At this point in 2026, it feels a little strange to keep introducing Mount to Coast as the “new kid” in the running shoe world. They’ve moved beyond that. Much like the personal promise I made a year ago to stop opening Skechers reviews by explaining they aren’t just a lifestyle shoe company anymore, I’m making the same commitment here. Mount to Coast has established itself as a legitimate player with a loyal following, and their shoes can stand on their own merits.
Their latest trail offering is the M1, a shoe built for runners who want comfort over long distances without sacrificing confidence when the trail gets technical.
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Looks
The M1 is launching in three colorways: Oatmeal, Moss, and Glacier (pictured). All three look great. They’re muted, understated colors, but the earth- and sky-inspired palette feels perfectly in tune with what this shoe is designed for – trekking for hours in the earth with the sky overhead.
Construction:
Now, there may be some question about where this shoe fits into Mount to Coast’s lineup. In a world where many (most? all?) running shoe brands have relatively confusing lineups, it’s nice when shoes with similar purposes offer distinctly different experiences. Since both the T1 and M1 are trail shoes, we wanted to better understand what separates them.
The first difference is straightforward—they’re built with different foams. The M1 uses an ATPU foam while the T1 uses PEBA (that’s a lot of letters in one sentence). I don’t think these shoes exist simply to showcase different foams, but those differences allow each shoe to handle slightly different situations.
Mount to Coast has built its reputation around handling long distances. Heck, their very first shoe was designed with road ultras in mind. The T1, their first trail shoe, largely followed that same philosophy, offering a lightweight build (9.0 oz in a men’s 9) with a bit more ground feel and a slightly more tapered platform.
I don’t think the lineup needs to be divided into rigid categories—both shoes are capable across a wide variety of trails—but it does feel like the M1 retains the long-distance DNA but adds a wider platform, higher sidewalls, and a more protective ride for technical excursions.
Specs
- Weight: Approx. 9.7 oz (Men’s US 9)
- Stack Height: 38mm heel / 34mm forefoot
- Drop: 4mm
- Lugs: 4mm
Upper
Mount to Coast uppers have consistently impressed us, and the M1 continues that trend. The engineered mesh upper feels breathable while providing a secure lockdown without excessive padding.
The M1 also features the company’s TUNEDFIT Dual Lacing System, allowing runners to independently adjust tension across different sections of the foot.
I don’t need to belabor this because I’ve mentioned it in previous reviews, but this isn’t my personal favorite lacing system. I generally prefer a traditional setup. That said, that’s simply a matter of preference, and plenty of runners appreciate the ability to fine-tune the fit—especially during longer runs when feet naturally begin to swell.
Midsole
As mentioned above, the M1 features Mount to Coast’s new ATPU foam called JETCELL. Created through the brand’s supercritical foaming process, the foam delivers a lively ride while emphasizing durability. Compared to PEBA, ATPU is generally more resilient over the long haul, making it a logical choice for a shoe built around big miles on rugged terrain.
The M1 keeps the same stack height compared to the T1 while maintaining the same 4mm drop. It also gains a little weight, which isn’t surprising considering the modified cushioning and broader platform. It doesn’t really feel like all that big of a difference on foot however.
Outsole
As a shoe designed for long trail adventures that often include technical terrain, the M1 uses a full-coverage Vibram Megagrip outsole. The lugs provide dependable traction across a wide variety of surfaces, and the outsole appears nearly identical to the one found on the T1.
That’s certainly not a complaint. It delivers reliable grip whether climbing loose trails, navigating wet rocks, or descending steep terrain, and it’s exactly the type of outsole you’d expect on a shoe built for all-day adventures.
Overall
So, overall the choice between the M1 and T1 may somewhat lie as to your preferred level of trail running.
Where the T1 feels lighter, quicker, and a bit more connected to the trail, the M1 adds cushioning, stability, and confidence when the terrain becomes more demanding. Runners tackling technical ultramarathons, long mountain adventures, or simply wanting a little more protection underfoot will likely appreciate what the M1 brings to the table.
Or go grab both because both are super solid trail running options!
