My review also highlights the top 3 Altra hiking shoes—the Lone Peak trail running shoe and the new Olympus 5 Hikes.
Altra Lone Peak
Altra's most popular trail running shoe is especially popular with thru-hikers
Altra Olympus 5 Hike
Altra's first (and only) hiking shoe has max cushion plus hike features
Altra Olympus 5 Hike Mid
Mid-cut of the Olympus 5 Hike
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Altra brand overview
Altra's story is pretty remarkable. The brand was basically born in the toaster oven of co-founder Golden Harper.
A long-distance runner whose family owned a shoe store, Harper was concerned that traditional running shoes rewarded poor running form. So he and friend Brian Beckstead began modifying running shoes— carving them up and melting them down in a toaster oven—to design shoes that encouraged a more natural running style. Their toaster oven prototypes developed a cult following, and Altra Running was born in 2009.
Altra shoes are special in two ways. First, the brand's fit is much roomier than most brands, particularly in the toes. Second, Altras try to force people to rely on their lower bodies—not their shoes—for cushioning, stability, and support.
Specifically, Altra designs running shoes to encourage a more barefoot running style with their (1) "balanced cushion" (formerly called "zero drop"), (2) gender-specific fits, and (3) Footshape fits.
balanced cushion beneath the heel and toe
balanced cushioning (aka "zero drop")
Most running shoes add heel cushioning and support to absorb shock and take pressure off people's feet, ankles, and lower backs—which raises the heel several millimeters so there's a "drop" from the heel to the toe joint. Altra skips that extra heel cushioning to position the heel, forefoot, and toes the same distance from the ground. That "balanced cushion" means there's "zero drop" from heel to toe. Basically, it's a marketing term for a flat shoe.
In theory, a flat shoe will force runners to land squarely on the mid-foot (because it will be uncomfortable to land on the heels, side of the foot, etc.)
Altra's Fit4Her women-specific fit fit
gender specific fits
Like many brands, Altra offers gender-specific fits— with women's options specifically designed to match the morphology of women's feet, including a narrower heel and midfoot, higher instep, and longer arch than men's sizes.
wide "footshape" toe box
Footshape toe boxes
Made to contour people's feet, Altra's roomy toe boxes have extra width to allow toes to spread out for a natural base.
Altra's goal is to force people into a more barefoot running style that relies upon the body's natural cushioning and support mechanisms. In theory, Altras can therefore restore the body's natural biomechanics, which supposedly have been stunted by more cushioned, supportive footwear.
The brand isn't for everybody. If you're looking for supportive and durable hiking shoes, Altra is probably the last brand you should buy. If you're not a fan of traditional hiking shoes and prefer less supportive trail shoes to build up your lower body, Altra may be your best brand.
Why is Altra a controversial brand?
When I managed footwear at a hiking and backpacking shop, Altra had the loudest fans—and by far the most detractors—of any brand we carried. As one of my fellow Backcountry Gearheads (and Altra fan) put it: "It shouldn't take you too long to figure out if you'll love Altras or absolutely hate them. There's not much middle ground."
ALBERT
-BACKCOUNTRY GEARHEAD-
"It shouldn't take you too long to figure out if you'll love Altras or absolutely hate them. There's not much middle ground."
For one thing, Altra's fit is pretty polarizing. Podiatrists love those wide toe boxes. So do I. But many people find Altra's fit too wide or too sloppy on steep or rocky terrain.
The brand's balanced cushion/zero drop design is even more controversial because it puts more pressure on people's feet, ankles, calves, and lower body tendons and ligaments. Some people absolutely swear by Altras—convinced that their shoes restored their body's natural support mechanisms. However, others swear that Altra's zero drop design caused lower body injuries they didn't get in other brands. For example, my customers have complained of stress fractures, sprained and broken ankles, and ruptured Achilles tendons after switching to Altra trail shoes.
It's a high risk, high reward brand.
best Altra hiking shoes
testing the new Altra Olympus 5 Hike GTX in fall, 2022
Which Altra shoes are the best for hikers? The Lone Peak is Altra's best trail running shoe for hikers—especially thru-hikers—and the new Olympus 5 Hike is Altra's first (and only) true hiking shoe. That is, it's the only Altra that's actually desgined for hikers—not runners—and it's available as a low-cut or a mid-cut.
