“I have wide feet. These shoes are foot shaped and actually fit. Normally I go through the uppers in 6 months even with only light running, expecting these will hold up much better with the wide splay footbox. Really comfy, light as feather and great traction, and zero drop suits my running style”
“I have a hallux valgus, most pronounced on my left foot and have been struggling to find proper fell running shoes to fit. I have tried lots of brands, the Walsh PB ultra being the only one to not cause pain or blistering. But the uppers didn't last very long and I find them poor performers on wet rock. With nothing to loose I thought I would give these Altra King MT a go. I put them on for the first time outdoors and ran the Yorkshire 3 peaks route (not very sensible I know), without a problem. They are really comfortable, good grip on the wet rock and trail of that route. They are more cushioned than I am used to, which is great for long runs especially on mixed routes. The toe box is nice and wide to allow my toes to move even across my super wide left foot. I am really impressed and glad I have actually found a shoe that doesn't hurt.
Now the down sides:
They are double the price of the Walsh PB ultra, I hope they last more than double but the jury is out on that as I haven't had them long enough.
They look quite robust from the pictures but in reality the uppers are quite flimsy. This is good as they are flexible and allow my foot to move and not put undue pressure the widest parts of my foot. I am not sure how robust they are going to be really, I imagine ok for trail running but might not last too well in fell and bog running where the uppers take more of a hit.
Although they are zero drop, the stack height due to the cushioning is more than I am used to, but the more I run in them the more I am getting used to it.
In sticky deep mud they don't shed the mud very well so during prolonged sections of this you end up running on slicks. I don't think they would be very good as a cross country shoe.
Overall: If they last well I will definitely buy again, although I might hold out for a sale price. They are not perfect but they fit well and for mixed trail/ fell they seem a really good compromise. Plus they are zero drop, which is good for me.”
“I was very pleased with the retailer, NorthernRunner. They gave me all the advice I needed - which was relatively specific to my needs and I was impressed that what I was asking for was so quickly understood.
The shoes are good. The best on the market for me for running in wet mud. I would have preferred less cushioning and a slightly lower platform but these are the only zero drop shoes with deep outer treads/lugs around. I would have accepted a shoe without the wide toe box but that is great.
A good shoe to join a Merrell Trail Glove for dry off-road and a Merrell Road Glove for on-road in my cupboard.
Not cheap but with it.”
“Had these shoes about a month now and they seem very good. Perhaps not as roomy in the toe box as my Altra road shoes, but still very comfy. The grip is good - better suited to British conditions than the other Altra trail shoes I think.”
“This is my second pair: I wanted minimalist low heel; foot-shaped not boat-shaped; and studs for cross country running. The Altra Kings MT is perfect.”
“The shoe Altra have been building up to finally arrives! Took them for a long run in the hills and they smashed, mud, wet rock, slippery flagstones, grass, rocky trails and more. First Altra shoe I have had that sheds water too. I think it will take them a couple of versions to get the 'build' right, I suspect these are only going to be good for 200-300 miles looking at the uppers, some wear at joints and crease points after their first weekend. Hands down the best trail and fell shoe I have worn. Well done Altra, keep them coming.”
“Wow - Bought due to sole dropping off old trainers just before Tough Mudder. First run on the day and they performed great with no rubbing at all and the grip is unbelievable!”
