I can't tell you how thankful I am in discovering your shop and reviews. Simply awesome. I've purchased from you once (just the other day) but I WILL buy ALL of my Altras through you from this day forward. Keep up the good work as I'll support your awesomeness as much as possible!!
Great review, a lot of great information. Very excited for the Olympus 4. I am really concerned about the direction that Altra is going. I recently got a pair of the Torin 4.5 and Provision 4 and was very sad to see both new versions get more narrow in the mid-foot area. Sadly both went back to Altra. I have had multiple pairs in both styles and earlier versions and had never had any issues. I am hoping that the Olympus 4 doesn't follow this trend and I am hoping that Altra fixes/goes back to its roots. Thanks for your videos and the great content.
Thanks for checking out our channel. Sorry, you found the Plush and Provision too narrow. I tried on the new Olympus and did not find it narrow at all. It was one of the best Altras I've tried on in awhile.
Sad experience for me with the Torin 4.5 Plush. I had to return them. They were very uncomfortable right out of the box. I let my feet get used to them all day before taking them for a walk. At 1.5 miles I HAD to return to the house and change them. I gave them another try the next day with a 3-mile walk and it has taken my feet two days to recover. Based on my experience with my 1+ year old Paradigm 4.5 and Grafton shoes I was really disappointed with the Torins.
I think more of the issue with altra is that their quality has gone down...shoes busting open is not uncommon at all with less than 50 miles in...but altras wide toe box and zero drop is hard to find elsewhere...but that said my timp 1.5 was by far my best shoe from them and I should've bought a few more pairs since I can't find them in my size anymore. But I am looking forward to the new Olympus. Just trying to figure out my size since things keep changing
Thanks for the info on your views on trail stability shoes vs neutral trail. I’m a Hoka trail shoe guy but I’m very interested in the Olympus 4. Great video!
Running in my first Escalantes now. Loving Altra so far. This video really helps with some real use examples. The small details sometimes make the difference when we have so many choices. Thanks!
Always enjoy your reviews Steve! I just started wearing the Olympus 4.0 and it's a big upgrade from the 3.5. Definitely a well engineered and modern trail shoe! Very right to say it's your new "one shoe will do everything" - I feel the same!
@Jeff Johanson My 2 cents: Versus the 3.5, I think the fit is definitely better, more precise. The heel is more secure, and though there is still plenty of room in the shoe, it feels more snug, and more of a trail running shoe versus a hiking shoe. Also, the 4.0 feels true to size, unlike the 3.5 where I had to go half a size up. As example, I wear Olympus 4.0, Torin 4, Escalante Racer, LP4.5, Timp 2.0 - all in US12. Olympus 3.5 on the other hand, is a US12.5.
@@ef6200 thanks for the info. Ive been using the 3.5 for a couple months now and love them except for how loose my heel is inside, especially on side inclines. I got the 4 today and cant wait to try it out Sunday. The toungue is less prominent also.
Great review thanks! I found the Superior 4.0 just too sloppy for me so glad to hear about the changes. I also found the front of the 4.0 would snag my toenails, new material on the 4.5 is way better. I’ll give the 4.5 a try.
I replaced my Merrell Moab 2 Lows with these after an ill-fated climb up Pyramid Peak left me with >10 blisters. I’ve been wearing Altra for running and hiit for years. These superior 4.5s are perfect right out of the box. Zero blisters no matter how far I hike. I bought a pair in my running size for trail running, and a spare pair in hiking size bc I love this model so much. Best shoe ever. I have a pair of Lone Peak 5s, but I haven’t worn them, yet. These are my favorite shoe ever. I use Superfeet Sport insole in mine for added arch support. These have no traction on wet pavement - be warned. It doesn’t bother me, but be aware. Not for city use.
Love the brand but my next Altra trail shoes will be only w/Vibram outsole, I literally destroy the others with a couple of activities at fast speed. I'm very lightweight(57kg) and have quick pace but the non-vibram outsoles are just not-ready for mountains
I tried Altra shoes over the course of 2 years. Just never liked them. They were comfortable to wear but to run in I felt like they required more work and changed my stride. I went for a short run with a friend of mine and my Speedgoats were wet so I took the Lone Peaks out ran with them and for some strange reason fell in love with them. I love Altra now. Dont know why but the Lone Peak and the Timp are great shoes. Pre-ordered the new Olympus and cant wait to get them. I'm all in on Altra and never thought I'd say that.
I love to run in my Escalante's, I got a pair of v2.5 after 800km in v1.5's, and I wear a 9.5 (while I'm on 8.5 with normal shoes). Now, I had to return a new pair of Superior 4.5 always @9.5 because they're too tight and short (my toe is at less than 0,5cm from the front)..so unexpectedly uncomfortable! I could wear them without tying laces. I have a very broad frontfoot but come on, that's what I decide to switch to Altra for! Totally frustrated here, I'll try a 10 or 10.5 to see if I can feel them any better. Breaking in? I never wasted that time for shoes! I'd like to understand if others are getting my (bad) sensations as well..
Great review! A month ago I bought the Loan Peak 4.0 and I'm loving it. I used to walk on rocky trails with fivefingers, but running was really too much for me with those. The only downside with this model (Lone Peak) is that I can defently feel that not super tight feeling on the toe box. I'm interested in buying the Lone Peak 5 or the Superior 4.5. What would you reccomend for running on rocky trails? Thanks.
