Altra - Mont Blanc BOA

Hi there, I have used a multitude of running, hiking and trail shoes for long distance hiking at this point and finally settled on the Altra Mont Blanc BOAs. They have a slightly more narrow heel than the Lone Peaks and have a better rocker which helps a wee bit with energy conservation if you tend to walk a bit quicker. There's a bit less rubber down there which can suck but I got mine resoled which seemed to do the trick. The BOA might trigger the skeptics into saying that it's unreliable and such but with the near 500 miles that I've put into mine I would disagree. The ability to fine tune the fit and feel on the go has been a godsend for those long, hot and sweaty hikes where your feet expand and you just feel sucky. I found that the ability to open them up so easily helped a ton when compared to my laced shoes and also getting the fit across the feet on the money every single time without having to faff with laces is great. For super remote treks I would not recommend however as having the BOA buckle break will suck. I don't personally think it will and I have not had mine pop off at all in the time I've had them (done pretty much all of the long distance hikes in Scotland and repeated a couple without any issues at all). My only gripe is that the Vibram Lite base that they use kinda sucks and peels away pretty easily so I got them sent off to the Key Cobbler in Kendal and got a much more burly replacement. I will say that it took 2 lengths of the West Highland Way, the GGW and the Kintail way for this to happen though and that's some pretty good mileage for trail runners in Scotland All the best to you!

altra mont blanc BOA has been my favorite shoe. maybe thinking about getting the timps boa when they run out, not a huge fan of the colorways though. still debating snagging some speedlands. need that BOA

First was the glue connecting the harder vibram sole to the softer rubber middle. Then the harder rubber was way too thin (on purpose?) and was smooth by the end of my 330km hike. A pity, because I loved them, was the Altra Mont Blanc BOA

I've only worn Altras for about a dozen years, including multiple road (Escalante Racer, Rivera) and trail styles (King MT2, Superior, Lone Peak, Mont Blanc BOA). I weigh 170 lbs and always get 500-600 miles on a pair before I feel the cushion is shot. That's the industry standard and I've never had a single concern with tread or upper durability. Looks to me like you may be dragging your feet a bit on highly abrasive terrain.

I've tried the Altra double boa and had to go back to Salomon after 3 weeks with terrible pain on the outside of my right knee. Pain went away as soon as I went back to Speedland and Salomon. Very bizarre. I should put them back in the mix and rotate between shoes instead of 100% Altra.

I’ve personally found that a wide toe box is a greater advantage for me over everything else on trail. I’ve worn Altra, Hoka, Norda, and Speedland over the last 10 years of ultra racing and training. Wide toe box + BOA system is my holy grail and I’m currently in Speedland’s after coming over from the Altra Mont Blanc BOA. I tightened up my stride in zero drop over time and has been good for trail cadence and nimbleness whether I’m in a zero drop or drop shoe.

I have the all green Speedland and wish I had bought 3 pairs…before that, I did multiple 50 milers and 50ks in the Altra Mont Blanc BOA (now discontinued as they have moved the BOA system to the Altra Timp). BOA is a game changer for me and imagine that many more shoe companies will adopt as its superior to laces.

Do you have time to get In sufficient training miles in a new pair before your race? I really like the Mont Blanc boa. I’ve run an entire 100 in them and also the last 40 miles in them after switching out of a pair of speedlands. I don’t think I could do a 100 in the LPs. The MB is the sweet spot for me with a bit more stack and a firmer foam. They’re light and drain well too. The only downside I’d see to them in technical terrain would be the lack of toe protection. Wasn’t an issue for me on tech trails but I could see it being an issue for some.

I've had Topos, Hokas and all different kinds of Altras. The Altra Lone Peaks were by far my favourite - glorious shoe. My form just felt so much smoother and they were roomy without being clown shoes. As for the other altras I had, the Monc Blanc's had awful heel slippage, horrendous collar on them, and the Olympus had too much cushion and so were bad for technical trails, though the Olympus was still decent. Word of warning, the zero-drop aspect does make a difference. I was fine for a good while but eventually ended up with achilles tendonitis so if you do get any adjustment niggles then be sure to do some prehab for that. If i were you I'd get a pair of Lone Peaks and just bring them into the rotation. Play it by ear and listen to your body. Good luck

Altra Mont Blanc They've had mixed reviews but I'm absolutely loving them after replacing the stock round laces with a flat set from an old pair of Lone Peaks. I've got just over 250 miles on a training pair and the tread is looking great compared to the brand new pair that I plan on running Black Canyon in in a couple of weeks. Both pairs were $99.99 on Amazon so they have been a great value.