Altra Lone Peak: best trail running shoe for hikers
Main Benefits:
Lone Peaks are moderately cushioned trail shoes with grippy outsoles and lightweight mesh uppers. That makes them cooler on the feet and quicker to dry than many trail shoes. Many hikers swear by Altra's zero drop platform (see above)—while others prefer traditional trail shoes with more heel cushioning and support. Altra's roomy toe box may be comfortable on easy to moderate trails and absolutely dreamy for swollen feet on long hikes; that makes Lone Peaks extremely popular with thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail. However, their roomy fit may feel sloppy on steep descents and tricky terrain. This is Altra's best-selling shoe and one of the most popular trail running shoes for hikers overall.
January 2023 update: The new Lone Peak 7 (pictured above) has just dropped—see options below (along with closeout prices on the soon-to-be-gone Lone Peak 6):
best fit
According to the company, “If they don’t feel too big in your toes…they’re too small!” Hikers with average to narrow feet may find Altra's roomy toe box uncomfortable—even if it is healthier.
best match
thru-hikers, casual hikers, "zero drop" fans
Lone Peaks are most popular with long-distance thru-hikers, casual hikers who don't need much support, or zero drop fans who want a less-supportive trail shoe
The Altra Lone Peak is available in regular and wide sizes and in non-waterproof and "all weather" (waterproof) versions—see men's and women's options at the affiliate links below:
Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX: best Altra hiking shoe
Main Benefits:
Altra has never made a hiking shoe—until releasing the Olympus 5 "Hike" late in 2022. The regular Olympus (without "Hike" in the name) is a max cushion trail running shoe. The Olympus 5 HIKE Low GTX adds some hiking features on top of that plush cushioning, such as sturdier uppers that mix synthetic mesh with leather for added durability, a premium ankle collar for a more secure fit, a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane for weather protection, grippy Vibram Megagrip outsoles with hiking (not running) traction. The Olympus 5 Hike is significantly sturdier and heavier than Altra's trail running shoes, but still qualifies as a lightweight hiking shoe in my book. Altra's first and only "hiking shoe" should appeal to many people—it's a well-cushioned hiking shoe with the same zero drop, gender-specific fit, and wide toe box that made Altra running shoes famous.
best fit
Altras feature a "natural" fit with more room and a wider toe box. They're not made for wide feet, but may feel too big if your feet are used to cramped toe boxes. When fitting, be sure to allow a full thumb’s width in front of your toes. Give your toes some time to get used to the newfound wiggle room.
best match
The Olympus 5 is best for hikers who want an Altra trail running shoe with maximum cushion. The Olympus 5 Hike is the best match for hikers who want a well-cushioned hiking shoe that should have better durability, traction, pport, and hiking performance than Altra's line up of trail running shoes.
The Olympus is the best Altra hiking shoe for you if you're after maximum cushion. Either Olympus can work for hiking—choose the regular Olympus 5 for a lighter, faster-drying trail runner shoe with max cushion, and go with the Olympus 5 Hike for a hiking shoe that's waterproof with better durability and hiking traction. You can browse your options below:
Altra Olympus 5 Hike Mid GTX: best mid-cut Altra hiking shoe
Main Benefits:
Altra does not make a true hiking boot. However, the mid-cut Olympus 5 Hike GTX hiking shoe comes close. Like the low-cut Olympus 5 Hike (above), the mid-cut is a max cushion hiking shoe for added comfort and shock absorption. The added ankle collar does not provide substantial ankle support. However, that mid-cut should keep out more snow, mud, and trail debris than a low-cut and potentially hold your feet in place better on steep descents and uneven terrain. The "hike" package includes a GORE-TEX membrane for durable waterproofing and breathability, leather trim for added durability, and Vibram Megagrip outsoles, which are known for excellent grip on dry and wet surfaces. This is the best Altra hiking shoe if you're looking for a lot of cushioning, more weather protection, and/or a mid-cut shoe for winter hiking.
best fit
Altras feature a "natural" fit with more room and a wider toe box. They're not made for wide feet, but may feel too big if your feet are used to cramped toe boxes. When fitting, be sure to allow a full thumb’s width in front of your toes. Give your toes some time to get used to the newfound wiggle room.
best match
The Olympus 5 Mid GTX is the best match for winter hikes and for hikers who prefer a mid-cut hiking shoe to a low-cut. This mid-cut offers limited ankle support—however, it does provide more protection against cold or wet weather and should keep more snow, sticks, and stones from getting into your shoes on the trail.
