Brand: Mount to Coast
Category: Trail Running Shoes
Recommended by Megan Eckert, Professional Ultra Runner — Santa Fe, NM
Highlights: cushioned, grippy, durable, comfortable
The M1 is a premium trail running shoe designed for stability and comfort, ensuring a smooth ride even on the toughest mountain terrains. With advanced cushioning and superior grip technology, it empowers athletes to conquer long-distance challenges with confidence. 1. Next-gen JETCELL midsole for exceptional energy return and cushioning. 2. Full-coverage outsole featuring three Vibram technologies for enhanced traction on varied surfaces. 3. Lightweight construction that minimizes fatigue during extended wear. 4. Breathable upper materials that promote airflow and keep feet cool. 5. Reinforced toe cap for added protection against rocky trails. 6. Ergonomic design tailored for optimal fit and support during dynamic movements. 7. Versatile style suitable for both performance and casual wear. The M1 is ideal for trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable footwear for long-distance races and rugged hikes. It excels in mountainous environments, providing stability and grip on uneven terrain. Perfect for skilled athletes and weekend adventurers alike, this shoe performs best in dry to moderately wet conditions, making it a versatile choice for year-round outdoor activities.
Price: $195
- Who it's for
- Runners logging high miles on technical, mountainous, or mixed terrain — especially those targeting ultras and 100-milers. It suits those who want more grip and protection than a gravel-leaning shoe without sacrificing speed or road-runnable versatility.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the grip (full Vibram Megagrip outsole), cushion, durability, and out-of-the-box comfort across long and technical efforts, including multiple 100-mile race reports. Notes are overwhelmingly positive with no meaningful criticism surfaced; one host flags it as a step up from the T1 and another from the H1, suggesting it sits at the more trail-focused end of the brand's lineup.
- Worth noting
- Lug aggression is described as a sweet spot — enough for mountains, not so aggressive that road sections suffer. Multiple hosts report 1,000+ miles of durability, and fit is noted as true-to-length without running long.
Megan Eckert's review
For every mountain mile and summit view
Recommended by Megan Eckert, Professional Ultra Runner
Frequently asked questions
Who is the M1 for?
Runners logging high miles on technical, mountainous, or mixed terrain — especially those targeting ultras and 100-milers. It suits those who want more grip and protection than a gravel-leaning shoe without sacrificing speed or road-runnable versatility.
What do experts say about the M1?
Hosts consistently praise the grip (full Vibram Megagrip outsole), cushion, durability, and out-of-the-box comfort across long and technical efforts, including multiple 100-mile race reports. Notes are overwhelmingly positive with no meaningful criticism surfaced; one host flags it as a step up from the T1 and another from the H1, suggesting it sits at the more trail-focused end of the brand's lineup.
What should you know before buying the M1?
Lug aggression is described as a sweet spot — enough for mountains, not so aggressive that road sections suffer. Multiple hosts report 1,000+ miles of durability, and fit is noted as true-to-length without running long.
What does Megan Eckert say about the M1?
For every mountain mile and summit view
Why does Megan Eckert recommend Mount to Coast?
Megan Eckert recommends the Mount to Coast M1 for trail running shoes. For every mountain mile and summit view
Is the M1 a good trail running shoe?
Yes — Megan Eckert recommends the M1 by Mount to Coast as their trail running shoes pick. For every mountain mile and summit view
How cushioned is the M1?
In Megan Eckert's experience: For every mountain mile and summit view
More from Megan Eckert's Trail Running
View Megan Eckert's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
22 experts recommend the Mount to Coast M1.
Kilian Korth, Professional Trail Runner
I've literally run thousands of miles in different versions of this shoe. It holds up well to rugged trails, has excellent grip on loose and steep terrain, and is also lightweight and responsive while maintaining good cushion for the long haul.
Recommended in Cocodona 250 Kit + Fuel
Lightweight, durable, and the lacing system means they will not come untied. I put over 800 miles on a pair of them, so they hold up. No single pair will get that type of abuse this time.
