Mount to Coast: The new running shoe that lasts 1,000 miles—or more

When a new running shoe brand enters the market, seasoned runners typically approach with caution–which is why most innovations come from industry giants like Nike, Brooks, or Asics.

But Mount to Coast (MTC) is different. Founded by veteran designers from those same powerhouse brands, MTC has focused solely on ultra running’s toughest challenges. I discovered its unique approach firsthand in Sedona, where Olympic runner Ben Blankenship and MTC’s Head of Product Yeti Zhang showcased its technology through three days of intensive testing.

MTC has created something rare–shoes that excel in ultra distances while remaining versatile enough for everyday training, at a surprisingly accessible price point.

Keep reading to find out about my experience testing its flagship shoe and why I think Mount to Coast could be the next big thing in running.

Testing out Mount to Coast’s running shoes in Arizona. Credit: Matthew Tangeman / Mount to Coast.

All about Mount to Coast

Mount to Coast launched in April 2024, founded by a team of designers from Asics, Brooks, and Nike who wanted to focus specifically on ultra running. Based in Hong Kong, the brand develops footwear for athletes running distances well beyond the marathon.

Initially starting with two models (the brand now has three), the R1 and S1, MTC positioned itself uniquely in the running market by concentrating solely on ultra-distance footwear.

Mount to Coast designed its shoes from the ground up. Credit: Matthew Tangeman / Mount to Coast.

While other running brands include ultra shoes in their broader lineups, Mount to Coast concentrates solely on long-distance running. It operate its own Run Research Laboratory, where its team works on injury reduction and performance optimization for distance running. This focused approach allows the brand to dedicate all its research and development efforts to solving the specific challenges ultra runners face.

The tech behind MTC

The brand has incorporated some interesting technology choices. Its ZeroSag technology, developed with BASF, comes from race car suspension systems. This works alongside its LightCELL foam, a nitrogen-infused PEBA compound that’s 50% lighter than traditional EVA and provides 45% more energy return. The combination of these technologies aims to maintain consistent performance over extended periods of running.

The Mount to Coast R1 in action. Credit: Matthew Tangeman / Mount to Coast.

The R1 was its first model, and the flagship shoe. At $160, it weighs 8.5 ounces and has a 35mm stack height with an 8mm drop. It features the TUNEDFIT Dual Lacing System, which allows runners to adjust the forefoot and midfoot separately to accommodate foot swelling during long runs. The upper is designed with a comfortable engineered mesh that works in conjunction with this lacing system to provide adaptable fit throughout ultra-distance efforts.

Mount to Coast prioritizes what ultra runners specifically need: cushioning that stays consistent over hundreds of miles, adjustable fit, and reliable performance during extended efforts. Development of the R1 took 18 months, including testing over 450+ mile stage races. The prototype received a 2023 ISPO award, validating their approach to ultra-specific design.

I tested out Mount to Coast’s range over three intense days in Sedona. Credit: Matthew Tangeman / Mount to Coast.

The midsole design incorporates their GOFLOW geometry, created to provide support while maintaining a natural heel-to-toe transition. This is particularly important for ultra runners who need their form to remain efficient even in the later stages of long events. The outsole features a unique S-shaped design that works with the foot’s natural movement patterns to prevent overpronation during extended periods of running.

Rather than trying to create shoes that work for every type of runner, Mount to Coast has focused its efforts on understanding and serving the ultra running community. Its shoes are designed to excel at easier, longer efforts rather than faster-paced running. This specialization shows in details like its hybrid PEBA midsole, which prioritizes consistent cushioning and durability over maximum responsiveness.

The MTC family

Here’s a breakdown of the full Mount to Coast line, as of December 2024:

• R1: Designed for road running, racing ($160, four colorways)
• P1: Designed for road running and walking, more supportive ($160, three colorways)
• S1: Designed for road running and daily training ($150, three colorways)

As other brands aim for versatility, Mount to Coast has chosen to specialize in ultra running footwear. It’s focusing on serving athletes who run beyond marathon distances, offering shoes designed specifically for these extended efforts. This specialization allows it to address the particular challenges of ultra running, from foot swelling to the need for consistent cushioning over extremely long distances.

Testing the MTRC range: Our week in Sedona

Getting to know a new brand usually means sifting through press releases and going for a few runs in its gear. Mount to Coast took a different approach, hosting an immersive few days in Sedona with Yeti Zhang, its head of product and one of the masterminds behind its shoes.

