Mount to Coast has made quite a splash in the running world over the past few years. The brand was founded in 2024 with the goal of creating shoes for runners who transcend distance. It aims to provide footwear that can withstand ultra-marathons and all the training miles that come with it.
The brand started with a single shoe, the R1. Since then, the company has grown to include a stability road shoe, a hybrid shoe, and a technical trail shoe.
Now, Mount to Coast is taking the next step in expanding its lineup with the C1. The C1 is Mount to Coast’s super trainer – a high-cushioned, responsive shoe that blurs the line between speed and daily mileage.
As a relatively new company, Mount to Coast has a small but mighty running shoe lineup. And after putting in the miles in the brand’s other top-tier running shoes, our review team at Marathon Sports couldn’t wait to see how the C1 stacks up.
Our Review Process
Our goal at Marathon Sports is to provide you with the information and tools you need to choose the best running shoe for you. And our Marathon Sports team needs to know the ins and outs of every running shoe model and update to achieve this goal.
From well-established models to just released shoes, we put every shoe through rigorous testing to fully understand how it fits, feels, and performs. So when the new C1 came through our doors, we couldn’t wait to put this brand new shoe to the test.
We took the C1 out for long runs on the road, speed workouts on the track, and all the daily miles in-between. We also took a closer look at the shoe’s main features, as well as some similar models to consider when shopping for your next running shoe. Throughout this review, we’ll highlight these main features and our experience in the C1 to help you decide if this new Mount to Coast shoe is the right choice for your fitness needs.
Mount to Coast C1: A Quick Overview
In this review, we’ll take a deeper dive into the C1, all its features, and how these elements shape the ride and running experience. But first things first, let’s take a quick look at some of the specs and highlights you can expect from this new model:
- A new high-cushioned super trainer from Mount to Coast
- Stack height: 42 mm in the heel, 36 mm in the forefoot
- 6 mm drop
- Weight: 9.4 oz (Men’s size 9)
- Dual-layer midsole made from a combination of CircleCell and EVA foam
- TUNEDFIT Dual Lacing System allows for a customized fit
- Wide base and high sidewalls increase stability
- Reinforced jacquard mesh upper provides a secure fit around the foot
- Price: $180
Mount to Coast C1 Features: A Closer Look
The main specs will give you a general idea of what to expect when you first put the C1 on. But now, let’s take a deeper dive into these key features and elements.
High Stack, Dual-Layer Midsole
If you’ve done some running shoe research, you’ve likely come across shoes in the daily trainer and super shoe category. However, super trainers are becoming increasingly common in the running shoe world, blending these two categories to deliver uptempo training shoes that can adapt to any type of workout.
This is where the Mount to Coast C1 comes into play. Like other super trainers, the C1 boasts a high stack of responsive and bouncy foam, with 42 mm of cushioning in the heel and 36 mm in the forefoot.
The midsole’s unique dual-layer design works to ensure that, despite the high stack of soft foam, the C1 maintains a responsive and stable feel underfoot. The supercritical CircleCELL foam layer sits directly under the foot, delivering max energy return with every landing. Closer to the ground, the firm EVA foam layer creates a stable platform and balanced underfoot feel.
Fine-Tuned Fit and Upper
The upper is made from a jacquard mesh that hugs the foot and provides maximum comfort and breathability over long distances. And with a wide toe box, the C1 offers plenty of wiggle room for your toes to splay out.
One of the most unique upper elements, however, is the TUNEDFIT Dual Lacing System. This distinctive lacing system allows you to adjust the laces separately around the mid and forefoot, offering a customized fit that helps reduce any rubbing, discomfort, or hot spots. Paired with the roomy overall fit, the C1 is ready to accommodate any foot shape or size.
Mild Stability Elements
The C1 is a neutral shoe, meaning it doesn’t alter your natural running motion or correct for overpronation. However, the shoe does incorporate some subtle stability elements to guide you forward and keep you feeling steady on your feet.
Shoes with high platforms of soft cushioning can often feel wobbly underfoot on runs. Luckily, the C1 counteracts this instability with a wide, flared base for inherent sturdiness as you move through the gait cycle.
The shoe also features raised sidewalls, meaning your feet are securely cradled inside of the shoe as opposed to resting on top of the high stack of cushioning. These stability features keep you feeling confident with every step, so you can focus on the road ahead of you distraction-free.
Durability and Traction
Mount to Coast is most well known for building tough and resilient shoes. After all, the brand is targeted towards ultra runners. It’s crucial that the cushion holds up and the outsole provides the protection and durability needed for long-term use.
The brand boasts more durability and longevity than other brands on the market, so you likely won’t be surprised to hear that the C1 offers exceptional durability and resilience. The combination of CircleCELL foam and dependable EVA foam is designed to feel fresh and bouncy after miles and miles of wear. And with a heavy-duty rubber outsole, the C1 is built to last.
