Affiliate Disclosure: By clicking through the links on this page and purchasing the products, you’ll be helping me out. This is done because I receive a kickback from the sellers at no extra cost to you! Thank you so much for supporting us!
Weight
9.87 oz/ 280g for men’s US9
Stack height
19mm total stack height (6mm lugs)
Zero Drop
Made for
Muddy technical trails
Longer distances and races
Fit
Medium forgiving volume
Average wide midfoot
Wider less deep Toe box
Go 1/2 size up
Feel
Stiff and protective
Grippy and secure
Solid platform
Pros & Cons
+ Great outsole
+ Amazing protection under foot
– Lack of flexibility
The King MT 2 is a throwback to the past. Altra first released this shoe back in 2019, and due to popular demand, it’s back in the exact same form as we originally knew it!
Lucky for us old Altra fans, that’s a great thing. If you’ve been yearning for some Altra shoes from years gone by, this is your chance to be a little nostalgic.
With 6mm deep lugs and the lowest stack height in the entire Altra lineup (19mm), there’s a lot to like.
But can this 5-year-old design stand up to the competition from modern trail shoes?
Let’s find out.
The Altra King MT 2 has a classic Altra toe box, but it’s not as wide as expected. This isn’t a last we’ve seen from Altra for a while. The forefoot provides enough room for toe splay, but the big toe area feels narrower than the Escalante and is more similar to the Lone Peak. The toe cap angles slightly into the big toe, creating some limitations in depth and width. Size up is essential.
The midfoot is wider than most Altra models, which is a big plus for me. I measured 3-4mm more width in the midfoot compared to other standard Altras. If you need a narrower fit, the power strap does a good job of cinching it in.
Which Altra Shoe is for you?
Take a quick 4-question quiz to identify the perfect Altra running shoe for your feet! You'll get both road and trail options based on your answers!
I found the depth in the midfoot to be adequate, striking a balance between the shallower Superior, but not as deep as the Lone Peak. The heel, on the other hand, is sloppy, much like other Altras. However, the grippy material at the back and a good lace lock, combined with the strap for extra lockdown, helped me secure the fit comfortably.
This shoe runs short—you’ll want to size up. I recommend going half a size or even a full size larger than usual to avoid discomfort. If you like more depth around your toes, a full-size up might be ideal. There’s no doubt that this shoe is short, and it even mentions that on the Altra website.
The “power strap” is a game-changer for descents. Much like modern BOA systems, this simple strap alternative does 90% of the job at a fraction of the cost. Strap it up tightly before a big descent to cinch in the midfoot for a more secure fit and reduce forward slippage. Once you’ve reached the bottom, loosen it for unmatched comfort. It’s a clever design that allows for tailored adjustments and enhances overall usability.
The tongue is made from a thin neoprene material. Unlike most thin tongues, it stayed in place and didn’t slip around. However, those sensitive to thin tongues may find it uncomfortable if the laces are overtightened.
Altra King MT 2
The King MT 2 finds the sweet spot with its stack height of 19mm. This balance provides enough protection for rugged trails without losing ground feedback. A rock plate underfoot adds stiffness and shields against sharp rocks, making it ideal for technical terrain.
The stiff rock plate limits flexibility throughout the shoe. This trade-off is unavoidable when prioritizing durability and protection. For rocky trails, it felt ideal, but as a barefoot runner, I noticed my foot didn’t have the opportunity to adapt to uneven surfaces as expected. This sensation left me slightly uneasy at times.
The Vibram outsole is a game-changer for grip. With an aggressive lug pattern, it excels in muddy conditions and grips confidently on alpine or rocky trails—something I haven’t said about any Altra in a long time. This shoe is firmly on my list for muddy and mountainous adventures.
It’s a protective workhorse built for extremes. I wouldn’t reach for it on sandy or dry, less technical trails—that’s where the Altra Superior shines—but for anything rugged or sloppy, the King MT 2 will be my go-to. Perfect for race day.
The upper feels dated with its use of stitched overlays and chunky materials. The design leans old-school, especially with the thick pleather toe cap. Double-stitched for durability, it might protect against occasional scrapes, but it likely adds unnecessary weight. The ripstop-like material and overlays are welcomed in the toebox and midfoot, but it doesn’t make up for the extra bulk. A King MT with an updated upper is now on my wish list. 🙂
The shoe includes useful features for trail conditions. There’s a velcro gaiter strap on the back and a hook at the front of the laces, which are ideal for keeping debris out. For water crossings, the drainage holes on the underside performed well during testing in New Zealand’s rivers!
Altra King MT 2
The upper materials feel solid and well-constructed, but time will tell. The overlays seem strategically placed to handle wear, though they might face challenges in highly abrasive environments. After 50km, everything looks intact with no signs of premature fraying.
The upper features a substantial amount of stitching, which raises durability concerns. The toe cap, overlays on the inside of the foot, heel cuff, and lacing reinforcement are all heavily stitched. While reinforcement is generally a good thing, these areas are likely to scuff and fray over time. Let’s hope it holds up well through the shoe’s lifespan.
The Vibram Litebase outsole is built to last. It’s great to see more Vibram on Altra’s! The King MTs aggressive lugs haven’t shown much wear, even after rocky trails and muddy escapades. While I can’t yet estimate its lifespan, it feels like it’ll outlast other Altra models with less substantial tread.
You might need to replace the laces before the shoe’s lifespan is up. After just 50km, I noticed some fraying in a few areas. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix—just swap them with laces from an old pair.
The Altra King MT 2 is a specialized shoe for rugged terrains and tough conditions. Its standout features, like the Vibram outsole and protective stack height, make it a top contender for muddy or alpine trails. While the fit isn’t flawless, sizing up and adjusting the laces can resolve most issues.
It’s a race-day or long-distance option for technical trails. Though not as versatile as the Altra Superior, it’s perfect for when grip and protection are your top priorities. If you’re tackling the extremes, this shoe is worth a serious look.
Altra King MT 2
