Battle of the Trail Shoes: ASICS Gel Sanoma Amplifoam vs. Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This website uses affiliate links, meaning: at no additional cost to you, we earn a small commission if you click-through and make a purchase. We only feature products that we believe in and/or use ourselves. Your support allows us to host this website. Thank you!
Introduction:
Trail running and hiking enthusiasts know the importance of having the right footwear for their adventures. Two popular options in the market, the ASICS Gel Sanoma Amplifoam and the Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX, offer distinct features to cater to different needs. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast these two trail shoes, analysing their design, comfort, durability, and performance to help you make an informed decision for your next outdoor escapade.
Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low Gore-TEX Trail / Hike shoe
ASICS Men's Gel-Sonoma 6 Trail shoe
Design:
The ASICS Gel Sanoma Amplifoam boasts a sleek design with a mesh upper for enhanced breathability. It incorporates ASICS' Gel cushioning technology to provide shock absorption and stability on uneven terrains.
On the other hand.
The Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX features a more rugged and durable design, with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. It also features a wider toe box, a trademark of Altra shoes, allowing for natural toe splay and improved stability.
Altra grip
Asics Grip
Comfort:
When it comes to comfort, both shoes offer unique features. The Gel Sanoma Amplifoam provides a plush and comfortable feel, thanks to its Amplifoam midsole, which offers excellent cushioning and responsiveness. The Gel cushioning system in the heel provides additional shock absorption, reducing the impact on your joints. In contrast.
The Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX excels in comfort by incorporating a zero-drop platform, which promotes a natural foot strike and a more balanced posture. The wide toe box allows your toes to spread out, reducing the risk of blisters and providing ample room for foot swelling during long hikes.
My Experience:
Having used the ASICS Men's Gel-Sonoma for the last 12 months or so as my main Trail shoe I can say it has performed faultlessly. Being a very comfortable shoe with excellent grip on most surfaces. It can be a little slippy on wet tarmac, though that is not what it has been designed for. Having previously used a Salomon trail shoe which I found to be very narrow, the ASICS is a much more comfortable width.
Having started running slightly more aggressive trails and doing more hiking miles and was looking for a shoe that was better suited to the task. At the end of May this year I purchased my first pair of Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX (See my previous blog regarding this shoe). I immediately found the Altra to be a very comfortable shoe and was very confident with it’s performance. The slightly wider toe box and zero-drop platform gives a much more secure feel on the ground. The more rigged build does not take away from its ability to “form” over uneven surfaces and this shoe gives faultless grip on all surfaces it has faced including wet tarmac.
The only fault I would give this shoe is the lace choice supplied with the Altra. It is a round cross section lace and has a tendency to undo when running through long undergrowth. My solution was to purchase a flat section lace (see the new laces here) and stightly longer as I use the extra lace hole on all of my shoes (see video here on how to use the extra lace hole).
A couple of weeks ago I decided to give the ASICS another run at our local Parkrun and was amazed at how cramped the ASICS feel after getting used to the wider toe box of the Altra.
Durability:
Durability is a crucial factor for trail shoes, considering the harsh outdoor conditions they face. The ASICS Gel Sanoma Amplifoam features a durable rubber outsole that offers good traction on various terrains. The mesh upper is reinforced with synthetic overlays to enhance its durability.
The Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX is built to withstand rugged terrains, with a durable Vibram Megagrip outsole that provides excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces. The Gore-Tex membrane adds waterproofing capabilities, making it a reliable choice for wet and muddy conditions.
Performance:
In terms of performance, the Gel Sanoma Amplifoam is designed more for trail running with its responsive cushioning and supportive midsole. It offers a nimble and lightweight feel, allowing you to pick up the pace on the trails.
The Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX is specifically geared towards more aggressive trails and hiking. Its cushioning and stability excel on long runs and hikes, providing a comfortable and supportive experience, especially during descents.
Conclusion:
Choosing between the ASICS Gel Sanoma Amplifoam and the Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize a lightweight, responsive shoe for trail running, the Gel Sanoma Amplifoam is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for a more rugged, running / hiking-focused shoe with added waterproofing capabilities, the Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX might be the better option. Both shoes offer different strengths, so consider the terrain, activities, and comfort features that align with your outdoor pursuits. Ultimately, investing in the right trail shoe will enhance your performance and enjoyment on the trails or during hikes.
See my previous blog about the Altra Olympus 5 Hike Low GTX. Click this link.