I knew it was a “why” when I saw your little toes pushing out over the edge of the midsole. Thanks for the review.

I went into my local shop a couple days after these came, fully intending to have $180+ less in my pocket and a new pair of shoes to smash some trails in. After trying even a full size smaller and giving them a bit of a walk around I had to leave empty handed. Was supper excited for these. But a show that can't lock onto your foot is a no go. Might as well go run in a cushy pair of flip flops.

I just bought my first pair of Altra Mont Blanc and I love it! I needed a really good trail shoe for speed walking my dogs in various terrain and grades. Straight out of the box my orthotics worked great and the shoe stayed nice and snug climbing some serious grade. The heel had some slight slippage on a steep climb but on the desent it held just fine. No issues on the straights. Cushion and support were amazing. Love the toe box, as it follows the design of your toes. I had no issues with keeping the shoe tied and snug. Really love this shoe for what I use it for.

When I tried them on in the store, 3 things struck me: 1. The inner sole uncomfortably came up on the side, though it wasn’t so bad, I’m sure it would have improved as I ran in them; 2. I felt as if my heel would pop out. Had the same feeling with my old Escalante, though they were roadies and it never became an issue, not trail shoes supposedly designed to tackle technical terrain; 3. The soft, roadie of the upper. Trail shoes, or any shoe used in activities where change of directions are required like soccer or badminton, need structural integrity to support such sudden redirection, and that soft mesh didn’t seem to offer it. Hearing your review, it seems my first impressions were correct, I’m glad I saved some yen by getting Olympus 4s.

I have always had the opposite experience with fit because I have very wide high volume feet. I always get a excellent heel lock down with very little adjustment no mater the Altra model. I can tie my Olympus and head out for a four hour mountain run with no need to make an adjustment. It feels like you may have very skinny feet! We as those watching your videos should understand from what perspective you are presenting your opinions (as far as foot volume). It feels like skinny feet people complain about the wide fit and Altra makes changes making the fit tighter which makes it more uncomfortable for the wide feet crowd. I can’t even buy the Timp any longer because the fit has become so snug. I loved the fit of versions one and two. Wide feet LOVE Altra!

Great review! I found that the more miles I put in the shoe, my heel has sunk into the liner in way that has fixed the heel lockdown. 🥳 I do wish it had more toe protection, but other than that, I am really liking the shoe now that I have my heel locked in! I’m excited for the BOA version to come out.

Tried my pair last weekend for a 7 mile run. Had the heel slippage issue but doing the heel lock lacing fixed it and made it work well enough for me. Love the shoe otherwise, but I can see how it can be a big issue for folks that don't have a high volume foot. Solid review as always

Bought mine the day they came out, in my standard size.. Heel slippage is definitely is present... and it doesn't really bug me. I've got 225 miles on mine, multiple 20+ mile runs in pretty much every trail condition (technical, flat, vert, wet, dry, etc.) and zero blisters or foot issues. Durability is fine, haven't seen any delaminating or fraying. YMMV. Pretty much agree with everything GR says, AND I'll probably still buy another pair when I finally break these down. Really hoping Altra takes all this feedback and implements them in a v2 next year.

I hate being negative, but I’ve all but given up with Altra. Their fit has gotten so strange over the past few years…and let’s be honest, like Hoka…they’ve never fit amazingly. Thanks for the honesty dude!

Review summary from the video and comments: Great outsole, great midsole. Upper is a train wreck and struggles with fit/lockdown. Hard to lay down $180 given the upper issues.

One of my favorite trail shoes. Feels fast and fun. Yes laces are not ideal but did switch them out for flat laces. The heel counter is loose but have not had any issues locking into the shoe until I switched out laces. Shoe was true to size for my wide foot. Solid buy for me and will purchase another pair when these wear out. Beauty of shoes we all feel things differently!

I sent mine back with out running in them they just seemed to miss the mark on the execution. I will stick wit the Olympus until they get it fixed.

Love the quick little teaser for the Timp 4. Can't wait to see that review!

I have put 100 miles on mine so far. These shoes are ok in non-technical terrain but don't work well in technical terrain. Since I run a lot on steep technical trails I'm going back to the Olympus. The Mont Blanc's are not as stable and don't have as good of traction as the Olympus, two attributes that are very important for me. The Lite Base outsole is great material but the lugs are so small you don't get good traction on steep loose trails. They need more aggressive lugs to bet taken seriously on technical trails. The Mont Blanc's are also more narrow than the Olympus so not as stable. Another thing I noticed is I get more debris in these shoes probably since the ankle collar has a looser fit.

