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=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. You're after a [[MinimaxMaximalist]] shoe that fits your foot. However, you might be better with the lighter weight and better cushioned [[Hoka Clifton]] , or the all-terrain [[Hoka Mafate]].
* {{H:cushioning}}. The midsole of the Olympus is not quite as soft as the typical Hoka foam, but it's softer than the earlier Altra shoes like the Torin.
* {{H:drop}}. Altra is known for their zero drop and the Olympus is no exception. However, while the thickness under the ball and heel is approximately the same but there some rise under the arch. This gives some medial support to the ball of the foot, but it does not push up on the arch in a way that causes problems. The Olympus tapers gently and evenly from the ball of the foot to the front, which is quite different to the Hoka which has an abrupt taper at the front of the shoe. Like many [[MinimaxMaximalist]] shoes, the rear of the midsole is cut away to create a bit of a rocker. However, rather unusually the outsole extends back, which may be an attempt to absorb heel strike. The midsole wraps around the lower part of the foot improve stability, reducing the stilt like instability you can get with a thick sole.
* {{H:structure}}. This shoe uses single density of foam, though the wrapper that extends above the level of the liner painted a different color to make the shoe look a little less bulky.
* {{H:flexibility}}. The Olympus is fairly flexible for shoe of this thickness and this flexibility tends to increase over the first few miles as the foam breaks down and softens.
* Advantage Altra Paradigm
** {{H:weight}}. The Altra Paradigm is lighter.
[[File:OlympusParadigmRun.JPG|none|thumb|x150px| I actually ran with an Olympus on one foot and a Paradigm on the other. It's a great way of comparing two shoes, but don't try this at home as it's also a great way of getting injured.]]
==Olympus and Hoka Bondi==
Comparing the Olympus and the [[Hoka Bondi]], the Bondi has slightly more cushioning and is lighter weight. If you're after shape and comfort, choose the Olympus, but if you want lightweight cushioning, choose the Clifton over either.
