As Sam factors out, the heel counter sits low, which may increase considerations about ankle stability. Mount To Coast tackles this well with a plastic-like reinforcement (blue zone within the image above) that wraps from mid-ankle, across the heel, and again inside. The outcome? A extra inflexible decrease higher that delivers wonderful lateral stability.
The tongue is one other nice shock—well-padded and gusseted on each side. At first, the gusset materials appeared a bit low-cost, but it surely holds the tongue completely in place and does its job with out fuss.
For the higher, MTC went with a mixed-woven design, mixing sturdy Kevlar like aramid yarn into the development. These reinforcements hit the candy spot between toughness and adaptability. Since aramids itself isn’t very breathable, pairing it with woven mesh retains airflow and luxury on level.
Jeremy: I received’t repeat what my fellow RTR runners mentioned concerning the H1 higher. Utilizing the traditional method: it suits like a glove. Slipping the foot within the shoe is straightforward because of a pleasant, mushy interior lining.
The match appears even a bit extra refined than within the T1, nearer to the foot – or perhaps that has to do with the traditional laces used within the higher half – I want to change again to them within the T1 for a correct A/B comparability.
My T1 expertise taught me that I don’t have to fiddle an excessive amount of with the entrance fast lace. I simply untied it initially, put the footwear on, adjusted it to have a correct entrance foot maintain with out compromising quantity, and that’s all. There’s no have to over-tighten or retighten this a part of the TunedFit.
The core of the foot maintain is dealt with by the traditional laces on the higher three loops. Laces barely stretch, and because of an adjusted higher, a stable heel counter and the gusseted tongue, being light-handed when tightening the laces is sufficient.
The heel and ankle collar sit a bit low, however I do not suppose it impairs something in utilizing the H1 on the terrains it’s designed for: roads and lightweight trails, the place a barely looser maintain would not have any penalties.
It looks like the higher makes use of the identical sort of mesh as within the T1, however in a lighter and airier development. It’s nonetheless a kind of open, woven mesh with Kevlar aramid reinforcement, harking back to Matryx tech however in a lighter, extra supple weave It breathes very well, and water is effectively evacuated as I additionally examined throughout a 15km wet run: no sloshing contained in the shoe.
For me, with my barely extensive entrance foot, the higher and the overall match of the H1 is spot on: roomy toe field, good foot maintain however not overdesigned: completely match for goal.
I’ll add a fast phrase on the styling, which I discover simply elegant. The final facet of the shoe, colours selections and pared down design all makes for a really stylish outcome.
Midsole & Platform
Every pair’s midsole is made out of as much as 20lbs (9kg) of natural waste and residual biomass.
Adam: The Mount to Coast H1 incorporates a midsole materials I’ve by no means tried earlier than. Mount to Coast’s H1 incorporates a new supercritically foamed bio-polymer midsole referred to as Circlecell with the compound from BASF (press launch). It’s shaped from renewable feedstock that guarantees sustainability, 90% improved sturdiness, and related power return to PEBA.
Testing these footwear on each street and path, I discovered they mix many facets of my favourite foams. The froth seems like a legit tremendous foam (like PEBA, TPEE, or A-TPU), combining excessive power return with low density.
Fortunately, it’s additionally firmer than some softer foams like New Steadiness FuelCell PEBA mix or Nike ZoomX, resulting in good intrinsic stability, and a direct and propulsive response whenever you decide up the tempo. I additionally discovered the midsole dampens vibrations and impacts effectively, whereas nonetheless preserving floor really feel, which lets it run shortly on street, whereas nonetheless offering safety from rocks, gravel, and roots on path.
I’d like to see a model of this with 2-4mm extra stack top within the heel and toe as an extremely distance path shoe, however for regular 5k-30k path and street runs, it has felt wonderful. This has shortly grow to be one in every of my favourite path midsole supplies, up there with the Hoka Rocket X Path’s A-TPU, the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4’s EVA/PEBA twin foam, and superior to the EVA within the Hoka Zinal 2.
I’ve additionally seen zero midsole degradation up to now in my testing. The declare of a fairly priced, low density, excessive power return, and sustainable midsole, appeared too good to be true, however BASF and Mount to Coast seem to have achieved it.
Sam: Magic midsole right here: mild in weight, dense sufficient for path stability and safety and with wonderful and decisive power return. Whereas in comparison with PEBA of their advertising and marketing, Mount to Coast doesn’t disclose the compounds within the mix past its a bio-based polymer feedstock from BASF feedstock that’s supercritically foamed.