Is the Outsole of Superior since the 4.0 all MaxTrac? I think the 3.5 has already MaxTrack as black Rubber and DuraTrack as Grey Rubber. I think the most resilient midsole has the Superior. I'm quite sure that Altra Quantic midsole used for Superior since the 4.0 is pebax like used for Nike REACT or Nike Zoom X. Lone Peak is stiffer and very light EVA-midsole-foam but degrades too early. Olympus is known that cushioning at the second half of a Hiking day is quite reduced. It's an EVA-midsoke Like Lone Peak. Good enough for race-day but Not really good idea for multi-day Hikes. EVA-foam needs Typ. 24 hour to Pump Up again. EVA-foam looses Air. pebax-Foam Like TPU-foam does Not loose Air. CO2-&nitrogen-infused foam like Sketches Hyperburst or BROOKS DNA Flash does Not loose Air as the foam is mechanical Setup and Not Made by chemical reaction. But density is very Low and cut-resistance and abrasion-resistent is lower. Finally head by head race between many adidas Terrex models with BOOST-misoles and only one with Altra Quantic. Topo have missed to use the same TPU- based midsole in the Trailventure Like on the Trailventure WP. So the Topo Trailventure is somekind of Scarpa Rush Mid w/o-Goretex as the Rush has EVA-midsole as well. The shoe-lasts are very different. Crosshiking-last at Scarpa-Rush with sportive Guidance from heel, midfoot and 5th toe-axis, while Topo is more nearer to footshape Pioneer Bär/Baer the shoemaker behind "Joe Nimble". Have a Look at the nimbletoes Trail Addict
Maybe it was only me but my big toenail would constantly click/catch on the plasticky toe cap on the 4s. Couldn't wear them. I was hoping they would've modified that construction for the 4.5 - it seems from a distance like they did with the Timps. I've been in Superiors since the 2.0s. Super bummed to have to go another direction, at least for now
Awesome review, thank you. I have been in a 12.5 in my Timp 1.5s and Lone Peak 4s and want to try the Olympus. Should I stay at 12.5 or consider dropping to 12?
Hello there! Thanks for this video! 2 quick ones about the Superior 4.5: I know it's not gore-tex but how does the upper do in rainy conditions? And, did you have a chance to test the grip on snowy/icy conditions? How is it or how do you think it'd do? I'm thinking that if this shoe could be a good commuter, fine for light trails, and finally do well on snowy or icy roads... that'd be awesome! ^^
All of Altra's trail shoes hold up in rainy conditions pretty well and have decent drainage. As for the snow I have not gotten a chance to test them out in those conditions, but I don't see why they wouldn't provide decent grip.
@Florin Di Nikola Cheers for the reply. I actually bought the Speedgoat with their vibran outsole instead. Sticky enough for snow and versatile enough for the summer. I’ll try Altra some other time.
i like the superior 4.0 a lot. they were a little sloppy though because of the soft upper, and they benefited from a slight arch support insole... i downsized a half size for the superior 4.0... just from looking at them i thought the 4.5 was the same exact shoe in different colors. so i appreciate this review, will definitely be trying the 4.5s now.
I would go for a 12 in the Superior 4.5 and 11.5 in the new Olympus based on your previous sizing. As for the insole and toe guard durability, it seems about the same. I don't see any significant changes in either area. Thanks for your questions!
Appreciate the thorough vid. I would love it if you would move the shoes around less in your hands while talking. I’m really looking for a long take on the top-down view, front view, and the shoe is flying around a bit. It would be nice to see top-down comparisons with the Timp and Lone Peak.
Thanks for watching. We usually have someone record these who can do more fancy edits on our videos. I did this while I was alone on my phone to keep distance from folks. As things go back to a more normal routine we'll add more fancy shots.
Got these when they first came out. I was very excited, up to this point I been wearing Altra Lone Peaks. I put on about 50-100 miles (per week) of trail running to hiking technical terrain in the Sierra Nevada from Spring-Mid Fall. Initially these shoes were solid, the high stack felt pretty good. But after about 150 miles on them the mid stack felt like it just flat lined, collapsed or something. After another 50 miles or so the side stability of the shoes just went limp..side to side stability was so bad and created so much stress one of the eyelets for the laces broke, first time I ever experienced that from a shoe. Also the shoe tread just shredded way too fast. Few smaller things: laces do not stay tight they constantly come loose, tip of the shoe peels off, and the tongue causes pressure points on top of your foot. Overall these shoes are pretty crappy. Went back Altra Lone Peaks. 10 years of trail running and hiking in the Sierra Nevada I rolled my ankle for the first time ever wearing this shoe. Took me out for 3.5 weeks and my ankles still do not feel 100%. The side stability on these shoes is very poor.
Thank you for a great Altra review. As a wide foot person I love Altra for its wide toe box shoes and use it as a daily shoe (I stand and walk most of the working day) and for day hikes. I am sold for the Olympus 4 but need some advice sizing it right. I live overseas so can't try them before buying. I have Lone Peak 3.5 size 12.5 and my big toes are too close to the front end of the shoe and it is snug. Should I order Olympus 4 in size 13 or are they roomy enough and I should get size 13? Thank you for another great video :-)
Thanks for checking out our review and if you are typically a 12.5 in other Altras I would stick with the 12.5 in the Olympus. The new Olympus is quite roomy and we have even had to size down a few people, so I wouldn't recommend sizing up. Hope this helps.
