Altra Olympus 7

Run Moore (Steve from RunMore) identifies the Altra Olympus 7 as a new shoe for summer, featuring an Ego Max midsole.

Run Moore states that both shoes use Altra's EGO Max midsole.

[Brand representative states] The midsole uses a new foam called Ego Max, which makes the shoe more lightweight while adding more comfort.

Believe in the Run states the Olympus 7 has an Ego Max midsole that provides cushioning in a comfortable balanced package.

Believe in the Run states the Olympus 7 uses a brand-new Ego Max foam that is lighter and softer than the previous Olympus version, and overall durability is also improved.

Run Moore observes that the Altra Olympus 7 has an engineered mesh upper which distinguishes it from the run-centric matrix upper on the Altra 275 Hiit Low.

Run Moore observes that the Olympus 7 has a traditional engineered-mesh upper that is breathable, light, ventilated, and sheds water.

[Brand representative lists] The upper uses an engineered mesh with breathability in the vamp.

Believe in the Run states the Olympus 7 has an engineered mesh upper in the forefoot, taking cues for breathability on hot summer days but comfortable enough for year-round use.

Run Moore states the Olympus 7 uses the same Vibram outsole (pattern and blend) as the Olympus 275 High-Low.

[Brand representative states] The Olympus 7 uses a Vibram MegaGrip outsole with increased rubber coverage compared to the previous model, offering more grip and traction, and includes a traction lug by Vibram.

Believe in the Run states the Olympus 7 has a trusted Vibram MegaGrip outsole with traction lugs.

Believe in the Run states the outsole pattern on the Olympus 7 is slightly different from the previous version, with coverage added in high-abrasion areas where a lot of wear was seen, in a way that does not add weight.

Run Moore states that both the Olympus 7 and the Olympus 275 High-Low have 33 mm stack height.

Run Moore states that both shoes are zero-drop.

[Brand representative lists] The Olympus 7 maintains the same stack height at 33 mm across the board (33 mm heel, 33 mm forefoot, zero drop).

Run Moore lists the price of the Olympus 7 at $195.

[Brand representative lists] MSRP is $195 USD.

Believe in the Run specifies the Olympus 7 price point is $195.

Run Moore states the Olympus 7 shed about half an ounce compared to the Olympus 6, attributing much of that to the removal of the Achilles cradle.

[Brand representative states] The Olympus 7 has been reduced by a whole ounce (approximately 28 g) compared to the prior generation while maintaining the same amount of traction and cushion.

Believe in the Run states the Olympus 7 is almost an ounce lighter than its predecessor.

Run Moore finds the Olympus 7 feels more comfortable than the Olympus 6.

Run Moore finds that step-in feel is better on the Olympus 7 than the Olympus 6.

Run Moore finds the Olympus 7 almost feels like a high-cushion running shoe with a trail-like outsole, so comfortable that one would not think of it as a traditional trail shoe.

[Brand representative claims] The Altra Olympus 7 is described as a 'comfort cruiser' for runners, providing a cushioned step-in feel and cushioned on-trail run.

Believe in the Run states the Olympus 7 is for the runner who wants more stack and more cushioned runs, whether because they are running longer or it is their preference all around.

Run Moore states that both shoes have a wider toe base than some other Altra models like the Timp or Wild, staying closer to the original Olympus fit idea.

[Brand representative lists] The Olympus 7 retains the original foot-shaped fit.

Believe in the Run states the Olympus 7 is on Altra's 'original' footshape fit last, which is the widest of Altra's three fits, also used by the Lone Peak, offering a wider toe box and wider fit.

Believe in the Run states the Olympus 7's wide toe box does not mean the shoe only fits people with wide feet; the mid-foot hold is key, and someone with a slimmer foot will still get the benefits.

Run Moore states the Olympus 7 shed about half an ounce compared to the Olympus 6, attributing much of that to the removal of the Achilles cradle.

Run Moore speculates that the removal of the 'polarizing' Achilles cradle (which the reviewer personally liked) contributed to the weight loss.

Run Moore attributes to the Olympus 6's Achilles cradle a feeling of more support in the heel and a more substantial, hiking-shoe-like feel.

[Brand representative states] The collar has been redesigned from the Olympus 6, removing an added layer while maintaining the same amount of comfort and cushion in the collar.

Run Moore finds that the Altra Olympus 7 fits and feels like an everyday hiking shoe that can also be used for running.

Run Moore characterizes the Olympus 7 as a bit more 'hikey' than the more 'performancey' Olympus 275 High-Low, but notes there is not a crazy difference between them.

Believe in the Run notes that many hikers in Denver and Estes Park will adopt the Olympus 7, not just runners.

Run Moore finds the Olympus 7 feels less 'tanky' and less wide than the Olympus 6.

Run Moore finds the Olympus 6 feels a bit wider and a bit more stable than the Olympus 7, with a little more arch support.

Run Moore finds the Olympus 7 feels more comfortable than the Olympus 6.

Run Moore finds that step-in feel is better on the Olympus 7 than the Olympus 6.

[Brand representative states] The lacing system has been updated to a ghillie (lace-loop) IRO (eye-row), designed to be more comfortable for runners with higher insteps.

Run Moore observes that the midsoles and technology between the Altra Olympus 7 and the 275 Hiit Low are the same, differing only in the upper.

Run Moore wishes Altra had put more technology into the midsole of the Olympus 7, such as the newer material used in the 'P35' or other go-fast shoes, to create more separation between the hike-oriented and run-oriented versions.