ISPO Award Winner 2023: MTC-UM 001 by Mount to Coast

At the heart of the Ultra Marathon Racing Shoe, MTC-UM 001's innovation is its unique midsole technology. Crafted with ZeroSag material, it offers an unparalleled cushioning experience from the very first step to the exhilarating finish line. The midsole's geometric design, backed by biomechanical insights, effectively controls excessive forefoot abduction, significantly reducing the risk of injuries. Biomechanical tests confirmed that the MTC-UM 001 significantly reduces forefoot peak abduction during running. “MTC-UM001 is specifically designed for ultra-marathon racing, mainly through our unique midsole technology”, says a spokesperson for the brand. “Our ZeroSag material can provide an endless cushion experience from first step to finish line, as well as a midsole geometric design with biomechanical insights that can control excessive forefoot abduction to reduce injury risk.” The shoe's development was guided by professional biomechanical research teams led by Professor Zhang XianYi, PhD, at KU Leuven University. "It’s the first time in the footwear industry that multi-segment foot models have been used to develop running shoes", says a spokesperson for the brand.

Biomechanical tests at National Sun Yat-sen University showed that the Ultra Marathon Racing Shoe could significantly reduce the forefoot peak abduction during running, a risk factor for overuse injuries. Furthermore, the abductor hallucis muscle, which is considered a dynamic elevator of the foot arch, was more activated when wearing the MTC-UM 001. “This indicated that our shoe has a positive effect on active muscular control of the foot arch”, says a speaker of the brand. “ We also participate in a 100km Ultra-Marathon Event where over, 1600m height above seawater in this August. 16 of our Athlete runners completed the race safely, and three of them were in the top 10.”

The use of durable BASF polyurethane elastomer foam as a forefoot insert also ensures consistent cushioning and response, even in challenging conditions. The shoe's upper material is made from a 4-directional stretch circular knit mesh that adapts to your unique foot shape, offering the comfort and flexibility you need. It feels soft and comfortable, almost like a second skin. Also, special: The midsole material is the result of a supercritical fluid foaming process using pure Nitrogen rather than chemical blow agents. This makes the shoe lighter and reduces its environmental impact.

Another Plus: The cuneiform-shaped wedge in the midsole, known as the 3D Arch Rail, controls excessive forefoot abduction effectively. What sets the MTC-UM 001 apart is its dedication to sustainability. The upper mesh is crafted from 100% recycled PET yarn, showcasing the brand's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. With its innovative design, injury prevention features, and sustainable materials, it's the perfect companion for those seeking to conquer long-distance races while minimizing their environmental impact.

With the newly developed Ultra Marathon shoe from Mount to Coast, an exciting player enters the densely populated running market. The shoe captures the spirit of a modern running shoe with its successful combination of lightweight, comfort, and research-backed stabilization. Even more crucial is the use of new foams without chemical additives. The 100% recycled PET yarn completes the design package. It will be interesting to observe how the Mount to Coast brand will continue to evolve in the future. In any case, it brings new impulses, and this is certainly beneficial for an industry that has long struggled to make progress in terms of sustainable materials.

• Injury risk Reduction
• Upper mesh: 100% recycle PET yarn
• Midsole: foamed by pure Nitrogen
• Upper material is 4 directional stretch