Recommended in Appalachian Trail FKT
Choosing some heftier lugs and minimal drop considering the terrain & steep descents
Recommended in Broken Arrow
Cody Poskin, Professional Ultrarunner and Hopeless Romantic
Just as light and responsive as the H1, with an insane amount of added grip. They feel great on everything from the road to the most technical of trails.
Recommended in Kodiak 100
I was blessed to test the M1, and I put 1,000+ miles on the shoe. This also included a 100 miler. Fast, durable, grippy, etc. It’s my favorite trail shoe by far.
Recommended in Gear List
Great for technical terrain, enough cushion to go for a while
Recommended in Cocodona Gear
The T1 is Mount to Coast's trail running shoe, built specifically for ultra distance events. I've used it to train through the harsh Vermont winter (think, very icy roads!), and appreciate its grip, lightness, and dual lacing system.
Recommended in Cocodona 250!
Tested these out in a local 50k last weekend, and will be putting some big miles on them at Grindstone 100miler in a month! *edit* they worked amazing over 100 miles and my feet felt so good. These have more protection and durability vs the H1 with a full vibram megagrip outsole.
Recommended in Full Quiver
Seth LaReau, Trail runner. Writer. Founder and author of Trail Waves.
Comfortable shoe for long, technical trails.
Recommended in Trail Favorites
Shelby Farrell, Athlete. Marketing Professional. Cat Mom.
A mountain cruiser. My foot felt great from run one, and like other Mount to Coast shoes, the fit just works for me without trending unnecessarily long. The lugs hit a sweet spot too: enough for the mountains, but not so aggressive that road sections are annoying. More trail shoe than the gravel-friendly H1, and a really nice balance.
Recommended in Kodiak 100
Hunter Tart, Ultra Runner/Trail Runner
Super comfortable for the long runs. Not as stable on technical downhills as I would like, but the grip is good.
Recommended in Trail Shoes
The Ultimate Mountain Cruiser? M1 levels up with new JETCELL foam - these may actually "Transcend Distance"
Recommended in ATPU Midsoles
My favorite trail running shoe ever. $10 Off with code CHRISS10
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Hayden Burdge, Personal Trainer, Hiking Guide
My go to shoe for rugged single track and long days on technical terrain. I’m a huge fan of how responsive this shoe is!
Recommended in Cocodona 250
My go-to ultra distance light trail shoe.
Recommended in Ultra Gear
Great shoe ready to tackle all terrain. Excellent cushion and response
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Great shoe for trail conditions, especially if you decide on running fast. Great pick for long quick miles in any terrain.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Rachel Bambrick, Ultrarunning coach & community leader
Did the first half of the race in the M1s! Feet felt great, and they held up to the terrain well.
Recommended in IMTUF 100
Milton Houy, Ultrarunner, Trail Runner, UESCA Ultrarunning Coach
After hearing the rave of MTC shoes I finally had gotten me a pair of the T1s and they did not disappoint! Make sure to measure your foot by their sizing chart, I think most people are having to order down .5 of a size for proper fitment. Any sort of technical trail or muddy environment, my T1s are eating it up and I get to enjoy the ride along the way. The dual lacing system is also unique and allows a more dynamic fitment and adjustment if needed.
Recommended in My Essentials for Trail Running
Joe Corcione, Ultrarunning Athlete + Coach
The best mountain trail running shoe I've ever worn. Comfy with incredible grip. This is not released yet, but I got the chance to train all block with them, and they quickly became my favorite pair of shoes. These will be perfect for the technical sections and super fast downhills since I can trust this shoe to keep me upright.
Recommended in Western States 100M Gear I'll Be Using
My new favorite technical shoe. The T1 handled Hope Pass at Leadville, and the infamous "backside". Had no problem traversing river crossings and staying dry. Easy on/off with the no lace system.
Recommended in Leadville 100
