Olympus 6

Yes, the Olympus 6 fits true to size for length, so ordering your usual trail shoe size is the safe bet for most runners. The big difference is width. Altra's foot shaped toe box is much roomier than a standard trainer, giving your toes space to spread and swell. If you have a narrow foot the forefoot may feel generous, but that room is a real advantage on long descents and ultra distance days when your feet swell.

This is exactly what the Olympus 6 is built for. The deep, soft cushioning protects your legs deep into long efforts, the roomy toe box handles foot swell over many hours, and the aggressive outsole grips technical terrain. It is not a fast shoe, but ultras are about comfort and durability over speed, and here it excels. If you want more ground feel and less weight for shorter, quicker trails, look at the lighter Salomon Ultra Glide 4 instead.

It can be, with a caveat. The cushioning and roomy fit are beginner friendly and forgiving on rough ground. The zero drop platform is the thing to be careful with. If you are coming from a standard raised heel shoe, the level geometry loads your calves and Achilles differently, so build up your mileage gradually to avoid soreness. Ease in over a few weeks and most runners adapt fine.

Both are cushioned trail shoes, but they aim at different runners. The Olympus 6 has more cushioning, a wider foot shaped toe box and zero drop, making it the more protective, comfort first ultra option. The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is lighter, has a traditional heel to toe drop and feels nimbler and quicker on the trail. Choose the Olympus for all day comfort and natural foot position, the Speedgoat for a faster, more agile ride.

The Olympus 6 is built as a rugged, protective trail shoe, and the substantial 345g build reflects a shoe made to take a beating over long miles. The aggressive outsole is designed to hold up on rock and hardpack, and the robust upper resists the abrasion that comes with technical terrain. As with any trail shoe, lug wear will show fastest if you run a lot on hard surfaces or road, so keep it for the trails it was made for to get the most life out of it.

Yes. Like all Altra running shoes it has a zero drop platform, meaning your heel and forefoot sit at the same height. The idea is a more natural foot position and an even load through your stride. It does take adaptation if you are used to a raised heel, because it stresses the calves and Achilles differently, so transition gradually. Once adapted, many runners love the grounded, natural feel it gives on the trail.