Altra Olympus 275 Review: All the Tech, Less Weight, More Adventure
Olympus 275: Quick Facts
Weight:
- M: 338g
- W: 273g
Best For:
- Mixed terrain.
- Long days on the trail, all around adventures
Price:
- $330 AUD
Stack Height, Drop & Lugs:
- 33mm heel / 33mm forefoot
- 0mm drop
- 4mm lugs
Favourite Features:
- Matryx + Vibram combo
- Weight savings / lighter feel
Release Date:
- July, 2025
What’s the Olympus 275 all about?
The Altra Olympus has been a staple in Altra’s lineup for years, sitting alongside the Lone Peak as one of their flagship trail shoes. But the Olympus 275 is a brand-new model, not a replacement for the Olympus 6. Think of it as a new branch of the Olympus family tree, and for the sake of comparison, the Olympus 6 is the closest cousin.
Like the 6, the Olympus 275 is built for ultimate comfort and protection on long trail days. This is Altra’s most cushioned trail shoe, sitting at 33mm of stack, designed to keep you going all day (and all night).
Now, I’ll be honest. The Olympus 6 always tempted me. A lot of my mates swear by them for ultras, hiking and adventure racing; it’s the shoe they take everywhere. For me, though, the weight has always held me back. They’re just a bit too overbuilt for the kind of running I do and the style I prefer.
So when I heard about the Olympus 275, a lighter version with a Matryx upper and significant weight savings, I was properly excited.
There’s a bit of history behind the name… in Altra’s early days, the founders actually baked shoes in a toaster oven at 275°F to soften the glue, take them apart, and rebuild them into better prototypes. The “275” is a nod to that hands-on, experimental approach that helped shape the brand.
On paper, the Olympus 275 sounds spot-on: Matryx upper, Vibram Megagrip outsole… two of my favourite tech features in the trail space. But how do they actually feel? I’ve been testing them for a couple of months now. Here’s what stood out.
There are three key features in the Olympus 275
1) Matryx upper: Lightweight durability
The big story here is the Matryx upper, a woven blend of polyamide and Kevlar yarns. In short: it’s ‘bombproof’, lightweight and breathable. This material has become more common in high-end trail shoes, and every time I’ve owned a shoe with it, the upper outlasts everything else.
For me, durability is huge. I want to know that I can drag a pair of shoes through rocky terrain, mud, river crossings, and off-trail bush without worrying about blowouts. Matryx has always delivered on that front.
The standout feature is the weight savings. Compared to the Olympus 6, the 275 is noticeably lighter, making it more appealing to a wider range of runners and adding a bit more versatility to how you can use them.
Some changes: the 275 ditches the gaiter attachment, which some will miss (I don’t often use gaiters, so no big deal). It does have a built-in scree sleeve for debris protection and a zonal fit lock for a more secure feel.
Personally, the fit works better for me than the Olympus 6 does, especially around the heel and Achilles. You still get Altra’s Original FootShape toe box, designed to keep you comfortable while letting your toes splay naturally.
Probably not my first choice for a fast, super-technical race, but that’s not what they’re built for. And within their purpose, the fit is spot on.
2) Vibram Megagrip - Always a Win
No surprises here. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is still the gold standard for trail grip and durability. Same 4mm lugs as the Olympus 6, making it versatile enough for most terrains. The broad platform adds great stability, which you’ll appreciate when you’re tired late in a long run or navigating tricky terrain.
The only knock for me is the exposed midsole foam sections. I usually prefer a full outsole (like on the Lone Peak 9) for longevity, but I get why they’ve done it, it keeps the weight down. Not a deal-breaker, just something to be aware of.
3) Midsole & Ride - Reliable Comfort
The midsole is the same compression-molded EVA foam as the Olympus 6, paired with a TPEE sockliner for a bit of bounce and better drainage.
At first, I worried the lighter upper plus the thick midsole/outsole would make them feel bottom-heavy. Turns out, they feel lighter underfoot than I expected - not racing-shoe light, but definitely light for a max-cushion shoe.
At 33mm stack, they actually sit a little lower than many “max cushion” shoes that push 40mm+ in the heel. However, because Altra is zero-drop, you’re standing at 33mm both in the heel and forefoot, which makes them feel more natural to run on. Less clunky, more in tune with the trail.
The ride is Classic Altra. Plush and protective without being overly soft or squishy. Reliable, consistent and exactly what you want for long, steady days on your feet.
If I had one wish, it would be for Altra to eventually update this midsole foam to something lighter and slightly more responsive. That would really take the Olympus 275 to the next level.
Our first thoughts
The Altra Olympus 275 is a strong addition to the Altra lineup. I can easily see it becoming a go-to for ultra-marathoners, hikers and anyone chasing all-day comfort on the trails.
If you’ve always loved the Olympus but wished it were a bit lighter or if you’ve been looking for a roomy, max-cushion shoe that still offers a natural ride, this is the one you’ve been waiting for.
For me, they’ll be a shoe I reach for on big days out, multi-day hikes, or adventure racing, the kind of adventures where durability, grip and comfort matter more than outright speed.
About the author
Seb Lopez - Trail Runner & Photographer
I’m passionate about trail running, hiking, adventure racing, and the outdoors in general. My favourite runs are long days spent with mates, exploring new places.
I also appreciate how different shoes allow me to connect with the terrain in unique ways and how that affects the running experience. When I’m not out on the trails, you’ll probably find me behind the camera as a sports photographer. It’s great to be on the other side and see the sport from a different angle.