@@RunMoore thank you for the reply. the lone peak 3.5 are my first and only Altra shoes. guess I will order the olympus 4 size 13 and diel it from there. cheers!
Great review Steve as a new owner of the Superior 4.5 I couldn’t be happier to find a wide and comfy trail shoe. The Olympus sounds like a win for the longer runs. Do you know of a similar road version of the Olympus, that is very wide and super comfy for longer runs?
Great review Mr. Moore! I bought my Torin 4 after your review. I'm curious how you quickly changed your mind about the Timp 2 as your do it all shoe 🤔. Im keen on buying the Timp 2 for road and trail. Would you choose the Olympus 4 over the Timp 2 for road?
I still like my Timp a lot. I actually had a day last week that I wore them for work, to mark a trail and for the run. However, as soon as I tried the Olympus on I was in love. It just feels so soft and airy. Had I never tried the Olympus I would still suggest the Timp for me as a "one shoe to rule them all" option. The only caveat is that the Olympus is a big shoe and some people may not want that much shoe. It does have a moon shoe appearance and on a smaller body type, it can look massive. Did not mean to deter you from the Timp!
The Olympus look awesome but I've seen so many people struggle with the robustness of them and the seams coming apart. What are your views on this, especially for the price range?
We have had a good success rate in our store with this shoe. Seems that it has held up well for our customers and we have had very few come back! Our personal experience is that customers are satisfied with the durability and quality.
Usually I bump down a half size for altras. I have the escalante racers. My left foot is a 12.8, right 12.3, and I wear a 12.5. Fits great to me. Usually I wear size 13...
Hi. I saw your awesome video abt the Altra superior 5. Can you clarify if i can do low to moderate hikes for extended miles, like 10 or more (just walking the trails, no running)? I just purchased the womens superior 5. Thanks so much.
The Altra Superior is absolutely able to handle hikes of that distance, as long as you are comfortable in a minimal type of shoe. If you find you need a little more cushion for comfort over those distances, the Lone Peak would be a great option.
Just watched this and the Escalante 2.5 reviews. I'm an altra guy. Just retired my Esc 1 with 700 miles for the new racers. Looking @both the superior and the Esc. Did they get rid of the extra loop used to lace lock? I'm happy that they got rid of the lopsided lacing system on the sup 4
Thank you for the review, Steve. I am about to order a pair of the Olympus 4.0's. I run in Hoka Speedgoat 4's at the moment in a size us 12, with a thumb width of space between toes and the end of the toe box. There are no brick and mortar shops here in Canberra, Australia that stock the Olympus, so I must order online. My left foot measures 29cm, my right foot 28.5. Do I go for a us 11.5 or 12 in the Olympus? Many thanks, Reuben
Thanks for watching and that's really cool you found us from Australia! It's rare having someone go down but I think I would probably go 11.5. I had a customer this week who was a female 11 in the SG and went to a 10.5 in this Olympus. It's so nice and roomy I would hate you to step out or slop around in a 12 on your right. I would feel good about going 11.5. Hope that works out and you enjoy them.
Thnx for the review! Do you know if the upper mesh promise to hold up in either of these shoes? I got a pair of truly "barefoot" shoes from Lemms, and as wonderful as they are, the mesh developed a hole in just 3 months of moderate trail walks...
While the Olympus is great and has all the wonderful cushion and such...I think the upper on the Superior is even better for durability. I don't think it would snag or develop any tears in the upper. Another Altra shoe that I think falls in the middle of these two that may have even better upper durability is the Timp. I feel like I could not pope a hole in them if I tried.
For me I'm a little skeptical about Altras going more and more snug fitting, the Superior 4.0 was already so snug it was uncomfortable before breaking in for me, if the 4.5 is even snugger I am not sure I can use it. For many of the Altra early adopters the spacious fit was what got us in, and now they seem to be trying to be more mainstream and maybe alienate some that made them come this far...
@@EmanueleFischetti I got my usual size, it was true to size except being tighter fitting then my 3.5s, especially at the front of the midfoot. It didn't take long to break in at all for me, just a few short runs and it didn't bother me any more. They feel awesome now, the snugness is just reassuring on technical terrain. But I havent had any really long runs in them as my fitness has been lacking a bit this year for me, so I don't know if things will feel different as the miles rack up.
@@EmanueleFischetti For me the big toe is not really the issue, I guess my other toes are relatively long compared to my big toe. If I have length issues with shoes it is on the lateral side it goes wrong first. That being said I have the same size in Superior 4.0 as I do in Superior 3.5, Olympus 4.0, Escalante 1.5, and Torin 4.0, and would say the distance from my toes are pretty much the same. I have the same size in Escalante Racers also, they are maybe a tad shorter or just feel that way because of a tighter fit. The Paradigm 4.0 I have sized up based on Running Warehouse recommendations, and that works for me and is not much different from my other Altras.
Real random question. Do you think i can double these (Olympus 4) up as an easy day/short/form (basically a recovery/day haha) road runner as well as an easy day trail runner??
Would you say that the Olympus 4 fits exactly the same as the paradigm 5.0? I'm usually 11.5 with a stretch on the side of the toes although it's a slight room in front. I find the paradigm five quite roomy on 11.5 and thinking about dropping to 11 to try the Olympus? Any opinion?
The Olympus is a beast of a shoe. It has great cushion for the longer stuff, so it wouldn't be a bad option for what you are doing. Trail shoes can have a tendency to feel a little stiff on the pavement so that would be my only reservations.
