Mount To Coast R1 Review: A New Name Enters The Running Shoe Game
I’m putting on the Mount to Coast R1 running shoe for the first time on a hot morning in early August. Laces tied tight, I jump in place like a runner at the start line of a big race, ready to bolt as soon as the gun sounds. A little adrenaline mixes with stress and I remind myself to go slow, stick to the pace. Then my GPS watch chimes, letting me know it’s locked onto the satellites above, and off I go. Let the fun begin.
Okay, I’m being dramatic. Really, this is just another long weekend training run, but with any luck, it’s the first of many long runs in the R1, an ultra road and track shoe designed to provide lasting comfort over long distances. Perhaps more importantly, it’s also the first shoe from Mount to Coast, a Hong Kong-based brand comprising designers who have come from other major running brands to build a better ultra shoe.
I think I’ve heard this story before, yet this one has a different ending. Sure, a new running shoe from an unknown brand boasting better comfort and responsiveness isn’t really new anymore, but here’s the twist: I’m actually quite impressed with this one.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Mount to Coast R1 running shoes.
If you’re looking for a quick summary, here’s my take: Priced at $160, the R1 is a comfortable shoe with a slightly firm midsole that delivers consistent performance over long distances. Its unique two-part lacing system makes it easy to find the perfect fit, and make adjustments on the fly. It’s not a shoe that casual runners should reach for, but if ultras or long-distance road races are your bread and butter, it’s a great option to have in your rotation.
Price: $160 | Weight (per pair): 1.06 pounds | Drop: 8 millimeters | Upper: Double-layered Jacquard, 40% recycled polyester | Midsole: PEBA-based nitrogen-infused foam | Outsole: CPU | Closure: Laces, lace toggle | Sizes: 7 to 14 (men), 5 to 11 (women)
Best for:
- A customizable fit courtesy of fine-tune lace adjustments
- Daily distance training and ultra running
Skip if:
- You need a racing shoe with maximal energy return
- You have wide feet
Mount To Coast R1 Features
A Customizable Fit
The R1 first caught my eye because it’s blindingly white, with a breathable upper made from mesh and recycled polyester. But affixed to the upper is the first feature that actually caught my eye: a two-part lacing system that dials in the perfect fit.
The first part of the lacing system starts at the top of the shoe and ends at the midfoot. Tighten the traditional set of laces as you normally would to secure the shoe just below your ankle. The second part of the system, however, runs from the midfoot to the forefoot and features a cinching toggle. Mount to Coast added this segment because feet tend to swell as the miles add up during an ultra, and it’s easier to adjust the toggle than it is to retie laces on the fly.
The R1’s two-part lacing system makes it easier to dial in the fit on the go.
In my experience, the two-part system works flawlessly. At no point did my feet swell enough to warrant any mid-run adjustments, but the ability to find that perfect fit was a welcome feature nonetheless. When paired with a padded heel collar and gusseted tongue, the fit was comfortable from every angle.
With that said, I have flat, ever-so-slightly wide feet, and the R1 runs a tad bit narrow. On my first run, it felt as if the inside of my right foot was falling over the edge of the shoe, but this wasn’t a problem on subsequent runs. Still, if you have really wide feet, this probably isn’t the shoe for you.
A Goldilocks Midsole
The R1’s PEBA-hybrid midsole strikes a balance between cushioning and responsiveness. Landings don’t come with heavy impacts, but the foam doesn’t propel you forward, either. Instead, the midsole just feels balanced, and I find that it’s more comfortable the longer I run. It’s also a little firmer than other PEBA foams I’ve tried, so don’t lace up the R1 expecting a lot of bounce when it’s under load.
With that said, when I push the pace during uptempo runs and track workouts, the R1 responds reasonably well, as if it wants to keep up as a run evolves. I definitely prefer it for long runs at moderate intensity over really quick miles, but it’s adaptable. I think some credit also goes to the shoe’s lightweight construction at 8.5 ounces per shoe—it sheds just enough weight to make you feel light on your feet.
The R1’s unique style helps it stand out.
Good Looks
Yes, I know looks don’t make one running shoe better than another but for what it’s worth, the R1 looks good. Available in all white, all black or a combination of the two, I like Mount to Coast’s design language as a new brand; it’s sporty, ultramodern and just a little aggressive. The brand’s two other shoes, the S1 and P1, are a bit more neutral, with looks that cater to their use cases as daily trainers and walking shoes, respectively.
Final Verdict
Initial designs, like the first version of a running shoe, often miss the mark as they’re usually more about learning and tweaking to get it right the next time around. But Mount to Coast flipped that script with the R1. Right from the start, this shoe gets a lot of things right with its firm midsole and easy-to-refine fit, all while keeping your feet comfy for those long hauls. At $160, it’s a fair value for an ultra shoe, delivering performance without breaking the bank.
While I wouldn’t recommend the R1 for wide-footed runners or those who run casually, I think it’s a great option if you’re looking for a distance shoe that delivers on consistency.