6 minute read
The Altra Mont Blanc Carbon is a trail racing shoe designed for runners who seek a blend of performance and comfort. This shoe is known for its zero-drop midsole (where the heel and forefoot are at the same level), which promotes a natural running form, and its flexible carbon-fiber plate that enhances stability without sacrificing flexibility.
Key Features:
The Altra Mont Blanc Carbon is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize a natural running form and need a shoe that offers both stability and flexibility. Its Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures excellent traction, making it suitable for technical trails and ultra marathon distances.
With an average review score of 82%, it's rated just above the median rating of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 20% of running shoes today.
The Altra Mont Blanc Carbon is a solid choice for trail runners who appreciate a zero-drop design and a flexible carbon-fiber plate. The shoe excels in providing a natural running form and offers excellent traction with its Vibram Megagrip outsole. However, it falls short in energy return due to its mid-tier foam, making it less suitable for those seeking peak performance. The shoe's durability is commendable, especially in the toebox and outsole areas, but the heel padding durability is a concern. Overall, the Mont Blanc Carbon is a versatile trail shoe that performs well across various paces and terrains. It's a great option for runners who value flexibility and comfort over aggressive propulsion.
The Nike Ultrafly is a good alternative for those seeking peak performance on trails. It features a full-length ZoomX midsole, which offers superior energy return compared to the Mont Blanc Carbon. The Ultrafly is more suitable for runners who prioritize responsiveness and propulsion.
The Hoka Tecton X 2 is a better option for heel strikers. It offers a low drop configuration and a more cushioned heel area, providing better comfort and support for those who strike with their heel first. The Tecton X 2 also features a carbon-fiber plate, making it a competitive alternative to the Mont Blanc Carbon.
The Saucony Endorphin Edge is another carbon-plated trail shoe that offers a similar forefoot stack height. It provides a good balance of cushioning and stability, making it suitable for various terrains. However, the Endorphin Edge may offer better energy return, making it a more responsive option for some runners.
The upper of the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon is made from ultra-thin monomesh, which ensures decent breathability despite lacking large ventilation holes. The toebox can expel a small amount of heat and humidity, while the bulk escapes through the tongue. This design provides a good balance of breathability and durability, making it suitable for long-distance trail running.
The midsole of the Mont Blanc Carbon features two types of foam: EGO MAX and a secondary TPE foam. The EGO MAX foam, a blend of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) and TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), serves as the base, while the TPE foam adds a bouncier feel. However, the midsole lacks sufficient energy return, which may be a drawback for those seeking peak performance. The zero-drop design promotes a natural running form, making it ideal for forefoot and midfoot strikers.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole of the Mont Blanc Carbon provides excellent traction on various terrains. The outsole features metatarsal-specific contours that promote natural foot movement. The durability of the outsole is impressive, with minimal wear observed even after rigorous testing. This makes the shoe suitable for technical trails and long-distance running.
The Mont Blanc Carbon offers a standard fit with a wide, rounded toe cap, characteristic of Altra's design. The shoe's fully gusseted tongue prevents unwanted movement and keeps debris out, enhancing the overall fit and comfort. However, the heel area is narrow, making it less suitable for heel strikers.
Comfort is a strong point for the Mont Blanc Carbon. The shoe features a padded tongue and a reflective heel tab for easy on and off. The removable insole adds to the comfort, although finding suitable off-the-shelf replacements may be challenging. The shoe's flexibility, despite the carbon plate, ensures a comfortable run at various paces.
The Mont Blanc Carbon offers moderate cushioning with a 27.2 mm heel stack and a 26.9 mm forefoot stack. This design is suitable for midfoot and forefoot strikers, providing a good balance of cushioning and stability. However, the midsole's energy return is limited, which may not meet the expectations of those seeking a highly responsive shoe.
The ultra-thin monomesh upper ensures decent breathability, with small ventilation holes spaced a few millimeters apart. The toebox and tongue work together to expel heat and humidity, making the shoe suitable for long-distance runs in various conditions.
The Mont Blanc Carbon offers good stability, thanks to its flat carbon-fiber plate and metatarsal-specific contours in the outsole. The shoe's narrow heel area enhances agility and reduces weight, making it easier to navigate technical trails. However, the heel counter is flexible and may not provide sufficient support for heel strikers.
Durability is a mixed bag for the Mont Blanc Carbon. The toebox features TPU overlays that enhance ruggedness, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole shows minimal wear even after rigorous testing. However, the heel padding durability is a concern, as it performed poorly in tests, raising questions about its long-term performance.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides excellent traction on various terrains, making the Mont Blanc Carbon suitable for technical trails. The 3.5 mm lugs offer solid performance across most terrains, although they are not specialized for any particular type. The shoe's grip is reliable, ensuring stability and confidence during runs.
