Choosing Between Altra Olympus and Lone Peak for the Camino

[BombayBill]

So just some random thoughts as I begin the descent into madness obsessing about the next Camino.

For 4 years I walked in Lone Peaks. I bought the current version every year before leaving on Camino and , upon returning, retired them to town duty for the remainder of their life. After 600-1000k they felt “flat”.

I was very happy with them. If they got soaked they didn’t feel wet when wearing good socks. Once I bought better insoles but that was a mistake. The non original insoles weren’t designed to drain water as well as the Altra version. Their non-porous material held the water against my foot. I won’t do that again.

In 2021 I tried a pair of Olympus 4s for the CF. I felt they had more cushioning. At the the end of the trip (maybe 900-1000k) they feel like they still have life in them and the sole is still good. They’re in better shape than the Lone Peaks. I may even put them to Camino use a second time.

Hard to say, because once a new pair is bought and occupies the gear shelf it’s a signal that the upcoming plans are real.

 

[SeñorJacques]

I've been such a fan of the Lone Peaks for so long that it's somehow never occurred to me to check out other models in the Altra line. But your comment about the additional cushioning on the Olympus intrigues me, especially since having to resort to third party inserts to provide more cushioning (as I've been doing of late) obviates the built-in advantages of the Altra insoles, as you correctly point out. If everything else is comparable to the Lone Peaks, I just may change things up for my first Camino in May. Now all I have to do is find a store near me where I can give them a test fit. Decisions, decisions ...

 

[Stephan the Painter]

Is it the Altras that have a reputation for having the wide toebox?

 

[SeñorJacques]

Is it the Altras that have a reputation for having the wide toebox?

Yup! That's exactly why I started walking/hiking in Altras and have never gone back to any other shoe (except the Birkenstocks and Tevas I wear when not wearing my Altras

 

[jcat]

Glad to hear about your experience with the Olympus 4's!

I love my Lone Peaks for day hikes, but don't like the lack of cushion on anything over 5-6 miles. I tried aftermarket insoles but that didn't help. In fact, I've never met an aftermarket insole that has worked for me, and I've tried a bunch.

I've been eyeing the Olympus 4s, which Altra considers as their "max" cushion shoe. I'm going to have to try some on at my local REI this weekend. Thanks!

 

[Yoah]

I've used and enjoyed both LPs and Olympus. Lone Peaks are, in my opinion, the more versatile shoe. Enough cushioning for me and they last me a long time (1500+ kilometres). The Olympus(es?) are also great with all of the usual Altra goodness but with added cushioning. I don't really need the extra cushioning but it's probably not necessarily a bad thing.

I say the Lone Peaks are more versatile because the Olympuses are a bit dodgy on technical terrain. With your feet higher off the ground because of the added cushion, you sacrifice (ankle) stability. This can feel a little awkward on surfaces like loose rocks or uneven terrain.

Of course, much of the camino is easy in terms of terrain (it's tracks, paths and roads for the most part), so it's not a big issue on the camino. You may feel less stable occasionally in the Olympus, that's all.

The LPs are, of course, also considerably less expensive.

 

[trecile]

Isn't the Altra Timp somewhere between the Lone Peaks and Olympus in terms of cushioning?

Search Results for Timp

Search results for Timp

www.altrarunning.com

 

[BombayBill]

Isn't the Altra Timp somewhere between the Lone Peaks and Olympus in terms of cushioning?

Search Results for Timp

Search results for Timp

www.altrarunning.com

I tried Timps but it was immediately apparent that the fit was too narrow for me.

 

[Mike Long]

I was a big LP user but have completed two camino with TIMP-3 because of sole thickness. My go to now.

 

[brian_garcia]

I'd go with the thicker sole of the Olympus. I did the Camino in a pair of Lone Peaks and the thin sole was uncomfortable when walking on gravel roads and trails.

 

[Rmarkob]

I finished the CF in October 2021 using the previous Lone Peak 4 model, and had ZERO blisters. Just got an email from REI this morning announcing a sale in the US for the Lone Peak 5. Normally $130USD, they are discounted to $96 with free shipping. My new pair for my next Camino are on their way!

 

[lbeckhusen]

So just some random thoughts as I begin the descent into madness obsessing about the next Camino.

For 4 years I walked in Lone Peaks. I bought the current version every year before leaving on Camino and , upon returning, retired them to town duty for the remainder of their life. After 600-1000k they felt “flat”.

I was very happy with them. If they got soaked they didn’t feel wet when wearing good socks. Once I bought better insoles but that was a mistake. The non original insoles weren’t designed to drain water as well as the Altra version. Their non-porous material held the water against my foot. I won’t do that again.

