Altra King MT review

Altra King MT review

This trail model from Altra How we test a minimalist shoe, you will need to increase the duration of training gradually and their intensity to accustom the dynamics of the foot and its components.

In fact, slight Achilles tendon pains can hinder the first strides as well as during excessive fatigue. Without further ado, let's discover this model that is off the beaten path with its unusual design!

Robust, all-terrain look 

At first glance, this model is quite special. It looks like the first sneakers I put in the playground in primary school. A scratch (FootLock Strap)?

How to justify the presence of this scratch at the level of tarsal bones? Decoration or tip of foot maintenance? Note that another velcro, located at the back of the shoe, allows to hang a gaiter (GaiterTrap).

We will clarify these points further. Available in two colors (red or blue), it has a rather aggressive look that gives an impression of "all-terrain" shoe and robustness foolproof.

Cross country shoes

Surprise! When you slide your foot inside, the feeling of maintaining the foot stops at the bones of the tarsus. The toe-box is very wide and allows the toes to breathe which is something that Altra usually considers.

The tongue is very discreet and the heel is in place. We feel the abrasive fabric that will maintain the heel in place in case the shoes remained fixed on the ground in the mud or other.

The tightening of the Velcro strap (FootLock Strap) is done very fluidly, and the performance is maintained that it is advisable not to overtighten.

Trial run with the King MT

From the first strides, there is a feeling that bothers me - the lack of support in the toe box. It is very wide, and the front of the foot slides at the discretion of the inclinations of the ground.

So I decide to squeeze a little stronger and continue my race. I notice that the lacing relaxes after 5 kilometers. However, the velcro is a great reinforcement at the side and keeps the foot in its axis, which is very significant.

Mud got stuck

On the flat, the shoes tend to "hit" the ground because of the strength and rigidity of the outsole Vibram® Megagrip which, once in rocky and muddy terrain, turns into a real motocross wheel. And that's the most spectacular thing about using this shoe - the grip!

The crampons are hyper-efficient, and the midsole prevents feeling the sharpest pebbles against the soles of the foot. The Only downside is the accumulation of mud in the same crampons does not necessarily prevent adhesion but considerably increased the shoe.

It will be mandatory to type feet out of muddy areas to find a lightness that certainly makes a lot in the quality of the product (295 grams).

Robust toecap

Last but not least, the toe cap is very robust and solid and create in this same material that is projected as climbing shoes. After a test of 4 long outings, he had not taken a single claw, and the apparent seam had not moved.

a minimalist shoe

For better support, I doubled the lacing at the toe box, and it seemed much safer in terms of stability of the foot. I now realize exits of 30 kilometers without any worries, and I am ready to use them during a trail of 50 km with 2500 m D +.

As explained in the booklet, Altra provided in the box which is very well done and brings a reassuring scientific aspect. A transition must be done to avoid any injury if the user comes from a shoe with a larger drop.

The higher the drop, the longer the transition must be and progressive by performing short (week 1), medium (2-3 weeks) and finally longer (weeks 4-6) outings. Preparation for this kind of shoes seems to me, as a physical trainer, essential to better appreciate the use of it by working closely on the calves and stability of the ankle.