In the bustling world of running shoes, standing out from the crowd can be a Herculean task. Amidst the noise and chaos of countless brands and endless designs, one brand that has managed to carve a niche for itself is Topo Athletic. What makes them unique? A set of distinct features and a look that will catch everyone’s sight! Let’s take a look at Topo shoe design with Run United, a prominent Texas running store offering lots of quality men’s and women’s running shoes and gear.
The Topo Difference: Features of Topo Shoes
Topo Athletic prides itself on two key design elements that set it apart from its competitors – wide toe boxes and a low drop (0-5mm). These features aren’t just for show; they are grounded in science and designed with the runner’s comfort and performance in mind.
About Wide Toe Box in Topo Shoes
A signature feature of Topo shoes is the anatomically designed wide toe box, which provides ample room for toe splay, mimicking the natural foot shape. This might seem like a minor detail, but the implications of this design choice are far-reaching and backed by scientific research.
A study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University explored the effects of passive hallux adduction – pushing the big toe towards the other toes – on blood flow in the lateral plantar artery. Their hypothesis was that this positioning could decrease blood flow to the plantar fascia, potentially contributing to the development and persistence of conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Their findings revealed a significant decrease in blood flow and artery diameter during passive hallux adduction. The decrease was even more pronounced in individuals with low arches, possibly due to the lengthening of the abductor hallucis muscle – which moves the big toe away from the second toe – in flat-footed individuals.
The takeaway from this research is clear: irrespective of the shoe drop, having a wide enough toe box to allow for normal toe splay is crucial. Toe splay also increases the foot’s surface area, distributing the impact force over a larger area and allowing the foot to effectively act as a lever during the push-off phase.
Furthermore, a wide toe box can prevent problems caused by squeezing the toes, such as blisters, corns, hammer toes, and bunions.
So, basically, Topo Athletic wide toe box design promotes healthier foot function and potentially reduces the risk of common running injuries.
About Low Drop in Topo Shoes
Another defining feature of Topo shoes is their low-to-zero-drop design. This is often misunderstood as a strategy to prevent heel striking, but the reality is more nuanced. Low- and zero-drop shoes encourage a stride that lands you over your center of mass, helping prevent overstriding and reduce braking forces caused by elevated heels.
Overriding is when the runner’s foot lands far ahead of the center of mass. Overstriding has been associated with increased braking forces, as the foot striking the ground ahead of the body’s center of gravity effectively acts as a brake, slowing forward momentum. This not only decreases running efficiency but also increases the impact forces that travel up through the body, potentially leading to injuries.
While this design might require some getting used to and may compromise on heel padding, proponents argue that it offers a more natural ride overall – aligning perfectly with Topo’s main design goals. Recognizing that zero-drop isn’t for everyone, Topo bridges the gap by adding up to 5mm of drop in some of its cushioned running shoe models.
In conclusion, Topo Athletic’s unique approach to running shoe design, focusing on wide toe boxes and low drops, is grounded in scientific research and a deep understanding of the runner’s needs. These design choices not only distinguish them from other brands but also contribute to a comfortable and performance-enhancing running experience.
A Buyer’s Guide to Topo Running Shoes
Now, let’s take a closer look at each series in the Topo running shoe line.
Topo Running Shoes for Road
Phantom 3 – Basic running shoes
Drop: 5mm
Stack height: 28mm/33mm
Weight: M 272g / W 221g
This shoe introduces runners to Topo’s signature style with a 5mm drop. It features ZipFoam, a proprietary midsole technology that offers resilience and responsiveness. The updated fit ensures comfort and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for daily training sessions.
Magnifly 4 – Zero-drop basic runners
Drop: 0mm
Stack height: 25mm
Weight: M 255g / W 204g
For runners who prefer a forefoot-striking stride with substantial cushioning, the Magnifly 4 is an excellent choice. This zero-drop trainer offers a consistent 25mm stack height throughout the shoe, providing a balanced and comfortable ride. The dual-density midsole in the Magnifly 4 has been enhanced with Topo’s proprietary Zipfoam, designed to create a ride that’s both padded and efficient. This could make the Magnifly 4 feel quicker on your feet compared to the Phantom 3.
