Mount To Coast T1 Review

Mount To Coast T1 Trail Shoe Review

Getting a new pair of trail shoes through the post is always a highlight, but there’s an extra bit of intrigue when they come from a brand that is essentially the "new kid on the block."

Full disclosure: These shoes were sent to me to test out and review, and what follows are my honest initial thoughts after putting roughly 40km into them.

The Rise of Mount to Coast

Founded fairly recently (around 2024), Mount to Coast is a Hong Kong-based company who has made a serious splash in the ultra-running scene. They didn’t just start by making "another" running shoe; they specifically targeted the high-mileage, high-demand world of ultramarathons.

Their reputation grew almost overnight, thanks to record-breaking runs, including a massive 854-mile JOGLE (John O'Groats to Land's End) FKT by Justin Montague in a single pair of their road shoes. That kind of durability is rare, and it’s why the brand is quickly becoming a staple at events like Badwater 135.

From the H1 to the T1

I recently reviewed the Mount to Coast H1 and I was pleasantly surprised, especially considering how new the company is. In all honesty, the H1 may actually end up becoming my go-to daily runners because of how well they transition between road and light trail.

However, as much as I like a hybrid, I was itching to see what Mount to Coast could do with a proper, full-on trail shoe. Enter the T1. I wanted to see if they could take that same "ultra-distance" philosophy and apply it to more demanding, technical terrain.

Mount To Coast T1 Specs

• Heel Stack: 36mm
• Drop: 4mm
• Terrain: Technical Trail
• Sizing: True to size
• Weight: 260g
• Price: £170

Outsole and Midsole

The T1 features a Vibram outsole with 4mm lugs. In the world of UK trail running, the outsole is make-or-break. We deal with a lot of "slop" here, and I found these handled pretty much everything I threw at them.

Underneath the grip is their LightCELL PEBA-based foam. It’s a clever balance, you get that nice supercritical foam cushioning and a touch of bounce, but it doesn't feel "mushy." You still feel grounded and stable, which is exactly what you want when navigating off-camber roots or rocky descents. They offer a high level of control, and because they only weigh 260g, they feel incredibly responsive for a shoe with this much protection.

The Upper

The upper is a Kevlar/mesh blend. It’s comfortable and breathable, yet it feels secure around the foot without that "baggy" sensation some high-volume trail shoes suffer from. It feels very durable, with solid overlays added for extra protection against scuffs and scrapes. Only time will tell if it holds up as well as their road shoes, but the initial signs are promising.

TUNEDFIT Dual Lace System

One of the most striking features is the TUNEDFIT dual lacing system. I was already a fan of this on the H1, and it’s just as effective here. It allows you to tighten the midfoot and forefoot independently.

While my longest single test run in these was only around 30k, I can see this being a good advantage for long ultras. If your feet start to swell at mile 40 or 50, you can loosen the forefoot section while keeping the midfoot secure. Interestingly, the T1 comes with cords and toggles on both sections, but they include standard laces in the box if you prefer to swap the top section to match the H1 setup (standard lace at the top, toggle at the bottom).

Performance and Fit

Like the H1, I found the T1 to be true-to-size. There’s a decent-sized toe box that allows for some natural toe splay while still hugging the foot enough to maintain control on technical bits.

I’ve clocked up about 40k total in them so far (1 long run and 2 short runs) during a typical UK January. In true British fashion, everything has been wet and they’ve handled mud and wet grass without any drama. The durability looks solid, and the outsole gives me enough confidence that I’d happily take these onto more mountainous, technical trails in the Lake District or the Peaks.

Verdict: Are Mount To Coast T1 Good Trail Shoes?

For a first attempt at a dedicated trail shoe, Mount to Coast have ticked almost every box. They haven't just made a "trail version" of a road shoe; they've built a rugged, responsive, and highly adjustable tool for the trails. If you're looking for something that can handle the grit of UK trails while providing the comfort needed for ultra distances, the T1 is well worth a look.

Mount to Coast T1