In 2021 I tried a pair of Olympus 4s for the CF. I felt they had more cushioning. At the the end of the trip (maybe 900-1000k) they feel like they still have life in them and the sole is still good. They’re in better shape than the Lone Peaks. I may even put them to Camino use a second time.

Hard to say, because once a new pair is bought and occupies the gear shelf it’s a signal that the upcoming plans are real.

I’ve worn Altra Olympus on all of my 6 Camino’s. They performed well on the VdLP which I just finished last October. I stuffed them with newspaper after a rainy day and they were dry to start the next day X Maisch in pointI stuffed them with newspaper after a rainy day and they were dry to start the next day!

 

[LakeMcD]

I’ve had the LP 3.5 and Olympus 3.5. Back then the midsole was thicker on the Olympus and provided more cushion. Equally as important for me was that the Olympus was much more breathable. The LP seemed to hold the heat in.

 

[Keith H]

I‘m currently testing out the Timp 3s and really like them. Sits right between the LP and Olympus. My feet are on the wider side of ‘normal’ but not super wide so they work well for me.

 

[LouLou]

I’ve walked the CF and CP in LP (the first 2 CF in Merrel boots that were way toonarrow -before Altras were available - I had bad blisters both times) with after market inner soles, only shoe wide enough for my feet... comfy enough. I bought a pair of Timps in preparation for a 2020 CP and CI however exit out of Australia and CV put that on hold. I have been walking locally in the Timps, time for a new pair and have just bought the Olympus to try before VDLP in April/May... loving the cushioning but am a little concerned re stability over rougher terrain as well (I thought it was just me Yoah!)...also not as convinced they are as wide as the LP. The latest version of the Timps didn’t seem as wide either....I might end up back in the LP yet. Just a note I feel the tread wears out by 800+ and also the lining on the heel also wears after about 300+, I put engo patches on the heel to prevent the hole from appearing. Yet to find a wider fit, tried a pair of brooks but still not quite there.

 

[TDS]

So just some random thoughts as I begin the descent into madness obsessing about the next Camino.

For 4 years I walked in Lone Peaks. I bought the current version every year before leaving on Camino and , upon returning, retired them to town duty for the remainder of their life. After 600-1000k they felt “flat”.

I was very happy with them. If they got soaked they didn’t feel wet when wearing good socks. Once I bought better insoles but that was a mistake. The non original insoles weren’t designed to drain water as well as the Altra version. Their non-porous material held the water against my foot. I won’t do that again.

In 2021 I tried a pair of Olympus 4s for the CF. I felt they had more cushioning. At the the end of the trip (maybe 900-1000k) they feel like they still have life in them and the sole is still good. They’re in better shape than the Lone Peaks. I may even put them to Camino use a second time.

Hard to say, because once a new pair is bought and occupies the gear shelf it’s a signal that the upcoming plans are real.

The Olympus doesn’t have a rock plate unlike the Lone Peaks. Why is that? Does the extra cushioning make the rock plate superfluous on the Olympus?

 

[Mike Long]

I found that TIMP-3 was more comfortable on rocky surface on Primativo than LP. I find LP just doesn't have padding required now that I have had bursitis in heel. Did not miss rockplate.

 

[deborahbennett]

The new Lone Peak 6 has been released at $140 USD and is available on rei.com and elsewhere. The LP 5's are probably discounted to $96.93 by REI because of this. The 6's don't seem to have any very major changes, but there are reviews online if you want more info.

I have the LP 5's in a men's size Wide which I really love. Though I'm female, these fit my very wide feet just perfectly. The men's LP 5's in Wide appear to be sold out on REI.com.

I want to try on the Altra Olympus because of the extra cushioning, but I'd have to order them online so I haven't gotten around to this yet. I'm not sure if they'd be wide enough.

I know a lot of people are against carrying the extra 22 ounces of weight for a second pair of shoes, but that is what I plan to do for my Camino del Norte. I've been switching off during training between my LP 5's and my New Balance Fresh Foam Trail shoes in Extra Wide which have more cushioning and traction. My feet love it that I switch off between these two brands, and with a 500+ mile Camino in my plans, when my feet speak, I listen!

 

[Robo]

I'd go with the thicker sole of the Olympus. I did the Camino in a pair of Lone Peaks and the thin sole was uncomfortable when walking on gravel roads and trails.

That's what I'm finding trialling a pair.
Very thin soles.
They feel like ballet shoes compared to other shoes.

 

[islandwalker]

One of the founders of Altra gives precise information on the 2022 line in this YouTube video. He talks a lot about the stack heights of the various models (not always what they appear from the outside) as well as the composition of the midsole. I found it quite useful.

