Last year's trail-running shoe, the Altra Mont Blanc, has accelerated further in speed.
Let's dive into the newest member of the Altra Mont Blanc family, the Mont Blanc Speed! This bad boy is a game changer in the world of trail running, smashing records left and right. Just like Tara Dower did when she obliterated the Appalachian Trail course record wearing a pair of Altra Mont Blanc BOAs last year.
Altra has taken a nod from both the BOAs and the Mont Blanc Carbons and infused some serious magic into this new recipe. Stripping some weight while maintaining its speed, the Mont Blanc Speed is the lightweight, faster-than-ever upgrade we've all been waiting for!
Glancing at the Mont Blanc Speed's silhouette, it's reminiscent of its Carbon sibling, boasting a moderate amount of rocker and just the right amount of sole. Like the Carbon, this ride uses a potent blend of two of Altra's signature foams in the midsole: Ego Max for increased rebound and durability (that's been request-a-plenty on social media), and Ego Pro for added lightness. The midsole measures a wafer-thin 29 mm, perfect for conquering technical trails and long days on the go.
Sticking with the trusty Vibram Litebase outsole, Altra shaved off even more grams and managed to keep the grip top-notch on both wet and dry trails. The total weight savings? An impressive ounce (or more) lighter than the BOA and nearly an ounce lighter than the Carbon.
Worried about the weight dropping too low and making the shoe feel flimsy? Don't fret, Altra's got you covered with a "flexible yet firm" StoneGuard insert. This baby offers protection from rocks and rough ground, ensuring a striving preventative measure against foot fatigue and enhanced stability.
So, you're probably wondering if they'd ditch the traditional laces in favor of speed laces. Well, nope! This shoe stays true to the Altra brand with a roomy toe box and regular laces – no drop from heel to toe here.
The Altra Mont Blanc Speed is intended for demanding technical trails and marathon-length adventures. As of now, it's available for a competitive $185.00 through REI in the US, and heading to a UK Altra store near you soon for just £165.
Pro tip: if you're looking for the ultimate trail shoe for ultra runners or the perfect pair of shorts for taking on techy terrain, sign up for our newsletter and get the hottest tips, inspiration, and guides to help you plan your next big adventure!
The Mont Blanc Speed, a lightweight upgrade from Altra, is designed for demanding technical trails and marathon-length adventures, perfect for conquering technical trails and long days on the go. Despite its light weight, it features a protective StoneGuard insert for enhanced stability and foot fatigue prevention. If you're an avid sports enthusiast or an ultra runner hunting for the ultimate trail shoe, keep an eye out for the Altra Mont Blanc Speed.