@@bautistanyc Good luck! With a mix like that, the Lone Peak seems like a good shoe and the Olympus can work if you are looking for more cushion and a little more aggressive traction.
Hi, between the Paradigm 5, Superior 4.5 and the Olympus 4, which has the higher and wider toe box? Sometimes the feet are swollen, and the toenails are sensitive...... Thank you!
The new Olympus all day! I really like the Timp. It's one of my favorites go to shoes however, this new Olympus is even better. Especially for that distance. I would not wear them if I was going for a fun 10k romp on the trail but a 50-60k the Olympus would be my #1 shoe. I also have found I am a half size down in my Olympus vs my Timp. Thanks and hope that helps!
@@danmc2678 We usually have to round up a half size on Altra trail shoes but we have not had to do that with the current model of the Olympus. If you wear an 11.5 I would suggest sticking with that size.
@@danmc2678 This is one of the few trail shoes I did not have to go up on. I am an 11.5 in these and a 12 in most all my other Altras, especially the trail stuff. I would suggest the 11.5.
I tried the Olympus 3.5 and the timp during COVID-19, both felt to tight thru laced area. I don’t have this problem with the lone peak 4. Does the new Olympus fit like the lone peak?
The new Olympus has more width than the other models you mentioned. I would imagine the same tightness won't be an issue in this shoe. The Olympus definitely has more depth in the instep as well which is a nice addition.
Actually, we get asked that a lot. No, my high school cross country teammate does all our graphic design stuff and he created it. Around the shop we have cool artwork he’s made over the years. Dude is hella talented.
I would actually go to a 10 from a 10.5 LP. I went from a 12 to a 11.5 in the Olympus. I think it not only seems longer but it's wider so I would probably try a half down in this guy from the LP.
Yes, this would be fine for some easy miles on the pavement. Unlike some trail shoes that stink on the pavement, the Olympus is a fine option to sprinkle in some road mile in.
Do the superiors run the same size as the lone peaks? I want to go half downsize and switch from the lone peak to the superior but don’t want it to be too small
Thanks for checking out our review. I would say the Superior runs closer to true to size whereas the Lone Peak runs about a half size small. Hope this helps.
Just switch. And go slow. Zero drop is what we are mean’t to walk and run like. I only use vivobarefoot and thes olympus 4’s. Never buying shoes wich squishes my toes again.
Hi Steve , I was watching for a review between 2 shoes , you seem very knowledgeable about shoes , but you went off on a tangent , lone peak , timpe , I was so confused 1/2 through your comparison / presentation I shut is down . Sorry , like I said , a wealth of knowledge , poor presentation !
@rogueonemichael We actually typed up our review of these shoes on our blog if that helps explain things letsrunmoore.com/shoe-review-altra-superior-4-5-altra-olympus-4/ thanks for watching
Thank you for providing the review of these new shoes. So glad you are back and open the store front again.
We're excited to be back open as well!
I can't tell you how thankful I am in discovering your shop and reviews. Simply awesome. I've purchased from you once (just the other day) but I WILL buy ALL of my Altras through you from this day forward. Keep up the good work as I'll support your awesomeness as much as possible!!
Thank you so much! We really appreciate all the support.
Awesome been waiting for the Olympus 4 to come out ever since I seen he preview for them can’t wait
Same here got mine pre-ordered!
@@Freethinkin14 thought I was getting mine as a pre order but haven't received them yet.
Great review, a lot of great information. Very excited for the Olympus 4. I am really concerned about the direction that Altra is going. I recently got a pair of the Torin 4.5 and Provision 4 and was very sad to see both new versions get more narrow in the mid-foot area. Sadly both went back to Altra. I have had multiple pairs in both styles and earlier versions and had never had any issues. I am hoping that the Olympus 4 doesn't follow this trend and I am hoping that Altra fixes/goes back to its roots. Thanks for your videos and the great content.
Thanks for checking out our channel. Sorry, you found the Plush and Provision too narrow. I tried on the new Olympus and did not find it narrow at all. It was one of the best Altras I've tried on in awhile.
Sad experience for me with the Torin 4.5 Plush. I had to return them. They were very uncomfortable right out of the box. I let my feet get used to them all day before taking them for a walk. At 1.5 miles I HAD to return to the house and change them. I gave them another try the next day with a 3-mile walk and it has taken my feet two days to recover. Based on my experience with my 1+ year old Paradigm 4.5 and Grafton shoes I was really disappointed with the Torins.
I think more of the issue with altra is that their quality has gone down...shoes busting open is not uncommon at all with less than 50 miles in...but altras wide toe box and zero drop is hard to find elsewhere...but that said my timp 1.5 was by far my best shoe from them and I should've bought a few more pairs since I can't find them in my size anymore. But I am looking forward to the new Olympus. Just trying to figure out my size since things keep changing
The Torin Plush 4.5 is the most comfortable shoe I have ever had, bought 2 pairs.
Thanks for the info on your views on trail stability shoes vs neutral trail. I’m a Hoka trail shoe guy but I’m very interested in the Olympus 4. Great video!
Running in my first Escalantes now. Loving Altra so far. This video really helps with some real use examples. The small details sometimes make the difference when we have so many choices. Thanks!
Thanks for watching. Altra is one of our favorite brands here at the store!
Just did my first run in the 4th gen and absolutely loved them. Love the blue too!
