Mount to Coast T1 Review
The Mount to Coast T1 is a trail running shoe designed to be durable enough for ultra distances. However, it isn’t exclusively built for long-distance efforts, so don’t be put off if ultra running isn’t your focus. Many of the features found in the T1, and Mount to Coast shoes in general, simply make it a very capable and versatile running shoe.
Although the T1 is described as a genuine off-road shoe, it’s important to consider how trail conditions vary depending on where you run. In the US, where Mount to Coast shoes are primarily developed, trails tend to be dry and hard-packed. In the UK, while we do have some similar surfaces such as disused railway lines and firm bridleways, we also have a large network of public footpaths. These are often muddy, greasy, and uneven, running across fields, through woodland, and over roots and rocks. This type of terrain requires a shoe that is flexible and adaptable underfoot.
It’s difficult to create a trail running shoe that performs equally well across all terrain types, especially when road sections are often involved. As a result, some compromise is always necessary when choosing a trail shoe. The Mount to Coast T1 feels smooth and responsive on tarmac. For the mile or two you might run to reach the trails, they are comfortable and efficient. This also makes them a good option for mixed-terrain runs, where you transition between road and trail.
The midsole is made from Lightcell, a nitrogen-infused supercritical foam. Because it is sealed, it retains its rebound well over time and resists water and debris ingress, which helps improve durability. There is relatively little compression on impact, giving the T1 a stable and sure-footed feel. You remain aware of the terrain underfoot, which helps your body react naturally to uneven surfaces. The stack height is 36mm in the heel and 32mm in the forefoot, providing a good level of cushioning and protection. The 4mm drop encourages a midfoot landing, improving agility, but there is still enough cushioning for heel strikers to land comfortably and transition smoothly through to toe-off.
The midsole also features a slight rocker shape, helping to maintain forward momentum and a consistent cadence. This promotes a more upright posture and reduces impact over longer distances, while also allowing you to react quickly to changes in terrain. The outsole uses Vibram Megagrip with Litebase construction. This reduces the thickness of the rubber base, improving flexibility and allowing the shoe to adapt more easily to uneven ground. Megagrip performs well on both wet and dry surfaces, offering reliable traction on rock, including wet and mossy surfaces. The 4mm triangular lugs provide good grip on dry trails and loose gravel, while maintaining a smooth feel on firmer ground.
The shoe performs well on hard-packed trails and reasonably well on more uneven terrain in dry conditions. On steeper climbs, the forefoot flex allows for a solid push-off. However, in muddy or soft conditions, traction is limited, and the lugs can clog. This is a compromise seen in many trail shoes, but it does mean the T1 is better suited to firmer, drier trails.
The heel cup is stiff, helping to secure the foot and provide stability. Padding around the heel and collar is light but sufficient for comfort. The tongue is thin, soft, and made from a woven material. The lacing system is part of Mount to Coast’s Tuned Fit design, using two separate lace sections with pull toggles. This allows independent adjustment of the forefoot and midfoot, which can be useful as feet swell over longer runs.
While the system allows for a comfortable fit with no pressure points, I found it difficult to achieve a truly secure lockdown on more technical terrain. The upper doesn’t quite hold the foot firmly enough to prevent movement on rough ground. This is likely influenced by the intended terrain in the US, where trails are generally smoother. On less technical terrain, the fit is comfortable and works well, but on more uneven UK trails, you may notice some foot movement.
The toe box offers a straight big toe line and enough room for natural toe splay, which improves comfort over longer distances and allows the foot to function more naturally. The toe bumper is firm and provides good protection against rocks. There is also a lace pocket on the tongue, allowing you to tuck away excess lace and prevent it from catching on vegetation. The upper is constructed from a durable woven mesh with aramid fibre reinforcement, designed to resist abrasion while absorbing minimal water. Despite the shoe weighing just 255 grams in a men’s UK 8, the upper feels well built and comfortable.