I have run on Altras for 4 years. I don't understand the stories about zero drop being bad for your calves or exploding your Achilles. I would love a hater to explain with medical proof about these claims. I love the roomy toe box and feel it allows for better contact with the trail. I have had Olympus 4-6, and they are my long haul high milage 100k+ stomper shoe. For shorter runs, I use the Mt Blanc or Timp because they are more nimble and feel responsive. Watch out on the Olympus 5. They fall apart too fast, IMO but Altra has stood behind their warranty and gave me a credit for them and got a nee pair of Olympus 6. They are built sooooo much better and I have almost 400 miles on this set and they look like they will last a lot longer. I do not run on the road or gym in Altra, so 🤷 in that area.

It seems to be model dependent, I always thought the Mont Blanc had a one ultra race and done feel about them. I also had the lone peak 5 which did 700 miles but the uppers got torn up as soon as I did a run on rocky instead of muddy route. The LP 7 have a much more robust upper.

Hey! Kinda unrelated to OP's question but I'm a recent altra enthusiast (move the 0 drop + wide feet combo) but to me durability seems low. I've got Torin 6 for daily road running and mont blancs for trail: -Torin 6 lost a part of the sole at 350km and now the mesh has a hole (460km), I'm considering retiring them but it seems like a low distance to retire a shoe at. - Mont blanc : I had a to use super glue to glue parts of the sole back after 80km Is it a me problem? Or are altras also known for low-rise durability  + GL OP for your desert run 🫡

I did a very dusty half marathon a few years ago in my Altra mont blancs with gaiters. If you don't have hooks for them I find an elastic band does the job. I did a 50k with this set up.

I love my Altra Olympus 275 and the Altra Mont Blancs. The Olympus’s are heavier but great. The Mont Blanc are awesome.

I’ve run on peregrines quite a lot. I like them for short and speedier trail runs. That said I find myself setting up runs to be able to be in my xodus ultra 3s. I also run in Altra Mont Blancs, but if I could I’d always be in my xodus ultra 3s. They’re the shoes I’m lacing up for Leadville in a couple weeks.

I did the JMT last year in a pair of Altra Mont Blancs and I still run in them every day. I think they're the best pair of running shoes I've ever worn. The EGO Max foam they're using in the midsole is unbelievable. Incredibly comfortable with an extremely lively response.

Currently trailing the Altra Mont Blanc having struggled to find a wide toe box shoe that works on the trails. I gotta say the vibram and zero drop gives incredible stability and grip over my Sauconys Xudos and the toe room is amazing but probably looking for more cushion for an ultra so going to try the Altra Olympus 6 once I get used to the zero drop. Like others have said it takes time and I am a month or so in rotating the Altras and still not 100% on the zero drop. Hope that helps.

I fully transitioned marathon training from hoka (4mm) to altra within 6 months, progressively increasing mileage with altras. In my case, zero drop shoes helped having a natural stride and removed some pains in the back and on the shoulders I could experience before. 7 years and counting, never got injured. No harm in trying for yourself and see what feels right as long as you proceed carefully.

For at least a couple of year now, I've been using my zero drop Altras once a week, for a short to mid-distance easy run. Having a shoe rotation and switching it up is a great idea--including with the drop.

It really varies person to person and there is the transition period from 4-12mm drop to 0mm drop. If you take the time to acclimate to 0 drop, you'll generally be find for most distances. This could mean starting with walks around the neighborhood or doing errands in 0 drops and progressively working them into your runs. That said, some individuals might not ever fully acclimate to 0 drops. I wore Altras exclusively for years and while I did 100 milers in them, my calves consistently felt a bit more sore compared to my friends who were in similar shape but ran in 4-8mm drop shoes. How my calves feel at mile 20 for example would be how they felt at mile 30. I still wear 0 drop shoes, but it would be nice to decouple wide toeboxes from drop, which is the space Topo is in.

Having run in Hokas (which only have a 4 or 5mm drop, depending on the shoe) I got some Altras earlier in the year. I just switch between the two brands randomly at the moment, partly because I have a few pairs of Hokas to wear out, partly to gently encourage my Achilles to get used to the zero drop and minimal stack. I’m looking forward to the day I’ve worn through all my Hokas and can go Altra all the time, but in the meantime my Achilles are happier with me for changing slowly.

I switched from an 8mm shoe to zero drop Altras for trail running and my Achilles have never been happier. But, I don’t do road running.

I had the opposite experience re plantar fasciitis with zero drop shoes. Developed PF from tennis, and struggled through a year of stretching, squats, rest, insoles and Naprosyn. Switching to Altras fixed the issue almost immediately.

This is so fascinating to me because I had the opposite experience. Developed PF from tennis, tried literally everything else and then gave zero drop a try as a last ditch effort. Issues resolved quickly and now I don’t even have to stretch or foam roll or anything.

This is so fascinating to me because I had the opposite experience. Developed PF from tennis, tried literally everything else and then gave zero drop a try as a last ditch effort. Issues resolved quickly and now I don’t even have to stretch or foam roll or anything.