It seems like a PEBA such because the firmer ZoomX from Nike or a TPEE reminiscent of adidas Lightstrike Professional of its first technology. It isn’t a bouncy midsole foam as TPU based mostly midsoles typically really feel or a softer considerably mushy midsole foam as EVA/Olefin foams reminiscent of Salomon’s Power Foam can journey. It doesn’t fairly have the very springy return of A-TPU foams reminiscent of Puma’s newest Nitro or Norda’s 005 100% Arnitel foam or the brand new considerably bouncier mix within the 001A.
The ensuing foam, no matter its precise composition is, strikes a close to good stability of fast power return with sufficient density, stability and safety for path makes use of whereas additionally remaining forgiving on street. It’s equally efficient on street, the comparatively mushy however tremendous sturdy low profile outsole helping in delivering a really easy and dynamically responsive street journey.
Thus far, at over 50 miles of all tough terrain, arduous packed trails and pavement, the midsole foam reveals solely minimal mild creasing with as proven above the swept up “cupping” of the rear of the outsole helping with stability.
The platform will not be overly stacked as we’re at a reasonable 35mm heel /29 mm forefoot. The reasonable stack top, together with the very mild weight at a mere 8.2 oz / 232 g US9 makes them very agile whereas the density and swept up toe provides them an efficient rocker with loads of rock safety from the 29mm forefoot stack top.
Total, the midsole has been close to excellent for each street and simpler path, a really troublesome factor to drag off. It’s a cushioning package deal that whereas perhaps not extremely distance excellent, is tremendous enjoyable and fast for any sort of street or path day by day coaching (together with speedwork) and distances for me as much as a minimum of a half marathon. Heck, I even discovered them incredible for trekking within the Alps with a 20lb / 11kg pack with loads of underfoot (and higher) assist and cushion.
Kurt: I can not add extra to the reflections Adam makes. Cushioning is private—like colours or style. Some runners find it irresistible plush, others want it agency. I positively belong to the second camp, particularly relating to path footwear. I need to keep related to the bottom and actually really feel the terrain beneath me. That’s why, for me, the midsole is the make-or-break ingredient in a path or hybrid shoe. The H1 delivers what I’m in search of.
Jeremy: Humorous that RTR reviewers who obtained the shoe all lean in direction of preferring barely firmer midsoles. I’m nonetheless lacking some miles to refine my judgement on the midsole, however the first impressions are greater than constructive.
It jogged my memory of a barely firmer, extra steady model of Adidas Lightstrike Professional I discovered in Adios Professional 2: not overly bouncy, steady, dynamic, responsive.
One benefit of this flavour is that the shoe stays fairly predictable off-road: you keep related to the bottom, whereas being protected against impacts.
My solely run for now has been a 15km Z2 run, the day after fairly an intense interval session; I wanted one thing a bit…mild on the legs, and the H1 clearly delivered that, and the froth reacted properly. I then barely pushed up the tempo and it grew to become much more fulfilling. The easy geometry, plate-less design works wonders within the H1. Easy design with prime – and recycled – supplies merely works.
Up entrance, the H1 actually shines with a roomier toe field—each in width and top—giving your ft area to swell on lengthy runs. Add in a protecting overlay, and also you’ve acquired additional protection in opposition to rocks and path particles with out dropping consolation.
Outsole
Adam: This outsole compound doesn’t really feel like regular path shoe rubber I’ve skilled. My preliminary concern after seeing the very shallow 2mm lugs is that this “rubber”would put on in a short time, leaving me with utterly easy footwear after only a few miles on pavement.
Nevertheless, I discovered that the compound (almost certainly a CPU or Forged Polyurethane) is extremely arduous sporting, and on the comparatively dry fireplace roads and trails of California, supplies wonderful grip. The one space I’ve discovered the outsole struggles is in free gravel or sand, the place it has slightly little bit of slip because it digs in as a result of shallowness of the lugs.
The grip is considerably higher than any street shoe, however not fairly to the extent of a Salomon Pulsar or Hoka Zinal on path The outsole sturdiness is considerably higher than these path footwear although, particularly on pavement.
