Montrail Mountain Masochist

I torture tested this shoe on the JMT for 150 miles over one 12k rock pile after another. Wear on the soles was noticeable, but they gave excellent slick rock traction. Forded three rivers, same story. They dried quickly and I never got one blister.

The blister free factor was, by itself, a huge point. Cuts, abrasions, a partial peeling of the toecap and heel rubber, but everything held together until I could effect repairs.

This trail is too much for a running shoe, but these held up as well as any. Oh yeah, they were comfortable. Good job, Montrail

Having run three of the 250km multi day self sustained "Racing the Planet" series and aiming to go for their Australian event in April 2010 – I popped down to the Montrail stockiest to purchase a couple of pairs of Montrail “Mountain Masochist” in the hopes that this series would now be as good as their 2006 XCR Hurricane model – err, it’s not even close.

I am now stationed in Jakarta, Indonesia –it’s currently monsoon season here and the rich soil on the trails turns mostly to clay – anyhow testing day - take a 21km track of medium difficulty terrain, add a slope and some running speed and you may for a moment think you had gone skiing, at least till you fall over that is. In short the shoes do NOT do what they say on the box nor on the sole of the shoe – They do not grip at all well in mud and they take ages to dry – assuming that is you even get home.

They do however look quite nice so I shall enjoy wearing them to the shopping mall as that is really all they are good for. Montrail –sorry guys – I think you mis-described this shoe.

First off, I find that the sizes are longer than they should be. I ordered a size 9 and it was almost 1" longer than it needed to be. I sized down to the 8 1/2 which fits the length of my size 9 foot foot, but the fit just is off.

The arch support is set too far back. I've tried on dozens of models of walking/hiking/ and running shoes this year and none have the arch set way back like this.

Another thing which is really annoying and painful is in the outer side/toe region. The canvas strips which are more decorative than functional, extend down all the way to the floor of the shoe causing a ridge inside the shoe.

Both of my pinky toes are getting blistered from rubbing against these and I don't have the option of thicker socks because I had to buy the size 8.5 which is a bit narrow for me.

I'm doing my best to break them in slowly but this is ridiculous -- my feet hurt before I even leave the house and 1/4 mile later I have the beginnings of blisters. I'd like to get my money back.

Ok... I really like this shoe. I run around 25 miles a week, and have so far put about 75 miles on these shoes. They are holding up well, and are very comfortable. I replaced my Salomon XA Pro 3d Ultras with these. These have a little more cushioning (without sacrificing feel) and better support. I have average arches and a slightly wide foot.

My only complaint would be that the toe box does not drain well if you get the shoe soaked. I would have given these a 4.5 because of this but felt like the other review needed to be evened out.

This is what i have been looking for in a trail shoe. Everyone's foot is different, but it is definitely worth trying a pair of these on.

Also don't rely on just these two contradicting reviews - this is a 4.5 to 5 star review everywhere else on the net. It also won some awards the last three years if I'm not mistaken.

ps this is the highest rating the other reviewer has given any product (0,0,0,2 stars) lol

Still a great shoe. The Masochist is not a high tech shoe, but does a great job on the trail. It's stable, durable, comfortable and reliable.

The forefoot plant seems real stable with no role. The upper and mid sole seem very durable and the shoe reliably preforms. It's well cushioned in the heal and forefoot. The down hill is cruise and sole is real grippe.