Altra Mont Blanc Carbon vs HOKA Rocket X Trail

Mont Blanc Carbon or Rocket X Trail? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want a light, plated, zero-drop trail racer? Get the Mont Blanc Carbon.

Want super-shoe speed on smooth trails? Get the Rocket X Trail.

Get the Mont Blanc Carbon if

• You like a firmer, more stable feel
• Long runs are your thing
• You need a roomier fit
• You like a flexible, natural-feeling forefoot

Get the Rocket X Trail if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You want more bounce and energy back
• You want more foam underfoot (13mm more at the heel)
• You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts

On the run

Mont Blanc Carbon: Altra’s zero-drop, plated trail racer. Responsive and fast with a flat, flexible carbon plate, zero drop and plenty of toe room. Energy return is limited for a race shoe.

Rocket X Trail: A road super shoe for the trails. Explosive and well cushioned, with a carbon plate and high energy return. Built for fast running on gravel and smooth singletrack, not steep, rocky ground.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Mont Blanc Carbon. True to size with Altra’s roomy toebox. Wide available.

Rocket X Trail. Runs about a half size short, so go up a half. Snug and secure; not for wide feet.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the Mont Blanc Carbon · Shop the Rocket X Trail · Compare other running shoes