ALTRA MONT BLANC First Run & First Impressions | Zero Drop Trail Running Shoes | Run4Adventure

[@vieuxsage]

I went into a local store and tried on both the Altra Olympus 4 and Mont Blanc, and even wearing both at the same time, and here’s my two yens: Similar stack height, both felt stable enough; definitely more toe protection on the Olympus, which partly explains why it’s a bit heavier; MB has a stronger rocker which screams speed, and it’s inner stole also goes up on the sides of my feet, while the Olympus has a more "slipper" feel; the MB heel cup seemed low, and it almost felt as if my heel might pop out (I’d be careful on very muddy trails). In the end I went with the Olympus as they’re cheaper and look like a more comfy ride, (I’m not a racer) though I don’t think the MB comfort would be a huge issue for most and as it seems more race oriented, would be the best choice for many.

[@SammyBattle]

Nice one!… I love the Olympus for Ultras but use the Timps for training - I think these could replace my Timps. Defo concerned about my heel popping out though!

[@Run4Adventure]

Great, hope you enjoy you Olympus and thanks for watching the channel it's appreciated 🙏😊

[@paulsparkes5741]

Hi, I’ve run in Altras for years and I find that using the last eye hole with a runners knot works wonders! Love the channel here in Spain 🇪🇸

[@ef6200]

Only problem with the MB is that the padding on the tongue does not go far up enough for the runner's knot. So I have had to adjust the lacing into the loop to push the tongue up as much as possible, and also use the reverse runners' knot to keep the laces on the padding.

[@SammyBattle]

@@ef6200 same with the olympus - the top of the tongue can be uncomfortable with a runners knot, cuts into the foot after a while

[@ef6200]

@@SammyBattle the Olympus 4 tongue was just a bit hard and would take some time to conform to the flex with your ankle joint. The MB tongue is soft, just no padding on the last top inch, meaning, if you tie a runners knot, the laces have no padding to rest on. A reverse runners knot helps tie the laces on the padded surface. But you still need to adjust the looping into the tongue loop to push the tongue up - as otherwise it will slip down. A bit of a head scratcher to get right.

[@Run4Adventure]

Hi Paul, really glad you are enjoying the channel. Unfortunately Elliot is right. If you use the top eyelets, the tounge is to short and you can feel the laces digging into the top of your foot! 😒

[@movemorenowjames]

Big fan of the Mont Blanc…. I added some extra padding to mine and maybe wished I went down 1/2. Love the ego max midsole, great feel. Plus good grip, agree with your points… nice ☝️

[@Ecoroof1986]

Do you really feel the difference with the Zero drop say compared to the Hoka Evo's that you use?

[@movemorenowjames]

Both shoes have good energy return, don’t feel any rocker with the MB like the EVO and yes, definitely feel the difference with the zero drop

[@Ecoroof1986]

@@movemorenowjames Thanks James 👍

[@SammyBattle]

Extra padding in the heel cup?

[@movemorenowjames]

@@SammyBattle well I actually bought it for the heel cup but didn’t need it but then realised it would work nicely on the tongue … did a few a videos on it

[@ianwarner1429]

I just went past 500 miles of mixed terrain running in my Salomon Ultra Glides. I do all my long runs in them here on the ice, snow and occasional asphalt during the winter. 🇨🇦🥶 Supremely cushioned trail shoe that can be used for anything. My 57 year old knees love them. Lighter than most, softer than most and obviously very durable. They drain and dry out faster than my Peregrine 10s which is important for the winter.. I still haven't seen a shoe this year that can touch them. The new Speedgoat is still heavier than the UGs. Loving the VLOGs and congratulations on going full-time.

[@abstinentrunnerkel5198]

What's the width like on the ultra glides? Quite fancy giving them a go...

