Test Altra Olympus 275 – The famous Olympus premium version

Test video summary

My summary

How do you use the Altra Olympus 275?

The Altra Olympus 275 is a trail shoe designed for long-distance running and lightly technical to moderately challenging terrain. It features high cushioning, zero drop (typical of Altra) and a large toe box (also typical of Altra).

It’s ideal for trail runners looking for protection for rolling ultra-trails, active hiking or jogging on forest trails. On the other hand, it’s not a model for highly technical terrain, nor for those seeking performance.

Technical specifications

• Drop: 0 mm (typical Altra zero drop)
• Stack: 33 mm
• Weight: 282 g in 40.5 Women on my scale
• Studs: 4 mm (Vibram® MegaGrip sole)
• Carbon plate: no
• Minimalist index (Clinique du Coureur): 44%.
• Retail price: €195

Our full Altra Olympus 2.75 test

Look

Visually, the Olympus 275 impresses from the outset: thick sole, imposing size, massive silhouette. But the design is well crafted, with a rather nice line and a black and red color scheme that I find successful.

Comfort

This is its strong point. From the very first step, you feel like you’re in a soft cocoon. Altra’s typical wide toe box allows the toes to spread out freely, without compression. The soft, breathable Matryx fabric hugs the foot without creating pressure points.

A word about the integrated half-gaiter at the rear and side (not at the front). In addition to protecting against the intrusion of sand, gravel or twigs, it contributes to overall comfort by providing supple heel support. This well-thought-out piece complements the footwear nicely, even if it can complicate donning a little, especially with thick socks. It didn’t cause me any unpleasant rubbing.

A word of warning, though: the shoe fits large, and my usual 40.5 (including Altra) felt too roomy. It has to be said that this model has an “Original” footshape, i.e. the brand’s widest, and I have a relatively thin foot.

Weight

Weighing in at 282g in my size 40.5 women’s model, the Olympus 275 remains within the classic range for such a cushioned and protective shoe. The Matryx upper plays a decisive role here: lighter than traditional materials, it compensates for the substantial weight of the midsole.

Amorti & Dynamisme

In terms of cushioning, the shoe’s 33mm stack provides real cushioning. The molded EVA midsole combined with the platform’s wide geometry offers excellent shock absorption. Comfort is the order of the day.

The dynamism, without being explosive as this is absolutely not the shoe’s objective, remains satisfactory: it’s more pleasant than on other models of the brand I’ve tested in the past, where you really had to push on your foot. Here, the roll-off is fluid, especially on rolling sections, and the stride is natural.

Stability

This is the Olympus 275’s weak point for me. The shoe’s large overall volume, combined with a high stack, limits precision in foot placement and overall stability. On rolling or forested trails, no problem.

But as soon as the terrain becomes technical (rocks, slopes, ridges), the shoe becomes too unstable in my opinion. The midfoot, in particular, seems to float in the void, especially if you have a fairly thin foot. The result: a lack of confidence for me as soon as the support becomes a little more complex.

Hook

On dry, stony or wet terrain, the Vibram MegaGrip outsole does the job perfectly. The 4 mm studs ensure good grip, and the grip is reliable. They also get through a bit of mud, but I’d be wary of really greasy terrain, where the studs will certainly lack depth.

Protection

This is a reassuring shoe. The front stone guard protects against impact from rocks or roots, the thick sole insulates against uneven terrain, and the whole foot is well wrapped. A special mention goes to the little gaiter integrated into the back of the shoe, which prevents debris from entering.

Conclusion

The Altra Olympus 275 is an ultra-comfortable, protective shoe that’s perfect for long distances on rolling trails. It combines the best of Altra know-how (zero drop, wide toe box, soft cushioning) with a more premium design thanks to the Matryx upper. On the other hand, it shows its limitations on technical terrain and will not, in my opinion, suit runners with thin feet.