Customer Reviews Altra Mont Blanc

I have been wearing Altras for at least 8 years now. I have tried just about every style of running shoe. These are by far my favorite! I can understand why people would complain about the heal slipping, but I have always used the heal lock lacing method and when I used that method on these any heal slipping was eliminated. I am 50 miles in and continue to love these move each run. I think it is also good to point out that the more I focus on my running form in any shoe the less I notice heal slipping. That might just be me.

As much as I like zero drop and large toe boxes, I've never been able to get along with Altra trail shoes. Too tight, too loose, terrible heel slippage, etc. The Timp has been about the only model other than the LP 6, that fit me the way I like. When I saw the reviews about the Mont Blanc heel cup, I didn't waste 2 seconds thinking about buying it. I stuck with my trusty Speedgoats and Sense Rides. Eventually, I tried on a pair in in my size, 10.5 and sure enough my heel lifted out of the heel cup. Tried on a 10 and it's perfect and on course to be my holy grail trail shoe. The reviews of this shoe are overly critical and likely based on the expectation that this shoe is true to size and it is not. I can't imagine this shoe working for anyone if they buy it in their size. The heel cup is just like the Nike Vaporfly. Feels loose but when you run, it activates and locks onto the heel. If you're on the fence because of the reviews or previous bad experiences with poor heel cups like the Olympus 4, do yourself a favor and give the Mont Blanc a try half size down.

OVERALL- I've trained in 6 of the laced and 3 of the BOA version of the Mont Blanc. I'm an aspiring professional ultra trail runner and have completed 2 training blocks in these. Completed a 63 miles (70 mile for me since I got lost) trail race and currently at the end of a shorter "speed" block. The first iteration of the Mont Blanc is very solid. I think with some tweaks this shoe will compete with the main contenders in the ultra scene! Good - OUTSOLE- DURABILITY- I was skeptical of the lite base but they've proven durable. I'd get about 400 miles in my Hoka speedgoats and can get around 360-370 miles before they're not adequate for the technical trails. I usually use them for road to mile trail runs after that and they're great. - OUTSOLE- GRIP- This shoe has been great on the Southern California trails. I run pretty aggressive mountainous trails and have not had issues ascending or descending. I have limited experience with wet, but when running in rain, nothing has stood our as an issue. I will need further testing to confidently speak about wet terrain. - WEIGHT- For a high stack shoe, this doesn't feel it. It's light and not clunky when having to have quick feet out on the trails. When doing speed work I don't feel bogged down- this isn't a lightweight shoe but the weight distribution, especially when in the mid swing phase, feels very good. - MIDSOLE- I've been a fan of the new midsole compound. It's cushion enough to protect the feet for long run. It's also responsive enough to handle speed work on the trails. The stack height also provided great underfoot protection from large rocks/roots, etc. - UPPER- this is a double edged sword- hot feet are an issue for me. The light breathable material has kept my feet relatively cool. While the material is a bit lighter and doesn't have too many overlays, I haven't had issues with it tearing from snagging on brush. Needs improvement- I want to preface that these aren't bad per se but things that need improvement in my opinion - LOCK DOWN- tongue/lacing combo- because the tongue is very thin (good for breathability), tying the laces tightly, at least for me, hurts some spots on the top of my foot. I've gotten creative with lacing but thing a bit of padding for the tongue or flat laces like the Timp could be helpful. - LOCKDOWN- HEEL- I've seen many folks note the heel lock down isn't great. I agreed when I purchased my normal size 10. I have since sized down to 9.5 and it's a not a dealbreaker. I also tie a "runners knot" and it is much better. I do think this can/should be improved though. - UPPER- the stretchy material is nice for longer runs to expand with your feet but I find with lots of ascending and descending, the material stretches too much affecting the lockdown. I generally stop every two hours to retie the shoes (this is why I prefer the BOA). The Bad - DURABILITY- I've had 6 pairs and all have ripped by the big toe and the midsole at around 300-330 miles. Not sure why or what's up but that's the spot for me. I would love to get at least 400 miles on these shoes. I hope the upper can keep up with the midsole and outsole. - PRICE- If durability was a bit better or during my larger 100 mile weeks, my wallet starts to cry. I understand sourcing, investment into R&D, transportation, etc all play into this but I think a $160-170 might be more appealing??

