If you’ve scrolled through social media, you’ve likely come across the Mount to Coast brand. Their shoes seem to be everywhere, but do they actually live up to all the hype? We’re going to review and compare their R1, P1, and S1 for fit and function.
I’ll admit it, I’m a sucker for bold, vibrant colorways when it comes to picking out running shoes. A bright, loud design always catches my eye and often seals the deal. Well, obviously the number one thing is that they have to feel good but bright colors are always a plus.
That said, I had to set my love for flashy colors aside with the Mount to Coast brand and truly put my tester hat on for this one. Let’s see how the Mount to Coast R1 and P1 shoes performed on the roads and treadmill.
Who’s It Good For?
Who are the Mount to Coast Shoes good for? Let’s break it down with some common categories:
- Wide Feet: The wider fit of the P1 would make these perfect.
- Heavier Runners: These shoes are designed to be durable, which means you should get a good life out of them.
- Long Runs: Their whole slogan is around ultra runners, so we say yes.
- Front of the Pack: They aren’t carbon plated speed shoes, but are lightweight for long distance.
Mount to Coast Shoes Overview
Mount to Coast was created by runners who understood exactly what’s needed in a shoe, especially for ultra runners. Their designs strip away the unnecessary, focusing on the essentials: comfort, durability, and performance. The minimalist colorways reflect this simplicity, letting the quality of the shoes speak for itself.
Does that sound like a lot of marketing jargon?
I mean it kind of is because that’s exactly how they’re selling the shoe. Which lead us to wonder why it is being so hyped on social media if it’s such a stripped down shoe?
Our own, Coach Laura put the R1 to the ultimate test during a 48-hour road ultra, racking up 80 miles in them.
She raved about the roomy toe box and how comfortable her feet felt during and after her run. In fact, she’s already planning to wear the R1 for her next part-road ultra, which says a lot about the shoe’s long-distance potential.
These shoes are meant to feel as good at mile one as they do at mile fifty. So at least one of our testers says heck yes this is completely true…but what about Stacey and Amanda?
Listen we’d be lying if we said there wasn’t a LOT of marketing dollars being throw around on social and that’s why you’re seeing them. But testing also shows that the reviews may be well founded.
Mount to Coast R1 Review – Lightweight Race Day
Mount to Coast shoes are a daily trainer with a moderate cushion feel, meant to provide comfort from 3 miles to hundreds. But most importantly they claim to last longer than all the other cushioned running shoes on the market.
This shoe was my first introduction to the brand Mount to Coast and while I do love the design, the R1 didn’t quite check all the boxes for me.
The Run To The Finish team is always going to be honest about our reviews, but it shouldn’t stop you from trying out any product if you think it sounds like a good fit. Basically, we’re a mixed bag on this one.
The lightweight construction is one of Mount to Coast’s defining features, offering a lightweight feel without sacrificing support or cushioning. This helps to make their shoes versatile enough to be a good match for both short-distance and long-distance runners. 
Stack height is how we refer to the size of the outsole of a shoe. A maximal shoe is defined by having a stack height of 30mm to 50mm.
The Mount to Coast shoes have a stack height of 35mm for both the R1 and P1 classifying them as maximal running shoes. Which is actually kind of funny because with so many max cushioned shoes like the Puma Mag Max or the Nike Vomero 18 at 46mm, it’s hard to think of these as maximal.
They absolutely do not have that same big cushion feel, which is part of the appeal.
So let’s start with what I loved about the R1. Like with all of the Mount to Coast shoes, they feel almost weightless on your feet, which is a huge bonus for longer runs or when you’re chasing faster times in a road ultra.
The R1 also is the only shoe in the lineup that has the TUNEDFIT Dual Lacing System allowing you to adjust the fit in both the forefoot and midfoot of the shoe for a more custom fit.
This is particularly helpful when you are out there for hours and your feet start to swell. Plus, the pieces of the forefoot adjustment are attached so the laces are not going to flop around as you run.
Outsole
They say it’s an ultra running shoe, so most of us would be expecting some big lugs for technical trails. Not so much.
The Mount to Coast R1 also features a durable CPU outsole pictured above on the left-hand side. This helps to provide extra grip and durability on different surfaces. This is a great feature if you are a runner who plans to mix road and light trail running.
** They warn you that this shoe can squeak on hard floors and oh boy is that true! You won’t be sneaking up on anyone.
Fit
And now the part that I struggled with was how the shoe fit in the midfoot. It feels a bit narrow and I could noticeably feel the insole pressing into the side of my foot after just a few steps. I took one for the team and tried a short run on the treadmill but I decided to call it quits after 20 minutes.
