Altra Olympus 275 HiLo Offers Lightweight Max Cushion
The Altra Olympus 275 HiLo is a lighter, more breathable version of the brand's max-cushion trail shoe, featuring a zero-drop platform and a roomy toe box
The Altra Olympus 275 HiLo is a new, lighter version of the brand's max-cushion trail running shoe. According to a review in Running Magazine, the shoe weighs 298 grams in a men's size 10.5 and 249 grams in a women's size 8.
Upper and Fit
The shoe features a lightweight engineered MATRYX upper, which incorporates Kevlar fibers for strength and breathability. This construction is a key change from the standard Olympus model and contributes to a weight reduction of 27 grams. The reviewer noted the addition of a rubber toe guard for protection without impacting feel during a run.
The fit is described as true to size with Altra's signature roomy, anatomically shaped toe box, known as the Original Fit. The reviewer stated, "If you love that roomy, anatomically-correct toe box that Altra is famous for, you'll love the fit of this shoe."
Midsole and Ride
With 33 millimeters of Altra's Ego Max foam, the midsole provides a soft and plush cushioning experience. The review found the shoe excelled at slower, Zone 2 paces on trails, offering all-day comfort suitable for long outings. Despite the soft foam, the tester reported no stability issues on technical terrain.
The shoe maintains Altra's characteristic zero-drop platform, meaning there is no height difference between the heel and forefoot. The reviewer cautioned that runners new to zero-drop shoes should ease into using them to allow for adaptation.
Outsole and Specifications
The outsole uses Vibram MegaGrip rubber with 5-millimeter lugs for traction. The review praised the grip on various surfaces including loose gravel, sand, dirt, and wet rocks. The outsole design includes strategic cutouts that expose some midsole foam, a trade-off that reduces weight but may leave the foam vulnerable in extremely rugged conditions.
The key specifications for the Altra Olympus 275 HiLo are presented in the table below.
| Category | Drop | Stack Height | Weight (Men's 10.5) | Weight (Women's 8) | Lug Depth | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max-cushion trail | 0 mm | 33 mm | 298 g | 249 g | 5 mm | $225 |
The reviewer concluded that the Olympus 275 HiLo is a solid option for runners seeking a high-cushion trail shoe, particularly those who value a roomy toe box. After testing, they continued to wear the shoe for walking on mixed terrain, noting their feet felt grateful for the comfort.
