MOUNT TO COAST R1 REVIEW

MOUNT TO COAST R1 TRAINERS

Shoe	Mount to Coast R1
Category	High Mileage / Ultra Distance Daily Trainer
Weight	Approx. 190g (Incredibly light for a daily trainer)
Heel-to-Toe Drop	8mm (35mm Heel / 27mm Forefoot)
Midsole Foam	LightCELL Foam (Nitrogen charged) with ZeroSag inserts
Carbon Plate?	No
Price	£150 (Use code RUNNINGDOTREVIEWS for 10% Off)

Use code RUNNINGDOTREVIEWS at checkout for 10% Off!

PLEASE NOTE: I was gifted the Mount To Coast R1 shoe by Mount To Coast to give a honest review. This page contains affiliate links. Making a purchase via our affiliate link means I may receive a small share of the sale.

The Mount to Coast R1 is a daily trainer built for long distance comfort, durability and consistency.

In my experience, these shoes aren’t designed for speed sessions or chasing PBs, but they’re perfect for when you want to put in the miles and look after your feet and legs.

Use code RUNNINGDOTREVIEWS at checkout for 10% Off!

THE HEEL

I have found the heel to be stable, supportive and secure without being restrictive. Even when loosening the toe box for comfort, the heel stays locked in and maintains comfort.

With a 35 mm heel height and an 8 mm heel to toe drop, the R1s provide a smooth, balanced transition from heel to forefoot which is ideal for long runs.

INSIDE

These trainers were perfect straight out the box with no breaking in period required, the fit was great from the first run, and I didn’t experience any hot spots or blisters.

The wide toe box allows natural swelling on long runs, and the dual lacing system means I was able to adjust the forefoot for extra room while keeping the heel snug. 

After bruising a toe recently, I was able to run comfortably without irritation, which shows how well the design protects the foot during high mileage weeks.

THE UPPERS

I’ve found the R1s to be breathable yet durable and I particularly love the dual lacing system that offers extra flexibility.

I’ve ran over 300 miles in these, yet the uppers have held their shape and stayed comfortable throughout.

THE OUTSOLE

These trainers are built for road running, but I feel they’re quite adaptable. They handle gravel, mud tracks, and light off road surprisingly well.

The grip is consistent, and stable and despite running approx. 300 miles, there’s minimal wear.

THE MIDSOLE

The midsole is protective and efficient. I don’t find them overly soft or bouncy, but it has a consistent cushion that holds up across big miles.

The forefoot height is 27 mm, which gives a smooth, energy efficient run. Mount to Coast developed ZeroSag, a midsole inserts co created with BASF for durability, comfort and energy return across all temperatures.

Their LightCELL foam, nitrogen charged for 50% lighter weight than EVA and 45% more energy return, complements the midsole, keeping legs fresh on long runs.

HOW MUCH DO THEY WEIGH?

Each shoe weighs approx. 190g so they’re light enough to feel smooth and natural, but with enough substance for high mileage training.

DO THEY HAVE A CARBON PLATE?

No. But I feel these trainers aren’t designed for racing or chasing PBs, instead they’re built for logging comfortable, reliable training miles.

COST

You can get these online for approx. £150.00 GBP.

DISCOUNT CODE

You can get 10% off using code: RUNNINGDOTREVIEWS

WHERE TO BUY

Available on Mount to Coast website.

Use code RUNNINGDOTREVIEWS at checkout for 10% Off!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How would you use them? In my experiences, these trainers are ideal for a daily trainer for long easy runs, recovery run and marathon block mileage.

I personally wouldn’t use them for a shorter race, but for ultras, they would be excellent.

Is the Mount to Coast R1 a true to size fit? Yes. Our tester found them to be true to size with a wonderfully wide toe box. This is specifically designed to accommodate your feet when they naturally swell during ultra-marathons or heavy training blocks.

Does the Mount to Coast R1 have a carbon plate? No. The R1 is built for long distance comfort, consistency, and durability rather than speed. It utilises a nitrogen charged LightCELL foam and ZeroSag inserts to protect your legs over hundreds of miles, but it lacks the snappy propulsion of a carbon plated racing shoe.

What is the dual lacing system? The R1 features a unique lacing structure that allows you to adjust the tension on the forefoot completely independently of the heel. This means you can keep your heel locked in tight to prevent slipping, while loosening the top of the shoe to give bruised toes or swollen feet plenty of room to breathe.

PROS & CONS

Pros	Cons
Zero Break-In Period: Comfortable right out of the box with no blistering or hot spots.	Not Built for Speed: The protective, consistent foam lacks the "pop" or bounce needed for track sessions or 5K pacing.
Incredible Durability: The ZeroSag foam and tough outsole show minimal wear even after 300 miles.	Niche Use-Case: Primarily designed for extreme distances and slow recovery miles.
Dual Lacing System: Allows for total customization across the top of the foot to handle swelling.

CONCLUSION

The Mount to Coast R1 is a reliable, durable and comfortable daily trainer. The wide toe box, dual lacing and consistent cushioning make it perfect for long runs and high mileage training.

While it’s not a racing shoe (unless you’re completing an ultra), it has quickly become my go to daily trainer, especially after moving on from the Nike Invincibles.

If you’re looking for a trainer that can handle hundreds of miles without losing comfort or stability, then I think the R1 is an excellent choice.

Use code RUNNINGDOTREVIEWS at checkout for 10% Off!