Mount To Coast T1 Trail Running Shoes Review

Some trail shoes make a big entrance. Others quietly show up, and after a few long trail runs, they’ve somehow earned a spot in your go-to rotation.

The Mount To Coast T1 is the latter, and honestly, I saw it coming.

This all-mountain trail running shoe is built for big days, steep terrain, and off-grid efforts.

It’s the kind of shoe that handles unpredictable trail conditions without asking you to compromise on comfort or control, something most ultra runners will appreciate from mile one to mile 50.

I’ve taken them through steep climbs, techy descents, and hot, humid efforts, and they’ve held up, and kept me feeling confident, every time. Oh, they’ve been really great for family hikes too

Key specs

• Price: $180 at mounttocoast.com
• Weight: 9.1oz / 258g (Men’s US 9)
• Drop: 4mm (Stack: 36mm heel / 32mm forefoot)
• Upper: Kevlar-reinforced mesh
• Midsole: LightCELL PEBA-based foam
• Outsole: Vibram Litebase Megagrip with Traction Lug
• Extras: Split-zone lacing system, lace garage, breathable build

Fit & comfort

The T1 fits true to size with a medium-wide width. What stood out straight away was the toe box.

It’s roomy enough to let your toes splay and swell as the miles add up, but still hugs the foot enough to feel controlled on technical terrain.

There’s great heel lock, and the split-zone lacing system is a gem.

It lets you cinch in the midfoot without crushing your toes, a small detail that makes a huge difference over long runs or descents where your foot might shift forward.

There’s even a lace garage to keep your laces out of harm’s way when the trail gets snaggy.

Trail performance

Most shoes built for rugged terrain need a bit of a break-in period. Not the T1.

Right out of the box, the upper felt secure but forgiving. No hotspots, no stiffness, just that tough Kevlar mesh wrapping the foot with confidence.

The midsole feels like a sweet spot between cushion and control. It’s soft enough to keep things feeling smooth underfoot, but not so squishy that you lose precision on rocky or off-camber terrain.

That 4mm drop combined with the PEBA-based LightCELL foam gives you just enough bounce while still letting you feel the trail.

Traction? Solid as can be. Vibram Megagrip is the real deal, and paired with those Traction Lugs, the T1 grips dry, wet, loose, or hard-packed ground without fuss.

I’ve hammered down steep trails in these and never once second-guessed my footing.

And the durability? So far, so good. The upper hasn’t frayed or stretched, even after repeated abuse. It’s breathable enough for hot days, too, on a 30°C run with full humidity, my legs were cooked but my feet stayed cool.

Verdict

Mount To Coast might be a relatively new name to most trail runners, but the T1 shows they’re not messing around. It’s a solid all-mountain shoe that’s clearly been built with long-distance runners in mind. It’s light, stable, grippy, and above all, comfortable.

If your trails swing from mellow dirt to high-alpine chaos, and you want one shoe that can do most of it with confidence, the T1 is well worth a look.

🛒 Available for $180 at mounttocoast.com — Use code TRAILKALE8 for 8% off.