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Which Altra trail shoe suits your running style? With many robust models in the 2025 lineup, Altra focuses on foot-shaped design, mostly zero drop, and trail-focused performance. While they share the brand’s DNA, each shoe has a unique personality. Here’s a breakdown of the latest versions of the Lone Peak, Timp, Olympus, Mont Blanc, and Superior—with detailed insights on fit, feel, and performance for each.
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Comparison Chart
| Model | Cushion | Weight (Men’s) | Outsole | Fit | Stack Height | Best For |
| Lone Peak 9 | Moderate | ~10.6 oz (300g) | MaxTrac | Regular/Wide | 25 mm | All-around trail running and hiking |
| Timp 5 | High | ~10.9 oz (309g) | MaxTrac | Fitted – ½ size up | 29 mm | Long runs, ultra distances, mellow terrain |
| Olympus 6 | Max | ~11.6 oz (329g) | Vibram Megagrip | Wide/Stable | 33 mm | Ultras, mountain trails, all-day adventures |
| Mont Blanc Carbon / Boa | High | ~10.2 oz (289g) | Vibram Litebase | Snug/Race-fit | 30 mm | Trail racing, speed, precise lockdown |
| Superior 7 | Low | ~9.3 oz (263.6g) | MaxTrac | Snug | 21 mm | Technical terrain, short runs, foot strength |
| Experience Wild | Mid | ~10.0 oz (283g) | MaxTrac | Standard | 28mm/32mm (4mm drop) | Transition shoe, light mixed trails |
Still the versatile trail shoe in Altra’s lineup, the Lone Peak 9 refines what has made it a fan favorite for years: not overly cushioned, but not minimal either. It features a spacious toe box and a decent outsole. The fit remains consistent with previous versions, offering a deeper fit than most Altras while maintaining a wider toebox. It’s also worth noting that a wide version is available for those who need it.
The cushioning is moderate, making it ideal for daily miles and lightweight hiking. While it’s not as plush as the Timp or Olympus, it strikes the right balance for most runners. If you can only fit one trail shoe into your rotation, this remains the favorite among many runners and hikers.
Lone Peak 9 / 9+
Type: Trail
Width: Wide
Stack height: 25mm
Weight: 10.6oz / 300g
The original wide, zero-drop aggressive trail shoe. Read the full Review
The Timp is now more cushioned and faster than ever. Featuring 29mm of stack height, a slightly softer midsole, and a mild rocker, it feels smoother on the trail compared to previous versions. From my impressions, the Timp has solidified its position as a reasonably priced racing shoe. It’s not as bulky as the Olympus, but it is faster than the Lone Peak.
The fit is shallower and tighter, but the lockdown has improved. The midfoot holds better due to a more structured upper, although this means it may not be ideal for those with wider feet. This stiffness runs throughout the shoe, making it protective and stable.
Timp 5
Type: Trail
Width: Mid Wide
Stack height: 29mm
Weight: 10.9oz / 309g
A secure medium-width race option. Great for the price. Read the full Review
Altra’s Max Cushion Trail Tank is a sable beast for easy terrain. The Olympus 6 sheds some weight compared to the v5 and features a trimmed-down upper, but this is still a big, plush shoe. It’s designed for long hauls on more mellow terrains. With the 33mm stack, you will feel disconnected from the ground, but the wide base and sidewalls keep this shoe stable.
Vibram Megagrip has been a mainstay for this model. With such a high stack height, you need an outsole that can grip, and the Olympus performs well on drier and moderately wet ground. Altra has reassured us that the outsole peeling seen in the past is now resolved in the Olympus 6.
Olympus 6
Type: Trail
Width: Wide
Stack height: 33mm
Weight: 11.6oz / 329g
A max stack long-distance shoe with stability. Read the full Review
Fast, sleek, and designed for trail racing—this is not your typical Altra. The fit is race-oriented—narrower than the Lone Peak or Superior, particularly through the midfoot, and several historical fit issues from the Mont Blanc range have now been addressed.
The cushion is high, yet the ride feels snappy. With 30mm of underfoot protection, the lighter midsole foam and trimmed outsole maintain a quick feel. Vibram Litebase offers decent traction with reduced weight. I’d recommend these for runners aiming to achieve their personal records.
Mont Blanc Carbon
Type: Trail
Width: Medium Wide
Stack height: 29mm
Weight: 10.9oz / 309g
If you want speed, then this is it. Read the full Review
Still light, low, and nimble—with better comfort and grip. The Superior 7 builds on the minimalist, ground-connected feel that defines this model. The Superior has long been in my rotation, and will be in the future. A new tongue design and Ghillie lacing improve step-in fit and lockdown while updated tooling increases flexibility. The 21mm stack remains unchanged, keeping things light and fast underfoot.
Traction and fit both get a noticeable upgrade. The MaxTrac outsole stays grippy, but the refined lug pattern improves grip and adaptability on varied terrain. The fit remains snug in the heel and midfoot. This shoe isn’t built for wide feet, but if you want something light for fast runs, scrambling, or developing foot strength, the Superior 7 stays true to its roots—just better.
Superior 7
Type: Trail
Width: Wide
Stack height: 21mm
Weight: 9.3oz / 263g
A minimal feeling altra for that low stack training. Read the full Review
A brand new flavor of Altra trail shoe—featuring rocker geometry and a 4mm drop. The Experience Wild introduces a transition shoe to the trail lineup, showcasing a rolling, efficient stride and a slightly higher drop that aligns it more closely with conventional brands. While it still includes Altra’s FootShape toe box, it moves away from the zero-drop standard, making it an excellent choice for runners transitioning from traditional shoes.
Lightweight and versatile for daily trail running, the compression-molded EVA midsole has been described as somewhat lifeless and solid. However, the MaxTrac outsole performs well on most surfaces. The mesh upper, featuring no-sew overlays and a GaiterTrap, aligns with our expectations for an Altra shoe.
Experience Wild
Type: Trail
Width: Medium Wide
Stack height: 28/32mm
Weight: 10oz / 283g
If you’re transitioning from a conventional brand, this could be a good choice.
Each shoe in Altra’s 2025 trail lineup fills a distinct niche. The Lone Peak 9 is the safe all-rounder, the Timp 5 adds plush comfort for longer, faster days, and the Olympus 6 delivers max cushion for those Ultra distances. If you’re chasing PRs, the Mont Blanc range is your race-day weapon, while the Superior 7 keeps things light and minimal for barefoot training!
If you’d like to learn more about any of these models, I have a review on nearly all them! Click the links below.