They are awesome, thanks for watching!
Glad your all safe and healthy.
Always enjoy your reviews Steve! I just started wearing the Olympus 4.0 and it's a big upgrade from the 3.5. Definitely a well engineered and modern trail shoe! Very right to say it's your new "one shoe will do everything" - I feel the same!
@Jeff Johanson My 2 cents: Versus the 3.5, I think the fit is definitely better, more precise. The heel is more secure, and though there is still plenty of room in the shoe, it feels more snug, and more of a trail running shoe versus a hiking shoe. Also, the 4.0 feels true to size, unlike the 3.5 where I had to go half a size up. As example, I wear Olympus 4.0, Torin 4, Escalante Racer, LP4.5, Timp 2.0 - all in US12. Olympus 3.5 on the other hand, is a US12.5.
Thanks for watching Elliot!
@@ef6200 thanks for the info. Ive been using the 3.5 for a couple months now and love them except for how loose my heel is inside, especially on side inclines. I got the 4 today and cant wait to try it out Sunday. The toungue is less prominent also.
Hey Thanks great video insight but which shoes would be the best for trail running or flatass HIKING
Great review thanks! I found the Superior 4.0 just too sloppy for me so glad to hear about the changes. I also found the front of the 4.0 would snag my toenails, new material on the 4.5 is way better. I’ll give the 4.5 a try.
Good to see you again!
Thanks for watching!
I replaced my Merrell Moab 2 Lows with these after an ill-fated climb up Pyramid Peak left me with >10 blisters. I’ve been wearing Altra for running and hiit for years. These superior 4.5s are perfect right out of the box. Zero blisters no matter how far I hike. I bought a pair in my running size for trail running, and a spare pair in hiking size bc I love this model so much. Best shoe ever. I have a pair of Lone Peak 5s, but I haven’t worn them, yet. These are my favorite shoe ever. I use Superfeet Sport insole in mine for added arch support. These have no traction on wet pavement - be warned. It doesn’t bother me, but be aware. Not for city use.
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching.
Love the brand but my next Altra trail shoes will be only w/Vibram outsole, I literally destroy the others with a couple of activities at fast speed. I'm very lightweight(57kg) and have quick pace but the non-vibram outsoles are just not-ready for mountains
I tried Altra shoes over the course of 2 years. Just never liked them. They were comfortable to wear but to run in I felt like they required more work and changed my stride. I went for a short run with a friend of mine and my Speedgoats were wet so I took the Lone Peaks out ran with them and for some strange reason fell in love with them. I love Altra now. Dont know why but the Lone Peak and the Timp are great shoes. Pre-ordered the new Olympus and cant wait to get them. I'm all in on Altra and never thought I'd say that.
Happy to hear you're enjoying Altra's shoes!
Helpfull review thanks!
Thank you for watching :)
I love to run in my Escalante's, I got a pair of v2.5 after 800km in v1.5's, and I wear a 9.5 (while I'm on 8.5 with normal shoes). Now, I had to return a new pair of Superior 4.5 always @9.5 because they're too tight and short (my toe is at less than 0,5cm from the front)..so unexpectedly uncomfortable! I could wear them without tying laces. I have a very broad frontfoot but come on, that's what I decide to switch to Altra for!
Totally frustrated here, I'll try a 10 or 10.5 to see if I can feel them any better.
Breaking in? I never wasted that time for shoes!
I'd like to understand if others are getting my (bad) sensations as well..
I'm from Israel and your video helped me a lot, thank you
BDS.
@@johnsmith1474 sport its sport !
Thanks for the great comparisons!
Lots of great information on the new Altras! The Superior will be going on my wish list!
Thanks for watching. We've got the Superior waiting for you in our online store when you're ready!
Great review! A month ago I bought the Loan Peak 4.0 and I'm loving it. I used to walk on rocky trails with fivefingers, but running was really too much for me with those. The only downside with this model (Lone Peak) is that I can defently feel that not super tight feeling on the toe box. I'm interested in buying the Lone Peak 5 or the Superior 4.5. What would you reccomend for running on rocky trails? Thanks.
Great video, thanks. If I wear an 11 in the Superior 2.5, 3, and 3.5, would you say to go down to a 10.5 in the Superior 4.5?
Is the Outsole of Superior since the 4.0 all MaxTrac? I think the 3.5 has already MaxTrack as black Rubber and DuraTrack as Grey Rubber.
I think the most resilient midsole has the Superior. I'm quite sure that Altra Quantic midsole used for Superior since the 4.0 is pebax like used for Nike REACT or Nike Zoom X. Lone Peak is stiffer and very light EVA-midsole-foam but degrades too early. Olympus is known that cushioning at the second half of a Hiking day is quite reduced. It's an EVA-midsoke Like Lone Peak. Good enough for race-day but Not really good idea for multi-day Hikes. EVA-foam needs Typ. 24 hour to Pump Up again. EVA-foam looses Air. pebax-Foam Like TPU-foam does Not loose Air.
CO2-&nitrogen-infused foam like Sketches Hyperburst or BROOKS DNA Flash does Not loose Air as the foam is mechanical Setup and Not Made by chemical reaction.
But density is very Low and cut-resistance and abrasion-resistent is lower.
Finally head by head race between many adidas Terrex models with BOOST-misoles and only one with Altra Quantic.
Topo have missed to use the same TPU- based midsole in the Trailventure Like on the Trailventure WP.
