CTC

 

Page Type Gear Review
Object Title CTC
Manufacturer Montrail
Page By Misha
Page Type Mar 16, 2005 / Mar 16, 2005
Object ID 1281
Hits 4822
Vote
Combining the best elements from the trail running Masai and the bouldering-oriented D7 shoes, the CTC is the lightest of Montrail's hybrid footwear and the best choice for those who go fast on smooth rocky grades. If you hike with a pair of bouldering shoes, the CTC is your one-stop replacement that can carry you up the trail and across smooth granite and broken black basalt. The lightweight sole uses a combination of sticky rubber Gryptonite™ with trail ready FasTrax carbon rubber for a grip that lasts through multiple seasons of hard use. Like the Masai, the TPU-reinforced upper is breathable and reduces the overall shoe weight. A molded Elon EVA midsole provides more cushion and stability than some bouldering shoes, but the weight-saving single-density profile may not offer enough padding for hard-charging trail runners who pound down long and steep routes. If you're looking for a shoe that grips varied terrain on light hikes and urban walks, Montrail's CTC is excellent for going fast and getting technical.



* Water-resistant hydrophobic synthetic leather and air mesh

* Fast-drying Nylex lining

* Protective rands along toe and heel

* Stable full-length TerraFlex™ LA protection plate

* Molded single-density Elon EVA midsole for cushioning, stability and sensitivity

* Non-marking, high-traction Gryptonite™ sticky rubber outsole with FasTrax carbon rubber

* Weight: 14 oz. (390 g.) per shoe

Images

Reviews


Viewing: 1-4 of 4

Ed F - Jul 31, 2005 6:09 pm - Voted 4/5

Untitled Review
I have the newer version of the CTC. It's a great approach shoe. I see it as a compromise between a more climbing-focused approach shoe and a light hiker. It's comfortable over distance, and pretty good for scrambling. If you are looking for a stiff climbing shoe, then this isn't a good choice.

Misha - Aug 30, 2005 1:49 am - Voted 2/5

Untitled Review
I bought these shoes in hopes of bomber partners that will sustain me on trails and while scrambling, long backpacking trips and day hikes. Unfortunately, they only felt comfortable for a short while until I started covering longer distances. On descents they really hurt my toes despire being perfectly sized. It seems that they hurt me more every time I wear them. They smear well but since I can't really hike longer distances in them, I will save them for aid climbing. Switched to La Sportiva Exum Ridge after a few months of suffering. Exum Ridge feel much more relaxed and comfortable on longer approaches.

cushman - Dec 6, 2007 2:33 pm - Voted 4/5

Good for Smearing
I bought these shoes mainly to climb in the Flatirons and for approaches in Eldo where sticky rubber is an advantage. These shoes were made for easy Flatirons routes, they are best when smearing. If you bought these shoes expecting them to edge well, you got the wrong shoe, the midsole is flexible enough that they don't edge particularly well. There is a nice flat area at the toe that provides some good grip. I sized mine smaller so I do get some toe bump on descents, but they climb better.

fossana - Jan 29, 2008 2:06 pm - Voted 5/5

current fav approach shoe
I picked up my first pair of these in 2006 at the Title 9 sale after having had good luck with Hardrocks for trail running. I need a high volume shoe to fit my orthotics, so that limits my selection. I use them for everything from local cragging to moderate alpine routes, and they've held up well to a lot of abuse. I would agree they are better for smearing than edging, but IMHO you trade off comfort with a stiffer shoe.

Viewing: 1-4 of 4