Topo Athletic Pursuit 3 Review | Where Hiking Shoe Meets Trail Running

Looking for a sturdy, tough trail running shoe that can carry you across technical paths all year round? Look no further than the Topo Pursuit 3.

The Pursuit is Topo’s zero-drop, cushioned trail running shoe known for its durability. In its third iteration, the shoe is updated with a new upper design and Topo’s hook-and-loop gaiter attachment system.

Coming from many miles in the Altra Lone Peaks, I find the whole world of medium to high-cushion trail running shoes fascinating. Upon receiving the fresh pair of Pursuit 3s, my first question was, “What’s the benefit of the thick cushion?” followed closely by “What happens when I lose some of the ground feel?”

Yes, the fit, feel, and resulting body mechanics were noticeably different, but I was happy to give them a try.

Ultimately, the Topo Pursuit 3 is a robust trail running shoe built for epic and rugged adventures.

Topo Athletics Pursuit 3 Overview

Topo is known for zero-drop shoes, where the entire foot is the same distance from the ground. While their collection has expanded to include 3 and 5mm drop shoes, the Pursuit 3 stays true to the classic design.

The wide, foot-shaped toe box of the Pursuit 3 is another Topo standard.

Designed for runs on technical trails, the Topo Pursuit 3 places a hardcore Vibram outsole and 28mm of Topo’s signature ZipFoam between your feet and those sharp rocks and pesky acorns.

While the company describes the shoe as a “lightweight and responsive ride,” I think of them more as strong and tough.

The addition of the hook and gaiter attachment system is an important update. The Pursuit 2 was gaiter compatible, but the attachment mechanisms have been improved this round. With Topo’s Performance Gaiter, runners should now have better luck keeping dirt, rocks, and other trail debris from sneaking into places they shouldn’t go.

The new upper design also received a positive revision. The fabric is thicker and more tightly woven, without sacrificing breathability. The new shape of the rubber around the top of the toe box makes me feel more protected against any potential toe stubs against rocks or roots.

The FKT Insole is an exciting element that prevents the shoe from holding onto water. Instead of becoming a squishy brick, the shoe drains easily. Some reported less-than-stellar experiences with the Pursuit 2 in muddy conditions, but the Pursuit 3 performed excellently for me on muddy and icy trails. No slipping or sliding, and my feet stayed dry!

Topo Athletics Pursuit 3 Fit

The toe box feels just as roomy as all the other Topos in my rotation; however, my toes are not able to wiggle vertically as much, and not for lack of space.

I find the toe box and sole to be quite stiff. On a similar note, the arch and midfoot feel supportive and comfortable, yet significantly less flexible. I am unable to articulate my foot movements as fully as I am used to when wearing other Topo shoes.

The shoe tongue is firm and moderately padded. And for the first time ever, I have encountered a shoe that requires heel lock lacing. Heel lock lacing is a special technique that tightens the lace closure around the top of the shoe. Without it, my heel slides and wiggles dramatically.

Topo Athletics Pursuit 3 Feel

The Pursuit 3’s feature Topo’s signature ZipFoam, but the shoes do not feel bouncy or responsive to me at all. The feel reminds me of a pair of high-quality, reliable hiking boots I owned years ago, if they were slimmed down into a relatively lightweight running shoe.

When I step over rocks and roots, I experience a rocking motion due to the rigidity of the sole.

Even so, I feel safe and steady traversing snowy, icy, and muddy ground on dirt, rock, and wood surfaces. The well-spaced lugs prevent dirt and leaves from getting caught on my shoes, so I always have great traction. Due to the thickness of the cushion, the transition between soft trails and pavement was barely noticeable.

Similar Shoes to the Topo Athletic Pursuit 3

We’ve tested a few that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:

One of my most favorite parts of trail running is feeling the ground beneath my feet. I love how my feet move over roots and rocks. These shoes take away a decent chunk of that experience, but they still have a special place in my shoe rotation.

For example, if I experience a particularly terrible toe stub or an unfortunate stomp on a sharp rock and want to give myself more distance and protection from the ground feel I love, the Topo Pursuit 3 will be my go-to shoes.

For now, these are the shoes that encourage me to extend my comfort zone just a bit and explore mechanics that rely a little less on the flexibility and strength of my feet.

For the sake of injury prevention, I think it’s a great idea to have a variety of shoes, and I know Coach Amanda thinks so as well.

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