I agree the heel needs fixed. I found changing out the laces to flat laces, did help also. Great review and spot on.

Tried these over the weekend. Wanted to love them because they are a sweet-looking shoe. Ran into the same fit issues you cited. Too sloppy and I’ll fitting in my regular size (11) and half size down still had major heel slippage. A great concept, but just terrible execution on the production. I found the Timp 4 a better fit, but ended going home with the SG5, which also has its fit quirks but worked better for me.

I just tried this on at 7hills running in Seattle on Saturday; I ended up coming home with the Timp 4, which I found had a better fit, softer, more flexible/comfortable midsole, and much lower price. The only real con for me (outside of weight, which I’m not too worried about) is that altra’s maxtrac outsole just isn’t as good as vibram, particularly on wet rock or wet roads.

Personally love this shoe. Feels great. Takes a few weeks to break in and to work out the right lacing system and lock. Covered 150km in it so far..

They just look sloppy and loose for the trail. Too lightweight like the Hoka Torrent for some serious stability. Sticking with my Olympus and hoping they don’t mess up the next version. I expect more from Altra in the future for the price. Looks are only gonna get Altra so far these days.

Ginj, you are putting a lot of pressure on that mesh on the lateral side with your Injinjis on. Could lead to premature upper blowout which Altra is infamous for. Platform looks a bit narrow for you. Thanks for always shootin' straight in your reviews!

I don't know. I don't think any shoe is worth that kind of money with all the options available out there.

What a bummer! I was so excited to hear your review of this shoe, but that really doesn't sound too great. I guess I'll go and try them on just out of curiosity anyway, but your opinions are usually spot on.

Just bought mine from REI it was a good deal 150. Also they have a great return policy if you are a member. Will be trying them out and see how they work out for me. Trying to replace my hoka evo speed goats. Just need a little more wiggle room for my toes so decided on altra.

Has a Salomom like look to it with a more cushioned sole. Digging it already! 😎🤙

I have a few pairs of Altras, everytime hoping for something better. BUT, Altra has lost the plot! They sell useless slippers for a very expensive price.

Thanks for your neutral thoughts and occasional criticism. I find this much more helpful than overly positive reviews like “roadtrailrun”, who often portray a shoe in the absolute best light when the reality the shoe is just not that good. You’re saving us runners tons of $$$$! Keep it up!

Weird. Thought they’d get it right after the Escalante Racer. That has really good mid foot lockdown. The topo mtn racer should probably be a better fit.

Ego max in the Torin is wonderful. I love it more and more with each run.

Those laces! And they run smaller and I think I still find myself favoring the Olympus.

Imma need that timp 4 review ASAP!

Half size down seemed to have resolved the heel lockdown a bit. Don’t know what happened to Altra sizing, I’m a 10 in the Torin 5, with half thumb left at the front, and these ones in a 9.5 have a thumb left. They are comfy though and should do well in the coming very hot and humid months…

I felt the Olympus was expensive but this came along.

Pleased I watched this as it was a shoe I was considering. I found the Lonepeak 5 had a lack of heal support and very difficult to lockdown however, I love the Egomax midsole they're using. Great review!

Loved the review! I used to be a diehard Altra fan but I've transitioned on over to Topo shoes. Thought about testing out the Mont Blanc since it's new but sounds like I should stay away. Would love to hear your opinion on some Topo shoes since they have similarities to Altra. You've done some Topo reviews in the past but would be curious on your opinion of some newer Topo shoes.

I wonder if the version with the BOA lacing system will help that lock down at all. What a disappointment!

I raced a 50 miler in them here in Sweden last Saturday and got a great result. Shaved 35 minutes of my previous time on the Course and came in third. I also had to size down half a size to get "the right fit" which also made my toes a bit sore post race. Nothing major though. My heels where slipping a little the entire race but i got used to it and it just worked. Swapped the laces to my torin 4.5 laces, and they stayed locked down the whole time, with that heelslippage though. Love the outsole and midsole and the upper but the heel collar is just silly. I don't get how they released it like that. Did nobody try it? All in all i like it but it is faaaaar from perfect and i am an Altra geek so, i would not put up with all that bullshit if it was another brand.

Excellent review, as always! From your video, it looks like the outside of your foot, including your pinky toe, was spilling over the sole. I bet that the sole being narrower than your foot also contributed to you not being able to get a secure feeling fit in the shoe. Personally, I wish Altra would go back to their roots with a thinner (

It looks like yet another amazing trail running shoe that is really good in conditions in which you don’t really need a trail running shoe. That heel reminds me the Vaporfly heel…

I am so over Altra shoes. I would absolutely shred mine in only 100 miles. I got a ton of ankle issues. They would flop around my feet, esp on technical trail.

