Excellent Cushioned Trail Runner/Hiking shoes, But...

I've used various editions and models of Altra trail runners over the years - from Lone Peak to Superior trail runners, I've been through quite a few of them. I usually like the Lone Peak models because of the zero drop and wide-ish toe box. But I wanted a trail runner that had some more cushion for longer trail runs or hikes (10+ miles). I had my eye on these Olympus 6's, so I got a pair.

First, they have a higher stack height than the Lone Peaks so I wasn't planning on using them for technical trails (with roots and rocks). For me, a higher stack height means a little less stability on technical terrain. So I got these Olympus trail runners for flat gravel trails that aren't technical. I think that's where they shine, especially with the grippy and long-lasting Vibram soles. I should note that these shoes are a bit heavier than other trail runners I've used, so if you're accustomed to lighter shoes, these could feel a tad clunky.

Second, I did break in these shoes with a trail run. The first mile they were awesome. The second mile, I felt a little hot spot on the skin of both Achilles areas. I kept going. By mile four, one really was getting bad, so I had to switch shoes just before mile five . One foot had a hotspot, the other had a pretty big blister that took a week to heal. Yikes! (See my pics for the area that caused the blister.)

All in all, these are great shoes - if they don't rub that area of your Achilles and give you blisters. You can remove that cushion, but you'd have to cut it open, and it could void the warranty. In the end, I decided I can't use these for trail runners because of the blister issue.

The heel lock padding rubs the back of my foot in the achilles area.