Olympus 3

I have been wearing Olympus back to the 3 series. The 5s had some issues with the heel, but other than that they have been a pretty solid shoe.

Probably because not everyone is looking for cushioned shoes in their trail shoes. I have been a fan of the Olympus models for several years, but particularly after I broke my leg a few years ago. They were the only shoes I could wear during my recovery when I was walking on hard surfaces for extended periods of time. I have had LPs, wearing a pair now. I really like them, too, but I prefer more cushion any time I am carrying weight or going on a long distance.

Topo Athletic or Altra. Altra Lone Peak and Olympus are my go to trail shoes. Lone Peak has a Goretex version but I never bother with it. The upper drains fast and dries quickly. Get the Lone Peak 9+ for the vibram sole. Olympus has vibram also. Traction is great with both. I don’t have experience with Topo yet, but my wife and everyone else I know who has them loves them.

I’m tempted to try a pair, but have had issues finding a good size fit. LPs and Olys do well, but you are right, they tend to mileage out 500ish at most. Plus I am so used to the zero drop after several years of wearing them. How much of an issue would that be for me? Any at all?

Altra Lone Peak and Olympus have been my go to trail runners. I have very wide feet, so most of the brands you mentioned are not an option for me since they only offer a standard D width. Topo Athletic would be another brand I would consider but Altra has been working well for me long enough I am reluctant to switch.

With my 4E feet, I stick with Lone Peaks and Olympus.

Also check out the Altra Olympus. I prefer them over the Timp for days I want cushion.

Have you tried the Timp? To me they have a little more squish than Lone Peak, but not quite as much as my moon shoes (Olympus, lol) I’ve also become interested in trying the MtC shoes but just haven’t branched out yet.

Once upon a time I was around 200lbs (as a 5’2”ish girlie) and never had any complaints about my Altra Timps. This year I lost 75lbs and found that I like the Altra Olympus for a cushier ride on long runs. 10/10 for both shoes, but Altras do seem to wear faster than my Nike Wildhorse used to (I loved the 5 and every model since has been a flop for me). I get 300-350ish miles on them before the tread starts coming apart. If they change the Timp radically when they update it they will rue the day (and I’ll prob finally try out Mount to Coast).

Look at the Mount to Coast H1. It’s a hybrid shoe. I’ve worn it on the treadmill, rail trail, and normal east coast mountain trails (rooty & rocky) with no issues at all. I just switched in the last month or so after years consistently running in the Timp & Olympus because I was starting to have some plantar fasciitis issues. Fell in love with MtC and now run in the H1 & just scooped a pair of T1s. I think it’s a 6mm drop, but worth eyeballing.

I wouldn't agree with that. Done several 50km ultras with them on pretty rugged trails. They feel far more nimble and responsive than the standard Olympus in my experience.

Assuming you have the non-plated MB? If you like Altra, the Timp is a solid choice. Loved my pair. Olympus 275 would be worth a look too (would skip the “standard” Olympus). The Mont Blanc Speed came out last year. My pair was fine for shorter runs, but the midsole was so soft I’d bottom out after a while and my feet would hurt so bad. I’m a heavier guy though so if you’re small and light you may not have the same issue.

Timp was a rock solid daily trainer for me. No complaints. If I didn’t get rid of my MB Speed’s, I’d use them for <10k runs where I want to pick up the pace. They have a layer of Altra’s “super” foam in them so they are fun to go faster in, but I wouldn’t go much longer than that for reasons stated above. Both had plenty of room in the toe box. I never wore the OG MB’s, I came from hiking in Lone Peaks. I did have to go up half a size from my LP size for both of these shoes 🤷🏻‍♂️

My surprising find was that my glutes got really sore when starting the zero drop journey. They did help against PF, so that was great. Now I just wish they made Timps/Olympus' in wide versions as I may need more cushioning than what LP's have.