Mount to Coast has quickly become one of our favorite new shoe companies over the past year. Known for their no-frills design, they pack thoughtful technology into each pair of shoes. Here’s a breakdown of their latest model, the P1.
See all our posts on Mount to Coast HERE!
Looks
Mount to Coast is still a young company, and they’ve stayed true to their minimalist aesthetic. Currently, there’s no colorful variety in their shoes; instead, you get a simple black, white, or a combination of both. This approach works well with their focus on function over flashy design. While I generally prefer footwear with a bit of flair, I’ve grown to appreciate the simplicity of Mount to Coast’s aesthetic. This is the first pair I’ve tried from them that features a dual-color scheme, which I really enjoy.
Construction
Mount to Coast shoes share some consistent design features across their models. You can check out our reviews of the R1 and S1 for more details on these elements, but here’s a general breakdown of what remains the same and what’s new with the P1.
What’s the Same
Aside from the similar looks, each shoe in Mount to Coast’s small but impressive collection is built with their signature GOFLOW midsole geometry amd LightCELL midsole base, which are designed specifically for road runners logging miles on pavement.
What’s Different
As a new model, the P1 introduces some notable innovations. The upper is a circular knit (as opposed to a Jacquard mesh), but we think both styles work fine. The P1 is also the highest stacked shoe in their collection at 37mm – one millimeter higher than the S1 and two more than the R1. It’s also the heaviest (9.9oz for M9) in their lineup, by a 1/2 oz+.
But perhaps the big difference is the inclusion of a Mount to Coast exclusive 3D Archrail technology. If you’re a runner, you probably understand your own gait and physiology—you know if you’re a heel striker or forefoot striker, or if you overpronate.
It is with this latter piece from which the P1 was born to assist with. Excessive and uncorrected overpronation can lead to injuries, and so the P1 goes beyond just being a “stability” shoe. Instead of merely adding some supports on the side of the upper and calling it “stability” Mount to Coast has developed a more thoughtful solution.
This comes in the form of the 3d Archrail – stability technology developed through new biomechanics research. This tech plays a critical role in forefoot abduction for injury prevention, as opposed to the more traditional heel eversion.
“Supporting the human body as it pushes beyond physical and mental limitations — 50, 60, 100 and more miles — requires a design ethos that is willing to challenge technological barriers. The technology in our P1 shoe is the result of inviting biomechanics experts and academics at the forefront of injury prevention into our innovation process, allowing hard data to dominate our design direction. The result is a new support structure embedded into a durable and comfortable performance shoe that will keep runners, especially those who excessively pronate, running safer and longer.”
Yeti Zhang, Head of Product at Mount to Coast, via PR Newswire
It is a support system designed to enhance foot stability by activating the abductor hallucis muscle in your arch, while significantly reducing peak forefoot abduction angles. The result is said to improve foot balance, promoting injury-free running and overall stability.
Last, but not least, the insole has two zones to provide both heel stability and arch support, and the lacing system offers for a more customized wrapping (as can be seen as the grey tab in the pictures above).
The P1 arrived at just the right time for me. A few days before, I had noticed a slight flare-up in my heel, reminiscent of a previous bout of plantar fasciitis. It wasn’t severe, but I dusted off my physical therapy exercises just in case. While I’m not certain if my overpronation was the cause, I assumed it didn’t help. So, I decided to take it easy and test out the P1.
Although I wasn’t dealing with a major injury, I experienced no discomfort while running in the P1. My runs were at a normal pace, and the shoe’s fit and construction seemed to support my gait during my active recovery. It wasn’t a magical cure, but it certainly helped keep me running without pain.
As previously mentioned, one new aspect of the P1 is its insole, which is unlike any I’ve encountered before. However, I’m not entirely sure it’s a winner for me. I have relatively standard feet—not wide, but not narrow—but this new insole made the midfoot feel a bit slim and tight. I didn’t develop any blisters, but I did notice some rubbing on the lateral middle of my feet.
Ultimately, I swapped the P1’s insoles with those from my favorite Mount to Coast shoe, the S1, and the fit felt more comfortable. To their credit, Mount to Coast acknowledges that their insoles are removable and can be replaced if needed.
Final Thoughts
As a running gear reviewer, I usually rotate through different shoes with each run. However, I have found myself wearing the P1 for a couple of weeks in a row. I was hesitant to switch them out, given how well my heel was feeling—even during high-intensity sprints and hill workouts. While I won’t claim the P1 is a miracle cure for overpronation or foot pain, it’s clear the technology is effective.
The P1 is another strong addition to Mount to Coast’s lineup. While the S1 remains my personal favorite, the P1 has certainly held its own. If you’re dealing with overpronation, this is a shoe worth trying.
Highly recommended.
Mount to Coast P1
Specs & Socials:
- Weight: 9.90 oz (men’s size 9)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 10mm
- Stack height (heel/toe): 37mm/27mm
