Tackle Your Next Obstacle Course Race in the Altra King MT 1.5

Price: $140
Type: Trail
Weight: 8.5 oz (M), 7.0 oz (W)
The Right Shoe For: Runners hitting gnarly mountains or doing obstacle course races

If your weekends include muddy trail runs or tactical OCRs, this is the shoe you’ll want in your arsenal. The King MT 1.5 is a burly shoe, loaded with ultra deep, 6mm lugs for unbeatable traction, plus an extra over-the-arch strap to really lock your foot in place when the terrain gets steep. Its minimal cushioning makes the King nimble underfoot on even the nastiest ground, and its zero-drop offset ensures a natural, smooth ride from trailhead to trailhead. For runners wanting a sturdy shoe that can handle anything the mountains dish out, the King MT is a force to be reckoned with.

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Courtesy of Altra

Midsole

Like Altra’s other models, the King MT 1.5 features the brand’s well-known zero-drop platform, which has been lauded by testers in the past for its more natural feel. The fully-cushioned yet responsive midsole composed of lightweight EVA foam keeps your heel and toes the same distance from the ground. The platform gives the shoe a decidedly firm, zippy ride reminiscent of a road shoe. But unlike the roadies in Altra’s line up, the King gets an added boost of protection with its flexible StoneGuard plate, designed to shield the underfoot from rocks and debris.

The shoe also boasts Altra’s aptly named FootShape toe box, that more closely suits the anatomy of the foot. Toes can splay comfortably with each step for a more natural and fully-engaged running experience.

Outsole

The King MT 1.5 gets the royal treatment on its outsole with extra deep lugs made of Vibram’s ultra-sticky rubber compound. The shoe’s highly durable tread means unbeatable traction and grip that performs across any surface, and readily adapts to for uphills, downhills, lateral movement, and fast stops.

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Courtesy of Altra

Upper

Altra made some minor tweaks to the shoe’s upper, like shortening the midfoot strap, that made the King 1.5 just a smidge better than its predecessor. With a sleeker strap and softer Neoprene heel, the shoe made gains in comfort and wearability for longer trail runs and steeper climbs. Plus, the upper’s quick-drying nylon and TPU overlay help keep feet clean and dry when you’re sloshing through rain, mud, and puddles. And if things get really gnarly, you can kick it up a notch with convenient hook-and-loop tabs for your gaiters.