Sam: The outsole compound will not be a conventional rubber however seems to a CPU (Forged Polyurethane). A number of China based mostly manufacturers (MTC is from Hong Kong) use such “rubbers”, together with Xtep, and it hs been extremely sturdy and lighter whilst it’s softer than “rubber”. The softness permits it to evolve very effectively to any sort of textured rock and lighter gravel/dust . At over 50 miles of tough path, gravel, and pavement I’ve primarily zero put on.
Outsole at 50 miles / 80km
Traction is enough for reasonable trails with the outsole by no means in the best way or over current on easy tougher surfaces or roads.
I agree with Adam that the grip is considerably higher than any street shoe, and isn’t slappy or in the best way on pavement but the outsole is greater than enough on reasonable trails. It is just at a sooner tempo on free gravel that the 2mm lug depth can get overwhelmed. At climbing paces on very tough terrain with a pack, there was loads of grip on all however slick very easy moist rock. In any other case,, so long as the gravel and free weren’t too deep given the shallow lugs, grip is a minimum of nearly as good as MegaGrip with the outsole enjoying on street much better (and quieter) than typical rubber.
Kurt: To construct on what Sam and Adam already talked about—I put the H1 to the take a look at on each paved roads and forest paths, and the grip impressed me. Even on arduous surfaces, my fast grip checks gave me confidence that the shoe can deal with moist terrain too—good for these slick winter runs. With its 2mm lugs, the H1 strikes a stability, providing sufficient traction for trails whereas nonetheless working easy on the street.
Jeremy: I used to be skeptical on the grip at first, as a result of the compound felt “slippery” when inspecting it at residence.
Boy how incorrect I used to be: it gripped like loopy on tdamp greasy roads, giving a direct sense of safety. The low profile lugs had been merely clear on the street.
Nonetheless, on mild trails, they clearly do their job as I didn’t really feel any lack of grip, even on moist rocks.
That’s clearly a really wide-usage outsole, and seeing my colleagues feedback on the sturdiness and grip in lots of situations, it seems like an ideal “door to path” outsole.
Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions:
Adam: The MTC H1 is an exceptional on daily basis shoe, relying in your trails and situations. Should you run a mixture of street and path, don’t require a rock plate or tremendous grippy outsole for moist, muddy, rocky, or rooty terrain, and like the sunshine weight and responsiveness of street footwear, the H1 is usually a nice match.
I’ve discovered myself reaching for it for many of my path runs, as a result of its power and flexibility make it a extremely enjoyable shoe to run in.
The higher is extraordinarily comfy and adjustable whereas nonetheless giving wonderful management over the foot. The midsole is responsive and agency sufficient to be steady, whereas nonetheless giving good floor really feel and a low sufficient density to be extraordinarily mild.
The outsole is grippy sufficient to be superior to a street shoe, whereas nonetheless offering higher sturdiness and efficiency on street than most path footwear.
With the premium supplies and development of this shoe, earlier than even contemplating the claimed sturdiness, I believe the $160 worth is a wonderful worth.
Adam’s Rating: 9.23 / 10
Journey: 10, Match: 10, Worth: 10, Fashion 9.5, Traction: 7, Rock Safety: 7
😊😊😊😊
Sam: After about 50 miles of gravel working, street working, and even trekking with a pack, the sunshine mild H! punches approach above its weight in versatility and throughout efficiency.
It may well really be a one shoe rotation for the runner who mixes street and gravel kind trails. I believe it can be an outstanding plateless street runner. Its low profile outsole is incredible on smoother gravel and trails and by no means in the best way on street and is tremendous grippy.
The midsole and journey combines the reactivity of supercritical foam with sufficient density to stay steady on path. Whereas not max cushion in stack top or tremendous mushy there may be loads of cushion for many non extremely size runs on any floor.
The rocker is superb, rolling me by means of in any respect paces from gradual to up tempo and there may be enough rock safety for many trails. Most notable right here is the sunshine weight and vigorous really feel.
Assume a NB FuelCell Insurgent v5 or Novablast 5 that may go anyplace with zero compromises on street and higher higher maintain than both of these. If I used to be to choose a closest comparability it is likely to be the Nike Pegasus Plus right here lighter with a lighter, extra comfy higher, extra traction and a contact softer and but extra energetic journey.
The higher is comfy with maintain worthy of most trails or quick paces on street but is mild and mushy with an ideal match.
At 50 miles, all on rock, powerful free gravel and mountain trails at climbing paces, in addition to quick street and gravel runs the outsole reveals zero put on. The midsole stays very vigorous, the higher like new. Sturdiness must be excellent however additional testing of the midsole will inform.