Sizing can vary slightly with Mount to Coast. The T1 is similar in length to Brooks, Saucony, 361, Topo, Altra, and VJ. If you typically wear New Balance, Hoka, La Sportiva, or Inov-8, it’s worth trying half a UK size smaller. For example, a UK 11 in the T1 is roughly equivalent in length to a UK 11.5 in Hoka.
In summary, the Mount to Coast T1 is a versatile trail running shoe with a firm, responsive, and comfortable ride. It performs particularly well on hard-packed and mixed terrain, and feels natural and efficient over longer distances. Despite its ultra-distance focus, it avoids the overly soft, slow feel of some ultra shoes and remains responsive enough to pick up the pace when needed.
The main limitation is the level of lockdown, which can allow some foot movement on softer or more technical terrain. Traction is also better suited to dry and firm conditions than mud. Overall, the T1 is a strong option for runners who spend most of their time on well-maintained trails, but it is less suited to consistently wet and technical ground.
Alternatives to Mount to Coast T1
OMM Trail Shoe: A good ‘real’ trail shoe. Will get you to the trail on the road but, not as cushioned and smooth at the M2C T1. Not cushioned enough for all day use on hard packed trails but, a snugger fit makes them a better option for more broken trail and the lugs give better traction on wet, soft ground. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/omm-trail-shoe-review/
New Balance Hierro v9: A similar solid feel to the midsole. There is no feel for the ground so you have to trust the traction which is best suited to firmer tracks and trails but does still offer some traction on softer ground. The stiffness in the midsole reduces the nimbleness and makes the Hierro a less suitable choice for more broken tracks and trails. Available in three width Men’s and two width Women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-hierro-v9-review/
361 Futura 3: A much softer feel to the cushioning. The rubber is more grippy and lugs bite better into soft ground. Not as much underfoot feel. Less nimble due to the soft cushioning which takes away a lot of the feel for the ground. The rocker is much more noticeable. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/361-futura-3-review/
La Sportiva Prodigio Max: A similar solid feel to the midsole gives a firm stable ride but, not as flexible so the outsole doesn’t take the shape of the terrain as easily. Feel big and clumpy in comparison to the light and nimble T1. The lugs bite better into soft ground but, there isn’t the feel for the ground. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-prodigio-max-review/
Saucony Xodus Ultra: A much more pointed toe box gives the feet less room to spread and function. The midsole is firm but, not flexible enough to bend to the curvature of the terrain. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/saucony-xodus-ultra-4-review/
VJ Ultra 3: A broad rounded toe box gives the feet the room to spread and function. The cushioning is soft and takes away ground feel but, the traction is good on wet and dry surfaces and bite into soft ground better than the T1. The rocker is more noticeable, and the Ultra 3 doesn’t have the same natural feel that you get from a midsole that has less compression. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/vj-ultra-3-review/
Topo Athletic Vista: A much stiffer shoe. Has a broad rounded toe box which gives the feet the room to spread and function but, not flexible enough for anything other than hard packed tracks and trails. Feels good at Ultra pace but, not a shoe for quicker running. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-vista-review/
Inov-8 TrailFly Max: A broad rounded toe box gives the feet the room to spread and function. The midsole is flexible enough to absorb some of the lumps and bumps on the trail and firm enough to give some ground feel. Traction is better on soft ground as the lugs bite better and don’t clog as easily. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-trailfly-max-review/
Hoka Mafate 5: A very softly cushioned shoe that uses a forefoot plate to give a positive push off. Traction is good on soft ground but, there is no feel for the ground, so you have to trust the shoes. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-mafate-5-review/
Brooks Cascadia 19: Less room in the toe box and a broad base to the Cascadia make it less serviceable on narrower tracks and trails. The traction is good and there is a nice level of bounce in the midsole but, the ride is more suited to harder tracks and trails. Smooth and comfortable on the tarmac. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-cascadia-19-review/
Scott Kinabalu Ultra: A similar level of cushion. A secure cushioned ride but, not quite as nimble and responsive. Traction is a touch better on soft ground and the outsole doesn’t clog as easily. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scott-kinabalu-ultra-review/
Comments are closed here.