A Road Ultra Shoe?
The Mount to Coast R1 is an intriguing shoe being that it’s designed with road ultra-running in mind, but how does it hold up after 100 miles of real-world testing? I put it through the paces with runs averaging 1.5-2hrs, covering a mix of terrain and training intensities.
Here’s what I found
First Impressions
When I first unboxed the R1, my reaction was: “This feels like a brick of styrofoam.” The midsole is feather-light raising doubts about its durability and performance. However, the shoe’s remarkably low weight was a definite plus—it almost disappears on your feet.
The upper also stood out right away. I thought it’s dual lacing system was just a gimmick, but turns out to be incredibly comfortable, offering a sock-like fit that feels secure without being restrictive, even on longer runs.
Performance
Everyday Training
The R1 shines for steady-state running, it offers a nice roll and energy return. It’s most comfortable during easy to moderate efforts, where the midsole feels plush enough to keep you moving efficiently without overloading your legs. Also, the wider platform and their GOFLOW geometry provides some nice stability and room for your feet to splay.
Speed Work
While it’s possible to go uptempo, this shoe isn’t designed for pure speed sessions. The responsiveness is adequate, but the ride feels slightly muted when pushing the pace. For intervals or tempo runs, there are better options.
Long Runs
The R1 was designed for longer efforts where comfort and efficiency matter more than explosiveness. I found it particularly enjoyable for cruising at an easy pace, where the lightweight build and upper really shine.
Durability
Upper
The upper has held up exceptionally well. It retained its shape and comfort, showing minimal signs of wear even after 100 miles and many rainy runs.
Mid
After a break-in period, the midsole started to lose some of its initial bounce. This is normal in most shoes, where the once-springy foam begins to feel slightly flatter. It’s still very functional beyond this point, but you may start to feel diminishing returns in energy return and cushioning. For reference, I’m on the heavier side for runners. I will have a long term review as I plan on using this shoe for many training runs and a road 50K this spring.
Base
Has held up incredibly well so far. The wider base really adds to the stability as the fatigue sets in at the end of an ultra.
Key Takeaways
Pros:
Lightweight: The shoe feels effortless on your feet, perfect for runners who want a shoe that they can just throw on and go.
Comfortable Upper: The fit and feel of the upper are standout features, offering a secure yet breathable experience.
Long-Run Comfort: Ideal for easy to moderate efforts over long distances.
Cons:
Durability Concerns: Will the midsole starts to fade in performance?
Not a Speed Workhorse: It’s capable of uptempo running but lacks the responsiveness of a true speed shoe.
Noisy Ride: On treadmills or some surfaces, the shoe can be a bit loud (though a rubber-soled variant addresses this issue).
Additional Notes:
The shoe performed well in both wet and dry conditions.
A friend used the R1 for the Javelina 100 and other trail races without any issues, though as with speed work there are better options.
How will I be using this shoe?
The Mount to Coast R1 will be my go-to daily trainer due to its lightweight design and comfortable feel for logging miles. It’s a solid option for long runs with minimal speed work, though the midsole may lose some of its initial responsiveness after the break-in period.
