I just ran Javelina in the Mont Blanc --absolutely loved it. It's light, speedy, and does provide that groundfeel you talked about. I have tried the Boa version. I also wanted to love it. I found that I couldn't get my foot to stay in place, no matter how much cranking I did. Not a great shoe for me, unfortunately.
I wanted to love them too. But the hard boa knobs press on the top of my feet and hurt terribly without fixing the lockdown issues of the first rendition
I agree that the heal FEELS light and reduced and insubstantial…. BUT, the materials seem to stick to your heal/sock pretty well. So while it feels like you’re heal isn’t super locked in at first, it doesn’t actually slip. I ran my first two 100s in 2022, the first in the original Mont Blanc (80 out of 100), and the second in the Mont Blanc Boas (all 100 miles). In the Boas, with injinji socks, I had zero blisters, limited foot soreness, and my feet looked like had just run a 5k instead of a 100. I think the fit issues are generally overstated. The Boas are much more comfortable across the top of the foot than the originals, but I find the midsole is just pure bliss - plenty of protection in my view (no issue on pointy rocks) but also some ground feel. I’m open to others but these will probably get the start for my next 100 as well.
Same here. I think it’s just a different feel than normal shoes. I also side down .5 and it’s perfect. I loved the MB but it had some glaring issues (which I think can be addressed in future iteration). But, the BOA MB has been my go to shoe for racing! Wishing Altra sticks vibram and more aggressive lugs in the Timp for a cheaper training shoe!
At that price point you should expect a near perfect shoe. I love me some Altras, but have been spending more time in my ToPos. Would like to see you review some of their shoes!
Whilst I agree with most of your comments the boa definately works but you really need to kick your heels into the back of your shoe before tightening the top boa down! You'll likely find that helps with the fit around the ankle.
Oh Altra my feet (toes love u ) could just about take short life for of nearly all altras ive owned runners trail and a grafton a vali but my last couple pair not good going to Topo now
For me is was a huge difference in the fit…I didnt have a huge heel prob with the regular version tho. I could even use my regular size in the Boa version. Its not a perfect shoe at all but I feel really locked down in Boa
Very accurate review I loved the look of these and needed some trail hiking shoes but I was open to running in them because they look awesome. I looked up a video just for the lace and figuring that out. But the biggest wonk for me is the heel wanting to slip out. That is one hundred percent accurate. I’m on the fence of keeping them just because they look really cool….. there are definitely other brands i won’t mention that offer what this is supposed to do at a lower premium
I have been an Altra runner for years (Love my Lone Peaks). The Mont Blanc just does not work for me, had to send both the Original and BOA version back (I gave them a week to see if it was just a break in thing). Just could never get the feel I needed while out trail running and certainly didn't want to try a race in them if I could not get a reliable feel in a 2 hour training run. Still love my Lone Peaks though over the years as Altra has come out with new models they have been hit or miss. It was not until the 6 came out that I got a feel that was equivalent to the 3 (that I love and still have 1 pair I have not used yet). When I see Altra drop price on a shoe I like (that means a new model is coming) I tend to buy a couple of pairs to have ready in case the new model doesn't work out
Boa makes a more premium knob that clicks to tighten and untighten without having to unsnap the whole unit. I have them on my cycling shoes. Altra should consider going with that unit next time around.
A theoretically great shoe indeed. Tried the non-BOA version when it debuted. Loved the upper, mega grip, and midsole, but it felt like nothing at all was wrapping my heel. Like running in a plusher Birkenstock Boston clog. At $209(!!) I’ll skip the BOA version. I want to love this shoe. C’mon, Altra, nail it on v2!
I've loved my Lone Peaks forever, but i was looking around for other greener grasses following a long trail. I was looking at the Mont Blanc but was worried about fit and longevity like normal. I found a set of Topo MTN Racer 2 at basically half off and they become my favorite shoe instantly. Even though Mont Blanc has the sick looking Boa edition I'll probably not even try them out and stick with MTN Racers.
please altra, don't make your heel counters stiff now based on his opinion. I NEED the heel to be soft otherwise I rub through the bolster material and end up destroying my heels on the hard plastic back
I used to love altra but their shoes have such poor build quality. I continually get major rips or holes in my shoes before they get to 300 miles. I would never spend over $200 clams for a shoe that could be destroyed at any moment. I’m considering switching to Salomon because of altras major reliability problems.
