A Fast-Track Origin Story
Breaking into running footwear is like asking a mountain to move for you—and yet Mount to Coast did just that. Born in Hong Kong only last spring, the brand pooled designers from Asics, Brooks, and Nike, then zeroed in on ultrarunning with a stripped-down trio of road models. Those shoes didn't just tread water; they set records. MTC athlete Megan Eckert logged a jaw-dropping 603 miles in six days wearing the R1. Now the company storms the dirt with the Mount to Coast T1, already crowned with an ISPO Award before most runners laced a pair.
Armor Up Top: Kevlar® & TUNEDFIT™
Trail shoes live or die by their uppers, and the Mount to Coast T1 wears body armor. DuPont™ Kevlar® fibers—five times stronger than steel—are woven into a water-repellent fabric that shrugs off rocks, roots, and whatever the ridgeline throws your way. The upgraded TUNEDFIT™ Dual Lacing System goes one better: two independent cinch cords let you lock down forefoot and midfoot separately, eliminating hot spots while a wide toe box gives swollen miles room to breathe.
Midsole Mojo: LightCELL™ Supercritical Foam
Weight matters when the elevation chart looks like an EKG. LightCELL™ midsole foam drops mass by 50 percent compared with traditional EVA, yet rebounds 45 percent harder. The result: a 9-ounce (255 g) package with a balanced 4 mm drop and a ride that feels spring-loaded, not spongy. Heel stack hits 36 mm, forefoot 32 mm—enough cushion to mute the chatter without numbing your sense of the trail.
Outsole Authority: Vibram® Triple Threat
Underfoot, Vibram® fields its elite squad. Megagrip bites slick rock and mud alike, Litebase shaves 30 percent of rubber weight, and Traction Lug micro-features spike grip another 25 percent. Four-millimeter lugs cue confidence on both white-knuckle descents and calf-burning climbs.
Lab-Born, Race-Proven
Mount to Coast doesn’t gamble on guesswork. Prototypes roll through a high-end biomechanics lab before hitting the feet of sponsored ultra crushers. Case in point: Cole Crosby piloted an early Mount to Coast T1 to a decisive win at the 51-mile Badwater Cape Fear. Field data loops back to the design table, closing the gap between concept and finish-line reality.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9 oz / 255 g (US M9) |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4 mm |
| Stack Height | 36 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot |
| Lug Depth | 4 mm |
| Cushion | Responsive, balanced |
| Stability | Neutral |
Price, Colors, and Availability
The Mount to Coast T1 lands now in two men’s and two women’s colorways, each pair ringing up at $180. For a shoe packing Kevlar®, Vibram’s finest rubber, and award-winning lacing tech, that price feels more like a dare than a premium.
Why the Mount to Coast T1 Deserves a Spot in Your Quiver
If you’re chasing hundred-mile belt buckles or simply want a nimble partner for weekend ridge runs, the Mount to Coast T1 squares the circle: lightweight yet armored, cushioned yet reactive, precise yet forgiving. It’s the rare trail shoe that refuses compromise—and it arrives not with hype, but with hardware and podiums already in its carry-on.
Mount to Coast T1 isn’t just a debut. It’s a line in the sand, daring bigger brands to keep up. Get in early, before the rest of the pack figures out this newcomer just lapped them.
Pros
- Exceptionally Durable Upper: The use of DuPont™ Kevlar® fibers and aramid reinforcement gives the Mount to Coast T1 remarkable durability, making it highly resistant to abrasion from rocks and trail debris.
- Award-Winning Dual Lacing System: The TUNEDFIT™ Dual Lacing System allows for separate adjustment of the forefoot and midfoot, providing a customizable fit and reducing the risk of pressure points and hot spots.
- Lightweight Construction: Weighing just 9 ounces (255g), the T1 delivers top-tier protection and support without burdening your stride—a significant advantage in long-distance events where every ounce counts.
- Advanced Midsole Performance: The LightCELL™ supercritical foam midsole offers both impressive lightness and a responsive, energetic ride, boasting 45 percent greater energy return than standard EVA.
- Premium Traction: Vibram® Megagrip, Litebase, and Traction Lug technology combine for outstanding grip on all surfaces, shedding weight without sacrificing performance or control on technical trails.
- Proven Race Pedigree: The T1 is not just lab-tested but race-proven, with athletes like Cole Crosby and Megan Eckert securing wins and setting records in prototype versions, ensuring real-world reliability.
- Breathable and Fast-Drying: The high-performance woven upper and anti-siphon knit tongue excel in repelling water and drying quickly, making the T1 a solid choice for wet or humid conditions.
- Wide Toe Box and Balanced Drop: A 4mm drop and wide toe box cater to natural foot splay and long-run comfort, reducing fatigue over ultra distances.
Cons
- Premium Price Point: At $180, the Mount to Coast T1 sits at the higher end of the trail running market, which may be a barrier for runners seeking budget-friendly options.
- Limited Color Selection: Currently available in only two colorways for men and women, those who prefer more variety or unique styles may find choices lacking.
- Relatively New Brand: As a newcomer in the footwear world, Mount to Coast lacks the long-term reputation and broad community feedback enjoyed by established giants, which may give some buyers pause.
- Minimal Drop May Not Suit All Runners: The 4mm heel-to-toe drop is ideal for many trail enthusiasts but could pose adaptation challenges for runners used to higher drop shoes.
- Norda-Inspired Aesthetic: While stylish, the minimalist design is noted as “Norda-like,” which may not appeal to those seeking more distinct or expressive looks in their gear.
Verdict
The Mount to Coast T1 charges into the trail running scene with a rare blend of innovation, race pedigree, and sheer technical prowess. Its Kevlar®-reinforced upper, advanced lacing, featherweight build, and Vibram®-laced grip are purpose-built for runners who refuse to compromise, whether charging up muddy switchbacks or grinding out ultras. While the price and limited colorways might deter some, the T1 more than justifies its cost for those serious about trail performance and long-distance durability. If you want a trail shoe that doesn’t just survive the harshest conditions but thrives in them, the Mount to Coast T1 is not just an option—it’s a statement.
$180
If you’re searching for a trail-running shoe that balances featherweight agility with daylong comfort, the Craft Endurance stands as a worthy rival to the Mount to Coast T1. Priced at $159.95, it undercuts the competition without sacrificing performance, wrapping your foot in a fully engineered one-piece mesh upper that moves as fluidly as you do. The Px Foam™ midsoles offer energetic toe-offs and soft landings, keeping your stride light and springy—20% lighter than traditional EVA, ensuring you float over the toughest terrain. Its 9mm heel-to-toe drop and lugged outsole deliver reliable grip and stability across mixed trails, while the Craft Regular Fit provides a snug, secure feel in the heel and midfoot, with ample room in the forefoot for natural splay. Vegan construction speaks to the eco-conscious, and the absence of a rock plate means the shoe remains supple, inviting you to truly feel the trail. For runners seeking comfort, adaptability, and an eco-friendly ethos in every step, the Craft Endurance Trail-Running Shoe is an inspired alternative, ready to join you on your next great adventure.
