Mount to Coast R1 Review

Hollie S

Posted Mar 25, 2025

The Mount to Coast R1 is a road ultramarathon shoe built for long-distance comfort and durability. Featuring a LightCELL PEBA midsole and adjustable upper, it’s designed to handle foot swelling and high mileage. Ideal for steady runs and easy days.

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Mount to Coast R1
4.0/5
(1)
Pros
  • Durable, cushioned midsole that holds up over long miles
  • Adjustable upper accommodates foot swelling during extended runs
  • Smooth, stable ride ideal for easy and long-distance efforts
Cons
  • Firmer feel may not suit runners looking for soft, plush cushioning
  • Lacks responsiveness for speed workouts or racing
  • Tapered toe box might not work for runners with wider forefeet

Mount to Coast R1 Review

Before now, I was familiar with Mount to Coast but hadn’t actually tested any of their shoes. It’s not easy to make a mark in the running shoe world, but this brand seems to be carving out space and people are definitely noticing. I don't know about you but I've seen more Mount to Coast sponsored posts lately than almost any other brand.

What Is the Mount to Coast R1?

The Mount to Coast R1 is built specifically for road ultramarathons, catering to runners tackling extra-long distances. But I can’t help but ask: does labeling it an “ultramarathon shoe” make people overlook it? When I first heard about it, I dismissed it because I’m not training for road ultras (and let’s be real, there aren’t that many). But after learning more, I realized it could still be a useful option for a wider group of runners.

This isn’t your everyday trainer or a typical racing flat. The R1 focuses on long-term wear, comfort, and dependable cushioning. It uses a hybrid PEBA foam that stays consistent over time, offering a smooth, protective ride. Plus, the adaptable upper helps accommodate swelling, which happens a lot during ultras. It made me curious—what really qualifies a shoe as being made for ultra distances?

Quick Facts

Price: $160
Weight: 8.5 oz (241 g)
Stack Height: 35 mm (heel) / 27 mm (forefoot)
Drop: 8 mm

 

Upper:

One of the trickiest parts of trying a new running shoe brand is figuring out what size you need. Buying shoes online without a test run always makes me nervous. For the R1, the sizing runs mostly true to size. The upper is stretchy and gives a snug fit, though the toe box is a bit tapered. There's decent room up front, but it’s not what I’d call generously wide.

The midfoot fits pretty standard, anchored by a gusseted, padded tongue. The shoe includes a dual-lacing setup top laces help with lockdown, while the lower laces adjust more easily as your feet swell. Typically, you go up a half size in running shoes, but ultramarathons can bring on even more swelling, so this setup lets you create extra space when needed. Being able to loosen the forefoot makes the shoe much more comfortable later in a run. I really think more brands should adopt this kind of design because your foot is rarely the same at the start and end of a run.

The heel is structured and padded with a firm counter, but it didn’t bother me at all. Plus, the insole is removable if you need to use custom orthotics.

Great running shoes should almost vanish once you start moving, and the R1 mostly pulls that off. I haven’t had any rubbing or discomfort, and the adjustable upper has been a great feature.

For reference, I wear a women's size 10–11 wide depending on the brand, and the size 11 in this model fits best. It’s got a bit more width than I expected, but it doesn’t qualify as a true wide. If you need more room, going up a half size might be your best bet.

Midsole:

The highlight of this shoe is the midsole. The Mount to Coast R1 uses a LightCELL PEBA blend, which delivers a consistent ride that doesn’t compress too quickly. It’s a bit firmer than some other PEBA-based shoes, so it doesn’t have the same bounce or pop, but it’s clearly designed for sustained comfort over time.

The shape of the shoe favors easy to moderate paces. It has a modest heel bevel and a gentle rocker in the forefoot. Transitions are smooth, but the shoe is best suited for steady efforts rather than anything uptempo.

So where does the R1 fit in my rotation? While I’m not logging road ultras, I do run higher mileage and was curious how it would handle longer sessions. My first run was on desert roads, and it handled that terrain with no issues. I didn’t feel overly sore or beat up afterward, which was a good sign. The balance of cushioning and structure felt right: soft but not squishy, supportive but not stiff. I've found it's not as responsive or "bouncy" as other brands but it doesn't necessarily need to be.

Since that first run, I’ve used the R1 for a variety of efforts. It’s ideal for easy, long, and recovery runs. When I want to pick up the pace or do focused speed work, I switch to something more responsive. For me, the bounce is necessary for those hard efforts. But for regular runs and higher mileage days, the R1 has been a great choice.

Outsole:

The outsole performs reliably on road and holds up well in slightly slick conditions. While it’s not designed for trails, I’ve taken it across some smoother desert paths and wet pavement without problems.

I’ve now logged 50 miles in the Mount to Coast R1 and haven’t noticed any significant wear. I expect the shoe to last around 300 to 400 miles, which is solid for this category. Bonus: no exposed midsole, which is becoming increasingly rare in today's shoe market.

Conclusion:

The Mount to Coast R1 was developed for the ultramarathon scene, but you don’t need to be running 50+ miles to see the value in it. With consistent cushioning, a comfortable upper, and design features that help with swelling and long efforts, it’s a smart option for high-mileage road runners. For me, it’s been one of the most useful shoes of 2025 so far.

Who Should Buy the Mount to Coast R1?

  • Road ultramarathoners seeking a dependable race-day option
  • Runners training for long distances who want comfort and space for swelling
  • Athletes looking for a consistent, easy-paced shoe to handle lots of miles

Who Should Skip the Mount to Coast R1?

  • Runners who want a highly responsive, fast-feeling shoe
  • Athletes looking for a versatile speed or race-day trainer across multiple distances

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Hollie S
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Mojave Desert, CA
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Hollie has worked in run specialty for 8+ years and fit over 1000 people for shoes. Her favorite distance is the half maratho...

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