Learning about Running Shoes with Lots of Cushion : Altra Olympus



Everyone has a different opinion on what makes a good running shoe and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another.  Everyone's feet and needs are unique so that's why when some one says "These are the best shoes ever" or "These are SO comfortable" you really need to take that with a grain of salt so to speak.

I am not here to tell you that these are the best shoes or that you should run right out and buy these, but I am going to tell you what I've learned about them to see if they might be the shoes ( or type of shoe) that would work for you or that you know not to waste your time trying them.

So here goes!



These are the Altra Olympus.

First thing I noticed is the Purple color. I love it and it immediately made me think of Grape Soda!

The Olympus was made as a trail shoe ( hence the rugged bottom) but can be used for road running too.

These are Max cushioning shoe AND they are the zero drop as well.  That means the same amount of cushioning that is in the heel of the shoe is also in the forefront of the shoe. This results in the "stacked heel" look that you may not be use to. I know I wasn't use to it.

These are considered a "neutral" shoe and has a contoured foot bed. My Altra Intuitions 1.5 that I talked about earlier are also neutral but have "moderate" cushioning.

Since I have been having major knee and hip pain ( yup it still hasn't gone away even though I am continuing to go to PT) I have really been picky with any new shoe I put on because I don't want something that is going to have a reverse effect on whatever progress I am making and I always fear that I am in the "wrong shoe". So of course I do lots of research and ask lots of questions. 

My main concern was with all this cushioning and did I really need it.  This is what I found out.

*Cushioning eases stress on your feet, but it can disrupt proper technique and increase joint impact.

* Get a more cushioned shoe if you tend to have foot pain.

* Get a less cushioned shoe if you have strong feet but tend to suffer from joint pain.

 Weight can also play a role in how much cushioning one may need. The heavier the runner, the more cushion they may want.

* ( This information came from Altra material)

Because I have never had foot pain ( knock on wood) but I have had joint pain, I am rethinking whether or not these shoes are a good fit for me.

I really do like these shoes because they are comfy and lets face it they are cute. But I know that sometimes that's just not enough.


I 'm participating in a Running Shoe link up with our friends April and Patty. Go check out their posts to see what they have to say about their running shoes too!

Is there anything else that I should be considering when choosing a pair of shoes?

Tell me what your best shoe tip is?    ~M


I received these Altras in exchange for a promotion I was a part of through our blog. I was not asked to write a review of them but I thought maybe other runners might have these same concerns so I wanted to put them out here.

31 comments:

  1. Fantastic analytical approach to this shoe review! You are very right that what works for one may not work for another. My best shoe tip is 1) Get fitted, and 2) Ease into a new shoe. Don't buy a shoe (even if you know it works for you) and then immediately go run 10 miles. That could potentially be disastrous!

    Btw I love the purple colors too - very pretty shoe!

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  2. I've actually been thinking a lot about this lately! I initially loved my running shoes because of their support, but I've begun to wonder if it might be too much. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. In the past, I just stuck with the shoe I knew worked for me, but then the company changed so many aspects. I've worn 3 different shoes since August but am transitioning into my Altras.

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  4. Interesting information, especially the bit about how much cushioning one needs based on foot pain vs. joint pain. I definitely feel that getting fitted at a good running store helped immensely. It turned out I have a tendency to over pronate and I ended up going with the Saucony Guides, which I love so far.

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  5. Interesting information...and you're right, the color is super cute! I'm currently wearing shoes that I believe to be right for me comfort/support wise (no issues thus far), but I feel that if I were to get fitted, I'd probably wind up with a completely different shoe...there's just so many elements to consider!

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  6. Interesting info! I ease into new shoes when I have changed brands. I have always had foot issues and tendinitis and just switched to a shoe that is not full stability and its been GREAT. I think its good to change it up sometimes too, esp if one is having nagging issues.

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  7. I'm still on the fence about what to do with my shoe situation. I looked into Altras b/c I do think I need cushion for my knees and feet, BUT, I had trouble with minimal drop shoes and my achilles heel...so it seems to be a double edge sword for me. If I get the low drop shoes, I have achilles heel bursitis, if I get the regular drop, my knees and feet suffer. *sigh*

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    1. I thought of you when I got these shoes because I thought they might work for you Karen!

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  8. How interesting. I always wondered why some shoes had that stacked heel. I'm not big on cushioning but I don't have any zero drop shoes. The lowest I have is 4mm and I'm working on slowly incorporating that into my rotation.

