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Boutique running shoe brands are having a moment. Thanks to advancements in materials (particularly foams) and a flurry of innovative shoe design, smaller companies are now producing footwear that rivals—and in some cases, surpasses—the offerings of traditional big brands.
One emerging brand quickly gaining recognition as a serious contender is Mount to Coast. Founded in April 2024, the Hong Kong-based company’s mission is to design a shoe capable of withstanding the rigors of ultra-distance running. Their footwear embraces a minimalist aesthetic, featuring clean lines, muted tones, and simple, functional designs.
Two key innovations set their shoes apart: ZeroSag technology, an ultra-durable midsole insert originally developed for race car suspension, and a unique two-part lacing system that allows independent adjustments to the midfoot and forefoot for a customized fit.
Mount to Coasts’ first shoe was the R1, a lightweight, durable, everyday road trainer and racer with a PEBA-based midsole that delivers a smooth, natural ride. (See our full review.) Building on that success, they quickly followed up with the release of two additional models, a stability shoe (P1) and a cushioned ultra shoe (S1).
Now, just one year after launching, Mount to Coast has rolled out their first trail shoe, the T1. We got our hands on an early sample. Here’s what we think.
Mount to Coast T1 At a Glance
Price: $180
Weight: 9.2 oz (men’s 9)
Stack Heights: 36–32 mm
Heel-to-toe Drop: 4 mm
Available in June 2025: Learn More
Pros:
⊕ Lightweight and nimble
⊕ Lacing system allows for independent adjustments in the midfoot and forefoot
⊕ Great outsole traction
⊕ Good ground connection
Cons
⊗ No lace garage
⊗ Thin tongue can cause pressure points
Mount to Coast T1: First Impressions
After enjoying the Mount to Coast R1, I was eager to see how the brand would perform on the trails. As soon as I got the T1, I took it to my normal neighborhood testing park that features winding, hard-packed dirt singletrack, with an often off-camber surface, solid climbs, smooth descents, and a few technical sections.
Since I received early access to test the T1, the only available size was a men’s sample size 9—half a size too big for me. However, I was able to make it work for testing purposes. Despite the extra length in the toe box, I could tighten down the quick lace system enough to get a secure fit. The toe box felt roomy but not sloppy.
Mount to Coast uses a two-part quick-lace system that features two independent segments—one for the toes and one closer to the ankle, securing the midfoot. This design lets you loosen the toe area to accommodate swelling while keeping the midfoot secure. I’m a fan. After some fine-tuning, I achieved a snug, comfortable fit that also let my toes splay and flex naturally.
My only complaints? First, the lack of a lace garage. I was left with about five inches of excess cord that, unless tucked under itself, swung around and hit my other foot. It’s possible this was due to the larger shoe size, but a lace garage would be a welcome addition. Second, the tongue is a thin, gusseted knit that, while holding my foot smoothly, allowed the thin laces to apply pressure along the top of my foot when tightened. Thicker socks might be in order.
On the run, the first thing that struck me was how light and nimble the shoes felt. They felt almost weightless as I moved through my gait. Underfoot, there’s a modest stack of nitrogen-infused supercritical PEBA-based foam called LightCELL. PEBA has become the industry’s race-day super shoe standard for its exceptionally lightweight and high energy return.
I’ve run in a ton of PEBA-based running shoes, but these felt different than any other. The firm, resilient ride felt much more durable and stable. There was a hint of bounciness to them, but not overly springy like you’re getting thrown around. I felt in total control of how the shoe would respond and react with each footstrike, a crucial factor for a trail shoe. I would not think twice about using these shoes on technical and rocky terrain.
A Litebase Megagrip outsole with moderate lugs further improved my ability to feel in control. While most of my testing was on hard-packed dirt, there is one, quarter-mile descent on a loose, crushed-gravel road I use to test traction. The T1 kept me surefooted and confident enough to stay off the brakes.
The upper is made with a tough-skinned material woven with Kevlar yarns for reinforcement, similar to Matryx uppers seen on shoes like the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2 Matryx and Arc’teryx Sylan. Although I haven’t run in them long enough to test durability, based on feel, I imagine that these can withstand a lot.
Mount to Coast T1: Who Is It For?
I applaud Mount to Coast for taking what makes their road shoes so effective and carrying it to the trails. The T1 is one of the most comfortable, versatile, all-around trail shoes I’ve tested—it’s the kind of shoe you can take anywhere. Beginners to advanced trail runners looking for a do-it-all shoe with excellent fit, good ground feel, and a hint of bouncy cushioning should take notice.
Similar Shoes: La Sportiva Prodigio Pro, Norda 005