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altra footwear

Altra Olympus vs Lone Peak

Last updated: July 19, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

#Note: I'll compare both the Olympus 3.5's and 4.0's to the Lone Peak 4.5's in this post. However, I also laid out the differences between Olympus 3.5 and 4.0 as well as the differences between Lone Peak 4.0 and 4.5, so check them out if you're interested.

Lone Peak 4.5's in action.

The most important difference between Olympus and Lone Peak is in their cushioning (as it's the case with almost all Altra trail running shoes).

In summary, with everything else being average; if you're mostly going to be backpacking, trail running, walking and/or standing uninterruptedly, for long periods of time; then you're highly likely to benefit a lot from the extra cushion Olympus has over the Lone Peak's.

In Altra's trail running line, Lone Peak's are the closest you get to a typical trail running shoe and hence a safer choice than the Olympus and is probably a better option for beginner folks.

Additionally, Lone Peak 4.5 looks quite pretty (this Gray/Orange color of Lone Peak 4.5 is really liked by many - including me).

If you think you're in somewhere between these two points, then checking out my Timp 2.0 review as well as my comparison of Timp's to Lone Peak's can be a good idea.

In fact, comparing one of these trail running shoes to Timp's, rather than to each other, would make more sense, but never mind...

Cushion

While it's true that more cushion generally results in more comfort as either the distance to cover gets longer, or the individual gets heavier, or the trail gets rockier etc...

It's a myth that more cushion generally results in less damaging to our joints.

I wanted to make this clear before we get to compare these two products because cushioning would be my single most important criteria when deciding between them - although joint health shouldn't be counted as a criteria.

So, with everything else being average; if you're mostly going to be backpacking, trail running, walking and/or standing uninterruptedly, for long periods of time; then you're highly likely to benefit a lot from the extra cushion the Olympus possesses over the Lone Peak's.

Olympus 4.0. On the shelves around summer 2020.

If you're to be participating ultramarathons with these shoes, then generally speaking, I'd probably draw the maximum event distance line for Lone Peak's at 50 miles (80 km's). Anything longer and you're likely to wish having more cushioned kicks such as the Timp or Olympus.

This is NOT to say that Lone Peak's are an objectively better choice when you're below that limit. Because, if you're a relatively heavy person, more than, say, 200 lbs (90 kg); or the trails you'll cover will mostly be fairly rockier than average; or you're fond of having more underfoot protection for any reason etc...

...then a more cushioned alternative such as the Timp or Olympus can still be a reasonable choice.

BUT...

One strong downside of ample cushion is weaker toe-off when running - which is kind of important when running longer distances, and definitely important when running shorter distances.

Olympus 3.5's.

If you're unaware, here's what toe-off means: Pushing the ground farther from yourself not only using your entire forefoot but also your toe strength. Yes, this results in minuscule differences, but it adds up when you're competing with milliseconds (hint: Shorter distances).

This is the biggest downside of extra cushion.

After reading the entire thing until here, if you think you're somewhere between these two pairs, then I'd probably recommend you to check out the Timp 2.0's. It's probably what you're looking for.

This is it for the cushion part.

Now...

I'd even go that far and recommend you to downright IGNORE EVERYTHING else such as traction, fit, breathability, durability etc...

Not because they aren't important (they are), but because they don't differ much in our case - especially when compared to how cushioning differs.

Men's Lone Peak 4.5 & Olympus 3.5:

No products found.

Women's Lone Peak 4.5 & Olympus 3.5:

ALTRA Women's AL0A4QTX Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoe
ALTRA Women's AL0A4QTX Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running...
(1506)
Buy on Amazon
ALTRA Women's ALW1959F Olympus 3.5 Trail Running Shoe
ALTRA Women's ALW1959F Olympus 3.5 Trail Running...
(236)
Buy on Amazon

That said, I'll try to hit the most important points there.

Traction

Olympus 4.0 equips the most recent, so-called "Vibra Mega" grip technology of Altra. Compared to the outdated "DuraTrac" of Olympus 3.5's, this is a HUGE step forward. Going from 3.5 to 4.0, the lugs also seem to have increased especially through the mid-foot.