[@ianwarner1429]

@@abstinentrunnerkel5198 the most comfortable Salomon shoe and proper sizing

[@Run4Adventure]

I've done a full in-depth review on the Ultra Glides on the channel. I wouldn't say it's the widest trail shoe in the world 👍

[@Run4Adventure]

Really glad you are still enjoying your Ultra Glides Ian, it's a great trail shoe! I think I'm going to go up half a size in my next pair, just so I've got a bit more space for longer races. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏😊

[@ianwarner1429]

@@Run4Adventure I learned a few pairs of shoes ago to size up. I'm a tweener so going up a half size always has worked...and what can I say...skinny feet! 🤣

[@jumpyl.h.8230]

Nice video as always Lloyd... 👍 Love the dogs and running with them. You're friend is a "machine" 😳. What a wonderful landscapes, you're so lucky... 🤩

[@Run4Adventure]

We're very fortunate to have so many amazing places to run here in Cornwall! He's definitely a machine, I've been trying to keep up with him for years 😂 Really glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching 🙏

[@aaronm6047]

Great video mate, I was super happy to see this video pop up. I'm a big fan of altra. Been looking at these. They almost look like a zero drop hoka speedgoat. Pleased you enjoyed your first outing. Cheers for the video 👍🏻

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Aaron, glad you enjoyed the video. You're right it is very similar to a zero drop Speedgoat 👍 Thanks for watching and supporting the channel mate 🙏

[@abcdthenpk]

Awesome product review as always! Keep it going Loyd!

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks very much, really glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for watching 🙏😊

[@rolandschegg4880]

Cool to have back the pirate running with you 🤞🤞🤩 Interesting shoe 😜

[@Run4Adventure]

It was good having him back on the channel and it was nice to get out on a run together 👍 Thanks for watching Roland, hope you guys are well 🙏

[@robbieweir1134]

Nice review 👍 a tyre depth gauge would be handy for checking lug size. It will be interesting to see if the upper holds up on these as some Altra’s uppers are terrible.

[@Run4Adventure]

That's a good idea Robbie, I've hot one somewhere? I'm hoping the uppers will be a bit better than previous Altras I've tested. I got a pair of Timp 3's last year and they literally fell apart on there first run! Fingers crossed at £165 these will be better. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏😊

[@gozza3702]

Thank you for another amazing video. Have a pair of the Mont Blancs and use them for a few weeks now. I love that shoe so much! It is comfortable and stable enough for me and all the terrain I usually run on. Yes, they are quite expensive, but for me worth it!

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Gozza 👍 I'm glad you're enjoying your Mont Blancs, it's a comfortable trail shoe. If I can just get that heel to lock down a bit better I can see myself doing a lot of miles in them 👍 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@roustabout4fun]

Enjoyed the video! I plan to get a pair of the BOA for a treat....they might solve any lockdown issue however small...I dig the color of the BOA but love the soles of these blue ones also.Take care.

[@Run4Adventure]

I'm really not convinced about the BOA version? It's a very expensive trail shoe and I'm not sure how durable it would be on the trails I run. If I smashed the BOA'S on a rock, what would I do then!? It screams gimmick to me 🤔 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@naimharb5305]

Looks promising this MB, I am however waiting for the BOA edition for a better lock-down. I did have issues with the upper's durability of the Olympus 4 that broke after 300 km. That is why I always tell people to try Altra wide shoes before. Since, as it was the case for me, if they are too wide, the upper will break due to foot movement inside (no matter how cozy that feeling is). I can guess and give some heads up about the outsole: great for ultra distances but not a good grip on technical muddy wet forest trails.

[@Run4Adventure]

I'm really not convinced about the BOA version. 1, its so expensive! 2, I'm not sure I what big plastic BOA's sticking out of the side of my trail shoes? I'm really not sure how durable that would be on the trails I run. If I hit a rock and smashed them, what would I do then? It all looks a bit gimmicky for my liking Naim. The outsole it actually performing better than I thought it would on muddy trails, even with quite a shallow lug 😊 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@Ghimlioak]

Hello Loyd, Great fisrt impression. This pair of Mont Blanc take a look at me. I tested the Lone Peak 5 recently and really appreciated them. I will wait for for your full review before taking a decision. Take care and greetings to Liga and you.

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Gianni that's really appreciated, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. We should have our full review on the channel soon once I've got some good miles into the shoe! Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 🙏😊

[@VladimirKelman]

How does Lone Peak compare to Mount Blank? Which one is lighter, which one is more cushioned?

