Altra Mont Blanc Carbon

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.

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.