As an OG Altra customer, I was bragging on these shoes I loved them so much when I first started running in them. These were replacing old Olympus shoes that I loved and wore out. So....similar cushion at a lighter weight. A little more expensive. Initially...awesome. So comfortable for the first 10-20 miles! Then I wore them on a run along the Eastern States course (training recon) in the PA mountains. Gnarly rocky climbing on 15-20% grade....a true test. A mile or two into my run, a stream crossing prior to a 1000' climb set the stage for big problems. On the way up...fine. Down the other side the insole padding turned into an accordion. Laces were TIGHT too. Unacceptable! Imagine that problem in the middle of a big ultra! I spent a few miles fussing with my shoes. OFF and on, fixing the insole until finally I just gave up and left it balled up at the toe. Adversity training. C'mon, does anyone seriously race in these shoes? Mont Blanc?

Have tried multiple trail shoes and these are awesome. I tend to get hot feet and these do the trickreally breathable material. The lace system is excellentvery durable. Fit around the toe box was one of the elements that drove me to try themthey do not disappoint. Excellent grip in all weather conditionseven snow.

There are clearly a range of opinions on the Mont Blanc. The negative reviews strike me as totally reasonable. I'm only writing to offer my personal experience. I'm on my third pair of Mont Blancs, so I've got almost 1500 miles in these shoes. The first time I laced up a pair a little over a year ago I was paying laser attention to the infamous loose heel issue. I felt it for the first three minutes of that first trail run and haven't thought of it since. It's a non issue for me. I don't know if I have easy to please feet or if I just don't pay enough attention. Either way, for whatever reason, the loose heel isn't a thing for me. I will say that on one pair I experienced some heel rubbing. Not a loose heel issue, but more of a tight heel issue. I got some hot spots. So I took a straight razor and cut out some of the stitching and bulging on the rear of the heel area. That solved the problem for me, removing the padding that was bulging out and rubbing on my Achilles. I concede that you shouldn't have to take a knife to your shoes to make them work, but I did what I had to and they were great for 500 miles after that. I run in wet, humid environs. The Mont Blanc is perfect because it feels like there's less material around my foot on the mid and uppers. The material that is there is thin and light and breathable. It dries quickly and simply stays out of my way. The shoes certainly do not hold my foot securely in place. The laces are fine but my feet do not feel locked in place. This is uncomfortable for some and a deal breaker. I prefer it. I like having some give despite running on rocky and volcanic, uneven terrain. Again, my overall impression of the Mont Blancs is that they are not really there. EXCEPT the cushioning, which is fantastic and ample, and appreciated because I'm getting older and find that the innumerable rocks on the trails where I run started to bother my feet in Timps a few years ago. I just need more cushioning, but only under my feet. I don't want to feel the shoe elsewhere around my feet. The Mont Blancs do just that. I've used them on numerous 50ks on unforgiving terrain. Each pair has held up well. Maybe I've just had good luck, or maybe I don't go as hard as some of those who've torn up their Mont Blancs quickly. I can't speak for the bad reviews. I'm sure they're legit. But as for me, I love these. Plan to keep buying them.

I love these shoes for long runs and ultramarathons. I ran a 50 miler in them and they were phenomenal. They have just the right amount of cushioning, a very grippy vibram sole, no unneccessary stiff overlay in the toebox or anywhere else that would cause discomfort or blisters, the upper is the perfect material, the inside of the heel sticks to my socks like glue so I don't slide around, they are flexible and move with my feet and not against them. The only thing I would change is a little more padding and length for the tongue and also padding everywhere in the heel instead of just in certain areas. I really hope Altra reconsiders dropping these shoes, a version 2 with just a couple of little tweaks would be the perfect shoe for me. Not everybody can afford or wants carbon or boa shoes.

I have a morton's neuroma(pinched nerve) in each foot. These is the most comfortable shoe I have had on my feet hands down. I saw some people didn't like the heal, however no issue with it, I liked it. Durability, for me who cares I will buy more, however no problems on my first pair they are holding up and looking good. Most shoes I can't wear for more than couple hours, I wear these all day.

Before embarking on my 100 mile ultramarathon, I got a couple of good solid runs in the shoes. Made my adjustments to my feet, then it was off to the races. These shoes really gave back to me with the grip and bounce. I was able to maintain some great speed throughout the whole race. Didn't once have any foot pain, or loose any toenails. I won the 100 and the shoes are still in great shape!