Don’t consider the H1 as completely a path or gravel shoe, that it’s for positive, however as a mild, enjoyable and efficient, any floor, supremely versatile all rounder. As such additionally it is a robust worth.
Sam’s Rating: 9.5 / 10
😊😊😊😊1/2 could be 5 smiles if the midsole was a contact bouncier
Path: Journey (30%): 9.6 given the sunshine weight attainable given the midsole and outsole supplies I do suppose a contact extra stack top would prolong its vary but additional and nonetheless preserve it very mild
Match (30%): 9.7 about as positive a path or street shoe higher as i’ve skilled in 2025 or ever?
Worth (10%): 9.7 very versatile and anticipated (and so far skilled) sturdiness
Fashion (5%) : 9 positive however conservative given the shoe’s thrilling journey.
Traction (15%): 9 for path makes use of, 10 for street. Given the softness of the outsole, a bit extra lug depth would prolong vary with out affecting journey an excessive amount of on agency surfaces
Rock Safety (10%): 9.3 greater than enough given mild weight and supposed makes use of
Kurt: The MTC H1 is a pleasing shock.
I had my doubts — the lacing system, the standard, the load, traction, match… you title it. However after my first run, these doubts went straight to the trash. This shoe delivers!
I’m excited to see the way it holds up on longer distances (>20K) and extra technical terrain. The truth that I need to discover out says all of it: I actually like this shoe.
It earns a stable excessive rating from me with a remaining rating when I’ve additional examined. Might it’s even larger? Possibly — if MTC spices up these colour choices. As a result of let’s be trustworthy, debating colours does matter!
Jeremy: As I mentioned, I’m quick on miles with the H1 to present a correct ranking – I’ll full my inputs after extra testing, and in my French evaluate of the shoe, however the first impressions are clearly greater than constructive. I’ve already met the Tuned Match lacing system, in order that was much less of a shock to me, however I discover it to work even higher right here than within the T1.
The H1 is just…straightforward going. Straightforward to slide in, good and comfy match, straightforward to run a minimum of from straightforward tempo to higher endurance, and I wager that sooner paces will probably be nearly as good contemplating the good snappy feeling the midsole provides.
7 Comparisons
Mount to Coast T1 (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: The T1 follows an analogous method of a Tuned Match comfy higher, supercritical foam midsole, reasonable stack top at 36 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot and lightweight weight of 9 oz / 255g US 8.5. Its midsole foam is bouncier a bit extra plush and fewer reactive than the H1. That is balanced out by a considerably extra path targeted Vibram MegaGrip outsole with 4mm lugs. On the identical true to measurement I discovered the H1 higher safer and foot coniorming. Each are wonderful. T1 for pure trails, H1 for throughout use. Get them each!
Jeremy: I agree ith Sam on the marginally safer higher on the H1 versus T1, which could sound a bit counter intuitive: the trail-focused T1 ought to have the safer match.
Save from this, the T1 seems like a beefed up H1: a bit extra protecting, a bit much less reactive – as it’s path targeted and emphasizes “management”, with a far more substantial outsole powered by Vibram.
Norda 005 (RTR Evaluate)
The Norda is considerably costlier ( 2x). The 005 is analogous in weight and stack top to the H1 with a considerably extra aggressive however nonetheless comparatively low profile Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole. When it comes to match related. When it comes to journey the 005’s midsole is extra dynamic with larger power return however the H1 will get pretty shut. The 005 is a particular particular expertise on the identical sort of terrain because the H1 with extra of a path focus. The H1 will get shut on path, is best on street and is a greater worth.
Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: Salomon’s elite quick distance path shoe is firmer, but extra steady and is extra direct in path really feel. Its higher is but extra supportive and is decrease quantity than the H1 with its traction any path worthy. Pure technical trails at velocity the S/Lab. Throughout use leaning mild trails, street and gravel the H1.
Salomon Aero Glide GRVL (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: Significantly heavier at 9.2 oz / 261g US8.5 however larger stack at 40mm heel / 32mm forefoot, the Aero has a deeper bouncier, softer, much less steady eTPU expanded beads midsole and a extra plush however much less supportive higher. The H1 to sum it up is extra “critical” in its journey and capabilities than the Salomon.