Hey OP, hijacking this high-level comment in the hopes that people see this... Here are two excellent podcasts about the purpose and benefits of barefoot shoes by very credible professionals: [Irene Davis and Peter Attia](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5MQ4EQau0kFHN6nZDZDAxk?si=C9GZInbdR9G1jrDGtxzsRw) [Courtney Conley and Peter Attia](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5iVi3arAK9aUyCcFQqBFsL?si=gy8W6COZR6-_0Kxm4u4ifw) There are so many effectively uneducated people trying to speak in this topic, from bro-science YouTubers to people like your friend. Experience doesn't replace a proper science-based understanding of not only the biomechanics involved, but also the data on injury occurrence in practice. I only hike and run in Altras and Xeros. The fact that you need to train to wear them just demonstrates that all other shoes are coddling your feet and legs. In that sense, it is *non*-zero-drop shoes that are posing the injury risk, because it is *those* shoes that create the deficit of strength in the first place. Not the other way around.

I love Altra's zero drop, I have two pairs. I also have Saucony Peregrine 13s though with a 4mm drop, that may work better for you.

Any chance I get, I'm barefoot. If I'm at home, I'm not wearing shoes, and I exercise shoeless in the house, too. I *cautiously* think this is why I made the switch to Altra zero-drop shoes without ever even knowing that it presents problems for so many people to do so. Might also be why I immediately felt more comfortable with Altras and will suffer no other shoe anymore.

I have very weak ankles. My left one is rebuilt with titanium plates because I rolled it one too many times. I was very apprehensive about switching to trail runners, specifically zero drop Altra's. I went ahead and tried it and learned something interesting. The frequency of my ankle rolling went way down. I figure the raised heel of traditional shoes/boots were causing me to roll more than my ankles simply being weak. I feel more connected to the ground if that makes sense. Whereas if I put on an older pair of shoes with a drop, I feel wobbly again. I have been wearing altras as everyday wear for almost 3 years and have maybe rolled my ankles 3 times over that time frame. Your results may vary but I think its worth trying out a Zero drop shoe. It may help quite a bit.

I have been in zero drop shoes for about 10 years. Altras have always been the most comfortable for me, but they just don’t last very long. I’m 6’3” 215 pounds, so your results may be better. I’ve pretty much settle on Topos for their decent durability. Since you have narrow feet, you might look at something from Astral. The compound they use for their sole (G rubber) is amazing. Like walk over wet, moss covered rocks with zero shits given type of amazing. I have a wide, high volume forefoot so they just aren’t great for me overall. My Goldilocks would be Altra comfort/Topo quality and durability/Astral sole

Lone peaks have zero drop, which means when you land on your foot you should be landing more towards the balls of your feet and with your feet below your center of mass. This is a more natural running form. If you’re heel striking in zero drop shoes, especially running up or down hill, it’s going to stretch out your tendons way past your norm. I run in zero drop Altras for trail and road.

Yes I use these. I just ran 15m of trails in them this am. I hesitate to give anyone shoe advice (everyone's feet are different) but I really like these. I tend to run more difficult and rooty trails. The only thing I don't like about these is that for very rooty trails the heel height really contributed to ankle rolls. I run about 190 pounds. My go to shoe for races and medium distance is the Nike air terra kiger. My system is the wild horse for long training runs, the kiger for races and most training days (they are lighter and lower heel, less padding), then I keep a pair of altra zero drop for an occasional form check. I'll run like a 5k in them to regain more nuanced feel in my form to check myself on making sure my stride length and strike points stay where I want.

I walk and run in zero drop Altra shoes 100% and have for several years now. I spent more than a year transitioning by running in a mixture of Brooks, then Hoka, then Altras. My trail shoes were the last change I made and even though I'd been running all pavement miles for a while at that point on zero drop the change was very noticeable on trail running. Calf and Achilles soreness galore. I'd never switch back at this point, but take it very slow.

I have been told by my podiatrist that my feet are hypermobile and I run and hike (lots) in zero drop trail runners only (inov-8 and Altra). Never had boots for any of my adult-life serious long distance hiking. I agree that your PT should give you specific strengthening exercises for your particular issues but I see no advantage wearing boots … just heavy and hot and very slow drying. Every blue moon I roll an ankle but that’s because of tough terrain, not boots, and I’ve never injured my ankles in the process.

I've put over 2000 miles into a couple pairs of Altra runners. I have boots I use for more rugged adventures with lots of ankle rolling risks, but for 90% of trails, runners are too comfortable and light to not wear.

I use Altra trail runners when traveling because they are light and comfortable and can double as normal shoes in a pinch, but for normal hiking close to home I stick to boots. Trail runners wear out too easy and are too expensive for the amount of hiking I do.

