I have loved Topo’s shoes since my first pair three years ago. Since then, I’ve almost exclusively used Topo because they offer high-performing shoes in a natural foot shape. That could have made me biased when testing out the Topo MTN Racer 4, but we all know every shoe hits a little different.
Last year, I completed multiple trail runs and races, including a 50k, in the Topo MTN Racer 3. I also used it as a hiking shoe to explore Yosemite, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Vermont’s Green Mountains. After 350 miles, the upper ripped, and, grieving, I retired the shoes.
All that to say, I had high expectations and a little fear that they may have changed something fantastic, you know what I’m talking about.
While the Topo MTN Racer 4 has several significant updates from its predecessor, it promises to become my adventure shoe this year.
Who Is It Good For?
Who is the Topo Mtn Racer 4 good for?
- Wide Feet: This model fits more snug through the mid-foot though the wide toe box remains the same.
- Technical Trails: The rugged Vibram sole grips damp granite, muddy trails, and uneven terrain. The new water-resistant sole drains water out of the shoe so you can cross streams and puddles fearlessly.
- Long Runs: The MTNRacer’s plush stack height provides plenty of protection during long runs.
- Front of the Pack: These are nimble and responsive with a comfortable rocker but are probably best for adventure runs rather than chasing the podium.
MTN Racer 4 is a moderately cushioned wide toebox shoe for those tackling longer distances and challenging terrain.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Overview
I tested the MTN Racer 4’s on various terrains including rocks, mud, and roots. The Vibram outsoles prevented slips on moss and damp granite. I could run with confidence no matter what challenges the trail presented.
One of the most notable updates to the MTN Runner is the insole. Last year’s insole was a plush Ortholite liner. While I appreciated the pillowy ride, others found it too soft.
The new insole is Topo’s design. It is firmer with texturing. The stiffness increases the responsive feel of the shoe.
I’m happy to trade a softer ride for the insole’s water resistance.
Trail running is often soggy running. While waterproofing the upper shoe can prevent some splashes from soaking your socks, it fails when water floods the shoe from above. This soaking can occur during rain storms or stream crossings. Once the inside of a waterproof shoe is wet, it will not dry. With a waterproof trail runner, you are one misstep from wearing a personal swimming pool.
I prefer shoes designed to drain. With a shoe that drains and a pair of wool socks, I can quickly and comfortably recover from puddles and splashes.
The Topo MTN Racer not only drains water from the upper but also the insole resistances holding water. The older insole would become a sponge in rainstorms, but this insole does not.
Like the rest of the Topo family, the MTN Racer 4 sports the natural foot shape.
The toe box still accommodates the toes, but even in the toe box, this model feels slightly tighter than the MTN Racer 3. This shouldn’t be a problem unless you also have flipper feet. If you do, size up to find that Topo magic.
MTN Racer 4 Specs
- Weight: 10.4 oz Men’s, 8.5 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 33mm
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- 2 Colors
- Not available in wide
- Available on RunningWarehouse.com for $154
This year’s MTN Racer has a great colorway. I love that the shoe is bright with an accent fade. It reminds me of a Mediterranean wave. It’s a playful style but not obnoxious.
While I probably will not wear it with my jeans, it’ll look great on the starting line of a trail race.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Fit
The Topo MTN Racer still sports the signature natural foot shape but other aspects of the shoe’s fit have been updated. If you are between sizes, consider purchasing a half-size up.
Compared to last year’s model, the upper provides a more secure fit. The older model would occasionally shift as I ran, but the new fit is much more secure. If you are between sizes, consider going up one.
As someone with higher-volume feet, the snug fit squeezes more than hugs the foot. I preferred last year’s looser style. But low to mid-volume feet will probably love the locked-in feel.
Additionally, this model’s upper fabric is stiffer than last year’s. I suspect that this will be the first part of the shoe to wear.
Topo’s magic has been creating a running shoe that allows the toes to splay while keeping the heel in place. I have a markedly wide forefoot and narrow heel. (My husband says I have flippers instead of feet.) Given my foot proportions, Topo has been my brand of choice.
During all of my runs, my heel remained in place. It did not not slide or chaff. The extra padding provided an additional cushion.
Speaking of padding, the medium-length tongue is quite plush, especially compared to the Hoka Speedgoat. This extra cushion can reduce the likelihood of irritating the tendons on top of the foot, but it also makes the shoe tighter on high-volume feet.
The tongue is attached to the shoe to prevent movement while running. The lacing secures the foot and has additional holes for a heel lock lacing style. The oval laces are designed to resist wear but stay tied. I found the laces pretty short but did not experience them untying during a run.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Feel
The Topo MTN Racer offers a stable and energetic ride.
The sole construction contributes to the shoe’s responsive feel. Under my foot, the shoe’s stiff, textured insole felt firm. To complement the firmer insole, Topo added a more giving midsole. The Zipfoam midsole provides a lightweight and responsive base. Additionally, the MTN Racer’s larger stack height protected my foot from impact-related fatigue.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole provided traction on a variety of surfaces. I knew I could tackle damp granite rocks without fear.
Compared to Topo’s Ultraventure 4, the MTN Racer has a tighter fit, a more narrow toe box, and a less roomy upper. The MTN Racer 4 is serious about trails with a full Vibram outsole while the Ultraventure has a hybrid, partial Vibram sole.
Topo created this shoe as a competitor to the Hoka Speedgoat 6. Both have a similar feel. The Speedgoat is slightly lighter and narrower. (However, the difference in width is less pronounced this year.) Both have the Vibram Megagrip soles and a rocker.
Overall, this shoe is a great option for runners seeking a foot-shaped shoe for their off-road adventures.
Similar Shoes to the Topo MTN Racer 4
We’ve tested a few that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
- Brooks Catamount 4 – Another shoe ready to pick up the pace on technical trails but without the wider toebox
- Topo Ultraventure 4 -Hybrid road to trail alternative with a more roomy feel)
- Hoka Speed Goat 6– A go to trail rockstar shoe with moderate cushion and still a decent roomy fit.
Ready to test it out for yourself?
Go find it here on RunningWarehouse.com for $154
Our Verdict
This is a trail shoe that will have you feeling secure in your grip, happy if you encounter any water and able to pick up the pace as needed. It may be missing a little of the cushion for some long distance runners, but is an overall great pick if looking for that wide toe box.
Who Tried It?
Becky Trudeau lives in New Hampshire and enjoys trail running in the mountains near her home. She has completed multiple half marathons, a mountain marathon, and a 50k with 7,000 feet of elevation. When not running, you may find her mountain biking, backcountry touring, cross-country skiing, or reading a mystery.
Topo Phantom 4 Review | Consistently Good Feel
Leave a Reply