That's has been a permanent issue with Altra's: they rips in the same places all the times that I bought it...I moved to Topo and I found the perfect shoe for me
@@bilaltahir9978 all depend on what are You looking for but i really enjoy running on the Mountain Racer 2, great cushioning, grip and the materials are great
Solid review....one fairly elite runner actually removed the white (lower) BOA to relieve the pressure I will wait for next year's model or a sale on these.
The heel/ankle support is actually an issue with my new Lone Peaks, just can't get used to the lack of it, compared to the Inov8 Terra Ultra 270, I've been running in currently. Seems to be a general problem of the design then...? (Looking forward for a review of that Apex 2 Pro btw :))
I think Altra has taken advantage of their loyal customers for a few years now, unfortunately. Unreal price increases which is whatever in this market I guess but with the Mont Blanc .. the torin 5 tongue… like it’s super clear they don’t actually have runners test their shoes anymore.
From how you seem to tighten laces far beyond what a normal foot would require in most shoes, I am left thinking that it’s not the shoe, it’s you. For this reason, I have always had a hard time taking these fit comments seriously.
I have a lace-up Mont Blanc and its my favorite pair of trail Altra's. The problems you have with it don't make sense. Its not made to be a Timp, which is what you seem to think it should be. Additionally your ability to get it right on your foot, is just that, your foot.
You just know a shoe is in big trouble, when looks is the most positive thing there is to say. BOA on a running shoe is just stupid, expensive and useless.
I WANT to love the Mont Blanc BOA, but I’m still having some of the same fundamental problems with it. What are your thoughts??
I just ran Javelina in the Mont Blanc --absolutely loved it. It's light, speedy, and does provide that groundfeel you talked about.
I have tried the Boa version. I also wanted to love it. I found that I couldn't get my foot to stay in place, no matter how much cranking I did. Not a great shoe for me, unfortunately.
I wanted to love them too. But the hard boa knobs press on the top of my feet and hurt terribly without fixing the lockdown issues of the first rendition
I agree that the heal FEELS light and reduced and insubstantial…. BUT, the materials seem to stick to your heal/sock pretty well. So while it feels like you’re heal isn’t super locked in at first, it doesn’t actually slip. I ran my first two 100s in 2022, the first in the original Mont Blanc (80 out of 100), and the second in the Mont Blanc Boas (all 100 miles). In the Boas, with injinji socks, I had zero blisters, limited foot soreness, and my feet looked like had just run a 5k instead of a 100. I think the fit issues are generally overstated. The Boas are much more comfortable across the top of the foot than the originals, but I find the midsole is just pure bliss - plenty of protection in my view (no issue on pointy rocks) but also some ground feel. I’m open to others but these will probably get the start for my next 100 as well.
Same here. I think it’s just a different feel than normal shoes. I also side down .5 and it’s perfect. I loved the MB but it had some glaring issues (which I think can be addressed in future iteration). But, the BOA MB has been my go to shoe for racing! Wishing Altra sticks vibram and more aggressive lugs in the Timp for a cheaper training shoe!
At that price point you should expect a near perfect shoe. I love me some Altras, but have been spending more time in my ToPos. Would like to see you review some of their shoes!
Let me add…some of their updated shoes. They have changed since some of your previous reviews.
Still staying honest, love that about your reviews and channel
Much appreciated!
Those are some weird looking Salomons.
Million dollar idea: BOA needs to develop a conversion kit that can turn normal shoes into BOA shoes
Whilst I agree with most of your comments the boa definately works but you really need to kick your heels into the back of your shoe before tightening the top boa down! You'll likely find that helps with the fit around the ankle.
Oh Altra my feet (toes love u ) could just about take short life for of nearly all altras ive owned runners trail and a grafton a vali but my last couple pair not good going to Topo now
I get amazing lock down and love racing in the MB Boa's
Racing slippers!
Zero blisters or hot spots
For me is was a huge difference in the fit…I didnt have a huge heel prob with the regular version tho. I could even use my regular size in the Boa version. Its not a perfect shoe at all but I feel really locked down in Boa
Very accurate review
I loved the look of these and needed some trail hiking shoes but I was open to running in them because they look awesome. I looked up a video just for the lace and figuring that out. But the biggest wonk for me is the heel wanting to slip out. That is one hundred percent accurate. I’m on the fence of keeping them just because they look really cool….. there are definitely other brands i won’t mention that offer what this is supposed to do at a lower premium
P.s. heel hasn’t actually slipped
And I think there’s something to do with the ratios at which you fasten the two boa constrictors
I have been an Altra runner for years (Love my Lone Peaks). The Mont Blanc just does not work for me, had to send both the Original and BOA version back (I gave them a week to see if it was just a break in thing). Just could never get the feel I needed while out trail running and certainly didn't want to try a race in them if I could not get a reliable feel in a 2 hour training run.
