Mont Blanc Speed

Check out the Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0. These are what I use when doing weeks-long canoe trips in the summer. I can pull boats through waste deep water for 30 min and they will be dry by the end of the next portage. These are my only shoes that aren't Altras but I enjoy them because have a similar zero drop and wider (though not nearly as wide as my 9+ LPs) toe box. That being said, as others have mentioned the Olympus 5,6 and 275 all have a fabricesque upper which dries quicker than the LP series and are also great options that I use for backpacking trips. Best advice is to pack at least 3 pairs of quality wool socks (2 to alternate days while hiking, and one that never leaves the bottom of your sleeping bag)

The upper material of the LP is more of a synthetic that lends itself to water resistance (which if it keeps it out it keeps it in), where as the Olympus is less so. The cushion (stack height) is from the foam and outsole, it's not as if the footbed is excessively thicker. So the shoe might feel water-logged quicker but will dry out in the foot contact area quicker. Essentially, you want a more permeable membrane that allows for evaporation, unless you have water channels like the Astral.

I would categorize the Olympus 5 and 6 as hiking forward but could be used as a high cushion trainer in a pinch. The Olympus 275 is lighter and the more run forward version of the shoe (and use that or the Mont Blanc Speed for trail runs, though the latter has a more narrow fit). LPs I use for shorter or more technical runs because of the better connectiveness to the ground.

2x altra lone peaks. 2x topo mtn racer 3s. 1x altra Mont Blanc speeds. 1x MTC H1s. 1x altra vanish tempo. 1x topo specter 2. Still using 4 of those but a couple are pretty close to dead. ~2500 miles.

Absolutely. I got the MBS specifically for a super technical 100 miler. They performed great got through the whole race with minimal foot issues. They are however not that durable showing significant wear after ~200 miles. really liked the mtn racers but they started biting my feet on the inside edge after awhile so I’m out on those now. I also considered prodigio pros but never tried them on due to the same width concerns. If your race is not muddy or loose rocky I’d also recommend H1s. I haven’t taken them on anything super technical yet but am liking them a lot. ~300 miles on em in 2 months including a 40 mile race in the snow.

If you wear wide Lone Peaks, then you are stuck with what you have currently. I am in the same boat as you and the LP9+ are my daily driver. I use the Mont Blanc Speed for intervals or more uptempo workouts but had to switch to elastic Lock Laces for more volume and get used to my midfoot spilling over the medial arch (my brain has forgotten about it after a month or so).

Sleeper shoe that is super versatile is the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon … can do it all and it’s a much snugger fit then most altras and durable … I run east coast terrain and 100k ultras in them. They have a new Mont Blanc Speed without carbon that’s a bit softer but not as propulsive…

I run in Altra lone peaks and have been for about 7 years. I have recently added the new Altra Mont Blanc speed into my rotation. I just ran and finished the Sedona canyons 125 and did the first 50 miles in my lone peaks and the last 75 miles in the Mont Blanc speeds. No issues.

In May I ran and finished the Sedona Canyons 125 (back half of cocodona 250). I ran the first 50 miles in the Lone Peak 8 and the last 75 miles in the Mont Blanc Speed. The MB speed has a stack of 29mm which is 4 mm higher than the LP. Was nice to have a little more cushion for the later miles. No feet or toe issues.

All solid trail shoes for sure. Maybe it’s the socks. I run in Altra Lone Peak. And have recently added Altra Mont Blanc Speed (it’s a newer shoe). And Balega Hidden Comfort socks. REI is an outdoor retailer here in the States. I know wool is good but it never work for me. Balega uses nylon and synthetics and polyester. It works for me. Wool causes my feet to slide in the shoe.

Congrats! I was also there, and finished! It did take me a bit longer than you though, about 10 hours longer. Your recap is spot on for description of each section. Unfortunately I did have to navigate Hangover in the dark and it sucked. Course markings on Hangover were a little sketchy and then add in darkness, it was tough. But overall I agree with everything you said. I felt the same in just about every way you did. It was pretty amazing out there. I ran in LP 8s for a while too. Then switched to the Mont Blanc Speed.

I’m an Alta guy. But if you have no experience in zero drop I wouldn’t try them in a 100 miler without taking at least a few months to get used to them. I ran Sedona canyons 125 (back half of cocodona) last year, I ran in the Lone peak for the first 50 miles or so and the Mont Blanc speed for the last 75 miles or so.

I just bought a pair of these and I noticed the fabric on the insoles was already peeling on the edges, brand new out of the box. Seems like an ill omen for long term use.

Great shoe but it'll beat your feet up on a hundo if you're not accustomed to it. I recommend Mont Blanc Speed or new Timp.