The purpose was simple: learn from Olympian Ben Blankenship and understand how these shoes really work in challenging conditions. Blankenship’s experience with the shoes was particularly telling — he’d only gone through two pairs in a year, a dramatic shift from his usual routine of replacing shoes every couple weeks. For an Olympian who typically cycles through shoes bi-weekly, this kind of durability insight offered a compelling peek into Mount to Coast’s claims.

Learning about Mount to Coast’s products and vision. Credit: Matthew Tangeman / Mount to Coast.

Over three days, we split our time between running and learning. The team organized runs in two distinct environments: one among Sedona’s famous Red Rocks and another in a natural wilderness park. These diverse terrains provided the perfect testing ground for understanding how the shoes perform across different conditions.

Between runs, Mount to Coast dug deeper into the educational aspect. A two-hour deep dive into their technology revealed the thinking behind features like their TUNEDFIT lacing system and ZeroSag cushioning. But rather than just talking tech, they balanced the experience with wellness elements—offering breathwork sessions and therapeutic massages at our home base.

Putting the shoes to the test in Sedona. Credit: Matthew Tangeman / Mount to Coast.

Testing the shoes in Sedona’s challenging terrain, especially during the Red Rocks run, provided insights you just can’t get on a treadmill or in a lab. The higher altitude and varied surfaces pushed both the runners and the shoes in ways that revealed their true capabilities. The intimate setting allowed for plenty of casual conversations with Zhang and the team, leading to immediate answers about specific design choices and problem-solving approaches.

What made this press trip different was its holistic approach. Instead of just focusing on the shoes, Mount to Coast created an environment where we could understand their philosophy through experience. The combination of technical education, practical testing, and recovery-focused activities painted a picture of a brand thinking about the complete ultra-running experience.

Mount to Coast’s shoes are designed for longer runs. Credit: Matthew Tangeman / Mount to Coast.

Gathering in Sedona with other runners and writers created an atmosphere where experiences could be shared and compared. The informal discussions over meals and during recovery sessions often yielded as many insights as the formal presentation.
It’s one thing to hear about a shoe’s performance from the brand, but quite another to swap real-time feedback with fellow runners as you’re putting the shoes through their paces in challenging conditions.

So, what’s next for Mount to Coast?

For a brand that’s only been in business for a few months, Mount to Coast has created something surprisingly compelling. While the brand is marketed as an ultra-running brand, my time with their shoes revealed a versatility that goes beyond just long-distance running.

The real appeal of Mount to Coast might be in how its challenging the current running shoe paradigm. Instead of needing different shoes for different distances or activities—one for daily training, another for race day, and yet another for cross-training—its shoes seem capable of handling it all. Whether you’re logging ultra miles, doing some weightlifting, or even playing pickleball, the shoes hold up.

Running through Sedona’s famous Red Rocks. Credit: Matthew Tangeman / Mount to Coast.

This versatility becomes even more interesting when you consider the price point. At $160, Mount to Coast has positioned themselves competitively in a market where specialized shoes often command $200+ price tags. You’re not paying a premium for a shoe that sits in your closet waiting for race day; you’re getting a reliable daily trainer that can step up when you need it to go long.

What’s particularly impressive is how MTC achieved this versatility without compromising its core focus on ultra running. The technology that makes its shoes durable enough for ultramarathons (like the ZeroSag system and TUNEDFIT lacing) translates surprisingly well to other activities. It’s as if the brand’s solution for ultra-running challenges inadvertently created a more capable all-around shoe.

Pushing the shoes (and ourselves) in challenging conditions. Credit: Matthew Tangeman / Mount to Coast.

The accessibility factor shouldn’t be overlooked either. While many brands are pushing the boundaries of pricing with their premium offerings, Mount to Coast has delivered high-end features and materials at a more approachable price point. This makes its shoes a realistic option for a broader range of runners.

Looking ahead, Mount to Coast seems positioned to carve out an interesting niche in the running market. While its building an identity around ultra running, the brand might have actually created something more valuable: a genuinely versatile shoe that most runners can afford. MTC is offering a solution for runners who want one reliable shoe that can handle whatever they throw at it, from ultra distances to everyday activities.

In an era where running shoes are becoming increasingly specialized and expensive, Mount to Coast’s approach feels refreshingly practical. MTC isn’t asking you to buy different shoes for different purposes or to save its shoes for special occasions. Instead, it’s offering capable, durable footwear that can be your go-to choice regardless of the activity.

For a new brand, that’s a formidable space to occupy.