[@Run4Adventure]

@@VladimirKelman The Mont Blanc is definitely the more cushioned out of the two. The Lone Peak is quite a minimal shoe but in my eyes its a much better shoe than the Mont Blanc 👍 Hope this helps Vladimir 😊

[@sarahthi]

Really useful to see these in action. I am considering these... 😀

[@Run4Adventure]

Glad you found the video helpful Sarah, thanks for watching 🙏😊

[@johnrose4590]

Amazing showcase of some of the best trails the UK has to offer… 👍

[@Run4Adventure]

Cheers John, really gkad you enjoyed seeing the amazing trails I get to run on! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏😊

[@seekad449]

Hm? 🤔 I'm curious how does it feel to wear a zero drop shoe. Awesome vid again Loyd! 👏🏾😃 Miss your vlogs 😊

[@manuel_877]

Good evenning Run4adventure and all the runners. Excellent video.Well done!!!. Here my like. This Mont Blanc are for élite runners. Thecnical and quality for longe distance. A nice weekend for everyone. 🌞🏃‍♂️⛰

[@Run4Adventure]

It's not just for elite runners Manuel but it has been designed for long distance racing 👍 Thanks for watching and supporting the channel its really appreciated 🙏

[@jamesforbes2598]

Thanks for another great video, iv been using Altra as my road shoe and really like them so am looking to get a trail pair and experiment with them. BUT £160!!!! things are getting a little silly now!!!

[@Run4Adventure]

It's a bit pricey isn't it James! 😲 I personally think £135/140 would have been a bit more realistic for the Mont Blanc. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@alansmith1716]

Great looking trail shoe, great review. I just cannot justify £165 especially if it's only a spring/summer shoe. I am hoping my next trail shoe is the Speedgoat 5, really looking forward to your review when it comes out.

[@Run4Adventure]

I totally agree! £165 is a lot of money for a trail shoes, especially when you'll struggle to run them all year round 🤔 Hopefully the SG5'S will be released soon and we can get hold of a pair. Thanks for watching Alan 🙏

[@morganflockhart5825]

Good first impression mate good to see you running with the dogs hard to do here in Australia as it’s mostly National Parks or too hot 🥵 for them! On Altras website the price was A$320 £178 😳so christ knows how much the BOA version will be a bit pricey considering there’s no carbon plate also do you think it needs more toe protection? Keep up the good work 👍PS what shoes did the pirate wear!

[@Run4Adventure]

They're definitely an expensive trail shoes and the BOA version is going to be around the £200 mark! Which is pretty ridiculous if you ask me 😒 Yeap, it definitely needs more toe protection, something I'll mention in our full review. He was wearing an old pair of Saucony Peregrine 10's. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏😊

[@alanwetherelt7155]

Prefer to trail run in a light boot due to my ankle , bought another pair of Inov8 , a few days back , next day saw that Altra make a light weight boot (looks very nice ), as for the shoes a short soft lug , can’t see them having much longevity

[@Run4Adventure]

I'm glad you've found something that works for you Alan 👍 Running is such a personal thing when it comes to the kit we use so if it's working stick with it 😊 I'm not convinced about the durability of the Mont Blanc either, I guess we'll find out. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@Scotty.Lincoln]

Trying to patiently wait for the BAO edition hopefully will come out before summer time

[@Run4Adventure]

I'm really not sure about the BOA version Scotty. One, it's a lot of money! Two, I'm not sure I want big plastic BOA's sticking out on my trail shoes? I think on the trails that I run it wouldn't be that durable. If I caught them on a rock and smashed them what would I do then? 🤔 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@jamesforbes3363]

Just moved over to Altra as a road shoe and loved them so now looking at trial pair. But!!! £165 think that's a bit steep and I'll be looking for something alot cheaper.

[@Run4Adventure]

It's definitely an expensive shoe and there's more affordable trail options within the Altra range James 👍 Glad you've found a brand that works for you and thanks for watching 🙏

[@bykez]

The outsole concerns me slightly. (Ie not being full cover) Reminds me a bit of Hoka ATRs, breaking on descents loosened the glue on the outsole.