So the Topo Trailventure is somekind of Scarpa Rush Mid w/o-Goretex as the Rush has EVA-midsole as well.
The shoe-lasts are very different. Crosshiking-last at Scarpa-Rush with sportive Guidance from heel, midfoot and 5th toe-axis, while Topo is more nearer to footshape Pioneer Bär/Baer the shoemaker behind "Joe Nimble".
Have a Look at the
nimbletoes Trail Addict
Maybe it was only me but my big toenail would constantly click/catch on the plasticky toe cap on the 4s. Couldn't wear them. I was hoping they would've modified that construction for the 4.5 - it seems from a distance like they did with the Timps.
I've been in Superiors since the 2.0s. Super bummed to have to go another direction, at least for now
Awesome review, thank you. I have been in a 12.5 in my Timp 1.5s and Lone Peak 4s and want to try the Olympus. Should I stay at 12.5 or consider dropping to 12?
You can always add a heel pad for some additional heel height for 2-3 months.
Hello there! Thanks for this video! 2 quick ones about the Superior 4.5: I know it's not gore-tex but how does the upper do in rainy conditions? And, did you have a chance to test the grip on snowy/icy conditions? How is it or how do you think it'd do? I'm thinking that if this shoe could be a good commuter, fine for light trails, and finally do well on snowy or icy roads... that'd be awesome! ^^
All of Altra's trail shoes hold up in rainy conditions pretty well and have decent drainage. As for the snow I have not gotten a chance to test them out in those conditions, but I don't see why they wouldn't provide decent grip.
@@RunMoore Thanks a lot for your reply. Happy holidays!
@Florin Di Nikola Cheers for the reply. I actually bought the Speedgoat with their vibran outsole instead. Sticky enough for snow and versatile enough for the summer. I’ll try Altra some other time.
i like the superior 4.0 a lot. they were a little sloppy though because of the soft upper, and they benefited from a slight arch support insole... i downsized a half size for the superior 4.0... just from looking at them i thought the 4.5 was the same exact shoe in different colors. so i appreciate this review, will definitely be trying the 4.5s now.
Great reviews and information. I'm in love with the Superior 4.0 for
I would go for a 12 in the Superior 4.5 and 11.5 in the new Olympus based on your previous sizing. As for the insole and toe guard durability, it seems about the same. I don't see any significant changes in either area. Thanks for your questions!
Appreciate the thorough vid. I would love it if you would move the shoes around less in your hands while talking. I’m really looking for a long take on the top-down view, front view, and the shoe is flying around a bit. It would be nice to see top-down comparisons with the Timp and Lone Peak.
Thanks for watching. We usually have someone record these who can do more fancy edits on our videos. I did this while I was alone on my phone to keep distance from folks. As things go back to a more normal routine we'll add more fancy shots.
Got these when they first came out. I was very excited, up to this point I been wearing Altra Lone Peaks. I put on about 50-100 miles (per week) of trail running to hiking technical terrain in the Sierra Nevada from Spring-Mid Fall. Initially these shoes were solid, the high stack felt pretty good. But after about 150 miles on them the mid stack felt like it just flat lined, collapsed or something. After another 50 miles or so the side stability of the shoes just went limp..side to side stability was so bad and created so much stress one of the eyelets for the laces broke, first time I ever experienced that from a shoe. Also the shoe tread just shredded way too fast. Few smaller things: laces do not stay tight they constantly come loose, tip of the shoe peels off, and the tongue causes pressure points on top of your foot. Overall these shoes are pretty crappy. Went back Altra Lone Peaks. 10 years of trail running and hiking in the Sierra Nevada I rolled my ankle for the first time ever wearing this shoe. Took me out for 3.5 weeks and my ankles still do not feel 100%. The side stability on these shoes is very poor.
Thank you for a great Altra review. As a wide foot person I love Altra for its wide toe box shoes and use it as a daily shoe (I stand and walk most of the working day) and for day hikes. I am sold for the Olympus 4 but need some advice sizing it right. I live overseas so can't try them before buying. I have Lone Peak 3.5 size 12.5 and my big toes are too close to the front end of the shoe and it is snug. Should I order Olympus 4 in size 13 or are they roomy enough and I should get size 13? Thank you for another great video :-)
Thanks for checking out our review and if you are typically a 12.5 in other Altras I would stick with the 12.5 in the Olympus. The new Olympus is quite roomy and we have even had to size down a few people, so I wouldn't recommend sizing up. Hope this helps.
@@RunMoore thank you for the reply. the lone peak 3.5 are my first and only Altra shoes. guess I will order the olympus 4 size 13 and diel it from there. cheers!
love this!! you help us choosing wisely B) I wonder how many shoes you have haha
Great review Steve as a new owner of the Superior 4.5 I couldn’t be happier to find a wide and comfy trail shoe. The Olympus sounds like a win for the longer runs. Do you know of a similar road version of the Olympus, that is very wide and super comfy for longer runs?
The Paradigm 5 is the road version of the Altra Olympus. It is a max cushion, stability shoe that is great for longer runs.
Great review Mr. Moore! I bought my Torin 4 after your review. I'm curious how you quickly changed your mind about the Timp 2 as your do it all shoe 🤔. Im keen on buying the Timp 2 for road and trail. Would you choose the Olympus 4 over the Timp 2 for road?