"MaxTrac" outsole of Lone Peak 4.5's is undoubtedly better than Olympus 3.5's "DuraTrac".

However, "Vibra Mega" of Olympus 4.0 still shines thorough even when it's compared to the "MaxTrac" of Lone Peak 4.5's - owing to its extra capability that somehow "sticks" to the ground.

But... that's the case when things are kept technically.

In practice, with everything else being equal, higher stack height usually also means lesser traction in many cases. Extra cushion that the Olympus 4.0 has over the Lone Peak 4.5's evens out its advantage, resulting in more or less equal traction capabilities in practice.

So, in traction department, it's safe to say Olympus 4.0 = Lone Peak 4.5 > Olympus 3.5 for most of the cases.

Conclusion

I'd highly recommend you to base your decision primarily off the cushion differences.

If you're going to be participating to an ultra-marathon, absolutely check out the event distance & the chart in the introduction and pick accordingly.

In summary, with everything else being equal and average, if the event distance is more than, say, 75 miles (120 km); then the Olympus is likely to be a better choice over the Lone Peak's because of its extra cushion.

If you won't be participating to ultramarathons...

In summary, with everything else being average; if you're mostly going to be backpacking, trail running, walking and/or standing uninterruptedly, for long periods of time; then you're highly likely to benefit a lot from the extra cushion Olympus has over the Lone Peak's.

In Altra's trail running line, Lone Peak's are the closest you get to a typical trail running shoe and hence a safer choice than the Olympus and is probably a better option for beginner folks.

Men's Lone Peak 4.5 & Olympus 3.5:

No products found.

Women's Lone Peak 4.5 & Olympus 3.5:

ALTRA Women's AL0A4QTX Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoe
ALTRA Women's AL0A4QTX Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running...
(1506)
Buy on Amazon
ALTRA Women's ALW1959F Olympus 3.5 Trail Running Shoe
ALTRA Women's ALW1959F Olympus 3.5 Trail Running...
(236)
Buy on Amazon

Filed Under: Footwear, Gear Tagged With: altra, altra footwear, altra running footwear, altra trail running footwear, footwear

Altra Olympus 3.5 vs 4.0

Last updated: July 19, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

#Note: Olympus 4.0's are going to be released on Summer 2020. There are going to be major improvements especially on the outsole.

Olympus 4.0 updates deserve its own post as it's a total makeover. It's arguably the best Olympus they've built so far.

Although this Green/Orange color of Olympus 3.5 is really liked by many (including me) the design game also seem to have picked up a lot with the 4.0:

Olympus 4.0. Looks much prettier than the 3.5's if you ask me. Here's how the 3.5's look like: https://www.rei.com/product/156271/altra-olympus-35-trail-running-shoes-mens

For folks who are unaware, Olympus is Altra's most cushioned trail running shoe. It's initially designed for 100+ mile (160 km) ultra marathons, but ample cushioning is equally beneficial when you're either actively walking, standing or hiking for long periods of time.

Traction

In these cases, you're likely to wish a lot of cushion and underfoot protection beneath your feet - which Olympus had always filled the bill for that matter.

But the really high cushioning isn't the best for your joints in many cases, and what's more you're inevitably forced to sacrifice some traction capabilities and weight as well.

Olympus 4.0 seem to zero in on these weak points brought by extra cushioning. Its Vibra Mega outsole offers much better traction capabilities now compared to the previous revision:

This is the most important update that took place.

With Vibra Mega outsole, the lugs now are much more aggressive compared to the previous revisions, promising more security on slippery terrain.

Vibra Mega holds on to the terrain more securely than the previous MaxTrac technology of Altra. In a way it "sticks" to the ground and provides great grip.

Another thing that might have caught your attention on the outsole is the vertical channel starting from the heel and reaching out to the midfoot.