I do xero shoes for everything but backpacking. I've done trips in them for shorter times and have done okay but I'm also a fan of altras. JMT is longer so I wouldn't do xeros the whole time personally.

Durability aside, try on both shoes. If you’re not thru-hiking then durability doesn’t matter much. Yeah, it’ll be annoying if they give out sooner than you expected, but the comfort can be worth the money. For me, Altras are the most comfortable by far. I wanted to switch to Topos due to the rave reviews and the vibram sole, but I had to immediately return them due to their pronounced arch support. My feet hated them and my altra trail runners and road shoes are the most comfortable shoes for my feet I’ve ever worn. I was late to the game so I’m sure I missed out on the glory days, but until another company comes out with a wide toe box and no arch support trail runner it’s altra all the way for me.

I’ve switched almost entirely to trail runners including on a lot,of rugged terrain. I did find that when I was using Hokas that I had an increased tendency to roll my ankle after about ten miles. I like the padding, but have found lower drop shoes to be better for this. Altras are good, but I destroy them in about 300 miles. Trying Topos right now. Not as padded, but low drop with a wide toe box and they seem to be holding up better.

Trail runner will be fine. I was talking to a guy recently that said the AT requires real boots. But even by his argument, trail runners will be fine. The thing with trail runners is when you are tired, it is easier to roll your ankle. I have only found this to be a concern when I was using Hoka. Altras and Topos have less to zero drop and they don’t have this occur for me. Though Altras kind of suck for durability (expect 300 miles unless they fixed things). And Topos have less padding and are not as comfortable.

I have generally given up on durability. I use Altra trail runners and yes they begin to fall apart after 200 miles. But that's what fits me and keeps me outside so it's just the cost of my sport. I could go with something more durable but I would likely pay more and be less satisfied. Also I put in a warranty claim regularly because these shoes often don't last a year at the rate I use them. I often get my money back in that case.

Have you used trail runners for backpacking before? I like Altras because they have the widest toe box. But they are zero drop and that doesn't work for everybody. They work great for me but I know plenty of others have disliked them. A lot of people like Topos and Hokas as well. The point is that shoes are way too individual for anybody to successfully recommend one that will work for you.

I did Paintbrush Divide last July, and this was my exact experience. I wore my Altra trail runners, and they held up well for most of my hike. There was a lot of rain on Day 1, and my shoes were so wet that I they were still damp when I started on Day 2. I continued up to Holly Lake and conditions were MUCH better for that hike...until about 8000', when I started to hit packed snow on the trail. My shoes thankfully dried out and were never a problem again. Our goal on Day 3 was to go up and over the Divide and continue back through Cascade Canyon, and most of our hike that day had crampons to deal with snow/ice on the trail. Unfortunately, we had to turn back just a few hundred yards from the summit because we didn't have ice tools and just didn't want to risk it. The ranger on the trail laughed at us and said basically, "That's what you get for coming in July. See you in mid-August next year."

Topo is the correct answer. Go with Altras if you dont mind your achilles blowing up

Only time I use my Crispi boots is when I’m hunting and might have 100+lbs on my back packing out an animal. Anything else I use my Altra trail runners.

Everything you listed is a valid choice. People have different preferences. I have a few options depending on trail in the mood My default are Merrill Moab 3. I like how cool they keep me, they obviously excel in water (canyoneering, rafting, or just crossing), and I don’t usually feel the need for additional support/padding. I have even boot packed snow for six hours in them. I had wool socks on so plenty warm, even though my feet were soaked. I also have more traditional hiking boots. Columbia Newton Ridge mid WP for cold weather, if my ankles are sore, and just to mix up the pressure points on a multi day trip. Last, I have Altra trail runners. These are incredibly comfortable and I will use them if I’m on pavement, decomposed granite, or bare dry rock.

I strictly use trail runners. Like the Altras, though there are a lot of wide toe box shoes out there now. Gone through s lot of scree with them. I do go through them quickly.

I haven’t worn hiking boots in many years now. I only hike in Altras trail runners (Olympus is my favorite). When I travel for hiking, all I bring is my Altras and a pair of xero sandals.

Yes but a stiffer trail runner will be more comfortable on the rocks. La Sportiva, for example, is better for scrambling than an Altra. Both will work but for Dolomites would suggest something stiffer, with firmer lugs.

Altra makes trail runners with a wide toe box. They’re my favorite right now. La sportive has been so so but durable in the past with narrower toe box than altra

My Altra trail runners are all I ever hike in. The slim and grippy sole makes them extremely safe in scree and rocky terrain.

For overnight hiking trips I've switched to Altra trail runners and love them, used to use hiking boots and then hiking shoes but these are so much better. I usually am barefoot in a canoe, switch to a keen style sandal for portaging to protect my toes. I always bring crocs (from giant tiger) for camp shoes.