The Mount to Coast R1 may work better for runners with a slimmer midfoot, but for me, it was a constant reminder that the fit just wasn’t quite right.
That said, everyone did not have the same experience as me who tested the shoe on the Run To The Finish team. Coach Laura often says she has a wider foot and obviously didn’t notice anything. Amanda said the shoes fit her fine as well…so maybe a difference the shoe for some reason?
While the R1 didn’t win me over personally, it is a well-crafted shoe. If you prefer a slightly narrower fit and appreciate a customizable lacing system, this shoe might be a great match for you.
And hey, even if it’s not perfect for everyone, that eye-catching blue colorway is hard to resist!
Specs
- Weight: 8.5 oz Men’s and Women’s
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- R1 has a CPU outsole
- R1R has a rubber outsole and weighs 9oz
- Not available in wide
- Available in 4 Colors
- Available from Running Warehouse for $160
Amanda: While the shoe didn’t become an instant favorite for me to run in, it has become my go to travel shoe. I know that I can walk around all day long feeling good (and I like the look for casual). Plus if I can only take one pair, when would that happen, then I can go run happily in them as well.
I know that Laura loves her Altra’s so it was interesting to hear her call this toe box roomy. It was indeed wider than many other options we’ve tested.
Mount to Coast P1 Review – Stability Shoe
I am not going to lie, I was a little nervous putting this shoe on after not loving my experience with the R1. But I am happy to report that the Mount to Coast P1 is one of those shoes you slip on and instantly think, “Oh, this is going to be good.”
And it doesn’t disappoint.
Designed for runners who value comfort and performance, the Mount to Coast P1 delivers a cushioned yet lightweight experience that feels just as good on mile one as it does on mile ten.
Right out of the box, the fit was spot on. The heel and midfoot feel secure without being overly tight, while the toe box offers enough room for your toes to breathe and move naturally. No pinching, no pressure—just a natural, comfortable feel that makes you forget you’re wearing shoes.
What really made me fall in love, though, is again how light these shoes are. It’s the kind of lightweight design that makes you feel like you’re flying, but with enough cushioning to keep you comfortable mile after mile. The midsole feels soft underfoot but still gives that springy push-off that keeps you moving forward.
This one hasn’t yet made our list of best cushioned running shoes, that’s mostly because it’s more modest in the cushion department for now.
These are the perfect daily trainer. I am going to add these into the rotation for my easy runs, long runs, some strides, and even those midday walks.
Okay, maybe I won’t get too carried away because you should have a different pair of shoes for walking and a different pair of running.
PSSTTT look at some new colors that are coming!
Specs
- Weight: 9.9 oz Men’s and Women’s
- Heel Drop: 10 mm
- Not available in wide
- Available in 3 Colors
- Available from Running Warehouse for $160
Mount to Coast S1 – Daily Trainer
Ok now we’ve come to the S1, which is their neutral daily trainer option. So it’s really similar to the P1, but with a few small changes:
- P1 is going to have a roomier toe box, the S1 is more of a standard fit
- S1 is about .5 oz lighter because it doesn’t have stability components
- S1 has 1mm more cushion than the R1
In general, if we were picking a first shoe from Mount to Coast we’d go with the R1. It’s got more features that we really love, the wider more accommodating toe box and it’s lighter.
Amanda: Again I’ve been wearing these all over when I’m running errands and might have time to get in a really quick run too. So it is a good shoe, just hasn’t become a go to.
R1 vs P1
So it’s clear that both shoes can check the boxes for being lightweight, durable, and comfortable in their own ways. The real question is, which one is the best fit for you?
Hopefully the initial details above gave you some things to think about with the Mount to Coast shoes. But from a straight side by side comparison of the R1 vs P1, here are the things that stand out.
- P1 is a stability shoe.
- R1 is a neutral shoe.
- They both have a stack height of 35mm making them considered a maximal shoe
- R1 is the lighter shoe by a couple of oz, but they are both still super lightweight
- The P1 is a much more cushiony feel.
- R1 is great for race day, especially if you are going for longer distances like an ultra
- The P1 is a shoe that you can grab for anything- easy days, long runs, speed workouts, power walking
Similar Shoes to Mount to Coast
Still trying to grasp what we mean by moderate cushion…we get that. Here are some comparable shoes:
- Nike Pegasus – again a more narrow fit
- Asics Novablast – a little more cushion, but a shoe that can pick up the pace
- Adidas Supernova Rise 2 – probably a little firmer
All right, there you have it our Mount to Coast review says the shoes really do live up to all of the hype you’re seeing online!
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