Altra Mont Blanc Carbon

Review Score
82%
πŸ… Highly Rated
See 4 reviews
Your rating
Price band

Buy Altra Mont Blanc Carbon at today's best price (men's/women's)

UK

Altra Mont Blanc Carbon: Review

β€œA trail racing shoe with a zero-drop midsole and flexible carbon-fiber plate.”

Overview


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:

  • Zero-Drop Midsole: Promotes a natural running form by keeping the heel and forefoot at the same level.
  • Vibram Megagrip Outsole: Provides excellent traction on various terrains.
  • Flexible Carbon-Fiber Plate: Enhances stability while maintaining flexibility for a comfortable run.

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 10% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon


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.

Comparable Shoes


β€Œ
β€Œ

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.

β€Œ
β€Œ

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.

β€Œ
β€Œ

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.

7 Altra Mont Blanc Carbon Pros & Cons


5 Pros

True Altra DNA!
Responsive and fast
Superior Vibram Megagrip outsole
Excellent durability
Remarkably lightweight

2 Cons

Limited energy return
Priced high

In Depth


Upper

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.

Midsole

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.

Outsole

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.

Size/fit

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

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.

Cushioning

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.

Breathability

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.

Stability

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

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.

Grip

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.

Flex

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.

Who should buy the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon?


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.

Who should not buy the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon?


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.

Altra Mont Blanc Carbon: What's it good for?


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.

5 Altra Mont Blanc Carbon FAQs


Is the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon suitable for ultra marathons?

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.

What type of runner is the Mont Blanc Carbon best suited for?

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.

How does the Mont Blanc Carbon perform in terms of breathability?

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.

Is the Mont Blanc Carbon a good choice for heel strikers?

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.

What is the weight of the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon?

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.

Altra Mont Blanc Carbon alternatives

β€Œ
β€Œ
Altra Mont Blanc Carbon
Now viewing
β€Œ
Altra Mont Blanc Carbon
bestDealShow prices
priceBand
Price band
similarity
Similarity
Very similar
Very similar
Very similar
Very similar
Very similar
released
Released
Dec 2023
Dec 2022Jun 2022Jun 2022Sep 2021Jun 2021
expertReviewScore
Expert Review Score
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
Weight
Weight
M: 264 g
W: 224 g
M: 252 g
W: 218 g
303 g
298 g
M: 329 g
W: 298 g
281 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
29 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
Heel
29 mm
31 mm
27 mm
29 mm
M: 38 mm
W: 34 mm
26 mm
Terrain
Terrain
Trail
TrailTrailTrailTrailMudTrail
Usages
Usages
RacingSpeed training
RacingSpeed trainingDaily runningRacingSpeed trainingRacingSpeed trainingRacingRacing
Brand
Brand
Altra
HokaAltraNew BalanceadidasDynafit
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Low dropZero drop
Low dropZero drop
Maximalist
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
Vibram
New Balance Fresh FoamVibram
Vibram
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
Sustainable
Sustainable
0

Altra Mont Blanc Carbon: 2 Expert video reviews

Altra Mont Blanc Carbon characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Model
Carbon
Released
Dec 2023
Measurements
Heel to toe drop
Heel
29 mm
Weight
M: 264 g
W: 224 g
Forefoot
29 mm

Related guides

AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
new!
Sync your parkrun results to your Strava activities
Profile picture
Tom Green
December 18, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Gunnersbury parkrun #230 (my #3️⃣4️⃣)
πŸ“Š Stats by geerly πŸ‘Ÿ πŸ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%