenails, and even stress fractures. We’re solely as robust as our basis — and for hikers, that basis is our toes. Discovering the fitting pair of sneakers could make or break a visit. With so many selections and options, it may be exhausting to know what you actually want — and what you’re keen to compromise on.

In recent times, many thru-hikers have gravitated towards zero-drop footwear. Altra gained traction on this house over a decade in the past with the introduction of the Lone Peak, and the model has continued to steer the zero-drop market with revolutionary updates throughout its lineup.

Amongst Altra’s hottest fashions is the Olympus, which noticed the discharge of its sixth iteration in 2024. However as a substitute of launching an Olympus 7 in 2025, Altra took a special route and gave us a very reimagined model: the Altra Olympus 275.

What’s in a Identify?

To tell apart this mannequin from the usual Olympus, Altra named it the “275” — a nod to the model’s humble beginnings. Again within the early days, Altra’s founders used a toaster oven set to 275°F to heat-mold their first zero-drop prototypes. The model has clearly come a great distance since then — at present, Altra is among the hottest footwear selections on America’s lengthy trails.

MATRYX materials on the Olympus 275 creates a light-weight, breathable, abrasion-resistant, and supportive higher.

Altra Olympus 275 At a Look

MSRP: $185
Weight: 9.6 oz (ladies’s) | 11.9 oz (males’s)
Cushioning: Excessive
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
Stack Top: 33mm

Males’s Olympus 275 right here.

Circumstances of Assessment

I put the Olympus 275s by the wringer through the ultimate leg of my 2025 Pacific Crest Path thru-hike. I wore them by the whole state of Washington, from Cascade Locks to the Canadian border — over 500 miles. After that, I added one other 100 miles in Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park. By the point of this evaluate, my Olympus 275s had over 600 miles on them.

I’ve worn Altras completely since my first thru-hike in 2021. I began with the Olympus on the Appalachian Path and have worn the 4, 5, and 6 fashions — in addition to the Lone Peak 4, 5, and 9. Whereas I just like the Lone Peaks, I desire the added cushioning of the Olympus line. On the PCT, I went by 5 completely different pairs: two pairs of the Olympus 5, two of the Olympus 6, and one pair of the Olympus 275.

Learn Subsequent: Altra Lone Peak 9 Assessment

Meant Use

Altra’s Olympus line is constructed for trails. They’re technically path runners — basically rugged tennis sneakers sturdy sufficient to deal with the backcountry. Due to their excessive degree of cushioning, they’re preferrred for lengthy hikes and ultra-distance runs.

Altra markets them as greatest for “technical path operating” and “all-day path operating,” which makes them equally suited to thru-hiking, the place you’re in your toes all day navigating difficult terrain.

Why Altra?

Altra is greatest recognized for 2 core options: a large toe field and 0 drop.

Their signature FootShape design permits your toes to splay naturally, in contrast to conventional sneakers that taper to a degree. This enhances stability, stability, and luxury over lengthy distances. Altra gives three foot form choices: Authentic, Commonplace, and Slim. The Olympus 275 makes use of the Authentic FootShape, which means it has the roomiest toe field and a broader midfoot match.

Second is the zero-drop design. Most sneakers have a heel-to-toe drop of round 5mm, which means your heel sits barely increased than your toes. Altra pioneered the zero-drop motion, the place the heel and forefoot sit degree. This encourages a extra pure stride.

All of Altra’s path runners — together with the Lone Peak, Timp, and Olympus — are zero-drop. In 2024, Altra launched its first non-zero-drop path runner, the Expertise Wild, which had a 4mm drop. That mannequin was up to date in 2025 with the Expertise Wild 2.

Olympus 275 in Washington’s Goat Rocks Wilderness alongside the PCT.

Altra Olympus 275 Options

Higher

The Olympus 275 is Altra’s first path shoe to function a MATRYX higher — a one-piece woven material constructed from individually coated polyamide and Kevlar yarns. It’s light-weight, breathable, abrasion-resistant, and supportive. For reference: Kevlar yarns are utilized in Ursacks to maintain bears out of meals luggage — so sure, it’s robust.

Different main manufacturers like Hoka, Merrell, and Salomon have additionally begun utilizing MATRYX of their path sneakers.

Midsole

The shoe makes use of compression-molded EVA foam, delivering substantial however light-weight cushioning. Altra categorizes its cushioning into 4 ranges: Low, Average, Excessive, and Max. The Olympus 275 lands within the “Excessive” class.

Outsole

Altra continues its partnership with Vibram, utilizing the Megagrip outsole — a sticky rubber compound designed for glorious traction on each moist and dry surfaces.

Constructed-In Scree Sleeve

New to the Olympus 275 is a scree sleeve — a tender, versatile material that extends up from the shoe collar and hugs your ankle. It retains particles like rocks and twigs out of your sneakers, decreasing the necessity for gaiters. Whereas many Altra fashions function the GaiterTrap, the 275 omits it, choosing this built-in particles barrier as a substitute.

