Backpacker Magazine – October 2009

Gear Review: Montrail Mountain Masochist Trail Shoe

This light, breathable and water resistant trail runner is great for technical terrain and many miles.

by: Kelly Bastone

Meet the holy grail of trail runners: light enough to really fly, but with the support and sole protection for rough terrain and the occasional long dayhike. The Mountain Masochist felt fast and agile on rocky, rooty trails but, thanks to three densities of foam coupled with a stiff plastic layer, my feet never felt pummeled by the terrain–even after seven hours of hiking.

The breathable mesh upper kept my feet dry during a drizzle and dried fast after a soaking (but the mesh collects fine trail debris). Best of all, the sticky, lugged sole shed clumps of mud and provided superb traction on mud and wet rock. montrail.com.

Beta
$95
11 oz. (m's 9)
Men's 7-13, 14, 15; Women's 5-11

Best For
Trail runners who favor rough, technical terrain; ultralighters who log big miles

Tester Data
Kelly Bastone
Duration April to July
Locales/conditions CO; 20° to 85°F; mud, rock
"Because they offer comfort and support comparable to many midweight hikers–while weighing much less–they've become my go-to shoe for day trips."

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