Quick answer

Choose the Altra Timp 6 GTX for sloppy, wet trails where you want a waterproof upper, a grippy Vibram outsole, and a light, luxurious ride from the EGO MAX midsole. Choose the Women's Olympus 7 Mid GTX for all-day hiking or technical trails where you need a mid-cut collar for ankle support and a waterproof, durable leather upper. Both are waterproof, so the real decision comes down to cushioning, ankle coverage, and how much protection you want underfoot.

Cushioning and ride: how the two midsoles differ

The Timp 6 GTX uses an Altra EGO MAX midsole foam that delivers a light and luxurious feel. That translates to a plush ride without a lot of weight, which suits runners who want comfort on long days but still want to feel the trail. The Women's Olympus 7 Mid GTX also uses an updated Altra EGO MAX midsole, but it's 15% lighter and 10% softer than the previous version. That softer, lighter foam is paired with a mid-cut design, so you get more underfoot comfort for all-day wear. If you're chasing a max cushion trail shoe for long, slow efforts, the Olympus leans that way. If you want a lighter, more connected ride, the Timp is the better match.

Waterproofing and upper materials

Both models feature GORE-TEX Invisible Fit uppers, which are engineered for waterproof, durable, and flexible performance. The Timp 6 GTX uses that waterproof GORE-TEX upper to keep you protected in any condition, and the Women's Olympus 7 Mid GTX combines it with a durable leather upper for added structure. The Women's Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX also uses GORE-TEX Invisible Fit and a leather upper, with a constructed collar for a stable fit and ankle support on technical terrain. If you often run through wet grass, mud, or shallow streams, the waterproof construction on either shoe will help. The trade-off is that waterproof uppers are typically less breathable than mesh, so they can feel warmer on hot, dry days.

Outsole grip and terrain

The Timp 6 GTX has a redesigned Vibram Megagrip outsole made to give you traction on any terrain. That makes it a strong choice for sloppy trails where grip is the priority. The Women's Olympus 7 Mid GTX and Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX both use grippy outsoles designed for confidence in any condition, and the Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX adds a constructed collar for stability on technical ground. If your runs mix mud, roots, and rock, the Vibram Megagrip on the Timp is a clear advantage. If you're hiking or moving slowly over uneven terrain and want ankle support, the Olympus mid-cut models are the better fit.

Fit and sizing: what to check before you buy

Altra shoes are built with FootShape comfort, which gives your toes room to spread. That means you should size based on your longest foot and leave a thumb's width at the front, especially if you'll wear thicker socks in cold, wet conditions. The Timp 6 GTX comes in Color and Size, while the Women's Olympus 7 Mid GTX comes in Color and Size. The Women's Lone Peak 9 comes in Color, Size, and Width, so if you need a wider or narrower fit, that's the model to look at. None of these listings provide half-size or width details for the Timp or Olympus, so check the size chart and return policy before ordering. If you're between sizes, go with the larger one for trail use, since feet swell on long efforts.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Timp 6 GTX: grip vs. breathability: The Vibram Megagrip outsole and GORE-TEX upper give you traction and waterproofing, but the waterproof build is less breathable than a mesh shoe. Pick it for wet, muddy trails; skip it for hot, dry runs where breathability matters most.
  • Olympus 7 Mid GTX: cushioning vs. ground feel: The softer, lighter EGO MAX foam and mid-cut collar add comfort and ankle support, but you lose some ground feel compared to a lower, firmer shoe. Pick it for long, technical days; skip it if you want a precise, connected ride.
  • Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX: support vs. weight: The leather upper and constructed collar provide stability on technical terrain, but leather adds weight compared to a synthetic upper. Pick it for hiking and slow technical movement; skip it for fast, light efforts.

Product facts

  • Men's Timp 6 GTX: Waterproof GORE-TEX upper with a redesigned Vibram Megagrip outsole and Altra EGO MAX midsole foam for a light, luxurious feel. Best for wet, sloppy trails where you want grip and protection without a heavy ride.
  • Women's Olympus 7 Mid GTX: Updated Altra EGO MAX midsole foam that's 15% lighter and 10% softer than the previous version, plus a GORE-TEX Invisible Fit upper. Best for all-day comfort on technical trails where you want a softer, lighter ride and ankle coverage.
  • Women's Olympus 6 Hike Mid GTX: GORE-TEX Invisible Fit, leather upper, and a constructed collar designed for a stable fit and ankle support on technical terrain. A good option if you prioritize ankle stability and a durable upper for hiking or slow technical descents.

Which Altra trail shoe should you choose?

Best for

  • Runners who face wet, muddy trails and want a waterproof upper with Vibram Megagrip traction
  • Trail runners who want a light, luxurious ride from an EGO MAX midsole without a mid-cut collar
  • Hikers and runners who need ankle support and a durable leather upper on technical terrain

Not for

  • Runners who prioritize breathability on hot, dry days and don't need waterproofing
  • People who want a wide or narrow width option, since the Timp and Olympus listings only offer Color and Size
  • Anyone looking for a minimal, firm ride with maximum ground feel