I just picked these up in the sale and im still waiting for delivery however i wish i had watched this and read the comments first lol. I think i will send them straight back 😅

Dodged a bullet with that one. Got the Olympus 4.0’s coming

Easily the best detailed review of this shoe I have seen so far.

I was PUMPED about this shoe. But I just haven't been able to get it to work. Getting the heel to lock in has been my biggest issue, like you said. I was glad I got it just in time to break in and use for a 50k, but ended up using a Topo shoe because the Mont Blanc just wasn't doing it for me. :( R.I.P wallet

I’m not runner but I have been Altra custormer since lone peak 3 just got paradigm 5 best yet but will they last or need shoe goo within weeks as some altra in past Altra please get better or I’ll go Tipo

I wanted to like these so bad. Tried true to size, but it was impossible to get a lockdown without killing my foot. Went a full size down and still had to stop to retie several times. They're going back, probably for the Timp 4.

Best shoe I owned! Totally love this shoe, do not understand other runners heel issues. Please do not change a thing Altra! Ok, maybe the laces

Damn. I bought these today.. Lucky I can return them!

I'm still excited to try these out for myself, and especially excited to see how much of a difference the boa version will make

Loving the clear talk and the honest good and bad points. I just can't see how a shoe of this price point can have such glaring basic design flaws, TIMP 4 would be a better option from Altra? (As Speedgoat 5's are unicorns right now).

Thanks for Mark Giordano...a good Toronto boy coming home to win the Stanley Cup!

I've been waiting for this one. Another Olympus 4 it is.

I was so curious about this, being someone that never managed to achieve a decent lockdown in the Olympus, and sold them for around an $80 loss after 30 miles of frustrated use. Certainly not too tempted to give these a try, especially since most people didn't even seem to have too much of an issue with the Olympus! Appreciate the honest review, as always. Sort ya lockdowns, Altra!

If anything I should have sized up. the midfoot just gets completely strangled. Even if I don't tighten my laces and just make them super loose the side right where it hits the midfoot has zero stretch and it just was the most horrible shoe experience I had in a while. (loved the fit of the Timp 4 which has the same footshape though)

I’m excited to try them, I have a pair ordered. I loved the Olympus but the upper was too rigid, so I think these will work a lot better for me.

DO you think that the Boa version that will be coming out of the Mont Blanc will be able to "dial" (pun intended) the fit in better - Trying to figure out my shoe for Tiger Claw and was hoping this would be it but thinking no based on all the reviews I may be sticking with the Lone Peak or perhaps the new Timp if it works for a bit more cushion.

so i watched this review yesterday after having just ordered these shoes and was instantly worried about the fit and many other of the negatives. Theyve just arrived and ive put them on....extremely thankfull i havent ordered a size down! i wear a size UK11 and they are snug as snug can be around the midfoot and the top of the forefoot but still with plenty of toebox space for my toes to splay nicely. im not getting any of the fabric bunching (yet) and the egomax mid sole feels amazing just on first footing walking around the house. However. the laces are extremely short compared to other altra shoes ive owned so i will simply swap them out with the laces from my old superior 4.0 so no major issue there. Where i do have concerns is in the ankle and heel support. I totally get where the negatives come in here even though i actually prefer to have a bit more give around my ankle because im odd, but the heel is very strange. even just walking around the house it feels like im going to slip out of the back of the shoe. Im hoping that when i swap out the laces i will be able to buckle up in a manner that helps to avoid this and wont know until i get them out for a proper run and test. Overall though, crazy hype for getting out onto the trails and giving these a good run for their money. awesome review as ever!

Hey Ethan, have you started looking at any of the shoes made by Craft yet? I just got a pair of their trail shoes and would be interested in your thoughts/review.

Nice review! I would really like to buy a pair of these but I am getting some mixed signals and not sure I want to spend 180 on them yet. Just how sloppy is the lockdown? I personally found the escalante 2.0 and 2.5 to have very poor lockdown and unrunable for me (good as recovery shoes though). Other Altras like the superior, don't have amazing lockdown but they are all around very comfortable for me. I currently run in the superior 4.5 and wanted to get the mont blanc to transition to a more responsive Altra that also has slightly more cushioning for ultra distances and is more sleek than the olympus. Will I still enjoy this shoe or is the lockdown just too bad?

Thanks for the review! I’m really loving my Mont Blancs so far. But I think the fit / heel slippage issues definitely helps with a half size down but also really dependent on your overall foot shape.