This split in half adds to Olympus' flexibility, allowing it to move more freely in lateral axis and hence providing extra independent lateral suspension. This means that;

  • On slippery surfaces, you're now much less likely to slip sideways, 
  • Any sort of collision on one side isn't going to be able to affect the other side anymore.

Other minor improvements 

Weight, foot protection around the toe-box and breathability seem to be other improvements.

Here's a good video of Golden Harper (founder of Altra) introducing the new Olympus 4.0:

Transcript:

"How's it going guys I'm Connor from running warehouse today I'm here with Golden Harper founder of Altra and we've got the latest update to the Olympus series this is the Olympus 4.0 now just looking at this shoe this is a beast of a trail shoe a lot of cushioning great traction what is this shoe all about who's this gonna who's the type of runner using the shoe so if you understand the way cushioning works it's not great for your joints but it's very protective for your feet so anybody who's gonna beat their feet up long hours on your feet we we originally intended this shoe when it was first built for ultramarathons 100-mile races etc and that's still really the you know purist intent of this shoe but anybody who wants a lot of cushioning for whatever reason trying to protect their feet this is gonna be a great option for them great now looking at this shoe it's all new from top to bottom can you tell us about some of the updates yeah so total makeover on the Olympus far and away in my opinion the best Olympus we've ever built it's you know it's 33 millimeters thick it's 11 ounces it's got a Vibra Mega grip outsole so it's going to have an incredible traction to it we have you know split the the shoe in half basically to give it independent suspension so if you hit a rock on one side it's not affecting the other side of the foot as much less likely to roll an ankle nice and wide and stable at heel and forefoot independent suspension lugs in the front so when you hit a rock it can deflect into the shoe without you know throwing you or or messing up your ride as much engineered mesh upper is really breathable lightweight drains quick it's got a nice protective toe cap on it with drain holes built in so that every time you take a step any any water that's coming to the shoe can find its way out and then of course our gaiter trap that we put on all of our trail shoes as well to be able to attach our gaiters to and those are the biggies right so this shoe is going to be a beast when you're going long and far on the trails you're looking at this on your feet when can you have it so this is going to be a Summer 2020."

Filed Under: Footwear, Gear Tagged With: altra, altra footwear, altra running footwear, altra trail running footwear, footwear

Altra Timp vs Lone Peak

Last updated: July 21, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

We review and compare Altra's Timp and Lone Peak trail running shoes.

Altra Lone Peak 4.5's in their natural habitat.

A short answer first:

The most important difference is the extra cushioning the Timp 2.0 offers over the Lone Peak 4.5's.

A summary around the cushioning:

  • The Lone Peak is the closest you can get to a typical running shoe anatomy: Average cushioning, and hence also average underfoot protection and average ground feel. It's your safest bet.
  • The Timp, on the other hand, is more cushioned than the Lone Peak, but not by a huge amount - so the ground feel is sacrificed just slightly in return, and the underfoot protection is ended up being a little superior.

Lastly, this Grey/Blue color of Timp 2.0 and this Gray/Orange color of Lone Peak 4.5 are the most preferred color combinations. 

  • Both the Lone Peak and Timp got revised during late 2019!

I've also published posts regarding the changes going from Lone Peak 4.0 to 4.5, and the changes going from Timp 1.5 to Timp 2.0. So check them out if you're considering the previous versions.

I also contacted the Altra Customer Service about this, and shared the chat history at the bottom of this post, but the information given until that part also includes all the Rep's worth mentioning comments.

Altra Timp 1.5's.

Cushioning

Cushioning is an objective parameter, and the winner is clearly the Timp in this department.

If you were to line up all 5 Altra trail running shoes by the amount of their cushioning, Lone Peak's would be right in the middle.

And the Timp's, having a little more cushioning than the Lone Peak's, would be placed right next to the them.

So how does this cushion difference play out in practice?

If you're either:

  • Quite a bit on the heavier side (say, more than 190 lbs),
  • New to running/hiking,
  • Running/hiking on a relatively more rough and/or rocky trails,
  • Planning to run/hike mostly for long distances,
  • Prioritize underfoot protection and cushion over the ground feel,
  • Wishing to go easier on your joints (for any reason),
  • Not really wishing much traction...

