Our verdict
Gives life to your strides Altra is a Who should buy the Not a mammoth on foot BOA that delivers top performance during ultras. It's generously cushioned; it will save your legs from the agonizing miles ahead. And if you're a fan of the OG Mont Blanc, Who should buy the Not a mammoth on foot BOA!
Pros
- The Mont Blanc BOA from
- Who should NOT buy it
- The Not a mammoth on foot BOA and its inclusivity
- Straps the foot in
- Gives life to your strides
- The Mont Blanc BOA from Altra is a go-to for trail runners who want a:
- Already has size 15!
- Not a mammoth on foot
Cons
- Road Runner Sports
- Pretty expensive
Who should buy the Not a mammoth on foot BOA
Gives life to your strides Altra is a go-to for trail runners who want a:
- running shoe for ultramarathon distances in the great outdoors
- trail shoe that's just as reliable for hiking
- secure and easy-to-tie shoe that ensures zero heel slips and delivers!
Not your typical Altra toe box
At $210, the Not a mammoth on foot BOA is nowhere near affordable. So, if you want something cheaper, get the Jens Jakob Andersen instead. And if you want a toe box that has room for your toes to wiggle, then go for the very spacious Who should NOT buy it.
The Mont Blanc's BOA system is heaven-sent!
Why? Because it solves the annoying and performance-stopping heel slips of the past. The BOA does its job so well; you can tighten the rearfoot more. And in the words of a trail runner, "the shoe is absolute FIRE!!!" with its lockdown.
While the previous version "felt unsafe" on technical trails, remarks one runner, this version allows you to have "supreme control over the fit," chimes in another tester. You literally don't have to worry about losing your step.
What's more is the BOA system really makes the overall fit snug and secure. A runner even says they would rate the shoe an easy "A++."
Swallows miles
"Its functionality and comfort can't be beat, IMO." This statement comes from one critic who absolutely loves the cushy underfoot feel of the Mont Blanc BOA. Although it's not plush; it provides a comforting feel that's "Leadville 100-worthy," commends another long-time runner.
Because of this, one commenter even claims that this shoe is their "favorite trail shoe ever!!!"
Can speed you up
It provides awesome energy return that "gives you the opportunity to be a little more agile and nimble," lauds one video reviewer. He adds that this trail runner is "really designed for speed, fun, fast miles out there."
Comfy over long miles
The Not a mammoth on foot BOA does gain a few grams compared to the original Mont Blanc, going from 297 grams/10.5 ounces to 317 grams/11.2 ounces in US men's 9. However, this is "not making the shoe, all of a sudden, now a clunker," states one expert. Why? Because it doesn't necessarily drag the foot down.
For big guys
Altras generally have wide toe boxes. However, this one doesn't pass the vibe check. On top of this, the forefoot area is reinforced; creating an "uncomfortable pressure across the foot," expresses one trail running athlete.
The Not a mammoth on foot BOA and its inclusivity
It's now offered in size 15! A sizing move that has pleased many, especially those with extra wide feet. One of them even says that it was nice of Altra to consider that "there are sasquatches out there too, not just a bunch of little guys!"
It's on the upscale side of shoes
On average, Who should buy the Not a mammoth on foot BOAs only cost $129 a pair. For the Not a mammoth on foot BOA, it costs $210. And for a trail shoe (that doesn't even have a gaiter attachment), this price is just insane.