Still love my Lone Peaks though over the years as Altra has come out with new models they have been hit or miss. It was not until the 6 came out that I got a feel that was equivalent to the 3 (that I love and still have 1 pair I have not used yet). When I see Altra drop price on a shoe I like (that means a new model is coming) I tend to buy a couple of pairs to have ready in case the new model doesn't work out
Boa makes a more premium knob that clicks to tighten and untighten without having to unsnap the whole unit. I have them on my cycling shoes. Altra should consider going with that unit next time around.
the di2, correct? more expensive of course, but definitely more appropriate for a running shoe that's going to use them.
A theoretically great shoe indeed. Tried the non-BOA version when it debuted. Loved the upper, mega grip, and midsole, but it felt like nothing at all was wrapping my heel. Like running in a plusher Birkenstock Boston clog. At $209(!!) I’ll skip the BOA version. I want to love this shoe. C’mon, Altra, nail it on v2!
Where can I find the elite Altra athlete video you referenced for lacing the Mont Blanc.
Great review... I'll stick with laces and Olympus for now.... although I've been eyeing some Topos for a try.
They are listed at 220€ in Europe... but you can find them on several places for 140-150 ..wonder why ;)
I've loved my Lone Peaks forever, but i was looking around for other greener grasses following a long trail. I was looking at the Mont Blanc but was worried about fit and longevity like normal. I found a set of Topo MTN Racer 2 at basically half off and they become my favorite shoe instantly. Even though Mont Blanc has the sick looking Boa edition I'll probably not even try them out and stick with MTN Racers.
Mountain Racer 2 is a great shoe. Heel is a bit built up, but really enjoyable and great traction
I’m very interested to at least try these on.
please altra, don't make your heel counters stiff now based on his opinion. I NEED the heel to be soft otherwise I rub through the bolster material and end up destroying my heels on the hard plastic back
If you went down by a half size would you have enough room to fix the heel issue?
I used to love altra but their shoes have such poor build quality. I continually get major rips or holes in my shoes before they get to 300 miles. I would never spend over $200 clams for a shoe that could be destroyed at any moment. I’m considering switching to Salomon because of altras major reliability problems.
That's has been a permanent issue with Altra's: they rips in the same places all the times that I bought it...I moved to Topo and I found the perfect shoe for me
@@AnarkexReload which topo do you recommend?
@@bilaltahir9978 all depend on what are You looking for but i really enjoy running on the Mountain Racer 2, great cushioning, grip and the materials are great
Sizing still an issue I guess vs non Boa? Sizing down helped a bit with the fit in my experience…
Good honest review.
Kinda cool if you're Polish, you get to wear the flag on your foot.
Solid review....one fairly elite runner actually removed the white (lower) BOA to relieve the pressure I will wait for next year's model or a sale on these.
who was it?
The heel/ankle support is actually an issue with my new Lone Peaks, just can't get used to the lack of it, compared to the Inov8 Terra Ultra 270, I've been running in currently. Seems to be a general problem of the design then...?
(Looking forward for a review of that Apex 2 Pro btw :))
Big let down for the same reasons. Didn’t bother with the first MB when it came out knowing the Boa was coming out. 🙄
Great review. Have been interested in trying these. Do they run true to size?
I think Altra has taken advantage of their loyal customers for a few years now, unfortunately. Unreal price increases which is whatever in this market I guess but with the Mont Blanc .. the torin 5 tongue… like it’s super clear they don’t actually have runners test their shoes anymore.
It is a good looking shoe though
I bought these but can't figure out how to put them on.
Ah, unclick😅
Altra: Hey, everybody! We fixed it!
Narrator: They did not...
How could you not adress the plagiarism on Salomon?
If it didn’t have the name Mont Blanc this wouldn’t be half as popular.
From how you seem to tighten laces far beyond what a normal foot would require in most shoes, I am left thinking that it’s not the shoe, it’s you. For this reason, I have always had a hard time taking these fit comments seriously.
I have a lace-up Mont Blanc and its my favorite pair of trail Altra's. The problems you have with it don't make sense. Its not made to be a Timp, which is what you seem to think it should be. Additionally your ability to get it right on your foot, is just that, your foot.
I’m not paying $209 on a shoe unless it’s perfection itself. And unfortunately it sounds like this shoe is not it.
You just know a shoe is in big trouble, when looks is the most positive thing there is to say. BOA on a running shoe is just stupid, expensive and useless.
Epic fail & $$$
Realy bad shoes