 

[trecile]

One of the founders of Altra gives precise information on the 2022 line in this YouTube video. He talks a lot about the stack heights of the various models (not always what they appear from the outside) as well as the composition of the midsole. I found it quite useful.

Watching the video, it sounds like Altra's new shoe - the Out Road might be ideal for Camino conditions because it's designed to go from asphalt to gravel to trails. It's at 5:25 on the video. I think that he said that it's not available yet, but will be soon.

 

[SeñorJacques]

I found that TIMP-3 was more comfortable on rocky surface on Primativo than LP. I find LP just doesn't have padding required now that I have had bursitis in heel. Did not miss rockplate.

I've also recently been dealing with heel bursitis, and am now wondering if the lack of cushioning in my beloved LP's is making things worse (or at least not helping my condition improve) - which means I'll be giving the Olympus an even closer look as my CF start date gets closer.

 

[LakeMcD]

I know this is slightly off topic, I was very impressed with Hoka SpeedGoat 4 I tried on at REI last week and I think the upcoming SG 5 version will allow for more stretch up front and a bit more breathable. I’ll likely have 2 pairs for my LePuy to Santiago trip this year, by sending the second pair to SJPDP.

 

[Keith H]

Watching the video, it sounds like Altra's new shoe - the Out Road might be ideal for Camino conditions because it's designed to go from asphalt to gravel to trails. It's at 5:25 on the video. I think that he said that it's not available yet, but will be soon.

Watched it from your marker and he said June 2022 so that’s pretty good! It does sound perfect. Thanks!

 

[Stephan the Painter]

I have some problems with arthritis in my big toes, and the podiatrist suggested that I try “rocker” soles to help diminish the pain. A Search on the Altra website didn’t yield any info. Anybody have any suggestions?
Thank you.

 

[trecile]

I have some problems with arthritis in my big toes, and the podiatrist suggested that I try “rocker” soles to help diminish the pain. A Search on the Altra website didn’t yield any info.

I don't think that Altras aren designed with rocker style soles. Have you searched for "rocker soled shoes?" I found quite a few sites, such as this one.

6 Best Rocker Bottom Shoes that Take the Load off your Feet - Comforting Footwear

By Amber Sayer Welcome to the rocker bottom shoe guide.I have been running for over 24 years and have seen a lot of evolution in the comfort, design, features, and feel of running shoes for everyday runners. Through my own personal experience as a competitive runner as well as my professional...

comfortingfootwear.com

A brand that is known for rocker soles is MBT

MBT USA Official Store | Official® Site for MBT Shoes in the US and Canada :: US.MBT.com | Online Shoes Shopping

MBT® wants to break the start-stop cycle of broken health and fitness resolutions by working with the reality of today’s consumer by helping you to get moving. Whether standing or walking, one can’t help but be “on the move” due to our patented rocker bottom construction. And if you just happen...

us.mbt.com

 

[MartaM]

Isn't the Altra Timp somewhere between the Lone Peaks and Olympus in terms of cushioning?

Search Results for Timp

Search results for Timp

www.altrarunning.com

Love my Timps! Toe box seems slightly less volume which works for me. Walked the Portugues with all the cobblestones and my feet did not hurt. At all.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

I don't think that Altras aren designed with rocker style soles. Have you searched for "rocker soled shoes?" I found quite a few sites, such as this one.

6 Best Rocker Bottom Shoes that Take the Load off your Feet - Comforting Footwear

By Amber Sayer Welcome to the rocker bottom shoe guide.I have been running for over 24 years and have seen a lot of evolution in the comfort, design, features, and feel of running shoes for everyday runners. Through my own personal experience as a competitive runner as well as my professional...

comfortingfootwear.com

A brand that is known for rocker soles is MBT

MBT USA Official Store | Official® Site for MBT Shoes in the US and Canada :: US.MBT.com | Online Shoes Shopping

MBT® wants to break the start-stop cycle of broken health and fitness resolutions by working with the reality of today’s consumer by helping you to get moving. Whether standing or walking, one can’t help but be “on the move” due to our patented rocker bottom construction. And if you just happen...

us.mbt.com

Thank you for the links. Although, I guess what I really wanted to know is if someone had experience doing through hikes with these kinds of soles and if they helped with toe problems. I’m going be buying some new trail runners shortly….. I think I’ll start a new thread…

 

[SeñorJacques]

I want to try on the Altra Olympus because of the extra cushioning, but I'd have to order them online so I haven't gotten around to this yet. I'm not sure if they'd be wide enough.

