Mammut MTR 201 Review: A Deep Dive After 120 Miles of Testing
I have spent dozens of hours testing technical trail shoes across various terrains, from the rocky fells of the Lake District to the scree-covered slopes of the Alps. The Mammut MTR 201-II Boa Low has been on my radar for quite some time, and after putting it through its paces on everything from dry summer trails to technical via ferrata routes, I can share what this shoe truly delivers.
The Mammut MTR 201-II Boa Low is an excellent technical trail running shoe for runners seeking lightweight performance on dry terrain. It shines on technical trails with its BOA lacing system and Vibram Megagrip sole, though it struggles in wet and muddy conditions.
What sets this shoe apart is its hybrid design philosophy. Mammut positioned the MTR 201 as a crossover between approach shoe and trail runner. After three months of testing, I found this positioning accurate. It handles casual trail runs and technical alpine approaches with equal capability.
My testing covered approximately 120 miles across varied terrain. I wore it on everything from flat canal paths to grade 2 scrambles in Snowdonia. Here is what you need to know before investing.
Key Specifications at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here are the essential numbers that define this shoe:
| Specification | Mammut MTR 201-II Boa Low |
|---|---|
| Weight | ~280g per shoe (men's size 42) |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8mm |
| Stack Height | 25mm heel / 17mm forefoot |
| Waterproof | No (quick-drying upper) |
| Lacing System | BOA L6 dial |
| Outsole | Vibram Megagrip |
| Best Terrain | Dry trails, rocky terrain, scree |
| Climbing Zone | Yes (toe and heel) |
Heel-to-Toe Drop: The difference in height between the heel and forefoot of a shoe. An 8mm drop is moderate, offering a balance between natural foot movement and cushioned comfort.
First Impressions: Comfort Meets Technical Design
Out of the box, the Mammut MTR 201 impressed me immediately. Unlike many technical shoes that require a break-in period, these felt comfortable from the first wear. The upper is a breathable canvas-like material that wraps the foot without feeling restrictive.
I noticed the wide toe box immediately. My feet tend to swell on longer runs, and the generous forefoot space accommodated this without any pinching or pressure points. This is a significant advantage over many narrow-fitting European trail shoes.
The BOA dial sits centrally on the tongue. At first, I was skeptical about durability. However, after three months of regular use, including several snag incidents on heather and gorse, the system has performed flawlessly. The dial operation remains smooth, and the laces show no signs of wear.
Build quality feels substantial despite the light weight. The stitching is clean throughout, and the rubber rand that wraps the base of the shoe is evenly applied. This attention to detail bodes well for long-term durability.
Quick Summary: The MTR 201 requires virtually no break-in time. The wide toe box and breathable upper provide immediate comfort, while the BOA system delivers a secure, customizable fit from day one.
Key Features and Technology
BOA Lacing System
The BOA L6 dial is the standout feature of this shoe. Unlike traditional laces, the BOA system provides micro-adjustable tension that stays consistent throughout your run. I found this particularly valuable on technical descents where foot movement inside the shoe can cause blisters.
The dial closure is intuitive. A quarter-turn tightens, a pop-up releases. Even with gloved hands in cold conditions, operation remained simple. The distributed pressure eliminates hot spots that traditional laces can create.
BOA System: A closure system using stainless steel laces and a dial mechanism. It provides even pressure distribution across the foot and allows for micro-adjustments on the fly.
Vibram Megagrip Outsole
The Vibram Megagrip compound lives up to its reputation. On dry rock and hard-packed trails, traction is excellent. The 4mm lugs bite into loose surfaces without feeling sluggish on smoother ground. I found confidence on wet rock surprisingly good, though mud performance is limited.
Vibram Megagrip: A rubber compound designed to provide optimal balance between grip and durability. It performs well on both wet and dry surfaces while maintaining extended wear resistance.
Breathable Upper Construction
The canvas mesh upper breathes exceptionally well. During summer runs in temperatures exceeding 25°C, my feet remained comfortable without excessive heat buildup. This breathability comes with a trade-off. Water ingress is immediate in wet conditions, and drying takes time despite the quick-drying marketing claims.
Rock Plate and Protection
A flexible 3D polyurethane rock plate sits between outsole and midsole. This provides protection from sharp stones without completely sacrificing ground feel. During testing on the sharp limestone of the Yorkshire Dales, I felt stone impacts but experienced no bruising or discomfort.
Trail Performance: Where This Shoe Shines?
Dry Trail Performance
The MTR 201 excels on dry trails. The moderate 8mm drop encourages a natural midfoot strike while providing enough cushion for longer efforts. I found my sweet spot around 10-15km on technical terrain. Beyond this, the minimalist cushioning becomes noticeable.
On hard-packed trails and fire roads, the shoe feels efficient. The weight is competitive at around 280g, and the rocker profile encourages a smooth turnover. I recorded some of my best training times on familiar routes while wearing these shoes.
Technical Terrain and Scree
This is where the MTR 201 truly earns its keep. The shoe feels incredibly stable on loose scree and rocky ground. The low stack height provides a planted connection to the terrain, inspiring confidence on technical descents where other shoes feel wobbly.
During a particularly scree-filled descent off Tryfan in Snowdonia, I felt completely secure. The shoes gripped loose rock effectively, and the climbing rubber on the toe and heel provided purchase when I needed to scramble short sections.
