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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Bothell, WA on 4/14/2008
Thus far I've only used the shoes for urban and suburban walking and they worked great for that. I'm actually wearing them now as they are my most comfortable shoe. Very well made. I really like the single unit upper without a separate tongue. I look forward to taking them outside and using them for the purpose I bought them - a true approach shoe. I rated the shoe a 4 out of 5 because I feel they will be a suitable approach shoe. The best approach shoe I ever owned is no longer available (Garmont Sticky Weekend).
I'm grateful to Mountain Gear for still providing a source for quality outdoor gear. [...] no longer caters to the mountaineer/climber/skier. Their investment in this community is barely a token gesture. [...] is okay though they have limited merchandise, a weak web/ecommerce experience, and rare sales. Thank you MGear for keeping the focus and offering excellent selection and decent prices. Your service (shipping and customer service) was prompt and impeccable. Just what you hpoe for.
from Ottawa, Canada on 4/8/2008
I knew these shoes fit a little small. so i ordered a half sise larger and they are perfect.
I would like to know if montail shoes typically fit smaller?
from gresham,or on 4/8/2008
great for dirt,granit and hard packed trails but not for mud
i recieved this shipment in less than 48 hours from the time i ordered it with regular ground shipping.very cool..
from Dayton OH on 3/29/2008
I ordered a 10 - it was too narrow in the toe box, returned for 10.5 - fits perfectly. Other montrails i have are size 10...so it definitely is a toe box issue. great traction and comfort - one of the most comfortable trail shoes i've ever had.
from oklahoma on 3/27/2008
I have that low volume regular to narrow foot that loves the Montrail fit. These are a great all around and approach shoe that sticks to rocks and give great support. Plus I got them on sale for a smokin' deal! I`d give `em a 5, but nothings perfect.
from SE Michigan on 3/20/2008
great shoe, go 1/2 size above normal.
from Las Vegas on 3/19/2008
Will be using these for intermediate and advanced hiking on steep terrain. Bought these because they were recommended by at least three rock hoping hiking friends. Having to exchange mine for a larger size. Sizes run small.
Good grip soul!
from Pensacola, Florida on 3/11/2008
Put some trail time in from Unicoi Gap to Woody Gap on the AT in Georgia. Just over 30 miles in 3 days, from cold to warm, wet to dry. These things hold up very well, dry quick, not very heavy trail shoe. Would defininitely buy them again.
from Denver, CO on 3/7/2008
The CTC is advertised as a trail running a hiking shoe and a bouldering shoe. However, when I received them they were too short (at least one size too short) with a narrow toe box. I have four other Montrail hiking/running shoes at the same size and they fit very well. When I sent Montrail an email they said the CTC is primarily a climbing/bouldering shoe not a hiking shoe and therefore has a shorter and narrower fit. So I returned the shoes. Don't be fooled by the advertisement.
from Henderson, NV on 3/6/2008
I use these shoes peakbagging in Red Rock...they stick to rock like glue. The toebox felt a bit tight at first, but they stretched out a bit.
from Boulder, CO on 3/5/2008
The shoes is very well made. I am impressed with the design and re-inforcement where it is needed. Only complaint is the shoe is designed for people with flat feet. I will need to buy another insole to correct the problem.
from Sunnyside Wa on 3/3/2008
good for short walks. not recomended for a long hikes with heavy equiment, make you feet sore. good for gym or slight back packing. other than that no problems I like it. they are comfortable aroud the park, biking etc...
from Bergen county, NJ on 3/1/2008
Had to return them and exchange for a half size larger.
from Fresno, CA on 2/29/2008
Shoes have a great base and are very comfortable.
from Hollywood, CA on 2/28/2008
Great for all aroud use.
from Centerville, OH on 2/27/2008
good stability on uneven ground, good support, order 1/2 size larger, (13 feels just snug) built in tongue makes slipping them on a little tight.
from Boise, ID on 2/25/2008
Seems a little wide in the forefoot to me, but I have a medium/narrow foot anyway. But the heel retention is solid, the sole has a separate heel block that aids in descending loose surfaces, and the shoe just generally seems to make me "walk faster". Very light and comfortable. I have bought 2 pairs since the price is right.
from Helena, MT on 2/20/2008
Trail running in all seasons......
from sf bay area on 2/5/2008
broke these bad boys in day hiking in king's canyon after a week of punishing my feet in the back country wearing heavy boots. the shoes kept my feet cool all day, and gripped the rock and trail with ease. they are a perfect compliment to heavier boots when backpacking, and light enough to strap on to the back of my pack. the only complaint i have is the sizing: i had to send my usual size 13's back for a 14 to get a good fit.
from Philadelphia, PA on 1/30/2008
Looks Good - Feels Better; Looking forward to breaking them in.
from Midwest on 12/31/2007
This is a great shoe - this is my second pair. Fits my foot well. Holds up very well. It's my go-to shoe.
