H1

Excellent entry into a competitive trail shoe market, was looking forward finding a solid “gravel” shoe to run from neighborhood roads to local gravel trails. Great cushioning, enjoy the unique lacing system, although it is slightly tight at first to get in the shoe. Heel backing is a little stiff but hasn’t impacted me as other reviews have noted. Looking forward to putting in many miles of running and hiking with these. Bonus is they look even better in person! 9.5 in Hokas and Salomon—-same with these.

Great for semi technical trail and road and beat shoe for gravel. My other trail shoes are hoka mafate 5 and altra lone peak 8. These are my favorite

I just won the Tesla Hertz Run 104.8-mile ultra in the H1’s, finishing 1st overall in 19:55:43 and I wore the same pair from start to finish. That alone says everything you need to know about this shoe.

From the first step, the comfort feels off the charts. Comfort for the long haul is one of this shoe’s biggest strengths. The balance between cushioning and sole protection really stands out, providing great energy return and a responsive midsole, yet still offering enough stiffness to shield the underfoot which I see as critical for a 100-mile race. The slight rocker design adds a smooth, efficient transition that makes the H1’s feel fast while maintaining comfort over longer ultra distances. The tongue cushioning is excellent, and the laces lock down securely without ever coming untied.

The upper is shaped similarly to the R1, featuring a well-padded heel collar that delivers a snug, comfortable fit with zero heel slippage. The speed laces up front (just like the R1) are another great touch, making for a secure and consistent fit with adjustability over long runs. It’s both durable and breathable, with a generous toe box that provides plenty of room for swelling over ultra-distance efforts. Overall, the upper design contributes significantly to the shoe’s all-day comfort and performance.
The outsole performed exceptionally well across 100+ miles of mixed terrain, showing impressive durability and traction. It delivers just the right mix of grip and responsiveness, allowing for confident footing on trails while also feeling smooth. The H1’s are light, snappy, and perform exactly as you’d hope! A lightweight trail shoe that can transition seamlessly onto pavement.

The H1’s filled a real gap in my rotation. Mount to Coast absolutely nailed it!

Tested MTC H1 on multiple surfaces. The shoe was steady and sure on rock, sandy trail, trail, black top, concrete, gravel road, and all the things, even in the rain. Weighted distribution pays a large part in any shoe. They definitely are made for the long haul. The light circle cell technology made all surfaces doable. I even tested them with speed work mimicking a race environment. Speed wasn’t an issue, still breaking some of my fastest marks in the H1. They carried well and the fit across the toe box was perfect for longer ultras over the 100K mark. Will be putting them to the ultimate test in 100 milers yet this year. So stoked!!

I received the H1 immediately after completing a 100-mile race and just a week before embarking on another. Despite having logged only 5 miles in them prior, I committed to using them for the full distance—and I’m glad I did. The H1 delivered exceptional performance across varied terrain, keeping my legs and feet feeling fresh throughout the day.
The midsole foam offers more cushioning than other models in the MTC lineup, yet maintains a responsive energy return that supports sustained efforts over long distances. The toe box feels slightly more spacious, providing comfort without compromising lockdown—even on steep descents. Notably, I didn’t need to use a runner’s knot to secure my heel, which is rare for me. Post-race, I experienced no foot fatigue or toe discomfort, a testament to the thoughtful design.
Traction-wise, the H1’s outsole isn’t as aggressive as the T1, but the updated rubber compound holds its own off-road. Whether on dirt, granite, or loose gravel, grip was reliable and confidence-inspiring.
The H1 has quickly become my go-to “Swiss army knife” shoe. It’s the pair I reach for without hesitation, knowing it can handle whatever the day throws at me. I’m excited to see how this platform evolves—particularly if MTC introduces a trail-specific variant with enhanced tread. That could easily become the new benchmark for mountain-focused ultra shoes.