Road Warrior: Reviewing the brand new Mount to Coast R1

Introducing a brand-new shoe from a brand-new player in the running arena. Join us as we delve into our initial impressions of the R1 by Mount to Coast, specially crafted for ultraroadrunning enthusiasts.

Looks:

While some might argue that white shoes and the Pacific Northwest don’t always harmonize well, personally, I have a fondness for a pair of white and black shoes—exactly like these new shoes from Mount to Coast.

Admittedly, they may be perceived as a magnet for dirt by some. Nonetheless, these shoes embody simplicity and elegance, boasting a predominantly white composition with subtle black accents—a timeless and straightforward aesthetic. Their relatively simple design allows them to seamlessly complement any outfit, effortlessly transitioning into casual settings from running – and vice versa. In essence, they serve as versatile white sneakers, ensuring both style and comfort for your feet across various occasions.

Fit & Construction:

Upper:

The upper construction of these shoes boasts some rather unique features. While the term “four-way stretch” is commonly associated with running apparel, it’s less frequently heard in the realm of footwear. This characteristic allows the knit mesh construction (100% recycled) to adapt to various foot shapes, offering a personalized and snug fit. Notably soft on the foot, it delivers a blend of comfort and support precisely where it’s needed.

Adding to its distinctive design is an independent lace system, reminiscent of BOA technology but without the dial. Tailored for long-distance (ultra) road racing, this innovation acknowledges the foot’s tendency to swell during extended runs. The R1’s construction permits separate adjustments for tightness at the ankle and forefoot, ensuring optimal performance and comfort throughout the journey—an ingenious concept tailored for endurance athletes.

Furthermore, both the heel collar and gusseted tongue contribute to the overall comfort and stability of the shoe, securely cradling the foot without any notable shortcomings.

Midsole:

Mount to Coast aims to have this shoe be an ultramarathon running shoe. We aren’t sure the market for a shoe in this sense (outside of some people like Rob Pope – who I met on the shoulder of I-5 a few years ago!), but we are sure that their work in this space isn’t without testing. They won a 2023 ISPO award for a prototype of this shoe – which includes unique midsole tech.

Some of this stuff is a little too techy for me, so I will do my best and copy/paste some items. The midsole is made from ZeroSag material, which (given the name) aims to keep the cushion consistent from mile 1 through mile whenever. That would obviously be important – and perhaps necessary – for ultra roadrunning. Running on roads is not all that forgiving – especially when running miles upon miles at a time – and so this construction is backed by research to “control excessive forefoot abduction to reduce injury risk.” 

On the foot – it seems to occupy a nice middle ground. The Pebax blend is not overly springy and bouncy, but it’s also not crushed with too much groundfeel. It feels like a running shoe at its core – and that’s a good lane to occupy.

Outsole:

The outsole’s grip pleasantly surprised me. Upon pulling it out of the box running my hand across it, I was worried about potential slipperiness. It just didn’t feel “rubbery” – more synthetic. However, it has proven reliable on wet roads, defying my initial assumptions.

That said, after several weeks of consistent wear, I’ve noticed a rather noisy drawback: these shoes squeak quite noticeably on indoor floors. While it’s not a concern if you’re not planning to jog around your kitchen, it’s worth noting for casual wear or post-run errands at the grocery store. Be prepared to make your presence heard on hard surfaces.

Overall:

Mount to Coast’s R1 makes a striking entrance into the running scene with its impressive debut. Right from the start, it exudes a sense of solidity and reliability. The shoe’s lightweight construction makes it ideal for both picking up the pace and dialing it down a notch.

What’s more, it delivers on comfort, functionality, and overall running enjoyment—a trifecta that isn’t always guaranteed with new running shoe companies. Kudos to Mount to Coast for hitting the mark with the R1.

It’s perhaps not as in tune with sustainability, but really most running shoes struggle with this – even as things start to shift towards being environmentally conscious.

You can pick up the Mount to Coast R1 for $160 NOW!