Thanks to some credit burning a hole in my REI account, I decided to take a chance on a pair of Olympus 4s after posting my response to @BombayBill's thread last week and couldn't be happier so far. Like you I have a wide foot - the LP 5 wides were pretty much ideal for me and I was hesitant that the Olympuses wouldn't be wide enough.

Out of the box they felt much heavier and more substantial than my LP's - almost to the extent of feeling "boatlike". But after dialing in the lacing (a heel lock lacing technique is crucial with these, I think) and swapping out my midweight Darn Tough socks for their lighter weight counterparts, they are just about the most comfortable trail runners I've ever worn. Plenty of room for my wide feet, and the toebox is not only at least as wide as my previous Altras but also seems to have more room heightwise as well.

I took them for a couple of 5-6 mile hikes this weekend and my feet feel fantastic - the extra cushioning really makes a big difference. Only time will tell how they handle longer distances, of course, and I intend to gradually ramp up how long and far I wear them well in advance of starting my first CF in early May. But even at this early stage I'd definitely recommend giving them a try, especially if you can order them from somewhere that makes returns easy if they don't work out for you.

have some problems with arthritis in my big toes, and the podiatrist suggested that I try “rocker” soles to help diminish the pain. A Search on the Altra website didn’t yield any info. Anybody have any suggestions?

See above re: the "taller" toe box on the Altra Olympus 4s. While the Olympus are not true rocker-type shoes, they do have a more rounded heel than previous Altra models I've owned and the difference is noticable - my stride in them feels smoother and (yes) more "rounded" somehow. That plus the roomier toe box might provide the relief you're looking for. Again, maybe worth a try if you can test-drive (test-walk?) a pair from a retailer with an easy return policy.

 

[deborahbennett]

Thanks to some credit burning a hole in my REI account, I decided to take a chance on a pair of Olympus 4s after posting my response to @BombayBill's thread last week and couldn't be happier so far. Like you I have a wide foot - the LP 5 wides were pretty much ideal for me and I was hesitant that the Olympuses wouldn't be wide enough.

Out of the box they felt much heavier and more substantial than my LP's - almost to the extent of feeling "boatlike". But after dialing in the lacing (a heel lock lacing technique is crucial with these, I think) and swapping out my midweight Darn Tough socks for their lighter weight counterparts, they are just about the most comfortable trail runners I've ever worn. Plenty of room for my wide feet, and the toebox is not only at least as wide as my previous Altras but also seems to have more room heightwise as well.

I took them for a couple of 5-6 mile hikes this weekend and my feet feel fantastic - the extra cushioning really makes a big difference. Only time will tell how they handle longer distances, of course, and I intend to gradually ramp up how long and far I wear them well in advance of starting my first CF in early May. But even at this early stage I'd definitely recommend giving them a try, especially if you can order them from somewhere that makes returns easy if they don't work out for you.

Wow! Thanks so much for posting about your experience with the Altra Olympus! I'm even more excited about trying them out nowbecause they sound like exactly what I am looking for.

I just remembered that REI lets you order a couple sizes online which I can have them deliver to my small-sized local REI that doesn't carry Olympus. I can pick them up and try them on right at the store to see which size fits best, and if I bring home a pair and they aren't working out I can return them to my local store.

I'm wondering if you purchased the same size Olympus as your Altra Lone Peak Wide? I was thinking maybe I might need to go up a half or whole size since Olympus doesn't come in Wide.

 

[SeñorJacques]

I'm wondering if you purchased the same size Olympus as your Altra Lone Peak Wide? I was thinking maybe I might need to go up a half or whole size since Olympus doesn't come in Wide.

Glad my post was helpful! My new Olympuses are the same size (Men's US 11) as my previous Lone Peaks, which were already a bit on the large side for me (in an ideal world I'd wear a size 10.75) but allowed the ideal amount of wiggle room for inevitable foot swelling without feeling too "slidey" or unstable. So I'd try staying with the size you wear for your Lone Peak 5 Wides, and maybe consider wearing a thinner sock than you usually do if you feel you need a little extra room. (I can't say enough good things about Darn Tough in general and their Light Hiker line of socks in particular, which for me are the absolute perfect blend of fit, cushioning, and breathability - and of course their lifetime guarantee is tops.)

 

[trecile]

Thank you for the links. Although, I guess what I really wanted to know is if someone had experience doing through hikes with these kinds of soles and if they helped with toe problems. I’m going be buying some new trail runners shortly….. I think I’ll start a new thread…

Have you looked at Hokas?

https://www.hoka.com/en/es/technology.html

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Have you looked at Hokas?

https://www.hoka.com/en/es/technology.html

So I really WAS walking on marshmellows as I have described the feeling a few times before!