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  9. I always find it interesting when bloggers talk about the "greatest shoe ever". As you have stated, the shoe needs for one runner are not for the next. I was fitted at a local running store and I think mine are the greatest shoes ever, for ME! Hope you find what works best and continued success with your recovery....it stinks to be injured.

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  10. Despite much protest, I went with a more cushioned shoe for my last purchase. I have been battling foot pain so I guess this was a good idea! I got fitted at a running store to make sure I was making the right purchase. Did you get fitted?

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  11. Ooh, I love the purple! I was fitted and told that I need a stability shoe so I've been wearing them for years. I'm an asics gal and I love the Kayanos. I wonder if they have purple???? ;)

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  12. I love my Mizuno Wave Riders- been wearing them for yeeeeeears. What I love is that they are cushiony, supportive, yet minimal. I don't feel like I'm wearing a shoe, I feel like they are part of my feet! I will be so sad if they are ever discontinued as I have been wearing them for at least 7 years!

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  13. So much goes into a shoe that I never knew before. The way you land makes a difference. I know I thought cushion was the best for me because who doesn't love a soft bed of feathers? :) But yeah, found I'm on Neutral Plus... thank goodness for running shoe people.
    That purple is pretty awesome though. Makes me think of Grape Ape... & I just showed my age :)

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  14. Love my Skora Running FITs. They are zero drop and have a bit more cushion to make my long runs and trail runs more comfortable. I have also worn them for spin and cardio classes... very versatile shoe.

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    1. Love my SKORA Fits as well :)

      I don't think I could ever wear an Altra or Hoka simply due to how (imo) hideous they are. Plus I like to have a bit of proprioception and natural movement in my shoes.

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  15. I got fitted the first time I went and now try to stay in that same brand. I definitely love when stores have a nice return policy (even after you've worn them) so I can take them out for a run and then decide how my body feels!

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  16. When you started in the Altras, did you have a transition shoe? If your willing to look at another brand that might be something you might want to consider. Maybe a zero drop is not the best idea? Maybe a 4 drop? Did you have success in your 1.5? I know I asked a lot of questions!

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    1. I got my Intuitions 1.5 back in October and I did transition into them and had no problem. I do like my intuitions but thought i'd try a new pair since they were a gift.

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  17. See, I've been going through this SAME issue. I've always been a Nike Air Max girl...but with the Vick thing... I just, I'm finding supporting Nike has become more difficult.

    I am in LOVE with this purple color! What's the price range on these?

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    1. These Olympus are on the website for $130 but my Intuition 1.5 are now down to $75.

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  18. The shoes are super cute! I love the purple! I think the most important thing to do is to get your stride analyzed to make sure you are running in the correct shoe.

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  19. I tend to like shoes with less cushion and more flexibility. I don't like super minimalist shoes though, One day I know I should get my stride analyzed, but I just haven't yet!

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  20. I feel like I'm still trying to figure out how to find the best shoes for your feet. I have very flat feet which makes shoe shopping hard! That tip about cushion vs. less cushioning is a good one though!

    Lauren

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  21. Oh shoes... I just loved my ASICS Nimbus 14's and then they retired them and I am afraid to shell out the big bucks for a pair of the new model. I'm trying to settle into some Altra Torins but can't seem to find the right size. The 7.5's are a tiny bit short (I have long second toes) and banged my toes during the Gate River Run 15k, but when I sized up to an 8 in the same shoes, they feel too loose and my ankles and knees seem to be under more stress. Sigh. Shoes...

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    1. The Altra Torins are another shoe I am considering. I have found with Altra that they do run small. I have to go up a half size more than what I would normally wear. Just out of curiosity, why did you decide to try the Torins?

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  22. I have two friends who wear Altras and love them...I'm thinking about buying a pair for walking (because I really love my Brooks Transcends for running and I am a "don't mess with success" kind of girl). They are cute in a funky way, too.

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  23. Thanks for sharing since I am in the progress of looking for new shoes :)

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  24. Thanks for linking up today! We love having you guys around. :) 1- I love the purple. Yes, I know. lol Dont pick a shoe based on color! But the other thing that got my interest was the cushioning. I'm big on cushion. Thanks for the info!

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  25. I've not tried the Altas but have been hearing a lot about them. I am also reluctant to try new shoes for fear of messing up a good thing. I like Asics Kayanos

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  26. I adore the Altra Intuitions. I'm actually thinking about trying the One since it's got less cushion, but still has more cushion than the true minimalist shoes.

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