The Mount to Coast R1 shoe review is one of the most requested shoe reviews. Before this, I had heard of Mount to Coast but hadn’t tried anything from them. It can be hard to break into the running shoe industry, but they seem to be doing a good job, and there have been positive reviews everywhere.
What is the Mount to Coast R1?
The Mount to Coast R1 is a road ultramarathon racing shoe designed specifically for long-distance endurance running. But I actually wonder…does advertising it as an ultramarathon shoe hurt it? When I first heard of an ultramarathon shoe, I thought, I don’t need that since I’m not running road ultras (in fact, the road ultra category is so slim). But after some digging, I realized anyone can benefit from having it in their rotation.
Unlike traditional road racing shoes or daily trainers, the R1 prioritizes durability, consistency, and comfort for ultra distances. With a hybrid PEBA midsole, it maintains its structure over long miles, ensuring a smooth and cushioned ride. A partially adjustable upper accommodates foot swelling, a common issue in ultramarathons. I was curious—what actually makes a shoe an ultramarathon running shoe?
Anyway, here’s an honest review of the Mount to Coast R1.
Mount to Coast R1 Quick Facts
- Price: $160
- Weight: 8.5 oz (241 g)
- Stack Height: 35 mm (heel) / 27 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 8 mm
Mount to Coast R1 Upper and Fit
One of the hardest things about trying a new running shoe brand is deciding what size to wear. I am always nervous to purchase shoes online when I can’t try them on! The Mount to Coast R1 fits mostly true to size. The stretchy upper provides a close fit, though the toe box has a slight taper. While the forefoot offers adequate room, I haven’t found it to be super wide.
The midfoot is a normal width, supported by a well-gusseted, moderately thick tongue. The dual-lacing system allows for top laces to lock down the fit and lower laces to adjust for swelling. Usually, you just go up a half size in running shoes, but with ultramarathons, your feet might swell more than ever before, so this system gives you the option to make the shoe even looser. Loosening the forefoot creates a more comfortable fit, especially when your feet swell. I think more brands should do this because your feet are usually a different size before and after a run.
The heel collar is well-padded with a stiff heel counter, but it didn’t cause discomfort. The removable insole allows for custom orthotics if needed.
The best running shoes disappear on your foot, and for the most part, the Mount to Coast R1 does just that. I haven’t had any hot spots, and the adjustable upper is a welcome feature.
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10–11 wide and have found the size 11 to fit the best. It is slightly wider than you would anticipate, but it’s not a true wide. If you need a wide, I suggest going up a half size.
Mount to Coast R1 Ride
The midsole is where the magic happens, right? The Mount to Coast R1 features a LightCELL PEBA-blend midsole, offering consistent cushioning without bottoming out. However, it has a firmer feel compared to other PEBA foams, making it less responsive for speed work. I can see how it’s an ultramarathon shoe designed for just go, go, going.
The geometry is optimized for easier paces, with a smaller heel bevel and a moderate forefoot rocker. While the heel-to-toe transition feels smooth, the shoe performs best at steady, long runs rather than fast-paced efforts.
Where does the Mount to Coast R1 fit into my rotation? I don’t run ultramarathons, but I do run longer distances and wanted a shoe that could handle that. My first run was in the desert, and I found it to be great for easy runs. I felt good during and after the run. It was pretty balanced that I didn’t feel like I was running in a pile of mush but I also didn’t feel like it was super responsive and I was running on a springboard.
Since then, I’ve used it for all sorts of runs, and I’ve found it handles long runs, easy runs, and recovery runs the best. If I’m doing a faster run, workout, or race, I prefer something that responds better. I do like using the R1 for daily runs though and it’s been a good option.
Mount to Coast R1 Outsole
The Mount to Coast R1 outsole provides reliable traction on roads and light wet surfaces. Though not intended for trails, it holds up well on smooth pavement. I’ve used them on light desert trails and in some inclement rain with no issues.
I’ve now put 50 miles on the Mount to Coast R1 with no signs of it slowing down. I think it will likely last somewhere between 300–400 miles. Thank goodness it doesn’t have any exposed midsole like so many options out there right now.
Mount to Coast R1 Conclusion
The Mount to Coast R1 is a specialized ultramarathon road shoe with a durable, consistent ride—but you don’t need to be an ultramarathoner to enjoy it. It’s best suited for long, steady efforts rather than speed work. The adjustable upper helps with foot swelling, while the structured midsole provides reliable support for endurance runners. So far, the Mount to Coast R1 has been one of my favorite shoes of 2025.
Who Should Buy the Mount to Coast R1?
- Ultramarathon runners looking for a durable, road-specific race shoe.
- Long-distance road runners who prioritize cushioning and foot swelling accommodation.
- Runners seeking a steady-paced shoe for high-mileage training.
Who Should Not Buy the Mount to Coast R1?
- Runners who prioritize responsiveness and speed.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, New Balance 1080v13 Shoe Review , Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0 Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Nike Alphafly 3
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro ,Nike Vaporfly 3 ,
Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here.
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried Mount to Coast?
What is your favorite running shoe brand?