[@Run4Adventure]

I guess time will tell Jesper 🤔 I think it's a much better outsole then the Challenger ATR though. No exposed midfoot and you've got Vibram Megagrip rubber on there as well. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏😊

[@davelockyerable]

Thanks for the review. They look great but the price of trail shoes seems to keep on climbing lately and IMO it's hard to justify paying full rrp if you only get

[@Run4Adventure]

No problem David 👍 800 miles out of a pair of running shoes is pretty good to be fair, think of all thoughts footstrikes! You're right though the running World has gone a bit crazy at the moment. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@jarekbatkowski9039]

I have two pairs of Altra shoes and use them for easy training sessions only. Altra Olympus 4 and Timp 4. The most comfortable because of it's foot shape but with a very poor quality outsole. The studs on my Timp 4 are gone after 120km only, three races in Canary Islands and a very few easy training sessions in the mountains. Very similar situation with Olympus 4. Altra should focus on things that really matter when running in the mountains... so the outsole. Yes, the comfort is important but can't run downhills or uphills without a proper traction. Conclusion...no more Altra shoes, I have written them off.

[@mikehall6433]

Great review as per norm. The heal does concern me. I may wait till the boa version comes out. Any idea when that is?

[@Run4Adventure]

The BOA version should be out in the Summer Mike, it's a pretty pricey shoe! 😲 Hope this helps, thanks for watching 🙏

[@SammyBattle]

Timps are my go to for training but the sole gets destroyed pretty quickly, this looks like it could be a suitable replacement? I love the vibram sole on the olympus, it’s solid and takes a beating and great for ultras - but they’re massive!

[@vieuxsage]

Check my comment about comparing them to the Olympus. The Mont Blanc are lighter, but not so much smaller. The sole widths are quite similar. I got the Olympus cuz they seem more resistant, especially the toe box.

[@Run4Adventure]

The Timp is definitely a comfortable shoe Sammy but not great when it comes to durability! Mine fell apart after there first couple of runs. I'm a big fan of Vibram megagrip as well, super constant on the trail but the lug is quite shallow on the Mont Blanc. Hope this helps and thanks for watching 🙏😊

[@gow2ilove]

Great video Loyd. I was just wondering what your thoughts on the Soft Terrain version of the Peregrine 12 is? I presume you may know someone who's used them or the ST versions of the prior models. Do you think they'd be comparable to a mudclaw or X talon from Inov8?

[@maori185gc]

I have the Peregrine ST, it can comfortably manage transitions from soft to tarmac because the lugs, while deep, are more closely spaced together than an outright mud or fell shoe. It's perfect for UK March and April where some trail sections are dry and some are quagmire. The Talon is uncomfortable in anything but soft mud. Haven't tried mudclaws.

[@gow2ilove]

@@maori185gc Thanks for the response Geoff. That's good to know, I have both the Talon and Mudclaw, great for pure soft ground and in fairness, can handle some road, but would like something for muddy canal paths, and the sort of weather you describe. May have to get some...

[@Run4Adventure]

To be honest I prefer the standard version of the Peregrine. I think the grip and traction is a lot more consistent on a big mix of terrain. I know a few people who have run the ST version and it's struggled a bit in wet rocky areas 🤔 If you're after that trail shoe for the deepest of mud then maybe the X-Talon Ultra 260 V2's are a better option. Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 😊🙏

[@gow2ilove]

@@Run4Adventure cheers Loyd, I've heard over people say that. There are a few features on the ST version that I liked the look of and I don't think 8mm lugs are always that necessary having already owned a pair of Mudclaws. I might try the normal Peregrine 12s out. As always, thanks for this review of these Altra's and all your other great content!

[@Run4Adventure]

@@gow2ilove Thanks very much 🙏

[@shaunwilding4509]

Great review Lloyd. Just got into Altra ( paradigms bought for road) eager to see what's what on the trail side of things. As always you word on such matters is becoming a bit gospel esq.

