Last updated: 17-Aug-18
Mammut state that the Mammut MTR 201-II Boa Low trail shoes are “very direct and light” and they are “the fastest technical trail competition shoe.”
In addition, the brand reveals: “Mammut MTR 201-II Boa Low shoes boast an improved version of the patented power-transmission system to offer optimum support in the shoe, direct precision and noticeable reduction of pressure points.”
Blisters are prevented because “the foot forms a harmonious whole with the shoe”.
And: “The unique molecular structure of this cushioning material delivers a soft running sensation with high rebound. On hard terrain, the structure consolidates to prevent negative power transmission to the wearer’s body”.
“Abrasion-resistant, three-dimensionally shaped element supports the heel and protects against twisting of the ankle.”
There is more! The shoes apparently utilise “Sonar Technology”, Mammut state: “Every aspect of our long-standing sole know-how in footwear design and development has flowed into this mountain trail running sole. Its profile has been inspired by the concentric patterns formed by spreading sonar waves.
“Running in the mountains generates very high braking and thrusting forces in the sole and requires optimal sole edge stability and strength.”
Enough already! The hyperbole is very annoying and mostly meaningless. It actually makes me want to dislike the shoes, yet, in training and out on the trails they are actually rather good.
Features
- IP EVA midsole for good cushioning with a heel drop of 6mm.
- Durability from a “Stone Protector “and “D3O Strobel construction”.
- Improved Boa Closure System, which now allows micro-adjustment in both directions (even when wearing gloves) and also stays tight.
- Aggressive “gripex” Sonar tech sole.
- Base Fit Advanced with improved efficiency.
- Honeycomb-structured, multi-layer liner fabric for effective moisture absorption and fast drying performance.
- Price: UK RRP £125
Pros: What’s good about the Mammut MTR 201-II Boa Low trail shoes
While the length of the shoe is a bit short (see Cons) the width is good. The shoes feel comfortable from the very first wear.
The lacing system, which is similar to that used on snowboard boots and some cycling shoes, affords an excellent fit. A thin wire “lace” is wound tighter – or looser – by a dial and the tightening is very even across the shoe.
The sole cushioning is also great. I’d place the sole somewhere between a more natural-feel shoe and something like the Hoka. It is a medium depth of sole and nicely cushioned.
The sole is quite stiff. You’ll either love this or hate it. I quite liked it. In fact, I liked it more than I thought I would. On rough trails it gives good support and cushioning.
The sole is best suited for forestry trails and hill paths. It works okay in muddy and wet conditions but I have run in more aggressively sticky shoes. I’d reserve this shoe for drier conditions and for trails where there are lots of loose stones underfoot.
It’s a nice shoe to run in. It’s an even better shoe to walk in, in my opinion. I like to walk and run Scottish hills and I found this shoe worked well for that type of activity.
There is also a lot of foot support, especially in the back end, and I didn’t need to worry about rolling my ankle or slipping over. In addition, there is quite a lot of upper shoe cushioning, which is good if you are heading off into rough hills and rugged mountains.
There is also a Max version, rather than a Boa, that has a much thicker sole. Given my fondness for Hoka shoes I think I’d like the thicker soled shoe.
Cons: What’s not so good about the Mammut MTR 201-II Boa Low trail shoes
I could hardly be bothered to read through all the information about these shoes because I really do not like over-egged jargon. I get that companies want to sell products that are more hi-tech but Mammut risk losing customers by writing so much hyperbole.
The fit is on the small side. A UK 8 feels very short for me and I’d probably need to go up a full size. Although the width is fine.
The lacing system does allow you to get an evenly supportive fit in the shoe, however, I sometimes prefer to have the front of the shoe looser than the bit around the ankle and that is not easily possible when the lace is tightened along the length all at the same time.
Mammut reckon it’s a lightweight racing shoe. I disagree. I think it’s a good quality, medium-weight training shoe for trails.
I am not so keen on the yellow shade of the men’s shoes and would prefer red or the women’s blue. For once, the women’s shoes look nicer than the men’s.
Conclusion
If you like trail shoes to be supportive, fairly stiff and cushioned you’ll like the Mammut MTR 201-II Boa Low trail shoes. I suggest you don’t bother reading all the technical blurb because it will hold you back from getting out for a run and leave you annoyed or confused. This is a durable and solid trail shoe that performs well on trails.
| Score | |
| Design | 8/10 |
| Features | 8/10 |
| Performance | 8/10 |
| Value | 8/10 |
| Total | 8/10 |
Other running shoes you may want to consider:
Mammut MTR 71 TRAIL LOW GTX shoes
Mammut MTR 201-II MAX LOW shoes
La Sportiva Helios SR
La Sportiva Ultra Raptor
All images unless stated: Fiona Outdoors.
About the writer: Fiona is a keen runner, preferring off-road and hilly to flat and road. She lives in Scotland where the weather is fickle so needs to be prepared for all conditions.
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