Road Test Results
Super trainers are always a fun category of shoe to run in and evaluate. The cushion tends to be springy and bouncier than standard trainers, adding some pop and energy to daily runs or speedy workouts. So our review team at Marathon Sports couldn’t wait to see how a brand new addition to the super trainer category performed on our road testing.
So as soon as the C1 arrived, we laced them up and hit the road to see if this trainer delivered the super running experience it promises.
And from the first few steps of our run, there were a few features that really stood out to our review team. The dual-layer midsole unit delivered exactly what we look for in an uptempo daily trainer. The CircleCELL foam felt light and soft underfoot, while the firm and responsive EVA bottom layer provided exceptional energy return and spring through every toe-off.
The C1 shined on long runs, where the high stack height, soft yet responsive foam, and slight rocker geometry worked together to propel us forward and deliver smooth transitions. And when it came to picking up the pace, the springy, performance-oriented cushioning was a big plus.
Those on our review team who prefer a wide toe box also had a lot of positive feedback on the shoe’s fit and width around the front of the foot. The jacquard mesh provides a secure lockdown around the heel and midfoot, but the accommodating upper offers plenty of extra volume in the toe box to accommodate all foot shapes. And with the adjustable dual lacing system, you can easily make the shoe feel more snug or loose to fit your preferences.
Throughout our long runs, daily miles, and faster days, we found a lot to love about the Mount to Coast C1. However, we did have some concerns about where the shoe fit into the super trainer lineup. At 9.4 ounces the C1 is a relatively lightweight shoe, especially considering the amount of foam present in the midsole. However, this 9.4 oz is heavy compared to other super trainers on the market today.
In a running shoe category where shoes are striving to deliver an ultra-light, barely there feel, the C1 has more bulk and weight than some of its competitors. The shoe does well as a versatile daily trainer that can handle more uptempo days, but may not be the best option for runners who prioritize a light and speedy option for workouts.
Pros and Cons
As we tested out the C1, we came across both areas where the shoe excelled and areas that could use some improvement. Here are a few of the C1’s pros and cons our review team found:
Pros:
- Dual-layer midsole blends sustainable CircleCELL foam with more traditional EVA foam for a perfectly balanced and responsive underfoot ride
- Incredibly versatile design can be used for both slow runs and more uptempo days
- TUNEDFIT lacing system provides a custom fit that you can easily adjust to your feet
- Wide base and raised sidewalls offer subtle stability for extra confidence through every stride
Cons:
- Heavier and less energetic compared to other super trainers on the market, limiting versatility for speed workouts or races
- Wide toe box feels nice around the forefoot, but may feel too spacious or unnatural for runners with narrow or low volume feet
Is the C1 Right For You? Who Should Consider This Shoe & Comparable Options
Overall, our road testing resulted in a positive first impression of the C1. For a new company, Mount to Coast has consistently delivered reliable comfort and durability that every runner can appreciate. We’re happy to see the brand expanding and delivering this comfort in an enhanced, more versatile running shoe.
The C1 has a high stack of responsive, stable cushioning, primarily due to the unique layered midsole design. If you want lots of luxurious cushioning that doesn’t feel too soft or sacrifice any energy return throughout your runs, the C1 is a great option.
With this cushioning, we found the C1 served us best as a daily training shoe that can carry over to speedier intervals or more uptempo workouts. But if your main focus is speed and propulsion, you may want to take a look at some other super trainer options on the market.
Runners looking for an ultra-light, responsive shoe might want to try out the Adidas EVO SL instead.
At $150, this Adidas shoe is an affordable option for daily training or faster workouts. It also weighs in at only 7.9 oz for men’s shoes and 6.63 oz for women’s, so you can feel fast on your feet as you shift into high gear. However, while the EVO SL is the lighter option compared to the C1, you may find the C1’s more durable foam and outsole offers more long-term usage.
Asics is another standout player in the super trainer game, with high quality, performance-centered trainers such as the Superblast 3. Like the C1, the Superblast also uses a dual-layer midsole design to deliver unmatched energy return, softness, and stability. At $209.95, the Superblast has a significantly higher price tag than the C1. But if you want proven responsiveness and comfort that shines during fast workouts, the Superblast might be the right choice for you.
Mount to Coast C1: Final Thoughts
At Marathon Sports, we love seeing new, smaller brands continue to grow and excel with new updates and models. And with the C1, Mount to Coast proves that its early shoes’ comfort and support wasn’t a fluke.
This new super trainer excels in providing balanced comfort, durability, and versatility for everyday wear and uptempo runs. While it may not be the lightest and fastest shoe on the market, it’s worth a try for any runners looking for a fun and responsive everyday trainer.
Ready to find your next pair of running shoes? Stop by your nearest Marathon Sports to try on the C1 and some of the other top models on the market today. Our footwear experts are excited to work with you to get you moving in comfort with the perfect pair of shoes.