I run/walk every other day at the gym

I was concerned with heel fit when I first tried on. I use heel lock lacing pattern usually anyway. Doing that have never had heel problems or a single heel blister in Mont Blancs even during marathons, including one in steady rain. I've gone through many pair of Mont Blancs and love this model.

I wear them everywhere because they are soooooo comfortable. Running in these shoes has never felt so natural.

I run on trails an average of 60-70 miles a week. I switched to Mont Blancs from Hoka speedgoats and challengers about a year ago and it's been the best running decision in my 20+ years of trail running. While others seem to not have success with these, I find the fit, comfort and cushion to be perfect for me. I wear them for 100k's and workouts.

I'm seeing complaints about the fit on these shoes, but I love it. I love the narrow heel and I cinch down the laces real tight because I like feeling like my feet and ankles are secure while leaving plenty of room in the toe box. The shoes are maybe a little soft, but very comfortable over a long distance. I think what really sets these apart is the soft upper with no plastic or rubber protection against rocks. Over 12 hours I didn't develop even a hint of a blister. These are my first pair of Altras and I liked them enough that I'm looking for a pair of daily trainers to wear on the roads to hopefully improve the strength of my feet.

Loving my Altras! Super lightweight, comfortable and supportive for long runs. Lots of room for my toes, no rubbing or blisters, and not too bulky like some of the other trail shoes.

Absolutely love this trail runner because it fits perfect. Vibram sole gives the bounce back. Over 250 miles on my first pair and now on to my second. Not as stiff as others I have found. Nice cushion and smoother running.

Love them! Ran a few miles in them! Going to keep buying them if you keep making them!

I live in Silverton Colorado the Rocky mountains, I run climb and hike and I have found this shoe to be the most comfortable and versatile for my needs. If I had the money trust and Believe I would own every mens shoe made... Great company awesome shoes thank you.

I bought this shoe after I've always been running in brooks. I just got them and I've ran 33 trail miles in them so far. I usually run 4 miles at a time when I run and they have been great. My only complaint about them is the tongue is very thin which is super breathable, but can tend to slide down and bunch at the bottom. When I'm running that's the last thing I care about though. Overall, great shoe, great fit, and great comfort so far.

Most comfortable shoe I've ever put on my foot!!! Definitely buying a second pair

Burnt Orange for all three. Don't know why the color was dropped. Fit varied when shoe not made in Vietnam.Been a happy Altra fan for 7 years. Zero drop led me here.

My favorite trail running shoe. It feels light and agile on my feet. I've experienced no lockdown problems, no heel slippage. The Ego Max foam is fantastic, very comfortable and responsive.

This is the best Altra shoe I've run in and I've been running in Altra since the start. I have no issues with durability or the heal. In fact, I've gotten more miles out of these shoes than any other pair of Altra's I've owned. This is due to the foam holding up really well. I wish Altra would put this foam in all their shoes. The Mt Blanc has become my only trail shoe.

I have used Altra shoes since 2016.. This particular model did not work fer me..I wound up sending them back & exchanging them fer the new loan peak model. I wear them in the operating room where I usually walk 5+miles a day as a circulator. The loan peak program you got goin on there really works fer me!! Out of the box, every one of them fit like dream!! I have a pair I wear @ work only, & 3 different pairs @ home!! Nothing but good to say bout ALTRA the company!!

This shoe has it all. The upper is light, breathable, and secure. Allot of people are complaining about the laces, but I've yet to run into any issues. In fact, these are the first laces I've ever had on a shoe that haven't come untied. The midsole is absolutely amazing. It's light for the uphill charges, responsive on technical terrain, and has just the right amount of cushion to bomb down every hill without feeling like a sledge hammer is beating you down. The outsole is grippy on all surfaces dry and wet. It give you the confidence to dig deep and push a bit harder. It seems like everyone is complaining about the heel of this shoe. I'm not sure why. Its extremely comfortable and secure. The main reason I switched to Altra was after experiencing excruciating heel pain from all of the other manufacturers shoes due to hard plastic heel cups. Every year I pick up a pair of Saucony peregrines in hopes that they ditched the torturous heel cups, and every year I keep buying Altra. If you want a hard heel, you can find them in every other brand. If you want a comfortable shoe that performs better than every other brand, there is only one... The Altra Mont Blanc .