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 have Altra Olympus trail runners for dry weather and the same model in a mid-height waterproof/gore-tex variant for when it’s cold and snowy. If you want or need boots, buy ‘em. If you don’t try trail runners or a ‘hiking shoe’.

I have Altra Olympus trail runners for dry weather and the same model in a mid-height waterproof/gore-tex variant for when it’s cold and snowy. If you want or need boots, buy ‘em. If you don’t try trail runners or a ‘hiking shoe’.

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.

I’ve done the CF, the Portuguese (from Porto), the middle chunk of the Via Francigena and this year the Kumano Kodo. The combo that works for me is the Altra Olympus low, Injinji toe socks and Dirty Girl gaiters. It’s not perfect in all conditions e.g. heavy rain but it works for me. YMMV. Good luck and Buen Camino!

Altra Olympus. They will help with the plantar fasciitis as they are quite padded. I swear by them and they're all I wore on my '22 hike.

Good Luck!! I run in provision and paradigm on roads - and honestly, i tihnk either of those would also work on pea gravel. My trail shoes are the Olympus, and I just bought the Experience Wild, but haven't run on them enough to have an opinion. The Olympus is heavy and grippy, but I live in Appalachia.