Olympus Series

hello, i am looking for some shoe recommendations for a 100 mile race that is not particularly technical i want good cushioning for the long distance, but i much prefer a firmer feel underfoot as i feel this helps with speed (might be placebo but still important) i tried some shoes today and have given some feedback below, but appreciate there are many more options out there so i’d like some recommendations asics trabuco max 4 - felt too soft underfoot (springy/bouncy) salomon ultra glide 4 - again too soft underfoot altra olympus 6 - loved the firm feel but no experience with zero drop inov8 trail fly max - again loved the firm feel

Toe box is fine on H1’s. However, I wear a size 13 and my midfoot arch literally hangs out over the midsole when I’m standing. Like a fat guys belly hanging over their pants. I am really thinking of returning them. Anyone else experience this? My most comfortable shoes are the Altra Olympus 6 and Speedland gs:pdx.

Sadly the Timp is too narrow for me. The Topo Pursuit 2 is on the list and I will try it as soon as I get my hands on a pair. I tried several Altras (Timp 6, Olympus 6, Mont Blanc, Olympus 275), but none was a match.

I have trouble finding the right zero drop/wide toe box shoe. I am happy with my Altras on the road, like Paradigm 6 and Torin 8. I currently run on Lone Peak 9+, which fits perfectly fine, but I just wish it had more cushioning. I tried Timps, Mont Blancs, Olympus 6, Opympus 275…either issues with heels or too narrow.  Then again I wonder if I would be happy with more cushioning at all on technical trails. I just finished my first self sustained marathon (43km/1500m vert) and it didn‘t feel bad, there is just the little voice that tells me that I might be wrecking my joints too much in the long run (pun intended). 

Its honestly just what the olympus 6 should have been

I go back and forth between Altra Olympus 6 and Salomon Genesis for the weekly trail run(s), for trail races I go with the S/Lab Genesis (the “Courtneys”)

I just got my Altra Olympus 275’s in a few days ago. I have been wearing Olympus previous models so the fit is familiar. These are lighter than the 6’s with the Kevlar enforced upper they really shaved noticeable weight and supposedly increased durability. The built in partial gaiter is a neat idea. Hopefully it’s functional. Maybe something to look at. They are pricey

Check out the Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0. These are what I use when doing weeks-long canoe trips in the summer. I can pull boats through waste deep water for 30 min and they will be dry by the end of the next portage. These are my only shoes that aren't Altras but I enjoy them because have a similar zero drop and wider (though not nearly as wide as my 9+ LPs) toe box. That being said, as others have mentioned the Olympus 5,6 and 275 all have a fabricesque upper which dries quicker than the LP series and are also great options that I use for backpacking trips. Best advice is to pack at least 3 pairs of quality wool socks (2 to alternate days while hiking, and one that never leaves the bottom of your sleeping bag)

I would categorize the Olympus 5 and 6 as hiking forward but could be used as a high cushion trainer in a pinch. The Olympus 275 is lighter and the more run forward version of the shoe (and use that or the Mont Blanc Speed for trail runs, though the latter has a more narrow fit). LPs I use for shorter or more technical runs because of the better connectiveness to the ground.