Mount to Coast M1: A Fresh Take on Trail Running Comfort

By: Kim Yamauchi

It was time for a new pair of trail running shoes. My trusty Hoka Speedgoats had reached the end of their running life, so I left them behind while traveling to have a pair ready for my next visit. Upon returning to Truckee, I headed to Tahoe Mountain Sports (TMS) to check out what was new in trail running.

I’ve been happy running in the Speedgoats, so I went in with an open mind but no particular plans to switch things up. The knowledgeable staff at TMS showed me a few options. I tried on the Mount to Coast M1. Right away, I liked it.

First Impressions: Light, Comfortable, and Smooth

The M1 felt great on my feet from the start. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and has a smooth heel-to-toe transition that makes running feel natural and effortless. The shoe uses Mount to Coast’s JetCell foam, which delivers a springy, responsive feel underfoot.

Here’s what surprised me: although the M1 weighs in at a similar level to my Hoka Speedgoats, it feels lighter when I’m running. There’s a nice sense of energy return, and that smooth rolling sensation from heel to toe is something I’ve really come to appreciate.

An interesting feature is the dual-lacing system. Rather than relying on a single set of laces, the M1 has two separate adjustment zones: one across the upper portion of the shoe and another over the forefoot. This lets you fine-tune the fit in different areas and make quick adjustments when needed. It’s a clever design that adds another level of customization to an already comfortable shoe.

Built for the Long Haul, Great for Everyday Runs

The Mount to Coast M1 is designed with long-distance and ultrarunning in mind. That’s an impressive target, but I’ll admit I’m not exactly logging ultramarathon miles. I’m more of a daily 3–6-mile runner, with a longer run thrown in on the weekend.  Even so, I’m finding the M1 to be a great shoe for my everyday trail runs.

The Technology Underfoot

There’s plenty going on beneath the surface of the M1.

•  JetCell foam: The lightweight, responsive cushioning provides a springy feel and is designed with a claimed lifespan of up to 600 miles.
• Breathable mesh upper: The upper has a lightweight, airy feel that helps keep things comfortable when the miles and temperatures start adding up.  (I’m not sure how this will work as we enter our winter months, but perhaps then is when I’ll incorporate one of the goretex shoes into the rotation.)
• Vibram outsole: The M1 features a Vibram outsole incorporating three Vibram technologies. The result is a grippy platform with deep lugs that feel well suited to loose, challenging trail surfaces.

As we run around the Tahoe region, we all know what those surfaces can look like. From loose scree to that fine, dusty, late-fall “moon dust,” having dependable traction matters. The M1’s lugged outsole looks right at home on the kind of terrain we encounter around here.

How Does It Compare to the Hoka Speedgoat?

I’ve enjoyed my Speedgoats, and the M1 isn’t about replacing a shoe that didn’t work for me. Instead, it offers a different take on trail running.

The weight feels comparable, but the M1 seems lighter on the run. The responsive cushioning gives it a lively feel, and I particularly enjoy its smooth heel-to-toe transition. Add in the dual-lacing system and breathable upper, and you have a shoe that brings some genuinely interesting features to the trail.

What About the Mount to Coast T1?

Now that I’ve had a good first experience with the M1, I’m curious about another shoe in the Mount to Coast lineup: the T1.

The T1 is geared more toward technical trails, while the M1 is designed with longer distances in mind. Given the variety of terrain around Tahoe, a shoe with a more technical-trail focus could be a fun option to explore. I’m interested in giving that one a try as well.

The Verdict: A Shoe Worth Trying

If you’re in the market for a new pair of trail runners, stop by Tahoe Mountain Sports. The team at TMS runs in all the shoes they sell and can help you find a shoe that you might not have tried.