...then the extra cushion in the Timp's are highly likely to make a positive difference for you - but not by a huge amount, because the Lone Peak's are also equipped with a fair amount of cushion.

Traction

This was my main beef with the Timp 1.5's, and it certainly is improved in Timp 2.0, but Lone Peak 4.5's are still a little bit superior in this department.

The traction performance of the Lone Peaks 4.5's isn't exceptional either, (especially when you consider a trail running shoe with mad traction capabilities such as this one), it's still noticeably better than the Timp's.

Outsole base of the Timp 1.5 (at the top) could have really used a more aggressively rough surface to ensure better traction - which most users also complained about. Seems like Altra heard of this and decided to update the Timp 2.0 from DuraTrac to MaxTrac.

So called "DuraTrac" traction technology of Timp 1.5 is outdated as of 2020 - especially compared to the "MaxTrac" traction technology of most recently updated Altra trail running shoes, including the Lone Peak 4.5's.

But still, although the outsole technology of the Timp 2.0 seem to catch up with the Lone Peak 4.5, due to the stack height it's still more prone to slippage.


First cushioning, and second traction performance is really how you should base your decision primarily off when having a dilemma between Timp's and Lone Peak's.

So I'd recommend you to make your decision based on this chart:

  • Max event distances for each Altra trail running shoe can pull off without making you feel uncomfortable...

 

Miles / km's 

Cushion

Bottom line

 

Olympus 4.0 (Men's - Women's)

75+/120+

High

Best for super long hours of standing, walking, hiking or trail running.

Read Review

Timp 2.0 (Men's - Women's)

75/120

Avg-high

2-in-1 one: Trail running and backpacking.

Read Review

Lone Peak 4.5 (Men's - Women's)

50/80

Avg

Safest bet. Closest you get to a typical running shoe anatomy, versatile.

Read Review

Superior 4.5 (Men's - Women's)

30/50

Avg-low

More of a minimalist, performance shoe.

Read Review

King MT 2.0 (Men's - Women's)

10/16

Low

Really performance oriented pick.

 

These are only approximate values assuming typical settings. If you think you;

  • Are heavier than the average person,
  • Relatively less conditioned for longer runs,
  • Will mostly be running on trails more rocky than average, etc...

...then always opt for the more cushioned option when in doubt.

Now let's talk about some other relatively minor things to consider.

Underfoot protection & durability

Due to the extra cushion, all the Timp revisions will offer greater underfoot protection than all the Lone Peak revisions.

Fit

The Lone Peak 4.5's fit slightly narrower compared to the Timp 2.0's in the upper. Width of the soles are the same (as it's with all the Altra shoes).

As far as the size are concerned, though, they both size up as expected.

Conclusion

If you're either:

  1. Quite a bit on the heavier side (say, more than 190 lbs),
  2. New to running/hiking,
  3. Running/hiking on a relatively more rough and/or rocky trails,
  4. Planning to run/hike mostly for long distances,
  5. Prioritize underfoot protection and cushion over the ground feel,
  6. Wishing to go easier on your joints (for any reason),
  7. Not really wishing much traction...

...then Timp 2.0's can be a really good choice. If your situation doesn't tick these boxes much, than Lone Peak 4.5's can be a great choice.

ALTRA Women's AL0A4QTX Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoe
ALTRA Women's AL0A4QTX Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running...
(1506)
Buy on Amazon

ALTRA Men's ALM1957F TIMP 1.5 Trail Running Shoe
ALTRA Men's ALM1957F TIMP 1.5 Trail Running Shoe
(444)
Buy on Amazon
ALTRA Women's ALW1957F TIMP 1.5 Trail Running Shoe
ALTRA Women's ALW1957F TIMP 1.5 Trail Running Shoe
(686)
Buy on Amazon

Also, here are two good video reviews:

For Lone Peak 4.5:

For Timp 2.0:

Filed Under: Footwear, Gear Tagged With: altra, altra footwear, altra running footwear, altra trail running footwear, footwear

Altra Lone Peak 4.0 vs 4.5

Last updated: July 21, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

Altra Lone Peak 4.5's.