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Shaun and thanks for your kind words! To be honest Ive always struggled with the whole Zero drop thing on the road. The road is so unforgiving and I definitely need a bit of heel off set. However on the trails where its softer and uneven it seems to be ok. How are you getting on with your Paradigms? 🤔 Thanks for watching and supporting the channel mate 🙏

[@kateludlam7379]

Awesome video - those trails 😍 Interested in trying zero drop shoes. Is it a marked difference from 3 and 4mm offset? How would you say these compare with inov8 Terraultra?

[@Run4Adventure]

It's not really a big difference on the trails Kate. The environment is so much more forgiving than the road you probably wouldn't even notice. The Altra is quite different from the Inov-8 shoe. It's a bit lighter, deeper cushioned and wider in the toe box. Hope this helps and thanks for watching and supporting the channel 🙏😊

[@AshRolls]

I've heard bad things about the durability of Altra shoes which puts me off. Would like to get my hands on some of Topo's range of shoes which are similar to Altra but with better build quality.

[@Run4Adventure]

I've had durability issues with some Altras in the past so I'm hoping the Mont Blancs will be better 👍 I've tested a few Topo shoes on the channel if you wanted to take a look. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@CESARDECESERO]

Please what is the best altra"s shoes (best cushing )

[@Run4Adventure]

If its cushioning your after, it's probably the Olympus 4 👍 Hope this helps and thanks for watching the channel 🙏

[@trailsandbeers]

You should try the Mont Blanc Carbon, it is much better!

[@Run4Adventure]

I was so disappointed with these that I don’t want to risk wasting my money again! I’ve actually spoken to a couple of runners who’ve tried the carbon version and they really weren’t impressed 🤔

[@victory4life00]

These or the Speed goat 5?

[@Run4Adventure]

I haven't run in the Speedgoat 5's yet so it's hard to say? When we finally get the SG5's in the UK I'll definitely be reviewing them on the channel. Hope this helps and thanks for watching 🙏😊

[@BanjoStu]

Certainly a nice looking shoe, not something you can always say about an Altra. Not personally a big fan of zero drop shoes, I'll be interested to hear how you get on longer term.

[@Run4Adventure]

It is a good looking shoe Stu 👍 I'm still not convinced about the whole Zero drop thing, especially for long distance 🤔 I have had issues with durability in the past with Altras but it seems to be holding up ok at the moment. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated. Hope the ankle is ok? 🤔

[@andys121.]

i didnt get on with these , didnt drain well and grip wasnt great in the mud . sold them on

[@Run4Adventure]

I'm actually think the complete opposite when it comes to drainage Andrew. I've been for a couple of really wet runs and I thought the shoes drained really well 🤔 Obviously a trail shoe that has a very shallow lug depth is never going to give good traction in mud but it handled it better than I thought it would, still not great though 👍 Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏

[@grantwallace1882]

More doggies and more Pirate, please. Your presentation style has improved so much since I started following R4A. So excited about the future of the channel. Shoe looks great, but not for me.

[@Run4Adventure]

Thanks Grant that's really appreciated. It's amazing when you look back and you see how much we've learnt at the channel over the years. Some of those early videos were terrible, I can't watch them! 😲 Thanks for watching and supporting the channel 🙏😊

[@Seanonyoutube]

The C in Blanc is silent just fyi

[@Run4Adventure]

Cheers Sean but I've never heard anyone pronounce it with a Silent 'C' here in the UK? 🤔 Thanks for watching 👍

[@ianl4518]

I don't think I could cope with zero drop. I definitely couldn't cope with that price and given how crazy the cost of living is now with everything going up, very expensive running shoes will be a bit of a luxury.

[@Run4Adventure]

It's definitely an expensive shoe Ian! The world of running shoes has gone a bit bonkers at the moment and it could do with calming down a bit. I'm still not sure about the Zero drop thing either, especially for long distance? Thanks for watching it's really appreciated mate 🙏😊

[@robinupton6449]

Wish I could get my head around zero drop. Only thing that puts me off Altras. Got PTSD from the bitches after the Arc this year

[@Run4Adventure]

Zero drop is definitely not for everyone Rob. I don't mind it on a trail shoe but I'm still not sure I'd want to run 100 miles with out some kind of off set? The Bitches are a bit of a kick in the teeth at the end of the Arc! Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment it's appreciated 🙏😊