the natural landscapes of ultramarathons
Introducing Mount to Coast: The Shoe Brand Designed for Ultrarunners
Ultrarunning: the ultimate test of endurance, willpower, and insanity. It’s an activity that pushes runners to their limits, spanning multiple days and covering distances far longer than a traditional marathon. And for those fearless, dedicated, and adventurous enough to take on these monster races, having the right gear is crucial.
That’s where Mount to Coast comes in. Founded by a group of running industry veterans, this new shoe brand is specifically designed to meet the needs of ultramarathon athletes. With its technical specifications and anatomical design, Mount to Coast is revolutionizing the way runners tackle these grueling races.
“Mainstream shoe brands have overlooked the specific performance needs of ultrarunners,” says Yeti Zhang, Mount to Coast’s head of product. With almost six years at Nike and over a dozen at Brooks under his belt, Zhang knows a thing or two about the running industry. “In today’s market, running shoes are highly homogeneous with features like carbon plates and thick soles, and highly prioritize trend and aesthetics.”
To create a shoe that truly meets the demands of ultramarathon athletes, the Mount to Coast team worked closely with some of the world’s finest runners. Through extensive wear testing, they identified two main issues that needed to be addressed. The first was durability – most shoes on the market couldn’t withstand the rigors of a full ultramarathon without their cushioning “bottoming out.” “Most running shoes in the current market don’t provide consistent cushion and response for ultra distance running,” Zhang explains. “Ultra runners often experience midsole breakdown, meaning they’ll need multiple pairs of shoes for big races.”
The second issue was adaptability. As a runner’s foot swells significantly over the course of an ultramarathon, the fit of their shoe becomes crucial. “Often, you’ll see ultrarunners cut the upper for more room or wear shoes a few sizes too large to accommodate for swelling,” Zhang notes. “Both of these solutions put them at greater risk of injury.”
But with Mount to Coast’s R1 and S1 models, these problems are a thing of the past. The R1 is a road racing shoe with quickly-adjustable laces that can adapt to a runner’s changing foot size, while the S1 is a durable long-distance trainer designed for a comfortable ride and injury prevention. Both models have received rave reviews from the running community for their combination of technical materials and minimalistic color schemes inspired by the natural landscapes of ultramarathons.
Mount to Coast’s biggest test to date was the MTC JOGLE 2024, a 17-day, 854-mile ultramarathon in Great Britain. Runner Justin Montague, wearing a single pair of Mount to Coast’s R1 model, shattered every course record, proving the brand’s concept and leading to its full market launch earlier this year.
So whether you’re a fearless, dedicated, adventurous, or just plain insane runner, Mount to Coast has got you covered. Say goodbye to mid-race shoe changes and hello to a shoe designed specifically for the demands of ultrarunning.