I have seen so little media around the BOA option of this shoe. And given the issues you experienced with the lack of control out of the upper it would almost seem as though Altra built the BOA shoe first, they then had issues that meant they couldn’t make it to market by March, and made changes to put out a lace option and rushed it. Less than ideal fit, construction issues… it feels like rushed production.

Thanks but so many better options: Speedland PDX and the Norda 001 for starters. They’re both light AND fit! Like the Altra concept, the execution - not so much.

Great review, Ginger! Thanks 👍🏻

i had high hopes for this shoes and was greatly disappointed. Altra pls fix the lock down issues and this shoes will be perfect. return mine today. such a bummer

I was about to buy but when I tried it's too narrow for me so I got the altra timp 4 which is perfect.

Thanks. Helpful. I’ll steer clear

That's unfortunate. Im still going to try them on but usually I agree with your assessment

Looks like an absolute ankle killer. I used to be skeptical about needing a rockplate with this much midsole, but aside from the protection it definitely stabilize your platform when soft EVA foams are used (as with the DNA Loft in the Brooks Cascadia 16). Also, I'm inclined to agree with Ethan that when a brand wants nearly $200 for a shoe, it can't really skimp on anything. Mont Blanc is a no for me. More excited for the Rivera-inpsired road to trail shoe -- Altra Outroad.

I wonder if the fit issues are the reason why they have also the “Boa” version of the Mont Blanc? 🧐

Totally agree. Spent less than 30 seconds with it on and took it off and sent it back. This show has no redeeming qualities at all. You were very generous to be even remotely curious.

Was excited for this shoe as it looks fantastic. But I was waiting for you to review it and after this, and others reviews it's going to be a big nope from me.

This sounds like the trail version of the Nike Infinity React. I dont understand how people run in something that has a very soft upper with little to no lockdown. It's gotta be an injury waiting to happen, then add no support on the heel Im better off wearing some Birkenstocks. Thank god for this review because I was looking into getting my first Altras.

hopefully the boa version of this shoe, with two points of tension, will solve the fit issues.

It looks as if your pinkies were hanging over the edge of the midsole. Is it that narrow?

So in your opinion what is the best trail runner of 2022?

Wow, this shoe sounds like a disaster. Altra still can't figure out laces, it's hilarious!

The Timp 4 with a Vibram sole would be a killer.

Review appreciated....I still will roll the dice on the BOA model in May...it also is a good-looking shoe and matches your hat. I think the BOA will be helpful to those of us who have some particular issues regarding foot volume..*I snagged a pair online for cheap...went down 1/2 size and maybe could have went a full size, runner knot, midfoot jogger and a Ducky slipper!~Dialed In.

Is that hoodie a GR hoodie that will be available for purchase?

reminds me of a saloman shoe. style wise.

Great review! I think I will keep waiting speedgoat5

Can you do a review of the Peregrine 12?

Interesting. I’ve never worn a more comfortable shoe. It’s probably because I have Barney Rubble feet.

well if you were on the fence on this one.., I think this one will push you one way

I don't think I have ever seen a WHY.

Is it fridendly for Pes planus（low arches)😂

Wow, your shots of tying the laces make this shoe look like a disaster. I pretty much exclusively run in Altra, but damn, they seem to just the dice with their shoes sometimes.

What ? Before 100 miles the shoe is giving up ? Thanks for the warning. Ultra , life time ban from me.

I cannot see how they justify selling it for 200$ when there's so many great alternatives from other brands.

Ersten paar Kilometer, sicher.... es war schlammig und kein ziemlich geniales Laufwetter - aber eben doch die perfekten Testbedingungen für einen Trail-running-Schuh und, ich bin wegen der Blasen an den Fersen kaum noch nach Hause gekommen!!!! Also, AUFPASSEN MIT DEM SCHUH!!!!

Woof!

Everything you said is dead on. Heel cup is a disaster!

Altra has just been a flop lately. Tried these on and immediately handed them back. Also, ordered the Solstice; junk. Altra seems to be going through a transition and it's losing customers, fast.

Typical Altra. Break down way to early

You’re paying for the next pair 😂

This review is ticking all the cross-pollination boxes from synth-youtube.

Oh thanks for destroying this model! I was really going to at least try them because they look fantastic, not anymore after watching this review! Sticking with LaSportiva then for running on the Dolomites :)

Half the hype and appeal of this shoe is the look and the name. Everything else seems lackluster.

1st comment!!! Yay me!! Dude I always look forward to your reviews!! Please check out my question on your Speedgoat 5 video when you get a chance. Please!!

oh dear what a disappointment ...

What is up with the shoe? The shoe wouldn't not fit! The design is bad!!