I scramble to sandstone peaks in Red Rock Canyon weekly. These shoes are perfect. Great grip, comfortable, and so far, are holding up well. I am very rough on shoes.
from Louisville, KY on 12/10/2007
Used this shoe on the Grand Teton, and it worked perfectly ... got my second pair to continue to use as a good approach shoe!
from Columbus, Ohio on 12/7/2007
These shoes are good for heavier people and they are stable.
from Reno, Nevada on 11/20/2007
I ordered these shoes from [...] when they were on sale. They seemed like a hybrid between a trail runner and an approach shoe. I was also attracted to their appearance. When they arrived [...] I was really delighted with these shoes. They aren't the best you can buy at either trail running or approach but they are certainly a fantastic shoe for everyday adventure when the terrain is going to vary. I think they are a better approach shoe than trail runner primarily because of the Gryptonite rubber and high rands plus they are just a bit heavier feeling than my Lafuma Active Trails. I wear them everyday and they are holding up fantastically. I am so happy with them I ordered another pair from [...] before the sale ended so I have a pair in the closet when this first pair finally does wear out. I don't think that will be anytime soon though. Another attibute is they have a mesh upper but because of the high rands they are still very usable in wet weather while still breathing well.
I tried the Montrail Namche, which looked great, but it felt too snug in the toebox. The CTC is a slightly higher volume shoe that feels more like a light hiking shoe than a trail runner. If your in the market for a trail running shoe, I would look elsewhere, but if you're looking for a comfortable, stylish light hiker, the CTC is fits the bill. From my experience, Montrail shoes do run small.
I only climb when I have too, but these shoes are real fine trail, and off-trail , runners!
from Eldorado Springs, CO on 8/30/2007
Worth the money. Comfortable right out of the box.
from Boise, Idaho on 8/30/2007
This is a good stable, lightweight approach shoe - stable enough for reliably lugging a large pile of gear. With the incut edges at the heel, you won't suddenly end up on your rear end on loose descents. The laces are very adjustable, and the shoes are generally cool, not sweaty. Rubber is sticky enough that moving around on all-rock surfaces is very secure. Good rocker to the sole too - I feel like they encourage me to walk faster (as if I need that). Not sure how the climb, but this pair of approach shoes was more intended to be stable for the approach, rather than for the niche of an approach / climbing shoe, which usually have insufficient heel support and cushioning for my now weakened ankles.
from Boise, Idaho on 8/9/2007
Great value, VERY durable set of shoes.
from Rehoboth Mass. on 6/18/2007
Overall comfort and wear is excellent. I would recommend this shoe to my friends and relatives.
from Bozeman, MT on 5/3/2007
I am happy with the CTC's. They are rigid and supportive while being breathable and lightweight. Not to stiff or soft like previous Salamon or Five Ten shoes I've owned. [...]
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
Having looked at many approach shoes out there, I was very skeptical and heard lots of really bad experiences with some of the top name shoes. I took a chance and went with the CTC's and WOW! What a great shoe. They were a little stiff right out of the box, but broke in really quick. Went for several long walks and had no problems. Went out on the third day and was able to lead 5.6 - 5.7 at Rumney with these things (mid 5.10 is my present limit). The rubber is VERY sticky and they edge and smear very well. Just as an FYI: My foot is on the narrow side with a pretty pronounced arch. I use a set of 1/2 length insoles in all my shoes to tighten the heel fit. I put the 1/2 insole in these and they felt just like all the others. These "to the toe" lacing lets you dail things in just right. If you have a really wide foot, you may not be happy.
If you want something for day hikes, scrambling, 4th classing and something you can lead easy 5th class in, this is a great shoe. Time will tell how they hold up, but so far, I'm pretty confident in how this shoe will perform.