Despite incorporating a carbon-fiber plate, the Mont Blanc Carbon offers remarkable flexibility. The Carbitex Monoflex plate allows the shoe to bend torsionally and longitudinally, making it comfortable for both running and walking. This flexibility ensures a smooth and natural running experience, even on technical trails.
The Altra Mont Blanc Carbon is ideal for trail runners who appreciate a zero-drop design and need a shoe that offers both stability and flexibility. It's a great choice for forefoot or midfoot strikers who value a Vibram outsole and a roomy upper. Runners looking for a carbon-plated trail shoe that still offers comfort and adaptability across various paces will find this shoe appealing.
The Mont Blanc Carbon may not be suitable for runners seeking peak performance on trails, as its midsole lacks optimal energy return. Heel strikers might also find this shoe uncomfortable due to its narrow heel area and zero-drop design. For those looking for a more responsive shoe, the Nike Ultrafly or the Hoka Tecton X 2 might be better options.
The Altra Mont Blanc Carbon is well-suited for trail running and ultra marathons. Its zero-drop design and flexible carbon-fiber plate make it ideal for speed training and racing. The shoe's Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures excellent traction on technical trails, making it a reliable choice for various terrains.
Yes, the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon is designed to handle ultra marathon distances on technical trails. Its zero-drop midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole provide the necessary comfort and traction for long-distance running.
The Mont Blanc Carbon is best suited for trail runners who appreciate a zero-drop design and need a shoe that offers both stability and flexibility. It's ideal for forefoot or midfoot strikers who value a Vibram outsole and a roomy upper.
The Mont Blanc Carbon features an ultra-thin monomesh upper that ensures decent breathability. The toebox and tongue work together to expel heat and humidity, making it suitable for long-distance runs in various conditions.
No, the Mont Blanc Carbon is not the best choice for heel strikers due to its narrow heel area and zero-drop design. Heel strikers might find it uncomfortable and may experience discomfort in their calves or Achilles.
The Altra Mont Blanc Carbon weighs 8.9 oz (251g), making it an exceptionally lightweight trail shoe. This weight is impressive considering the protective features and lugs included in the design.
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bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
priceBand | Price band | |||||
similarity | Similarity | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar | Very similar |
released | ReleasedDec 2023 | Dec 2022 | Jun 2022 | Jun 2022 | Sep 2021 | Jun 2021 |
expertReviewScore | Expert Review Scoreβ β | β β | β β | β β | β β | β β |
Weight | WeightM: 264 g W: 224 g | M: 252 g W: 218 g | 303 g | 298 g | M: 329 g W: 298 g | 281 g |
Forefoot | Forefoot29 mm | 26 mm | 27 mm | 21 mm | M: 30 mm W: 26 mm | 20 mm |
Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop | 5 mm | 8 mm | 8 mm | 6 mm | |
Heel | Heel29 mm | 31 mm | 27 mm | 29 mm | M: 38 mm W: 34 mm | 26 mm |
Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail | Trail | MudTrail |
Usages | UsagesRacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training | Daily runningRacingSpeed training | RacingSpeed training | Racing | Racing |
Brand | BrandAltra | Hoka | Altra | New Balance | adidas | Dynafit |
Strike Type | Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike | Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike |
Shoe Type | Shoe TypeLow dropZero drop | Low dropZero drop | Maximalist | |||
Carbon fiber plate | Carbon fiber plate | |||||
Orthotic friendly | Orthotic friendly | |||||
Removable insole | Removable insole | |||||
Breathable | Breathable | |||||
Techs | TechsVibram | New Balance Fresh FoamVibram | Vibram | |||
Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsSustainable | Sustainable | Sustainable | |||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationHigh arch |
Characteristics | |
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Sports | Running (+2046) |
Terrain | Trail (+532) |
Usages | Racing (+183)Speed training (+302) |
Brand | Altra (+66) |
Support Type | Neutral (+1598) |
Pronation Type | Neutral pronation (+1574) |
Strike Type | Fore/Midfoot strike (+1112) |
Arch Type | High arch (+1521) |
Shoe Type | Low drop (+277)Zero drop (+95) |
Fit | Wide toe box (+271) |
Features | Carbon fiber plate (+100)Orthotic friendly (+452)Removable insole (+435) |
Materials | Mesh (+938)Reflective (+181) |
Techs | Vibram (+84) |
Events | 10k (+715)5K and 10K (+135)Half marathon (+715)Marathon (+715)Obstacle course racing (+168) |
Environmental Characteristics | Sustainable (+174) |
Colorways | Red, White |
Specifications | vs Average | |
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Model | Carbon | |
Released | Dec 2023 | |
Measurements | ||
Heel to toe drop | ||
Heel | 29 mm | |
Weight | M: 264 g W: 224 g | |
Forefoot | 29 mm |