Salomon Pulsar 2025 (RTR Evaluate quickly)
Sam: Take the GRVL above’s midsole foam, make it firmer (and extra steady) give it a really cosy old-fashioned Salomon higher, and deeper traction (if nonetheless leaning door to path) and also you get the Pulsar. Considerably safer and protecting and extra tech trails succesful, the Pulsar is dulls ville in comparison with the H1
Nike Pegasus Plus (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: An fascinating and shut comparability for me. The “street” Peg has related stats of weight 8.42 oz / 239g (really heavier) and stack top 35 mm heel / 25 mm forefoot with much less forefoot as a result of its larger 10mm drop. The load distinction probably doesn’t come from what seems like related PEBA or PEBA like midsoles however from the Nike’s heavier denser higher and its use of extra typical rubber. Talking of rubber and why I say they’re related the Nike has an analogous mild trails worthy outsole. Decide one for street.. the H1. Decide one for path.. H1.
Jeremy: I didn’t consider this comparability, however Sam cleverly brings it to the desk and I couldn’t agree extra. The higher is just higher on the H1. Safer, extra comfy, higher match and foothold.
From my first run, I’d say that the H1 handles straightforward paces higher than the Peg Plus, and feels safer, in a lighter package deal. I’ll clearly attempt to do some tempo runs within the H1 to see how they deal with sooner paces versus the Nike. However as of at present, I’d give the nod to the MTC.
New Steadiness Insurgent v5 (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: Take the favored Insurgent and provides it but extra versatility and also you get the H1. The Insurgent is about the identical stack top and is 13g lighter at 7.48 oz / 212g US 8.5 however lags the H1 in higher assist and multi floor outsole. Pure street on a regular basis the Insurgent, any floor and for versatility on and off street H1.
Salomon DRX Defy GRVL (RTR Evaluate)
Kurt: The Salomon DRX Defy GRVL is a nimble road-to-gravel hybrid with a leaner construct: decrease stack (34/26mm), larger drop (8mm), barely lighter on the dimensions, and about $20 simpler on the pockets than the MTC H1. On the run, it delivers a journey that feels near the H1 — however the H1 rolls extra easily from midfoot to toe, provides higher power return, a extra breathable higher, and a roomier toe field. For me, that makes the DRX Defy GRVL a enjoyable and environment friendly possibility for shorter to medium outings, whereas the H1 is the shoe I’d belief to hold me comfortably on the longer stuff.
H1 accessible for Pre Order Sept 1
MOUNT TO COAST
SHOP HERE
Tester Profiles:
Adam Glueck is a path and mountain runner presently based mostly in California. He graduated from Dartmouth School in 2022, the place he competed in Nordic Ski racing, racing in NCAAs twice and on the nationwide Supertour and worldwide Ski Basic Marathon circuit. When he’s not engineering, Adam now path races path over distances from 5k to 50k, and also you’ll discover exploring new trails from Yosemite to Moosilauke to Marin to Hong Kong.
Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Highway Path Run. He’s in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th 12 months of working roads and trails. He has a many years outdated 2:28 marathon PR. Today he runs halves within the simply sub 1:43 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week largely at reasonable paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, climbing or on nordic skis. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he’s not having fun with too many positive New England IPA’s.
Kurt is a Belgian (Path)runner in his early 50’s. His early sports activities background was in Triathlon: 3 x full Ironman distance, 10 or so half distance, numerous 1/4 and 1/8 distance. As a result of accidents, I targeted extra on biking. He acquired again into (critical) working in 2017.
Kurt runs round 60K per week and averages 10 hours of sports activities per week, together with biking, swimming, and power coaching. His playground is 70 % street and 30% path with the path typically muddy as a result of our moist local weather.
His weight is 77 kg and measures 1m86cm. Typical shoe measurement is EUR44; UK 9,5; US 10.
Jeremy MARIE, French, 44y/o. Working since 2013 and shortly transitioned to trails, targeted on ultras since 2015 : TDS, Maxi-Race, “100 miles du Sud”, 90 kms du Mt Blanc, GRP 120 kms, Some shorter extra mellow races (Saintelyon 45 kms, Ecotrail Paris 45 kms…) with all the time within the combine street and flat working, however not many street races. Additionally energetic bike owner and 70.3 Ironman. Restoration/straightforward runs ~4’45/km – 4’30/km. He has an un-official marathon PR of 2h54 (solo) and 10K PR of 36’25. He does few timed street races.
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