I still like my Timp a lot. I actually had a day last week that I wore them for work, to mark a trail and for the run. However, as soon as I tried the Olympus on I was in love. It just feels so soft and airy. Had I never tried the Olympus I would still suggest the Timp for me as a "one shoe to rule them all" option. The only caveat is that the Olympus is a big shoe and some people may not want that much shoe. It does have a moon shoe appearance and on a smaller body type, it can look massive. Did not mean to deter you from the Timp!
Damn... I passed on these at my local shoe store now I wish I grab these instead. Great review!
Thanks for watching. Hope your shoe store still has some in stock!
The Olympus look awesome but I've seen so many people struggle with the robustness of them and the seams coming apart. What are your views on this, especially for the price range?
We have had a good success rate in our store with this shoe. Seems that it has held up well for our customers and we have had very few come back! Our personal experience is that customers are satisfied with the durability and quality.
Usually I bump down a half size for altras. I have the escalante racers. My left foot is a 12.8, right 12.3, and I wear a 12.5. Fits great to me. Usually I wear size 13...
Hi. I saw your awesome video abt the Altra superior 5. Can you clarify if i can do low to moderate hikes for extended miles, like 10 or more (just walking the trails, no running)? I just purchased the womens superior 5. Thanks so much.
The Altra Superior is absolutely able to handle hikes of that distance, as long as you are comfortable in a minimal type of shoe. If you find you need a little more cushion for comfort over those distances, the Lone Peak would be a great option.
Just watched this and the Escalante 2.5 reviews. I'm an altra guy. Just retired my Esc 1 with 700 miles for the new racers. Looking @both the superior and the Esc. Did they get rid of the extra loop used to lace lock? I'm happy that they got rid of the lopsided lacing system on the sup 4
Thanks for checking out the reviews. Both the Superior and Escalante are missing the extra eye hole to do the lace lock.
Thank you for the review, Steve.
I am about to order a pair of the Olympus 4.0's. I run in Hoka Speedgoat 4's at the moment in a size us 12, with a thumb width of space between toes and the end of the toe box. There are no brick and mortar shops here in Canberra, Australia that stock the Olympus, so I must order online. My left foot measures 29cm, my right foot 28.5. Do I go for a us 11.5 or 12 in the Olympus?
Many thanks,
Reuben
Thanks for watching and that's really cool you found us from Australia! It's rare having someone go down but I think I would probably go 11.5. I had a customer this week who was a female 11 in the SG and went to a 10.5 in this Olympus. It's so nice and roomy I would hate you to step out or slop around in a 12 on your right. I would feel good about going 11.5. Hope that works out and you enjoy them.
Run Moore Thanks for the content and
thank you for your reply. I will place my order on your advice today.
Cheers,
Reuben
Thanks for the reviews! Curious if you’d compare the cushion of the Olympus to the Hoka Speedgoat?
Thanks for watching! The cushion in the Olympus is a bit more substantial compared to the Speedgoat.
@@RunMoore Thank you for the info, what about compared to the Hoka Stinson? I just pre ordered thank you for the discount!
Thnx for the review! Do you know if the upper mesh promise to hold up in either of these shoes? I got a pair of truly "barefoot" shoes from Lemms, and as wonderful as they are, the mesh developed a hole in just 3 months of moderate trail walks...
While the Olympus is great and has all the wonderful cushion and such...I think the upper on the Superior is even better for durability. I don't think it would snag or develop any tears in the upper. Another Altra shoe that I think falls in the middle of these two that may have even better upper durability is the Timp. I feel like I could not pope a hole in them if I tried.
Run Moore Thnx:)) 👍
Great videos. Can you shorten them by a few minutes?
Once things get back to normal hopefully I’ll have my video buddy be able to edit the videos again for now it’s just one take -thanks for watching
Running in timp right now and I am getting some heel pain, I am hoping that switching to the Olympus helps wit that because I love this brand.
Check out @runrx on Instagram if you have heel pain
Ordering Olympus 4 from you,will they ship before release date?
For me I'm a little skeptical about Altras going more and more snug fitting, the Superior 4.0 was already so snug it was uncomfortable before breaking in for me, if the 4.5 is even snugger I am not sure I can use it. For many of the Altra early adopters the spacious fit was what got us in, and now they seem to be trying to be more mainstream and maybe alienate some that made them come this far...
Which size did you get vs. your usual? How long for the breaking-in and did the shoes really get comfortable and efficient?
@@EmanueleFischetti I got my usual size, it was true to size except being tighter fitting then my 3.5s, especially at the front of the midfoot. It didn't take long to break in at all for me, just a few short runs and it didn't bother me any more. They feel awesome now, the snugness is just reassuring on technical terrain. But I havent had any really long runs in them as my fitness has been lacking a bit this year for me, so I don't know if things will feel different as the miles rack up.
@@thedolenorway thanks. when you say "true to size", can I ask how distant your big toe is from the end of the shoe when you stand?
@@EmanueleFischetti For me the big toe is not really the issue, I guess my other toes are relatively long compared to my big toe. If I have length issues with shoes it is on the lateral side it goes wrong first. That being said I have the same size in Superior 4.0 as I do in Superior 3.5, Olympus 4.0, Escalante 1.5, and Torin 4.0, and would say the distance from my toes are pretty much the same. I have the same size in Escalante Racers also, they are maybe a tad shorter or just feel that way because of a tighter fit. The Paradigm 4.0 I have sized up based on Running Warehouse recommendations, and that works for me and is not much different from my other Altras.