Are Altra hiking shoes right for you?
In spite of the brand’s popularity, you need to be careful with Altra. Their philosophy is the opposite of most brands—they're not designed to support your feet and ankles, but to develop the body's natural cushioning and support mechanisms:
The foot is the foundation of the body and it is therefore critical that the foot be allowed to function naturally—yet most Americans have weak feet that are inhibited by shoes that move their feet out of natural position and function by raising their heels and crowding their toes with pointy toe-boxes."
golden harper - Altra Co-Founder
Altra claims their trail shoes will decrease injuries. If they work for you, Altras may restore your body's natural biomechanics, take some heat off your knees, and give you ripped calves.
However, their zero drop platforms are controversial because they put more stress on your lower body to cushion and support you. By design, Altra shoes offer less shock absorption and support than typical trail runners and hiking shoes. In spite of Altra's claims, some studies have determined that zero drop shoes make no difference in injury rates. Others claim that Altras only benefit strong athletes with good form and physiology or actually increase lower leg and foot injuries.
The risks may be greatest for hikers (like me) with flat feet, skinny calves, or histories of foot and ankle problems. (I can pull off hiking in the new Olmpus 5 Hike, but I had calf, ankle, and durability issues with the Lone Peak.) At the very least, hikers should transition into zero drop shoes gradually to allow their muscles, tendons, and ligaments at least three weeks to adjust to balanced cushioning and less support.
Altra hiking shoes: Pros vs Cons
Are you interested in Altra hiking shoes? It's always smart to weigh each brand's Pros and Cons—especially with a polarizing brand like Altra. As a certified Altra expert, here are some of the brand’s main selling points and limitations:
Conclusion
A lot of hikers love Altra. In fact, there's a vocal minority of hikers online who believe that Altras are the answer for everybody. I'm not as bullish on Altra because of the durability limitations and possible injury risks. Several of my customers and co-workers have reported serious lower body injuries after switching to Altra—while others swear by Altra trail running shoes and hiking shoes.
You’ll have to weigh the potential risks and rewards for yourself. I’m just a shoe guy—not a podiatrist, physical therapist, or exercise scientist. In my view, however, Altra is a high risk, high reward brand. If you're looking for a supportive and durable hiking shoe, I'd recommend another brand. However, if you're after a roomy fit and like the idea of trail shoes that might develop your body's natural stability and support mechanisms, Altra may be a good brand for you.
Are you ready to buy Altra hiking shoes?
In less than a decade, Altra rose from a toaster oven to a top-ranked brand. And it's got a cult-like following in some hiking and trail-running circles. However, the brand is not for everybody. That's why I'm glad that you chose to research them—and hope that you found my Altra brand review helpful!? Altras could be an awesome choice—if their unique fit and philosophy work for your body and your hiking style.
If you're not sold on Altra, please check out my pro picks for the best hiking shoes or best trail running shoes for hiking or browse my brand reviews for a brand that better fits your feet and hiking style. For trail running shoes, Topo Athletic is similar to Altra —with low (vs. no) drop, a more secure fit, and little more support; Hoka features low drop trail running shoes with tons of cushion; La Sportiva and Salomon sell trail runners with more support and narrower fits than Altra.
If you're ready to pull the trigger on a new pair of Altra hiking shoes or trail running shoes, please consider purchasing them through the affiliate links above. Hiking Feet may receive a small commission from Backcountry or REI—and no cost to you. That keeps the lights on at Hiking Feet—and gives me a little something back for the hundreds of hours I've spent writing free content to help you find hiking shoes that fit your feet and match your hiking style.Hike your own hike— in whatever brand and whichever hiking shoes work best for you.
