Mount to Coast hit the scene with the R1, the company’s road ultramarathon-focused running shoe with a PEBA midsole and reliable ride. As a young company, it quickly introduced a couple of other shoes, including the S1 (daily trainer) and P1 (stability model). Now, the Mount to Coast T1 joins the line. Mount to Coast approaches its shoe design with simplicity. Clean lines, straightforward technology, and intention are all present in the T1. Mount to Coast also designed the T1 to go the distance. So let’s find out how the Mount to Coast T1 performs on the trails.
Mount to Coast T1
Release Date: June 6, 2025
Price: $180
Unisex Weight: 9.0 oz. / 255 g
Drop: 4mm (36mm heel, 32mm forefoot)
Sizing: True-to-size
- Rundown: The Mount to Coast T1 is Mount to Coast’s first trail shoe and offers runners a light, agile shoe with a dialed-in fit experience that differs from anything else on the market.
Pros
- TUNEDFIT lacing system provides impressive midfoot and forefoot support
- TUNEDFIT lacing system offers great lockdown customization
- Precise and agile footing
Cons
- Lacks protection so you feel a lot underfoot
What is the Mount to Coast T1?
The Mount to Coast T1 is a straightforward, ultra-distance trail shoe designed to “meet the standards of the toughest ultra races and allow everyday runners to test their limits.” The T1 is “engineered with [a] LightCELL midsole, Vibram Megagrip & Litebase outsole, and Kevlar yarns on the upper.”
The Mount to Coast T1 is clearly built for longevity, durability, and intense racing. The component parts also back that up because Kevlar and Vibram both have impressive reputations for reliability. We also know from testing the R1 that the LightCELL midsole, which is a supercritical PEBA hybrid, is an impressively long-lasting foam.
Cushion/Midsole/Support
As we learned above, the T1 uses Mount to Coast’s LightCELL midsole technology, a PEBA-based supercritical foam. Out of the box, it’s an easy-to-run-in shoe, and the foam has some nice spring and cushion to it. With 36mm in the heel and 32mm under the forefoot, it’s a fairly good stack; but it doesn’t run like you’re up that high.
For a PEBA midsole, I went back and forth with myself on how snappy the foam was. There are times when it feels like I’m getting some energy back and times when I couldn’t really distinguish it from a modern EVA midsole. It is noticeably light, however, which makes the ride rather nimble and fun. It’s got enough cushion and has good step-in comfort. I ultimately appreciated that the midsole wasn’t too snappy as that allows for nice control – an area where this shoe excels.
Although the Mount to Coast T1 is built for ultra-distances and has a solid stack, I found myself feeling a lot of rocks underfoot. I’m not sure if the foam is too light or too compressive, but I think it could use a more solid layer of foam (or a flexible rock plate) coupled with the PEBA to provide a more protective ride.
On smoother trails this isn’t an issue, but on rocky trails and over longer periods, my feet would experience several jabs from smaller rocks underfoot. I’m mixed here because this shoe does feel supportive and super comfortable, and it’s a nice midsole in a vacuum. I find myself confident with it overall but also often wish there was just a little more resilience underfoot to keep all the pokes from coming through.
Traction
The outsole really shines on this shoe, and I commend Mount to Coast for not trying anything fancy and just providing something truly effective. They opted to go with a Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole. I’d pin the lugs at about 4mm deep with a classic triangle pattern. It’s a great rubber, and I haven’t had any issues with it. The T1 grips appropriately in every situation. This is an outsole that can handle technical trails.
Upper
The upper is another area where this shoe shines. First, the material: it’s a Matryx-like upper that’s infused with Kevlar yarns for durability. It’s super soft and formfitting. The tongue is light and pliable, which sits nicely on my foot while allowing airflow. A padded heel allows you to really lock down into the footbed without any discomfort.
It’s not an overtly wide shoe, but my foot seems to think there’s enough room from the midfoot to forefoot without swimming in it. It’s a pretty comfortable fit, and I didn’t notice any spots that flared up or felt out of whack.
The lacing system, which Mount to Coast dubs TUNEDFIT, is a really nice piece of innovation that I’m surprised nobody else has replicated. It’s a quick-lace system somewhat akin to Salomon’s that’s composed of two separate lacing areas; one on the bridge of the arch like a traditional lace chain, and another down near the forefoot. This allows you to really dial in your fit in those two key areas. I often struggle with getting my toe box tight enough without then lacing too tight over the bridge of my foot. The TUNEDFIT allowed me to take care of this and dial in different tightness levels. Overall, it makes for a nice and secure upper experience.
Is the Mount to Coast T1 wide foot friendly?
Not overtly, but it’s somewhere in the middle of the wide-to-average range.
Is the Mount to Coast T1 worth $180?
Yes, I think the Mount to Coast T1 belongs in the $160-180 price band. And if its durability/longevity rivals the R1 (and we have no reason to think it won’t), it will outlast most other shoes in that price range.
How to use the Mount to Coast T1
Use the Mount to Coast T1 on any trail adventure. Day-in, day-out. It’s got enough underfoot for long adventures, so it’s distance-agnostic. Just an honest trail shoe that can handle any terrain.
Mount to Coast T1 Summary
The T1 is a great start for Mount to Coast as the company ventures into the trail world. The shoe revels in simplicity and so does the ride itself. It’s not particularly flashy, poppy, or mind blowing; but it’s got solid construction, a structured base, and a great fit. The T1 is a good option for those looking for a shoe that can be used for everything. I’m a little wary of the underfoot protection; but other than that, it’s a solid shoe.
How does the Author Run?
Sam Lohse (age 28, 6’0″, 170 lbs): Runs daily, sometimes morning/night doubles, with one rest day a week (typically). Hangs right around 40-50 miles a week in general unless in race-specific training. Races distances from 50K to 100 miles, almost always on the trails.
Drew Whitcomb (age 43, 6’6″ 200lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.
Disclosure
While Mount to Coast did provide a pair of the T1 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.
After 900km’s in Nnormal Tomir 2.0, deciding between another pair or this T1… How would you compare them and even dare to recommend?
If you’re liking the Tomir 2.0, I’d stick with those. They’re more burly and technical than the T1. I think the Tomir will be better for long days as well. If you’re looking for a comfier upper, that’s the only reason I’d switch to the T1.