By: Adam Broderick

Everyday Trainer vs. Cushion King

As a longtime Altra user, the Lone Peak 9 and Olympus 6 represent two ends of the trail-running spectrum—both great in their own right, but each serving different needs depending on the run, terrain, and condition of my body. After over a decade in Altra shoes, I’ve come to rely on the Lone Peak for daily training and mid-distance races–like the Silver State 50k in Reno, or the Mount Hood 50-miler on the PCT in Oregon. I turn to the Olympus when I need extra cushion, either due to foot fatigue, injury recovery, or all-day efforts on less technical terrain. Like the second half of a 100-miler two years ago, or a two-day lap around Lake Tahoe last summer when I spent a fair amount of time on road (but as much shoulder dirt as possible).

(Altra Lone Peak 9)

Is the Timp 5 the “Goldilocks” Shoe?

I haven’t yet tested the Timp 5 shoe from Altra, but it seems to be a promising middle ground between the Lone Peak and Olympus. With a higher stack than the Lone Peak and a lighter, more responsive build than the Olympus, it looks like a strong candidate for back-to-back long runs or 50–100K races. From what I’ve heard it has relatively impressive rebound and better lockdown in the upper (instep). It’s on my radar as a potential “Goldilocks” option from Altra’s trail lineup.

Cushion Matters: Stack Height Breakdown

The most immediate difference between the two is stack height. The Lone Peak 9 is about 25mm with a balanced platform that provides ground feel without being as harsh as real minimalist shoes. The Olympus 6, on the other hand, has a plush 33 mm stack, making it Altra’s most cushioned trail shoe. That extra 8 mm makes a world of difference on long days, especially when fatigue sets in or when my feet need extra protection from constant pounding.

Ride Feel: Firm vs. Fluffy

When it comes to cushioning, the Lone Peak is more firm and responsive, which I appreciate during tempo runs or races where ground-feel and agility matter. It doesn’t feel harsh, but you can definitely sense the trail underfoot, which helps with technical precision. The Olympus, in contrast, is softer and more protective. The compression-molded EVA in the midsole absorbs impact better, also making it great for standing hours-on-end while recovering from foot or lower-leg injuries.

Responsiveness: Who’s Got More Pep?

While neither shoe is built for snappy energy return like a carbon-plated road racer, they differ in feel. The Lone Peak offers a touch more rebound—mostly noticeable during faster efforts. It’s agile and nimble, helpingme feel connected to the ground. The Olympus sacrifices some of that quick turnover for max comfort. On less technical trails or fire roads, the rockered forefoot and added cushioning feel like cruise control for the legs.

Traction Talk: Grip Where It Counts

The Olympus has a Vibram MegaGrip outsole. It’s built for stability and grip over a variety of surfaces, though I find it performs best on dry, moderate terrain. The Lone Peak, with its slightly more flexible outsole, performs better on technical terrain, offering confident traction without feeling clunky. That said, neither shoe is ideal for super slick or muddy conditions—they’re trail all-rounders, not mud specialists.

Final Verdict: Why I Keep Both in My Quiver

In short, the Lone Peak 9 is a versatile workhorse—great for everyday runs and races up to 50 miles (in my opinion) when the feet, achilles, and lower legs (calf and soleus) feel strong. The Olympus 6 shines when I’m covering big miles, recovering from injury, or prioritizing comfort and protection over responsiveness…including running errands or long drives when my right foot might ache, stretching for several hours on the gas pedal. Having both in rotation keeps my training balanced and my body happier over the long haul.