Reviewing the Altra Mont Blanc trail running shoes: they're not for speed demons, but they're perfect for those who want support. If you haven't watched the video yet,
watch it here:
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Altra Mont Blanc are the latest trail running shoes from Altra, designed to complement speed trail shoes with added support. I know many of you have been eagerly awaiting them since late last year. Since the Altra Mont Blanc was officially launched, it has attracted a lot of attention from people who want to try them and have asked me to review them and share how they feel when worn. Today, I tested them at the Phang Mountains, my regular training spot near home. Here's what I found.
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The design of the Altra Mont Blanc
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The upper is divided into two pieces, with a clearly visible seam. The front of the shoe is made of flexible ENGINEERED MESH that feels comfortable, while the back is also made of ENGINEERED MESH. However, the fabric at the back is not as flexible as the front, focusing on a snug fit around the ankle. This is where the slogan "Comfort meets speed" comes from.
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The round shoelaces and thin tongue feature the words "Mont Blanc" printed on the right corner and the coordinates on the left.
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The front of the shoe does not have a TPU frame, but instead features a curved pattern along the toe bumper. When kicking rocks or branches, it may not provide as much protection as you might expect.
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The heel counter is designed with deep grooves that follow the shape of the ankle, and it is thin and features Velcro for attaching gaiters. The inside is padded with memory foam for comfort around the ankle and Achilles tendon.
Overall, the Altra Mont Blanc looks more agile and sleek, and it is clearly different from support shoes like the Altra Olympus.
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Reviewing the Altra Mont Blanc
After trying the Altra Mont Blanc on uphills, downhills, small gravel, long steep dirt trails, and concrete roads, I can say that the initial fit felt quite good and comfortable. However, when walking or jogging, I felt that the heel counter was not very snug around my heel. This was my impression before actually using them.
What I like
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The first thing I like is the EGO™ MAX foam midsole
I can say it is a very well-balanced combination. These shoes have a 30 mm stack height but are very agile and not bulky when running. The midsole is soft without feeling mushy and provides responsive energy return when pushing off. It offers good support, comfort, and responsiveness, making running enjoyable. When encountering small rocks while running at speed, the midsole helps absorb impact and significantly reduces the sensation of them poking into your foot, which is why I am quite impressed with this EGO™ MAX midsole.
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The toe spring
It is designed with a higher toe spring than other Altra shoes, allowing for a much smoother stride. It feels different from other Altra models, making running more enjoyable and helping you achieve the speeds Altra intended.
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OUTSOLE - VIBRAM® LITEBASE with full-coverage tread
The traction is quite good, whether on dry rock or steep dirt trails, both uphill and downhill. Although the tread is not very deep, it still provides excellent grip. This may be due to the sharp tread pattern and its dense layout, which allows it to bite into the ground well without slipping.
Some areas that were less impressive
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Heel Counter
It does not lock the ankle well. When placing my foot during an uphill run, the heel counter moves up and down. Combined with wearing no-show socks, it pulls them down. By the end of my run, my socks had slid down and bunched around my ankles. Therefore, it would probably be better to wear them with longer socks.
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Upper fabric
I admit it is comfortable, but when speeding downhill, my foot slides forward and hits the front. When I place my foot sideways to avoid obstacles, my foot slides inside. The more flexible the upper fabric is, the more my foot slides left and right, making me feel less confident when going downhill.
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Insole
When the shoes are soaked with sweat and I run downhill quickly, the insole folds because the upper fabric is stretchy and my foot slides. This causes the insole to fold and bunch at the front. Compared to other models, the insole has never folded like this before. I had a similar experience with the Salomon Ultra Glide, which makes me feel that these shoes do not fit the foot as a single unit. I do not think they are suitable as speed shoes because speed shoes should provide a secure ankle fit. The front fabric locks the foot in place, and when running at speed, the shoes must move as one with your foot.
However, when running slowly and not focusing on pace, the Altra Mont Blanc is extremely comfortable. It offers good support, cushioning, and responsiveness without feeling bulky, which makes me feel that they are better suited for those who want support.
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The durability of the Altra Mont Blanc
The sole is durable, as expected from VIBRAM, and should last a long time because the rubber sole covers all the areas that come into contact with the ground. The upper fabric is flexible, and when running, my foot pushes forward, causing the fabric to stretch in the direction I place my foot. After using them for a long time or running many kilometers, I am not sure if the fabric will lose its shape, as I have only used them for 10 kilometers.
The material lining the inside of the heel counter is similar to suede and is already starting to fray. I am not sure if it will wear through and expose the foam after prolonged use. This is a point to consider regarding durability.
Altra Mont Blanc is best suited for who?
I do not think the Altra Mont Blanc is suitable for speed demons, but it is perfect for casual, steady running, or even beginners. These are supportive shoes that are easy to run in, and if you are not looking for speed, they are quite suitable. However, if you need shoes for speed, I think the Altra Lone Peak would be a better choice for speed demons because they are more agile, thinner, responsive, and faster.
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Altra Mont Blanc and Altra Olympus differ, and which model should you choose?
Compared to the Altra Olympus, it is clear that the Altra Mont Blanc is thinner. The Altra Olympus feels bulkier, and the difference in feel is quite significant. The Altra Olympus has a firmer midsole and is not as soft as the Altra Mont Blanc. In summary, the Altra Mont Blanc focuses on agility and fun, while the Altra Olympus focuses on support and is not as concerned with weight.
Choosing the right size for the Altra Mont Blanc
Because the upper, tongue, and heel counter of the Altra Mont Blanc are thinner than those of other Altra models, I had to go down half a size. My foot is 25 cm long, and I usually wear shoes that are 27 cm long, which is a US size 9. However, with this pair, I had to wear a 26.5 cm US size 8.5 for a better fit.
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