Article by Jana Herzogova
Mount to Coast R135 ($170)
Introduction
This evaluate relies on my private expertise with the Mount to Coast R135 (Badwater Version), a shoe I’ve used extensively for coaching runs, fitness center periods, and lengthy efforts within the warmth.
I additionally had the chance to crew and {photograph} the legendary Badwater 135 ultramarathon, which gave me a real-world have a look at how the R135 performs underneath excessive situations.
Alongside the R135, I’ve additionally examined the Mount to Coast R1 (RTR Review), which shares the identical platform and foam. I’ve logged about 15 miles within the R1, so my suggestions there may be based mostly on early impressions, not long-term use.
Please word: all images on this evaluate are of the R135 Badwater Version—I don’t at the moment have pictures of the R1.
This evaluate breaks down the similarities and key variations between the 2 footwear throughout 5 classes, serving to you determine which one matches your wants finest.
Professionals:
Exceptionally light-weight given its cushion and structural design
Extremely breathable, fast-drying woven mesh higher engineered for excessive warmth (Badwater situations) Reflective midsole and higher accents improve nighttime visibility—perfect for dusk-to-dawn runs.TUNEDFIT dual-zone lacing gives impartial forefoot and midfoot pressure management for consolation and lockdown.Sturdy LightCELL midsole with ZeroSag inserts delivers constant bounce and construction even after lengthy miles
Steady and clean journey, suited to ultra-distance pacing over asphalt and ranging highway terrain
Cons:
Stats
Spec Weight: 7.9 oz /225 g US M9
Pattern Weights: girls’s 7.9 oz /225 g US 10.5 (R1 common model 8.5 oz / 240g)
Stack Peak: 35mm heel / 27mm forefoot
90 mm heel / 80 mm midfoot / 120 mm forefoot US M9
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Similarities
Each footwear really feel light-weight, breathable, and constructed for severe pavement mileage.
They characteristic the identical dual-zone lacing system, which helps you to customise lockdown throughout the midfoot and forefoot—nice for dialing in a safe match or compensating for swelling throughout lengthy efforts.
Variations
The R1 has a clear, minimal engineered mesh higher with a performance-oriented match—cosy via the midfoot, barely structured, and dialed for management. It feels quick and lean.
The R135, nonetheless, builds on that base with refinements for excessive situations. The higher is extra perforated and noticeably extra breathable, making it perfect for hot-weather coaching and racing. It additionally consists of reflective parts all through the higher, which make an enormous distinction once you’re working early mornings, late evenings, or in a single day.
The toe field on the R135 is barely roomier, giving your foot area to breathe and swell with out compromising lockdown.
Bonus: The R135 is a wonderful choice for night-time runners, due to its enhanced visibility and reflective particulars.
Midsole & Platform
Similar
Each the R1 and R135 use the identical LightCELL PEBA-based foam, with an identical stack peak and geometry. This midsole is responsive, agency (however not harsh), and delivers constant power return mile after mile. It’s not a max-cushion really feel, nevertheless it offers dependable safety and construction over lengthy distances.
The platform is secure, environment friendly, and constructed for highway extremely efficiency. No distinction right here—if you happen to just like the journey of 1, you’ll really feel proper at residence within the different
Outsole
Similar
Outsole design, rubber protection, and efficiency are the identical in each fashions. They grip effectively on pavement—dry or moist—and maintain up underneath excessive mileage with out untimely put on.
That mentioned, neither shoe performs notably effectively on turf or indoor surfaces, particularly throughout sled pushes/pulls or explosive fitness center actions. The outsole simply doesn’t chunk into synthetic turf the best way a cross-trainer or devoted fitness center shoe would.
Nonetheless, I nonetheless use the R135 within the fitness center. The sunshine weight, secure platform, and stable lockdown make them nice for treadmill runs, lifting periods, mobility work, and normal coaching. The R135 particularly holds its personal within the fitness center—regardless that it’s not designed as a fitness center shoe, it nonetheless performs effectively in most areas.
Trip, Conclusions and Suggestions
R135 in comparison with R1: Similar in Really feel, Barely Totally different in Expertise
Each footwear ship a structured, environment friendly journey that’s constant, secure, and energetic. There’s no softness overload, no sink-in sensation—simply responsive rebound that holds up even when your legs don’t.
The delicate distinction comes from the higher:
The R135 feels a bit extra forgiving and breathable, particularly noticeable on lengthy, sizzling runs or multi-hour efforts the place your toes swell or want air flow.
The R1 feels a bit extra dialed-in and performance-focused, particularly for shorter efforts or cooler situations.
So whereas the midsole and platform are an identical, the higher modifications the journey expertise barely relying in your atmosphere.
And because of this, the R135 weighs 15g / 0.6 oz much less within the reference US males’s 9 which is similar measurement as my girls’s US10.5.
My Rating: 9.53 / 10
Trip – 9.5; Match – 9.5; Worth – 9,5; Type – 10
😊😊😊😊😊
I’m very proud of this mannequin as my every day coach. A lot in order that I bought 2 further pairs. No marvel they promote out quick!
Index to all RTR critiques: HERE
R135 Badwater is accessible (Restricted Version)
Mount to Coast SHOP HERE
Tester Profile
Jana Herzgova took up working in 2016, after a again harm. Previous to that she was a pace skater, however as a result of again ache and physician’s suggestion, she transitioned into working. Since then, beginning with shorter extremely distance races she shortly developed into an avid lengthy distance and unsupported mountain runner. She additionally likes to tackle challenges/races in arctic and subarctic climates, primarily in unsupported and semi-self supported type. She at the moment lives in Utah/Wyoming.
Samples have been offered at no cost for evaluate functions. No compensation was offered by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought through buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are totally the authors’.
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