You’ve been looking for a wide toe box running shoe, that’s not zero drop? Great news, you’ve now found Topo Running shoes! Our review of the top selections.
There are so many running shoes to choose from, and if there’s one thing we know for sure, there is never going to be one shoe that’s universally loved by every single runner. But one thing we have seen more and more people seeking is extra room in the toe box.
We’ll talk more about why that’s valuable, but hopefully this list will give you some ideas about where to start if you’ve been curious about Topo shoes.
What Makes Topo Unique
Topo’s lineup is fairly small compared to some of the larger brands, which allows them to really focus on what they want each of their shoes to offer.
In the past, they’ve been known for their trail shoes, but recently they have been recommended more and more for road runners, too. Our team has been testing everything they release for the last year and on the whole are pretty impressed.
Runners love their “anatomical shaped” shoes, meaning they feature a wider toebox with plenty of “wiggle room.” Your toes should always have room to do their thing without feeling constrained, so this shoe shape is a plus for many.
Topo running shoes also feature a low-to-zero drop, while many other brands have limited options in this area. Low-to-zero drop shoes promote a midfoot strike and have a more natural feel on the road.
This is good for some runners, but if you have concerns about form or are dealing with recurring injuries like plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendon problems, a higher heel-to-toe drop might be better.
Best Topo Running Shoes
Now that we’ve discussed some of the things that set Topo running shoes apart from many others, let’s get into our recommendations for some specific scenarios.
Daily Trainer for Longer Miles – Topo Phantom 4
The Phantom 4 is a high stack daily trainer with a foot-shaped toebox and soft midsole that makes it a good everyday trainer or a recovery option.
This newest version has a softer formulation of their Zipfoam midsole, and the landing is soft with just a bit of bounce. The shoe is firmer at a steady pace and softer as you slow down.
The Phantom 4 does have a mild rocker, but one that rolls you through your stride rather than really launching you forward.
If you’re a heel striker, there are two rubber strips on the heel for more traction. There’s also an exterior molded layer covering the heel and all the way to the last 3 lace holes, which adds some additional structure.
Soft padding around the ankle collar adds to the shoe’s overall comfort.
You will notice that the upper is soft and features a slightly offset lacing system that leans toward the medial side of the foot.
This shoe is one that you can log some serious miles in, and it can take the beating.
- Heel toe drop: 5mm
- Weight: 7.6 ounces Women’s/9.3 ounces Men’s
- Stack Height: 35 mm
- Available in 2 colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at REI.com for $149
- Check out our full review of the Topo Phantom 4.
Lightweight Trainer for Speedy Days – Topo Cyclone
The Topo Cyclone feels great from the moment you slip it on for the first time, and you’re going to love how light, responsive, and fun it is to take out on the road.
It’s an uptempo trainer, great for pushing speed limits or getting in interval sessions.
The light mesh upper is fitted through the midfoot and felt great as we picked up the pace. It’s stable and your heel stays in place even with Topo’s signature wider toebox.
The heel collar is plush and comfortable, and the tongue is flexible; all in all, this shoe will stay in place even as you amp up the speed.
That said, this might not be the best shoe for extreme weather. It doesn’t keep your foot warm and the sole can’t handle slippery or loose conditions.
The Pebax Powered foam in the midsole provides good energy return, so even if you want something more cushioned for longer days, this responsible midsole is a great option for shorter and faster runs.
- Weight: 6.9oz Men’s, 5.5 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 5mm
- Stack Height: 28mm
- Not available in wide
- 2 colors
- Available at REI for $150
- Check out our full review of the Topo Cyclone.
Max Cushion Shoe- Topo Aura
The Topo Aura is a nice mix of max cushion and stability, which makes it a no-brainer for many runners who are looking for both. It’s substantial not so firm you lose the comfort of the max cushion – really the best of both worlds.
The Aura will hold your foot firmly in place without sinking into the foam or heel-slipping, so it’s great for logging a bunch of miles on any type of day.
It also employs their Y-Frame Guidance System for light pronation support, and the shoe’s wider frame pieces on the sole create a durable, supportive frame for the cushy foam.
The ZipFoam in the midsole doesn’t sink under your feet, but you’ll still notice the cushion underfoot. The shoe isn’t super lightweight but it also doesn’t feel overly heavy on runs.
The Aura’s lightweight mesh is secure and breathable, making it comfortable from the very first wear. The padded heel collar is comfortable without rubbing or friction from the start, too.
Overall, we think this is a great option for a supportive but comfortable daily trainer.
- Heel toe drop: 5mm
- Weight: 9.1 oz women’s/10.9oz men’s
- Stack Height: 38mm
- Not available in wide
- Available in four colors for women and three colors for men
- Available at REI and for $165
- Check out our full review of the Topo Aura.