Cyclone 2 – Performance running shoes
Drop: 5mm
Stack height: 23mm/28mm
Weight: M 196g / W 156g
The Cyclone 2 is all about performance. It sports a full-length PEBAX midsole, offering a lightweight yet springy experience. With a 5mm drop, moderate cushioning, and a less rocketed ride, this shoe is perfect for a variety of runs.
Specter – Performance long-distance running shoes
Drop: 5mm
Stack height: 30mm/35mm
Weight: M 230g / W 196g
The Specter is another performance trainer in the Topo shoe lineup but designed specifically for high-speed road runs, including marathons. It boasts the highest stack height among all models in Topo’s road line, measuring at 35mm/30mm. It features a PEBAX core with a ZipFoam carrier, resulting in a more rockered and rigid ride compared to the Cyclone 2.
ST-4 – Minimalist zero-drop running shoes
Drop: 0mm
Stack height: 16mm
Weight: M 235g / W 173g
If you’re into minimalist running, the ST-4 is the one for you. Crafted on a light, flexible, zero-drop platform, this model is ideal for runners who favor a natural, forefoot-striking stride. Unlike most shoes, the ST-4 doesn’t use the rigid heel counter, resulting in less weight but potentially a slightly less secure heel cup. Its low weight and stack height make the ST-4 especially suitable for shorter, speedier runs, although it won’t provide the plush feel of higher-cushioned shoes during lengthier runs.
Ultrafly 4 – Stability running shoe
Drop: 5mm
Stack height: 23mm/28mm
Weight: M 272g / W 218g
The Ultrafly 4 stands out as one of the few low-drop stability shoes on the market. It offers moderate cushioning and a medial stability feature for pronation control.
Topo Trail Shoes
Ultraventure 3 – Basic trail running shoes
Drop: 5mm
Stack height: 30mm/35mm
Weight: M 289g / W 235g
With its traditional ride, 5mm drop, high stack, and no rocker, the Ultraventure 3 is an excellent choice for non-technical or moderately technical trail runs. Its ample cushioning ensures comfort as you navigate through terrain and starts to really shine on longer runs.
Ultraventure Pro – Hybrid trail running shoe
Drop: 5mm
Stack height: 25mm/30mm
Weight: M 295g / W 235g
The Ultraventure Pro emerges as a hybrid shoe, blending the features of the Ultraventure 3 and Topo’s new Trailventure hiking boots to offer an even more supportive and protective ride. Slightly lower in stack height than the Ultraventure 3, the Ultraventure Pro boasts a three-piece midsole and rigid external heel counter. It also features a stickier Vibram Megagrip outsole and a forefoot rock plate.
MTN Racer 3 – Technical trail shoes
Drop: 5mm
Stack height: 28mm/33mm
Weight: M 286g / W 235g
The MTN Racer 3 is the perfect solution for technical trails. The latest upgrade introduces additional cushioning and underfoot protection. With the ZipFoam formula, the midsole offers the ideal balance between soft cushioning and responsive performance. Retaining the highly acclaimed Vibram Megagrip outsole, the MTN Racer 3 ensures exceptional traction and grip.
Pursuit – Zero drop trail shoes
Drop: 0mm
Stack height: 28mm
Weight: M 306g / W 244g
Topo Pursuit is designed for those seeking a well-balanced, cushioned experience for all types of terrain and distances. The shoe boasts a 28 mm stack from a ZipFoam midsole, supplemented by an OrthoLite Performance insole for a durable and soft ride. Although not the lightest in Topo’s range, the Pursuit’s superior build quality is noteworthy. If you’re a runner who tends to wear out shoes quickly, prefers zero drop geometry, and frequently tackles moderately to highly technical trails, the Pursuit could be an excellent fit for you.
MT-4 – Versatile trail runners
Drop: 3mm
Stack height: 22mm/25mm
Weight: M 303g / W 244g
Topo has enhanced this model with a Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole for better traction and revamped its upper for an improved fit and greater protection. The MT-4 features a minimal rip-stop mesh upper and no rock plate, which makes it light. Generally, this model outperforms other Topo shoes on routes that combine road and trail. If you want a cushioned shoe but don’t want a trail-centric outsole and excessive protective elements, the MT-4 could be great.
Published by HOLR Magazine.