Altra Men's Mont Blanc Speed

Altra Men's Mont Blanc Speed

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The Altra Mont Blanc Speed is a fast and responsive men's trail shoe designed for technical trail running, tempo runs and long days on the trails. The shoe combines two midsole materials with a protective StoneGuard™ plate and a grippy Vibram® Megagrip outsole.

Unlike the Mont Blanc Carbon, the Speed model does not have a carbon fiber plate. Instead, a more flexible TPU plate is used, which provides protection against sharp rocks and uneven surfaces.

Responsive midsole for speed and long runs

The midsole features a lightweight Altra EGO™ PRO core surrounded by an Altra EGO™ MAX frame. The combination delivers responsiveness when the pace picks up, while maintaining the cushioning and durability needed for longer runs.

With a stack height of 29 mm, the Mont Blanc Speed is classified as a high-cushioning shoe.

StoneGuard™ protects against stones and uneven terrain

Between the midsole materials is a TPU-based StoneGuard™ plate. It protects the foot from impact from rocks, roots and other irregularities without giving the same stiff feel as a carbon fiber plate.

This makes the Mont Blanc Speed an option for runners who want a fast and protective trail shoe with greater flexibility than the Mont Blanc Carbon.

Vibram® Megagrip with Litebase

The outsole uses Vibram® Megagrip, developed for grip on a variety of surfaces. The Litebase construction reduces the amount of rubber in the sole base, contributing to a lower weight without removing the outsole's grip pattern.

The outsole is suitable for technical trails, mountain terrain and surfaces where you alternate between dry and wet areas.

Benefits of Altra Mont Blanc Speed

Developed for technical trail running and long trail sessions

Lightweight and responsive construction

Core of Altra EGO™ PRO

Stabilizing frame of Altra EGO™ MAX

StoneGuard™ TPU plate

Protects against rocks, roots and bumps

Vibram® Megagrip outsole

Weight-saving Litebase technology

0 mm drop between heel and forefoot

29 mm stack height

High level of damping

Standard FootShape™ Fit

Ultralight and breathable upper

Neutral running shoe

Lightweight and breathable upper

The ultra-lightweight upper is designed to provide ventilation and keep the shoe's overall weight down. A reverse-stitched construction around the tongue and heel collar reduces the amount of material and contributes to a softer feel around the foot.

The fit is adapted for running in technical terrain, where the foot needs to be held in place while the toes have room to move.

Standard FootShape™ Fit

The Mont Blanc Speed uses Altra's Standard FootShape™ Fit, which allows for natural toe movement while providing a snug fit across the midfoot.

The Standard FootShape™ is not Altra's widest last. Runners accustomed to the Original FootShape™ may find the Mont Blanc Speed to be more snug across the midfoot and forefoot.

The difference between Mont Blanc Speed and Mont Blanc Carbon

Both models feature 0mm drop, 29mm stack height, EGO™ PRO/EGO™ MAX midsole and Vibram® Megagrip with Litebase. The key difference is in the underfoot plate.

Mont Blanc Speed: More flexible StoneGuard™ TPU plate for protection and a more responsive step.

Mont Blanc Carbon: Full-length carbon fiber plate for a stiffer, more race-oriented feel.

The Speed model is mainly suitable for fast training and long trail runs, while the Carbon model is more clearly aimed at competition and runners who prefer a stiffer shoe.

Who is Altra Mont Blanc Speed suitable for?

The shoe is suitable for those looking for a well-cushioned but fast trail shoe for:

Technical trail running

Quick workouts

Long runs

Mountain running

Trail and ultra races

Varying surface with rocks and roots

Things to consider at 0 mm drop

The Mont Blanc Speed has a 0mm drop, which means that the heel and forefoot are at the same height. If you usually run in shoes with a higher drop, you should increase your use gradually, as the load on your calves, Achilles tendons and feet may change.

Feel free to start with shorter sessions and alternate with your previous running shoes during the transition period.