The five upgrades took place going from Lone Peak 4.0 to 4.5:

  • Improved tow-box durability (the issue with 4.0 is fixed), 
  • New lacing system now allows fine tuning the fit in some subtle ways,
  • More fitted upper,
  • Quicker midsole recovery,
  • Some new extra color options and prettier overall design.

Altra really picked up their design game recently.

This means that going from Lone Peak 4.0 to 4.5, the fit, comfort and durability are improved drastically. 

Outsole equips the very same outer structure so-called "MaxTrac", so unlike other updates like Timp 1.5 > Timp 2.0 and Olympus 3.5 > Olympus 4.0, traction isn't impacted with this one.

This new Grey/Orange color of Lone Peak 4.5 is really liked by many - including me.

ALTRA Women's AL0A4QTX Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running Shoe
ALTRA Women's AL0A4QTX Lone Peak 4.5 Trail Running...
(1506)
Buy on Amazon

Here's my conversation with the awesome Customer Rep Liz

  • 19:33 Liz W.
  • Thank you for contacting Altra! I'd be happy to assist you.
  • 19:33 Canberk
  • Hi Liz! Hope you're having a great day!
  • 19:33 Liz W.
  • Hello Canberk!
  • 19:33 Liz W.
  • I am! How about you?
  • 19:34 Canberk
  • Good, thanks!
  • 19:34 Canberk
  • I'm wondering about the changes took place going from Lone Peak 4.0 to 4.5. Could you help me about that?
  • 19:34 Liz W.
  • I would be glad to help you with that.
  • 19:34 Liz W.
  • The Lone Peak 4.5 has been trimmed down.
  • 19:35 Canberk
  • Could you elaborate?
  • 19:36 Liz W.
  • Of course, makes the shoe more flexible and has have an easier lacing system.
  • 19:37 Liz W.
  • The midsole also recovers more quickly.
  • 19:38 Canberk
  • I see.
  • 19:38 Liz W.
  • Hope that helps!
  • 19:38 Liz W.
  • Is there anything else I can help you with today?
  • 19:39 Canberk
  • Is Lone Peak 4.5 more fitted compared to the 4.0?
  • 19:40 Liz W.
  • Customers have found the shoe to fit more snug.
  • 19:41 Canberk
  • One last question: What about the durability?
  • 19:42 Liz W.
  • The shoe is durable for trails.
  • 19:42 Liz W.
  • This has not changed from the 4 to the 4.5
  • 19:43 Canberk
  • So I guess the upper construction is the same besides the lacing system?
  • 19:43 Liz W.
  • The upper material is also trimmed down.
  • 19:44 Canberk
  • But the material durability is the same I guess.
  • 19:44 Liz W.
  • That is correct!
  • 19:45 Canberk
  • Another Rep named Morgan told me that durability was enhanced from 4.0 to 4.5 as well. So are you sure it isn't changed?
  • 19:46 Liz W.
  • Sorry we did have some issues with toe caps however has been addressed with the 4.5.
  • 19:47 Canberk
  • So the toe-box durability is higher in 4.5.
  • 19:47 Canberk
  • OK, I guess that's all then!
  • 19:47 Canberk
  • What about the traction?
  • 19:48 Liz W.
  • The traction is the same with the Maxtrac. (A perfect combination of grip, traction and durability that will eat up gnarly terrain like a boss).
  • 19:49 Canberk
  • Is MaxTrac better than Vibra Mega?
  • 19:50 Liz W.
  • Virbram is actually better since is also sticky.

Filed Under: Footwear, Gear Tagged With: altra, altra footwear, altra running footwear, altra trail running footwear, footwear

Altra Timp 1.5 vs 2.0

Last updated: July 21, 2022 by Canberk Koksal

Altra Timp 1.5's in action!