Model new Olympus 275 (left) in comparison with a really worn-out Olympus 6 (proper). What a distinction 500 miles could make!

Olympus 6 vs. Olympus 275: What’s Modified?

Whereas the Olympus 275 belongs to the identical household, it introduces vital updates — together with a $10 value enhance.

Higher Materials: The obvious distinction is the MATRYX higher on the 275, which replaces the “engineered mesh” discovered on the Olympus 6. In my expertise, the engineered mesh was much less sturdy and extra liable to blowouts.

Cushion Ranking: Altra lists the Olympus 6 as having Max cushion and the 275 as Excessive, however I personally didn’t discover a distinction between the 2 on path. Each felt equally supportive for 30+ mile days.

Heel Padding: The 275 ditches the over-padded “Achilles pillow” from the Olympus 6 — a function that gave me (and plenty of others) brutal heel blisters. I used to be thrilled to see this eliminated.

Laces: The 275 comes with longer laces, addressing one other widespread grievance with the 6. With the older mannequin, the laces have been too quick for a safe double knot — drawback solved right here.

Olympus 275 Professionals

Sturdy Higher

I used to be impressed by how nicely the MATRYX higher held up. On each different pair of Olympus sneakers I’ve worn, the stitching close to the perimeters gave out round 400–500 miles. With the 275s, I anticipated the light-weight materials to fail — nevertheless it didn’t. Although the material confirmed seen pressure the place my foot bends, I by no means bought a rip or blowout, even after 600+ miles.

Cloud-Like Cushioning

I beloved the EVA foam in these sneakers. Whereas some desire minimal cushioning for a extra grounded really feel, I appreciated the tender, supportive experience. The excessive cushion helped me push massive miles every day, at the same time as my toes grew drained.

Wonderful Traction

Due to the Vibram Megagrip outsole, I felt assured scrambling over scree, slick rocks, and muddy switchbacks all through Washington. The outsole remained grippy and dependable even after lots of of miles.

No Extra Leaf Litter

The scree defend labored surprisingly nicely. I’ve all the time worn gaiters, however particles nonetheless managed to sneak in. With the 275, I hardly ever needed to cease to shake out rocks or twigs. Be aware: A buddy with skinnier ankles mentioned the sleeve didn’t seal nicely for him — perhaps I simply have fats ankles. Both manner, it labored nice for me.

Aggressive traction because of the Vibram Megagrip outsole on the Olympus 275.

Olympus 275 Cons

Cumbersome Really feel

Like different Olympus fashions, the 275s can really feel a bit like clown sneakers — particularly in the event you put on a bigger dimension. The extensive toe field and excessive stack top make for a cumbersome silhouette. Not preferrred in the event you’re searching for one thing smooth or making an attempt to maneuver rapidly down the path.

No Extra GaiterTrap

The built-in scree sleeve replaces the GaiterTrap, which means there’s no straightforward option to connect gaiters. Some manufacturers promote gaiters with adhesive Velcro you’ll be able to DIY onto the heel, however I miss the comfort of Altra’s authentic gaiter system.

Restricted Colours

At present, the Olympus 275 solely is available in two colours: black with both crimson or inexperienced accents. In comparison with the 13+ choices out there for the Olympus 6, it is a little bit of a letdown. Hopefully extra shade methods shall be out there in upcoming fashions.

Not Best for 4-Season Mountaineering

The Olympus 275 performs nicely in three seasons however isn’t the only option for winter circumstances. Should you anticipate chilly, moist climate, you’ll possible wish to contemplate a water-resistant path runner or perhaps a light-weight climbing boot. On the time of this evaluate, the Olympus 275 is just out there in a non-waterproof model.

For these searching for winter-ready footwear, the Olympus 6 GTX is accessible in each low and mid variations, that includes leather-based and GORE-TEX uppers for improved safety in snow and rain.

Scrambling over rocks to check out the Vibram Megagrip outsole on the Olympus 275.

Closing Ideas

The Olympus 275 has turn out to be my new favourite climbing shoe. Whereas I’ll admit I’m already an Altra fan, I genuinely imagine this mannequin is a step above the usual Olympus 6.

For simply $10 extra, you get a extra sturdy higher, considerate design enhancements, and the identical consolation and efficiency Altra is understood for. I bought extra mileage out of this pair than any earlier Olympus, and I discovered them extra cushioned and supportive than the lower-profile Lone Peaks.

Should you’re searching for a zero-drop shoe with excessive cushioning, glorious sturdiness, and all-day consolation, the Olympus 275 is a implausible selection for thru-hiking, path operating, or long-distance backpacking.

Store the Girls’s Altra Olympus 275

Store the Males’s Altra Olympus 275