Versatile Shoe for Running to Cross Training- Topo Fli-Lyte 6
If you’re into minimalist running shoes, well…you’ve probably noticed there aren’t a ton of options out there. Luckily, Topo has you covered with a great one.
The Fli-Lyte 6 takes a little bit to break in, but once it does, it’s an enjoyable and versatile shoe.
It has a ZipFoam midsole and is firmer than many, but it does retain a hint of softness for a smoother ride. The firmness helps with its responsiveness and ground feel.
The Fli-Lyte allows natural foot movement through your stride and the forefoot flexibility is really good – if you’re a heel striker, these might feel a bit too clunky, though.
You won’t want to grab this pair for speed work or your longer runs, but as a cross trainer, we definitely recommend it. You can jog to the gym, get in your reps, and jog home feeling good in your feet and legs.
We also really like the heel hold in these shoes, as it adds structure to the shoe. The upper mesh is breathable, making it handy for hotter days.
The sole also allows some flexibility and this also turned out to be a durable shoe. If you’re looking for something low profile to join you on gym and cross-training days, though, these could be it.
- Weight: 6.3 ounces Women’s 7 / 7.8 ounces Men’s 9
- Stack Height: 23 mm
- Heel Drop: 3 mm drop
- Not available in wide
- Available in 2 colors
- Available at REI for $130
- Check out our full review of the Topo Fli-Lyte 6.
Max Cushion Trail Running Shoe – Topo Vista
The Vista is Topo’s ultra and trail shoe, and it really stacks up on those high-mileage, technical days. You can take them on mountain traverses, double run days, out when you have tired legs, over rocky scrambles, and really anytime you need a technical-minded shoe.
It has max cushion that reduces the impact from the ground and leaves your feet feeling free and easy.
Not only that, but they are made with Topo’s signature wide toebox, leaving your piggies room to breathe (or swell). That, combined with the narrower heel, reduces foot movement nicely.
The Vista’s Vibram soles can contend with most types of terrain, though it’s a little iffy on slippery downhill paths.
The slight heel drop and Zipfoam midsole make this shoe surprisingly light, and we really like the dynamic rocker that helps propel you forward.
The tongue is attached inside, reducing your chances of getting debris inside your shoe.
The Vistas are not waterproof, which is actually good – shoes that dry quicker are less likely to result in sweaty feet. These shed water rapidly, and are designed to increase air circulation and water drainage.
Topo also employs a water-resistant sole that’s slightly stiff and nubbly, refusing to hold water.
All in all, these are a great choice to take on technical trails in all sorts of weather.
- Weight: 10.9 oz Men’s, 9.0 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 38 mm x 33 mm
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- 2 Colors
- Not available in wide
- Available at Amazon.com for $174.95
- Check out our full review of the Topo Vista.
Stability Running Shoe: Topo Ultrafly 5
This is a stability shoe for runners who don’t need a ton of correction, or just runners looking for a solid shoe to log a bunch of miles.
What’s awesome is that, for a stability shoe, the Ultrafly 5 is pretty light. That’s pretty uncommon when a shoe features a medial post and EVA heel cupping, so if you do need some help in those departments, this shoe has you covered.
It’s not too firm, and not to soft – the Zipfoam in the midsole is enjoyable and gets the job done without being overly noticeable.
The outsole of the Ultrafly 5 is super durable and provides a decent grip on fine and dry surfaces. Overall, this is likely a shoe that will last you a long time.
Topo’s stability offering is definitely something to consider!
- Weight: 7.7 oz women’s, 9. 6 oz men’s
- Heel drop: 5 mm drop
- Stack Height: 28mm x 23mm
- 4 colors
- Available from zappos.com for $135
Trail + Hiking Shoe- Topo Ultraventure 4
The Topo Ultraventure 4 is a great choice for runners who want a comfortable, cushioned, and secure fit while they log miles on the trails.
They are also fairly responsive when you want to pick up the pace, too.
Topo updated the upper from the previous version, and the new tightly woven recycled mesh improves foot security and keeps out debris.
The updated ZipFoam cushion in the midsole makes it a bit more bouncy, too.
The great Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole remains, but if you’re regularly running on technical, muddle trails it might not have enough oomph for you.
- Heel-toe drop: 5 mm
- Weight: 8.2 oz women’s, 10.04 oz men’s
- Stack Height: 35 mm
- Not available in wide
- Available in three colors
- Available at Zappos.com $150
- Check out our full review of the Topo Ultraventure 4.
All right there you have it, our breakdown of the best Topo running shoes from a whole lot of testing.
Any missing from our list that you love?
What to read next?
- Topo Vs Altra Running Shoes
- What are Zero Drop running shoes (and do you need them)
- Best Wide Toe Box Running Shoes
The Best Treadmill Walking Workouts for Every Fitness Level
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