Via Ferrata Capability
The Mammut MTR 201 handles grade A and B via ferrata routes competently. The climbing zone rubber provides adequate friction on rock steps, and the shoe remains comfortable during sustained climbs. I would not choose it for demanding grade C routes or extended climbing, but for approach work and easier protected routes, it performs admirably.
Wet Weather Limitations
Water and mud are the Achilles heel of this shoe. The minimal tread pattern lacks the aggressive lugs needed for proper mud shedding. In thick clay, I experienced significant clogging. On wet grass, the relatively smooth outsole slipped more than dedicated mud shoes.
⚠️ Important: This is a dry-conditions specialist. For winter running or consistently wet environments, consider a shoe with more aggressive lugs and waterproofing.
Comfort, Fit and Sizing
True to Size with Wide Appeal
The Mammut MTR 201 runs true to size. I wear a UK 9.5 in most shoes and found the same size ideal in these. The length is accurate, but what impresses is the volume. The toe box is notably wider than many competitors, making it suitable for runners who struggle with narrow-fitting alternatives.
For wide-footed runners, this shoe is a revelation. Many technical trail shoes taper aggressively towards the toes. The MTR 201 maintains width throughout the forefoot, allowing natural toe splay during long efforts.
Break-In Period
Minimal break-in is required. The shoe felt comfortable from the first wear, with only slight stiffness in the sole that disappeared after approximately 20 miles. The upper required no break-in at all, showing no hot spots or friction points during testing.
Lockdown and Security
The BOA system provides excellent heel lockdown. I experienced no heel slip on steep descents, a common issue with many trail shoes. The midfoot wrap is secure without feeling constrictive, even as feet swell during longer runs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Instant comfort with minimal break-in
- Wide toe box accommodates foot swelling
- BOA lacing provides even pressure distribution
- Excellent grip on dry rock and hard-packed trails
- Lightweight at approximately 280g
- Climbing rubber for scrambling capability
- Secure heel lockdown prevents slip
Cons
- Poor performance in mud and thick clay
- No waterproof protection
- Minimal cushioning for longer distances
- Limited durability at toe rand edges
- BOA system failure would render shoe unusable
- Less stable on wet grass than aggressive-lug shoes
Alternative Options to Consider
La Sportiva TX4
The TX4 offers a stiffer sole and more durable construction. It excels on longer approaches and rougher terrain but sacrifices running comfort. Choose the TX4 if your focus is primarily hiking and approach rather than running.
Salewa Wildfire
The Wildfire features a unique 3F system that provides excellent heel retention. Its lacing is more traditional, which some prefer. The sole is more aggressive, performing better in mixed conditions. However, it runs narrower than the Mammut.
Scarpa Zodiac Plus
The Zodiac is a dedicated approach shoe with greater climbing capability. The rubber rand extends higher for more protection. However, it feels clunky for running and lacks the refined BOA closure system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mammut Mtr 201 true to size?
Yes, the Mammut MTR 201 runs true to size with a notably wide toe box that accommodates foot swelling during longer runs. If you have particularly wide feet, you may find this shoe more comfortable than many narrow-fitting European alternatives.
What is the drop on Mammut Mtr 201?
The Mammut MTR 201 has an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, which is considered moderate. This provides a balance between natural foot movement and cushioned comfort for trail running.
Is Mammut Mtr 201 good for via ferrata?
Yes, the MTR 201 performs well on grade A and B via ferrata routes. The climbing rubber on the toe and heel provides adequate friction on rock steps, though for more demanding grade C routes, a dedicated approach shoe would be preferable.
How durable is Mammut Mtr 201?
Most users report 300-500 miles of use before significant wear. The first areas to show wear are typically the toe rand edges and heel outsole. The BOA system generally remains functional throughout the shoe's lifespan.
Is Mammut Mtr 201 waterproof?
No, the MTR 201 is not waterproof. It features a breathable canvas mesh upper that allows water in immediately. The shoe is designed as a dry-conditions specialist with quick-drying characteristics rather than wet-weather protection.
Can you run in Mammut Mtr 201?
Yes, the MTR 201 is designed specifically for trail running. It performs best on dry technical trails and is suitable for distances up to approximately 15-20km. Beyond this distance, the minimal cushioning may become insufficient for some runners.
Final Verdict: Is the Mammut MTR 201 Worth It?
The Mammut MTR 201-II Boa Low is a specialized tool that excels within its design parameters. For dry-conditions trail running, technical approaches, and easy via ferrata routes, it is an excellent performer. The comfort level from day one is remarkable, and the BOA system provides a secure fit that traditional laces struggle to match.
However, this shoe is not a do-everything solution. If you run year-round in wet climates or frequently encounter muddy trails, the limitations will be frustrating. The lack of waterproofing and mud-shedding capability restricts its versatility.
For the right user, the Mammut MTR 201 is absolutely worth the investment. Trail runners in dry regions, alpine enthusiasts needing one shoe for multiple activities, and wide-footed runners struggling with narrow alternatives will find significant value here.
After 120 miles of testing across varied terrain, my conclusion is clear. The Mammut MTR 201-II Boa Low is not the perfect trail shoe for everyone. But for those whose activities align with its strengths, it is one of the most comfortable and capable technical options available.