Size recommendation

Measure both feet from heel to longest toe, starting with the longer foot. Altra recommends adding approximately 0.5 cm to the foot measurement before comparing it to the size chart.

Product specification

Brand: Altra

Model: Mont Blanc Speed

Model type: Men

Product type: Trail shoe

Best for: Technical trails and long trail runs

Protective plate: TPU StoneGuard™

Carbon fiber plate: No

Midsole: Altra EGO™ MAX and Altra EGO™ PRO

Outsole: Vibram® Megagrip with Litebase

Drop: 0 mm

Stack height: 29 mm in heel and forefoot

Damping: High

Support: Neutral

Fit: Standard FootShape™ Fit

Upper: Ultralight and breathable

Weight: Approximately 286 g per shoe, depending on size

The Altra Men's Mont Blanc Speed is generally normal in length and most people can choose their usual size in Altra or other running shoes. The model has a Standard FootShape , which provides a more precise and performance-oriented fit than Altra's roomier Original FootShape.

The toe box is still foot-shaped and roomier than many traditional trail shoes, but it is narrower and more tapered than, for example, the Altra Lone Peak and Olympus 275.

Size chart

*The comparison measurement corresponds to the length of the foot plus 0.5 cm, according to Altra's measurement method.

How is the Altra Mont Blanc Speed sized?

Testers are fairly unanimous that the Mont Blanc Speed is a normal length. The toe box allows for natural toe spread but isn't as wide as many classic Altra models. It tapers earlier over the smaller toes, giving a more precise feel in technical terrain.

The thin upper is somewhat flexible and can adapt to different foot widths. However, people with narrow feet may experience too much movement in the forefoot, while very wide feet may feel pressure at the little toe.

Our size recommendation

First of all, choose your usual Altra or running shoe size. Mont Blanc Speed normally does not need to be purchased larger.

Choose a half US size larger if you:

• is between two sizes
• falls in the upper part of the measurement range
• has a wide forefoot and needs more space at the smaller toes
• should use the shoe during long ultra or mountain runs
• want extra space for swollen feet
• usually hits his toes while running downhill

A larger size mainly increases length and does not always solve width problems. If you have a very wide forefoot, you should therefore check the fit carefully instead of automatically choosing a longer shoe.

If you have a narrow or low-volume foot, you should not go down a size if it reduces toe space. Maintain the correct length and use heel locks in the laces if necessary for better fixation.

If you are switching from Altra Lone Peak

The Mont Blanc Speed is about the same length as the Lone Peak, but has a more tapered and performance-oriented toe box. You can usually start with the same size.

If the Lone Peak sits exactly over the forefoot, the Mont Blanc Speed may feel narrower at the little toe. If the Lone Peak feels very roomy, the Standard FootShape in the Mont Blanc Speed may provide better fixation.

If you switch from Altra Timp

Mont Blanc Speed is perceived by many users as slightly longer than Timp. If you have gone up half a size in Timp, you do not automatically need to do the same in Mont Blanc Speed.

Start with your foot measurement and first try your usual Altra size.

If you are switching from Altra Olympus 6

The Mont Blanc Speed is generally perceived as longer and more precise than the Olympus 6. If you have gone up half a size because the Olympus 6 felt short, your regular Altra size may be sufficient in the Mont Blanc Speed.

At the same time, keep in mind that the Mont Blanc Speed has a Standard FootShape and less total volume than the Original FootShape of the Olympus models.

How to measure your foot

1. Place a piece of paper on a hard floor with one edge against a wall.
2. Stand on the paper with your heel lightly against the wall.
3. Mark where the longest toe ends.
4. Measure both feet and start from the longest one.
5. Add 0.5 cm and compare the result with the table.
6. If you are between two sizes, you normally choose the larger size.

Try the shoe on with the socks you plan to wear. The heel and midfoot should be stable while the toes should be able to move without touching the front edge. Feel free to test the fit in a downhill fit and use heel lock if the heel moves.