Up-and-Coming Brand for Ultra-Long-Distance Running, "Mount to Coast," Arrives in Japan!

Established in 2023 (with its product launch in 2024), Mount to Coast is a performance footwear brand with the mission, “For runners who transcend distance.” The brand crafts shoes that empower runners to push their limits by focusing on durability and lasting comfort for long-distance endeavors.

Despite being a newcomer, the brand's high-quality craftsmanship has quickly garnered a following. After building significant buzz, Mount to Coast finally arrived in Japan this past April.

Ultra-runners who tackle distances of 100 km or more demand a great deal from their shoes. These include comfort, support, consistent performance unaffected by weather or surface conditions, and a fit that continues to adapt to their feet throughout a long run.

During prolonged, long-distance races (some of which are stage races spanning up to a week), runners can be forced to switch shoes unexpectedly. This can be due to degrading midsole performance or foot swelling that disrupts the fit. Mount to Coast was born to solve these exact problems, creating footwear tailored to the real needs of ultra-runners.

A Unique and Innovative Lacing System

When running long distances, feet swell and change in size. Laces that are too tight can constrict swollen feet, leading to pain and poor circulation. On the other hand, laces that are too loose allow the foot to slide around inside the shoe, causing issues like blisters.

The TUNEDFIT Dual Lacing System, now a signature design element of Mount to Coast shoes, was born to solve these exact issues.

“Some runners go as far as cutting the uppers of their shoes to make room for swelling feet during a race. The TUNEDFIT Dual Lacing System was developed to address this, providing a comfortable yet secure fit by allowing independent adjustment for the forefoot and midfoot,” explains Koji Suzuki of Stride Inc., the official Japanese distributor for Mount to Coast.

Exceptional durability, including performance retention, is another key feature of Mount to Coast shoes.

“The midsole material in most running shoes loses its spring and performance after just a few hundred kilometers. In contrast, the proprietary foam developed by Mount to Coast is engineered to maintain its cushioning and comfortable ride feel, even on the longest runs. These shoes are designed with the goal of feeling on mile 500 (approx. 800 km) just as they did on mile one (approx. 1.6 km).”

The 'R1' Model for Long-Distance Road Running

The “R1” was developed as a road running shoe designed for ultramarathons of 100 km or more and stage races (long-distance races held over several days where competitors vie for the best cumulative time).

Mount to Coast consistently places feedback from actual race participants and athletes at the heart of its development process, and the “R1” was no exception, developed in close partnership with athletes.

“The R1’s midsole features LightCELL, a proprietary nitrogen-infused supercritical foam. Additionally, it incorporates ZeroSag, an insert co-developed with BASF (a German-based global chemical company).”

The cushioning in conventional running shoes tends to get compressed and “pack out,” failing to rebound after being subjected to prolonged weight and impact. ZeroSag was developed to eliminate this compression set. It's a highly durable, special polyurethane material that maintains its cushioning and rebound over long distances.

A testament to its durability, British ultra-runner Justin Montague completed the 2024 MTC JOGLE (a multi-stage ultramarathon to the southernmost tip of England) in a single pair of R1s. Over 17 days, he covered 854 miles (approx. 1,374 km) with 54,475 feet (approx. 16,604 m) of elevation gain.

The 'H1': Run Comfortably on Both Road and Trail

Developed based on feedback from the American running community on the “R1,” the “H1” is the brand's road-to-trail model.

"The H1 is an incredibly versatile model that's already a favorite among Japanese runners. Its midsole is equipped with CircleCELL, a proprietary material that strikes a perfect balance between eco-friendliness and running performance."

CircleCELL is crafted from 100% renewable raw materials, including recycled organic waste. Thanks to cutting-edge supercritical foaming technology, it delivers an energy return on par with standard PEBA (polyether block amide) while boasting roughly double the durability.

The outsole features the brand's proprietary VersaGrip, which delivers superior traction, grip, and durability across a variety of terrains and surface conditions.

The 'T1': A Light and Agile Trail Shoe

The 'T1' features an eye-catching TUNEDFIT Dual Lacing System designed specifically for the trail. The outsole is fully loaded with three of Vibram's powerhouse technologies: Vibram Megagrip for exceptional grip, the lightweight Vibram Litebase, and Vibram Traction Lug to maximize propulsion. This combination ensures outstanding performance on any surface.

What's more, the upper features a woven material reinforced with high-strength aramid fibers—the same material used in items like bulletproof vests—delivering superior protection and durability.

We had the chance to test both the 'R1' and 'H1' and found them to be incredibly well-crafted shoes. They offer an excellent balance of cushioning, stability, and responsiveness, a comfortable fit, and a seamless running experience with no distracting issues.

While Mount To Coast may be a relative newcomer, the brand boasts its own state-of-the-art MTC Run Research Lab, dedicated to the study of biomechanics in long-distance running, and has forged a strategic partnership with BASF, one of the world's largest chemical companies.

The brand has already built a loyal following among a core group of runners. At the 2023 Badwater 135—dubbed 'the world's toughest foot race'—an impressive 23.2% of the participants wore Mount to Coast shoes. It seems this brand is on the verge of a major breakthrough.