Timp 1.5's.

Timp saw an extensive revision going from 1.5 to 2.0, so it deserves its own post.

Summary

The two biggest updates from my perspective:

  • Timp 2.0 now feels a little bit more secure (especially through the mid foot) due to the improved outsole,
  • It feels a little bit more "runnable" when you're on the road and not on the trail.

Lastly, this Grey/Blue color of Timp 2.0 is loved by many (including me) and is also the most preferred color combination. 

Now a little bit more detail than that. 

Altra 2.0's in action.

Traction

The biggest downside of Timp 1.5 was its outdated outsole (which incorporated so called DuraTrac technology) which offered quite poor traction capabilities.

Considering that this is a trail running shoe, this could have and did report some bigger issues than comfort: Safety. Some users reported twisted ankles and some other ankle injuries.

Now the lugs protruding outwards from the outsole got updated to what is called the "MaxTrac" in Altra's terminology, and made up the biggest update going from Timp 1.5 to 2.0.

A huge improvement.

To my knowledge, MaxTrac is the second most recent outsole grip technology used in all the Altra trail running shoes.

Another thing that might have caught your attention on the outsole is the vertical channel starting from the heel and reaching out almost to the midfoot.

This split in half adds to the flexibility, allowing it to move more freely in lateral axis and hence providing extra independent lateral suspension. This means that;

  • On slippery surfaces, you're now much less likely to slip sideways, 
  • Any sort of collision on one side isn't going to be able to affect the other side anymore.

Other minor changes

There are also some subtle changes in the upper, lacing system, foot-shape toe-box and the midsole, but nothing really noticeable in practice for the majority of us.

You can think of the Timp 2.0 as the trail version of the road-running shoe Torin.

Watch the founder of Altra explaining all the changes took place:

Transcription:

  • How's it going guys I'm Connor from Running Warehouse. Today I'm here with Golden Harper founder of Altra and we have the latest update to the Timp series.
  • This is the Timp 2.0. Now just taking a look at this shoe it looks completely new from top to bottom. What is this shoe all about?
  • Yeah so Timp is just an awesome balance of cushioning trail, road to trail comfort all wrapped into one. It's gonna be a great long day shoes (how we've historically pitched this shoe) and put a new traction pattern on it. That's gonna make it great for a wide variety of surfaces.
  • Great great now comparing this to 1.5 like I said it looks very different can you talk about some of the updates?
  • Yes so the Timp 2.0 is gonna have an outsole that's just better multi surface traction to it. Multi-tiered bugs gonna be better for all kinds of conditions. And then put a new upper on it similar to the 1.5 upper in a lot of ways. Really nice balance of comfort and control on this upper. And then with the asymmetric lacing being subtle but they're just really you know this shoes emphasis is comfort for long miles out on the trailer for road to trail and obviously has our signature balance cushioning platform to help improve your running form. Our foot shaped toe box as well to you know just give you more power stability and control at push off and obviously more comfort.
  • That's great now for someone who's maybe been in the 1.5 before what would you say is kind of the biggest change from this update in terms of feel on foot?
  • I'd say it feels a little bit more secure through the mid foot and it feels a little bit more runnable when you're on the road are probably the two biggest changes out there. Also like side to side traction on the trail because of the the way the lugs are set up so those are the biggest changes if you liked Timp or sorry a Torin we're on the road this is basically a trail version of the Torin or a road to trail version of the Torin.
  • That's great that's great now this shoe is gonna be out very soon when when can people get this?
  • The end of 2019 you should be able to pick this up.
  • Perfect, you can check it out at running warehouse!

Filed Under: Footwear, Gear Tagged With: altra, altra footwear, altra running footwear, altra trail running footwear, footwear

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Hey, what's up? Canberk here. I try to approach outdoor gear from a scientific point of view. Here's more about me.

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We review and compare Altra's Timp and Lone Peak trail running shoes.
Altra Timp 1.5's in action!
Altra Timp 1.5's in action!