On those black and white Olympus shoes, is the outsole red or some reddish orange? I can't tell on any picture or video.
On the men's B/W it is more of red and on the women's B/W it is more of an orange
Real random question.
Do you think i can double these (Olympus 4) up as an easy day/short/form (basically a recovery/day haha) road runner as well as an easy day trail runner??
Would you say that the Olympus 4 fits exactly the same as the paradigm 5.0? I'm usually 11.5 with a stretch on the side of the toes although it's a slight room in front. I find the paradigm five quite roomy on 11.5 and thinking about dropping to 11 to try the Olympus? Any opinion?
Would you consider the Olympus great for long outdoor urban walks and hiking the trails? Or should just stick to the lone peaks
The Olympus is a beast of a shoe. It has great cushion for the longer stuff, so it wouldn't be a bad option for what you are doing. Trail shoes can have a tendency to feel a little stiff on the pavement so that would be my only reservations.
@@RunMoore Thanks I will be doing lots of walking commute to work crossing thru Central Park NYC so there will be pavement grass and gravel.
@@bautistanyc Good luck! With a mix like that, the Lone Peak seems like a good shoe and the Olympus can work if you are looking for more cushion and a little more aggressive traction.
Hi, between the Paradigm 5, Superior 4.5 and the Olympus 4, which has the higher and wider toe box?
Sometimes the feet are swollen, and the toenails are sensitive......
Thank you!
Saw your email this morning and sent you a note back.
Hi does this version still have the forefoot rocker?
Recommendations for gym teacher with some bunion issues?
What do you think of the Xero Shoes??
Sad the Duo is being cut. Great lightweight and protecting shoe.
Thank you Sir
Thanks for watching!
Hi! What's your hints for a 50-60k trail with 2.500-3.000+? Timp 2 or Olympus 4? Same size? Thanks a lot!
The new Olympus all day! I really like the Timp. It's one of my favorites go to shoes however, this new Olympus is even better. Especially for that distance. I would not wear them if I was going for a fun 10k romp on the trail but a 50-60k the Olympus would be my #1 shoe. I also have found I am a half size down in my Olympus vs my Timp. Thanks and hope that helps!
Which one has a wider toe box? It is true, Altra's have been getting narrower for some reason? The primary reason I stopped buying them years ago.
Thanks for checking out our reviews. The Olympus has a wider toe box, probably one of the widest toe boxes I've seen on an Altra in a while.
@@RunMoore Thank-you for replying!
@@RunMoore Does the Olympus run large or small like previous Altras? If I wear a 11.5, should I order a 12?
@@danmc2678 We usually have to round up a half size on Altra trail shoes but we have not had to do that with the current model of the Olympus. If you wear an 11.5 I would suggest sticking with that size.
@@danmc2678 This is one of the few trail shoes I did not have to go up on. I am an 11.5 in these and a 12 in most all my other Altras, especially the trail stuff. I would suggest the 11.5.
Looks like the 4.5 might be on the discontinue list, it is no longer on the Altra site.
Hi AJ, Altra is adding in a removable stone guard and will be back up and ready to order July 13.
Subscribed
I tried the Olympus 3.5 and the timp during COVID-19, both felt to tight thru laced area. I don’t have this problem with the lone peak 4. Does the new Olympus fit like the lone peak?
The new Olympus has more width than the other models you mentioned. I would imagine the same tightness won't be an issue in this shoe. The Olympus definitely has more depth in the instep as well which is a nice addition.
Random question but is that colorful shoe on the poster behind you a real thing?
Actually, we get asked that a lot. No, my high school cross country teammate does all our graphic design stuff and he created it. Around the shop we have cool artwork he’s made over the years. Dude is hella talented.
If one wears a 10.5 in the lone peak 4.5 would it be the same thing on the Olympus 4’s?
I would actually go to a 10 from a 10.5 LP. I went from a 12 to a 11.5 in the Olympus. I think it not only seems longer but it's wider so I would probably try a half down in this guy from the LP.
Would the Olympus be comfortable for long easy runs on pavement?
Yes, this would be fine for some easy miles on the pavement. Unlike some trail shoes that stink on the pavement, the Olympus is a fine option to sprinkle in some road mile in.
I have been unable to order on your site... as of 7/30/20
Sorry to hear that, if you shoot me an email I can try and help. I’m at steve@letsrunmoore.com.
Got it...done! thnx (was a browser issue)
Do the superiors run the same size as the lone peaks? I want to go half downsize and switch from the lone peak to the superior but don’t want it to be too small
Thanks for checking out our review. I would say the Superior runs closer to true to size whereas the Lone Peak runs about a half size small. Hope this helps.
Just switch. And go slow. Zero drop is what we are mean’t to walk and run like. I only use vivobarefoot and thes olympus 4’s. Never buying shoes wich squishes my toes again.
The Olympus is a great shoe!
I bought a pair of the Olympus 5… They feel so CHEAP! There is NOTHING about these shoes that make them worth $180… Junk
Big baby
Hi Steve , I was watching for a review between 2 shoes , you seem very knowledgeable about shoes , but you went off on a tangent , lone peak , timpe , I was so confused 1/2 through your comparison / presentation I shut is down . Sorry , like I said , a wealth of knowledge , poor presentation !
@rogueonemichael We actually typed up our review of these shoes on our blog if that helps explain things letsrunmoore.com/shoe-review-altra-superior-4-5-altra-olympus-4/ thanks for watching