Altra Olympus vS Torin: Which Is Better?

Altra Olympus are famous trail running shoes but now Altra Torin is also in the race because both these shoes have similar features such as zero drop for natural foot strike.

Though both are perfect trail running shoes but one is the winner of this race. Which one? Let’s discuss the answer to this question by considering their comparison, differences and customer reviews. First, check the comparison table. 

Comparison Table Between Altra Olympus and Torin:

FeaturesAltra OlympusAltra Torin
Launched In20122013
StabilityMore stableLess stable
FlexibilityLess flexibleMore flexible
Sizing7-15 for men and 5.5-12 for women7-14 for men and 5-12 for women
Weight 11 oz for men and 8.9 oz for women12.4 oz for men and 10.4 oz for women
CushionMore cushionedLess cushioned
OutsoleVibram mega grip and multi-directional lug patternTracSoft rubber
MidsoleDual-layer EVA foamEGO Max foam
Upper soleAir mesh and overlaysBreathable mesh
Retail Price$127$170

Altra Olympus Vs Torin: Good, Bad and The Worst:

Altra Olympus and Torin are the most reliable and famous shoes of all time because of their versatility and excellent features. What makes these shoes good, bad and worst, let’s discuss it by considering some differences. 

1) Comfort

Altra Olympus is famous because of its plush cushioning and comfort due to its thick and soft midsole that also absorbs shock and makes the shoes perfect for long runs. The roomy toe box offers more natural foot movement and allows them to spread and remain comfortable. 


Altra Torin is also a comfortable shoe with balanced cushioning which means it is not as much cushioned as Olympus but still it is perfect for people who don’t want more padding while running on different types of trails.

Similar to Olympus, these shoes have a wide toe box which allows natural foot spread and keeps your feet flexible. 

2) Popularity

Both Altra Olympus and Torin are popular trail running shoes but Olympus is the famous choice but not as like Torin because these cushioned shoes are perfect for trail running and are famous among runners who want more cushioning. 

Torin is more famous because of its versatility which make it perfect for all types of runs such as road run, trail run and treadmill run. The barefoot-like feel of Torin also makes them famous among many runners. 

3) Running 

Both Olympus and Torin are perfect for trail running but Olympus is more cushioned and shock absorber which is ideal for runners who prefer cushioning for long runs.

These shoes are also designed for rugged terrains because of the more protection and traction they provide to feet. 

Altra Olympus 5 Outsole
Olympus 5 Outsole

Torin 7 Outsole

Torin is also perfect for running because of balanced cushioning and proper shock absorption which makes these shoes ideal for runners who prefer less cushioning and padding while running.

These shoes are also lightweight than Olympus which gives a lightweight feel while running. 

4) Walking

Similar to running, these shoes are also perfect for walking because of the zero drop feature which enhances natural gait and prevents feet from injury while walking on terrains or trails. 

No matter which shoes you prefer, make sure to check their comfort, stability and support for walking before making the final decision. 

5) Flat feet

Altra Olympus and Torin are perfect shoes for flat feet but Olympus is perfect for people who prefer more comfort to prevent injuries and pain on hard surfaces. The wide toe box and zero drop of Olympus are also perfect for flat feet.

Altra Torin also comes with a roomy toe box for enhanced foot movement that reduces the risk of injuries to flat feet while the zero drop of Torin enhances foot gait and allows one to get a barefoot-like feel. 

No matter which shoes you prefer for flat feet but make sure to consider some factors such as arch support, comfort, stability and durability of shoes. 

6) Design

Altra Olympus comes with a minimalist design and breathable mesh with overlays for enhanced airflow and keep feet comfortable and protective during running on all types of terrains. The upper also has a reinforced toe cap which provides protection to feet against debris and rocks. 

The midsole of Olympus is equipped with dual-density EVA foam which enhances cushioning and comfort to your feet while running.

The outsole is made of an aggressive lug pattern and Vibram mega grip rubber for better traction and protection on all types of uneven and rocky trails. 

Altra Torin is a balanced cushioning shoe with a breathable mesh upper for enhanced airflow and versatility on all types of trails. The footshape toe box on the upper enhances natural foot movement while running.

The midsole is equipped with EGO Max foam for more cushioning and support to your feet and a barefoot-like feel during running on different terrains. 

The outsole of Torin has tracsoft rubber that enhances traction on road and trail surfaces making these shoes versatile of all options. 

What do customers think?

Altra Torin: Customers like the wide or roomy toe box along with the better fit of the shoes. The comfort of these shoes is also the loving feature that keeps feet cushioned while running on long trails.

While some customers say that the shoes are not true to size and the fit is terrible, they also reported that the outsole is not non-slip which causes falling or slip so it is not a good option.

Many customers like these shoes for walking along with trail running because of the density sole and balanced cushioning.

Customers also claim that the plastic or leather used in these shoes is not durable and of bad quality. 

Altra Olympus: Customers say these shoes are comfortable, cushioned and supportive even for long runs on rough terrains. 

Many people also like the durability and quality materials of these shoes so they say that these are highly recommended for all runs. 

Customers claim that the wide toe box along with the zero drop feature also makes these shoes perfect for long runs.  

Some customers say that these shoes are not comfortable and stable as stated because of the high foam stack.  

Conclusion: Which Is Better for You?

Both Altra Olympus and Torin are famous trail running shoes because of their cushioning, durability and rough construction which make them perfect for all types of trails.

Altra Olympus offers more cushioning and stability on rough terrains because of their durable construction while Torin offers balanced cushioning and a barefoot-like feel on all types of technical and uneven terrains. 

No matter which shoes you prefer to choose, make sure to consider your preferences and needs for your running activity.

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