Altra Mont Blanc Speed vs Mont Blanc Carbon
Mont Blanc Speed or Mont Blanc Carbon? 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 soft, comfortable zero-drop trail shoe? Get the Mont Blanc Speed.
Want a light, plated, zero-drop trail racer? Get the Mont Blanc Carbon.
Get the Mont Blanc Speed if
- You want the softer, more cushioned ride
- It’s mostly for easy days
- You’d rather spend $80 less
Get the Mont Blanc Carbon if
- You want a carbon plate for faster running
- You like a firmer, more stable feel
- You want something for race day
On the run
Mont Blanc Speed: Soft, comfortable zero-drop trail miles. Soft and comfortable for daily runs and long miles, with an EGO PRO core, an EGO MAX rim, a rock plate and Vibram Megagrip Litebase.
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.
The Mont Blanc Speed hasn’t been lab tested by RunRepeat yet, so its feel ratings are estimated from Believe in the Run’s review (no lab test yet).
Specs side by side
| Mont Blanc Speed | Mont Blanc Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $195 | $275 |
| Stack height (heel / forefoot) | 29 / 29mm | 29 / 29mm |
| Drop | 0mm | 0mm |
| Weight, men’s | 9.1 oz* | 8.9 oz* |
| Weight, women’s | 7.6 oz* | Not listed by Altra |
| Support | Neutral | Neutral |
| Plate | None | Carbon plate |
| Widths | Standard | Standard |
| Built for | Trails, Long runs, Easy days | Trails, Race day, Long runs |
| Expected life | 400–500 miles | 450–550 miles |
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 Speed. Fit isn’t the greatest, per Believe in the Run, so try it on.
Mont Blanc Carbon. True to size with Altra’s roomy toebox. Wide available.
Try them on
Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.
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