After a Cumbrian winter and an 100k mountain race, my trail shoes had seen better days so I was delighted to get the opportunity to test out the new Mont Blanc BOA® trail running shoe from Altra.
I’d never had a pair of Altras before but had heard good things from fellow runners so was excited to give them a go. I opted for a UK size 4.5 – I’m usually a 4 but find the space is better for the inevitable swollen feet that come with running longer distances. When new shoe day arrived, they fit perfectly, true to size with lots of room around the toes. I initially loved the colourway ‘Golden Hour’ however, I’ll be honest that the reality of a pale yellow trail running shoe and Lake District terrain was that they did not stay their lovely golden hue for very long! Aesthetics aside, the shoe performance couldn’t be better.
I was initially nervous on the grassy slopes – not sure if the traction would hold me, but before long I was flying down with very little movement under foot. After their initial mud bath, I took them for a spin around the Langdales and the performance was just as good over the rocks and rugged, more mountainous terrain. I have found them comfy from the outset with their Standard FootShape™ Fit and Altra EGO™ MAX foam midsole. I think it’s difficult to find the perfect mix of enough tread on the sole, whilst maintaining the more cushioned feel but Altra seem to have nailed it, alongside keeping the shoe lightweight (they weigh in at 264g).
Another interesting feature of the Mont Blanc BOA® trail running shoe is the laces – or should I say lack of. I’ve had shoes with different variations of laces before but never anything as sophisticated as these. Altra dub the lace mechanism as ‘PerformFit™ Wrap powered by a two-dial BOA® Fit System’, which allows for precise and quick adjustments when you’re on the run. I was a little sceptical at first, will they loosen or break mid run, will the adjustment dials still work when caked in bog? However, after testing them I am happy to report they exceeded my expectations and really do make life easier. I can imagine in a race situation the ease of not having to adjust your laces or shoe fit would be very welcome and a great time saver.
Overall, I think my Altras and I are going to be very happy together. They are lightweight, breathable, and really do look and feel great – it’s just a shame I got them so muddy, so quickly but I guess that’s to be expected with trail running in the UK. With a couple of longer distance races on the horizon they are definitely going to be put to good use.
Review by Libbi McGibbon
