Mount to Coast R1 Review: A New Contender on the Road

If long runs, daily training, and mixing a bit of uptempo speed sound like an ideal running regimen, the Mount to Coast R1 might just be the perfect shoe to add to your rotation. Designed by an new brand, the Mount to Coast R1 promises a carefully-crafted balance of comfort, adaptability, and performance. Let’s break down what makes—or could break—this shoe. Hint hint, its all good…

Technical Specs

Weight – 8.5oz or 241g for a US Men’s 9
Cushion – 35mm of cushion and a 8mm heel/toe drop
Pricing – $160 USD
Colors – 3 colors

The Upper

The first thing that catches the eye is the engineered mesh upper. Lightweight and breathable, this material wraps comfortably around the foot without feeling too snug or constricted. What really stands out is the two-part lacing system. The toggled lace section towards the toe box and the traditional laces from the midfoot up offer a customized fit that allows for adjustments as our feet swell during longer runs. Probaby our favorite feature of the shoe and something other shoes have tried and failed with. The nicely padded heel collar and gusseted tongue ensure that the foot stays securely locked down, even during those grueling, longer sessions.

The Midsole

Underfoot, the Mount to Coast R1 employs a unique LightCell midsole—a Pebax hybrid compound created through a nitrogen supercritical foaming process. This midsole delivers a balanced ride, neither too soft nor too firm, similar to others in its class but with its own unique touch. The midsole also ensures a responsive feel, offering a nice landing that doesn’t sacrifice the sensory connection to the road. So whether you are looking for easy daily training or if you are going on extended adventures, you will appreciate how the legs feel fresh even after tackling decent mileage.

The Outsole

The outsole architecture incorporates a dynamic polyurethane (PU) insert, developed by BASF, known as Zerosag. This S-shaped reinforcement piece runs across the shoe and aims to support the natural foot motion, helping to reduce overpronation. We found that this feature provides a bit of extra structure and support, particularly noticeable in the later miles of a long run. The outsole also maintains a reasonable grip, crucial during wet and slippery conditions, ensuring a stable and secure landing every step of the way.

Drawbacks to Consider

All this greatness isn’t without some issues and that is always the case. First, these things just stink out of the box, they have that plastic manufactured weird smell that you sometimes get from other products and you’re going to want to let them sit out a little bit to get rid of it. It doesn’t seem like a big deal to most, but it’s really off putting. Next and probably the biggest issue people will find is that the mid soul and outsole are noisy. The rubberization process they used for the outsole which they used to keep the weight down but maintain grip is also incredibly noisy, so much so that they will be releasing a rubberized version in the fall.

Conclusion

Mount to Coast R1 defies the trend of subpar first-time offerings from new brands. This debut model offers everything we want in a reliable trainer: a comfortable yet responsive ride, a secure and adaptable upper, and an overall lightweight feel. While a few issues like the chemical smell and clicking noise exist, the shoe’s strong performance makes it a solid option for any runner looking to log enjoyable miles over long distances. All in all, the R1 is a promising kick-off for Mount to Coast, showcasing that the brand is capable of delivering quality and innovation from the get-go. The shoe’s release on April 25 will surely be a keenly observed event for running enthusiasts.

Learn more on the Mount to Coast website

These shoes were provided by the manufacturer or its partners for the sole use of review. No implied or explicit guarantees were provided as it relates to the provision of these products and all editorial commentary is strictly the property of Running Northwest. In short, the fact they allowed us to test these shoes does not mean we are required to give it a favorable review… every product must earn it. We appreciate our manufacturer partnerships and if you have any questions, you can read our Disclosure Policy in further detail.