The running industry is loud, very loud. With so many shoe brands out there making shoes so specific that they are for your; interval session where its 4 degrees out and the wind is coming from the east. I kid but you get the point, so how can another shoe brand find a niche in the running space?
Turns out there is an untouched niche; road ultramarathons. Enter Mount to Coast.
I wanted to learn more about the brand and with a pair of shoes now in to test I decided to learn more about why this brand even exists and what big plans it has.
Their first shoe the R1, launched last year but didn’t follow any of the trends. A plain white colourway, simple and unflashy design (aka boring) and not a carbon plate in sight. Instead, it’s packed with LightCell, a PEBA-based, nitrogen-infused foam aimed at lasting not for hundred miles or so, but near a thousand. For ultrarunners clocking hundreds of miles and dealing with the inevitable swelling of hardworking feet, the R1 boasts a clever dual lacing system. Think cinch cord vibes, much like “Quick Lace” designs, making mid-run adjustments when your toes need more breathing room. BUT enough about the shoes as I will be posting a full review of the R1 once I have put in enough miles. I wanted to learn what makes Mount to Coast tick and why it decided to come to the market now.
I caught up with Yeti Zhang, innovation head at Mount to Coast to see what the trials and tribulations of trying to make noise in a very noisy market place. Yeti is a veteran in the performance footwear industry, with 25 years experience, including 12 years in Brooks as foundation stone in innovation team so he knows his way around the running industry. So why Mount to Coast and why do they make these shoes? Let’s unpack that..
What inspired the Mount to Coast idea of creating a road ultramarathon shoe?
While running participation continues to grow, ultrarunning remains a niche within the sport. Without Olympic recognition, its commercial appeal is limited, leaving the specific performance needs of ultrarunners largely overlooked by mainstream shoe brands. Today’s running shoes tend to follow trends, with features like carbon plates and thick soles, prioritizing aesthetics over the specialized demands of ultrarunning.
At Mount to Coast, we aim to be the go-to brand for ultrarunners, delivering innovative solutions tailored to their performance needs while celebrating and elevating the unique culture of long-distance running.
Having worked in Brooks and Nike what makes Mount to Coast different from other brands out there?
Having worked with three very different sports brands, I’ve seen how their approaches and scales vary significantly. Mount to Coast stands apart as a young, dynamic brand with a laser focus on designing shoes that not only endure the world’s toughest ultramarathons but also empower everyday runners to push their limits.
What truly sets us apart is our small, agile team. We tackle highly specific challenges and drive innovation at a pace that simply isn’t possible within larger corporations. Mount to Coast thrives on its ability to adapt, innovate, and stay true to its mission—making us naturally different from the rest.
What inspired the lacing system on the R1?
It is designed to offer the dynamic fit of the shoe upper. We discovered that runners’ feet can swell significantly during multi-day events, often forcing ultrarunners to cut their uppers or wear oversized shoes to accommodate the swelling, both of which increase the risk of injury. As a footwear industry veteran, I believe ultrarunners deserve a shoe that prioritizes their performance and safety without compromise. The R1 model tackles the ultrarunning community’s top concerns head-on, delivering unmatched comfort, protection, and performance.
What releases will we see in 2025 and beyond for Mount to Coast?
We’re committed to serving the endurance running community with footwear designed to support every step of their journey—whether on the trail, the road, or race day, from training runs to recovery sessions.
In 2025, we’re excited to introduce two new models: the T1, a trail running shoe set to launch in June, and the H1, a versatile hybrid shoe perfect for transitioning from concrete to mud and gravel, arriving in October. And in 2026, we have even more surprises in store—stay tuned!
What makes the R1 so good for road ultramarathons over carbon plated shoes/ max cushioned race day options from other brands?
Most carbon-plated shoes are engineered to help runners go faster, not further—or with greater focus on endurance. While these “super shoes” excel in shorter races, their designs often exacerbate muscle fatigue, making them unsuitable for multi-day, non-stop running.
The R1, on the other hand, is built specifically for the ultrarunning community. With a wide, adjustable forefoot, a durable midsole and outsole, and features tailored to address the unique demands of ultra road running, it’s a perfect example of our commitment to innovation. At Mount to Coast, we’re constantly refining our designs to support ultrarunners every step of the way.
What has been the biggest challenges for Mount to Coast coming into a very busy running shoe market? And what do you view as the challenges ahead?
The running shoe market is incredibly crowded, with numerous brands vying for attention. Our biggest challenge over the past year has been raising awareness of Mount to Coast. While we’re confident in the quality of our products, getting people to discover our brand and try our shoes has been an ongoing effort.
Fortunately, in the seven months since our launch, we’ve received great feedback from both users and professionals. We’ve been recognized by Believe in the Run, Marathon Handbook, and Athletics Weekly as the Best New Brand of 2024—an inspiring achievement. Moving forward, we’ll continue to focus on what we do best: crafting exceptional products that surprise and delight our customers.
This interview and upcoming shoe review are in no way a sponsored piece of content from Mount to Coast.
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