Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

I have gone through two pairs of Montrail Masais, and they are an excellent pair of shoes. While they absorb a little more water than I would like (I am looking for another model to replace them), I love all of their other characteristics. Here are the positives and negatives:

Positives:

-Lightweight at 11.5 oz. in size 11.5
-Good cushioning on long trail days
-Provide a stable platform for LW
hiking and trail running
-Fit very comfortably with plenty of
room in the toe box to prevent
rubbing
-Very durable-They have lasted me more
than 500 miles while still in usable
condition
-Great stiffened material in toe area
and a nice rubber bumper to protect
feet.
-Effective arch support
-The outsole is long lasting and
provides good traction on varied
surfaces
-Plenty of mesh keeps feet cool without
letting in too much debris
-Effective and comfortable lacing system
-Good flexibility

Negatives:

-Not much room for an underfoot gaiter
strap
-Absorb more water than I would like
(although less than most other shoes)

They are truly excellent shoes. I wish
they weren't discontinued!

Rating: 5 / 5

I mourn the passing of the Masai and feel that Montrail has still not adequately replaced it. It was the best pure trailrunner I've ever used. Light, comfortable and pretty durable considering it's weight and use. Veritable shock absorbing ballet slippers.

I had stockpiled a couple pair after they ceased production, snagging them cheap from eBay. Regretfully, I'm on my very last pair.

Rating: 4 / 5

I like the Masai quite a bit. They don't wear as well as many other shoes. The toe rubber and seams started to flake out around the 300-mile mark, but surprisingly the fabric itself showed very little wear. My only complaint was that the heel cup was a little too aggressive for my heel, so I got some bruising & hot spots. But the shoes are quite comfortable, the lacing and tongue are well-designed, and the grips have held up well.