Wearing the Topo ST-6 is the next best thing to being barefoot at the gym or running in minimalist shoes, without entirely giving up the comfort of sneakers. As a connoisseur of low- to zero-drop, foot-shaped shoes and a runner who appreciates a little bit of cushion, these shoes hit all the right notes.
The Topo ST was one of the earliest Topo models. It dates back to around 2015, just a couple of years after Topo was founded in 2013. In the last decade, the shoes have gone through several iterations, but the model has preserved the lightweight (staying around 6 oz for men and a little less for women), stack height around 12-13 mm, foot-shaped toe box, and breathable upper.
We’ve talked about why you can’t wear running shoes to lift and these are a perfect example of what we’re looking for instead.
Technically these could be used for running, but that just wasn’t what we thought they were best for, so this review will focus on gym work and walking around.
Who is it Good For?
- Wide Feet: Just like the rest of the Topo lineup, the ST-6 is good for people with wide feet, but some do not love the snug fit of the midfoot.
- Heavier Runners: This shoe is great for anybody who loves a nearly barefoot experience.
- Long Runs: Dedicated minimalist shoe lovers enjoy these for long runs and even ultras.
- Front of the Pack: Could use for some Hyrox sprints if desired.
Ultimately, the Topo ST-6 is a versatile shoe that can appeal to different people for different reasons.
Topo Athletics ST-6 Overview
The Topo ST-6 features their signature ZipFoam that somehow provides a squishy cushion, the flexibility for full foot articulation, AND notable ground feel. If you are experienced in zero-drop shoes or willing to carefully put in the time to ease your body in, these shoes are worth a try.
These shoes serve three very specific niches:
First, if you are looking for an antidote to the pointy toe box, high-cushion, maximalist shoes trending today, the Topo ST-6 could be a good shoe to wear for weightlifting at the gym or casual walks.
If you’re new to this corner of the shoe world, they may be great for activities your feet can handle barefoot, but are best done protected by shoes. Just be mindful of easing into the zero-drop style.
If you wear the shoes for more than your body can handle, you risk injury. If you give your body time to adjust, you may find this style to be pretty awesome.
Second, if you are a fan of running in thin, barely-there sandals or truly minimal shoes, the Topo ST-6 may be a welcome rest day style that preserves some of the qualities you enjoy, like the zero-drop and room for your toes to spread out.
With the Topo ST-6, you still get some input about the texture of the ground, but it is mediated by quite a bit more soft, responsive foam than you might be used to otherwise.
The third category is where I land as an avid fan of Altras, Topos, and Vivobarefoot. I am comfortable running, walking, and weightlifting in low- to zero-drop shoes, and I need plenty of room for my toes to spread out or things get really uncomfortable.
The Topo ST-6 reminds me most of my beloved Altra Escalantes, but they are a little lighter weight and thus lean a teensy bit more in the minimalist direction.
Topo ST-6 Specs
- Weight: 6.6 oz Men’s, 5.2 oz Women’s
- Stack Height: 14mm
- Heel Drop: 0 mm
- Womens: Grey/Grey and Black/Grey, Mens: Grey/White and Black/Charcoal
- Not available in wide
- Available on REI.com for $120
Quick Take
Pros
- Roomy toe box
- Just enough cushion
- Hits three niche areas
Cons
- Midfoot slightly snug
- Break in period if not used to zero drop
Aesthetically, the Topo ST-6 is pleasing and versatile. The soft grey fabric and white sole complement lots of different looks. I can imagine myself having fun pairing these with a sundress just as much as I enjoy wearing them during exercise.
Topo ST-6 Fit
The ST-6 fits true to the size I prefer in the rest of the Altra and Topo lineup. My toes have ample room to spread out and wiggle, but the toebox does feel a little less spacious than my Altras. The heel is secure, but in just the right way.
The midfoot is notably snug, but not uncomfortably so. I am more aware of the laces resting on top of my feet than I am in other shoes by Topo, but I think that is due to the fact that the tongue fabric is quite thin.
Arch support is something that seems to turn people off from Topos shoes, at least in terms of what is shared in online reviews. However, when I wear the shoes and other Topos, arch support is not something that registers to me at all. Whatever is or is not happening there works for me.
Topo ST-6 Feel
The Topo ST-6 allows for a full range of movement of my foot. Wearing these shoes feels like I am barefoot without the discomfort, “ick,” or hazard of literally being barefoot on the sidewalk or walking around the gym without shoes.
The ZipFoam feels soft and responsive. I find it kind of amazing that I can get so much nice squish and bounce, and also still register the texture of the ground. I can tell if the sidewalk is smooth or rocky, and I notice the cracks a lot more.
Importantly, I still have a buffer of protection against all the textures. I am not worried about something sharp on the ground hurting my foot. That being said, I don’t think I would take these out on the trails simply because they don’t have the special and tough grippy outsoles I enjoy in trail shoes.
The upper fabric is thin and breathable, but it is nowhere near as thin as the mesh covering the top of some of the other Topo shoes (the Cyclone comes to mind). For this reason, I can see myself enjoying the Topo ST-6 in lower temperatures than Topos with the recycled mesh upper.
Similar Shoes to the Topo ST-6
Decided you are officially ready for a gym shoe? Great, let’s look at some similar options:
- New Balance Minimus TR – We love the dialed in fit of these for gym days!
- Altra Escalante – Similar roomy toe box, often used for running.
- Lululemon Chargefeel – higher drop at 6mm, but we LOVE the stick and you can do a tad more running in it
I normally do all of my strength training barefoot at home. These were pitched to me as a gym-style shoe, so I wanted to try them in that capacity first. I was really surprised by how little the shoes interfered with the movement and feedback I am used to while weight lifting barefoot. The shoes added some comfort, but didn’t take away from my range of motion. They seemed to actually raise my awareness of how my feet go through a range of motion and come into contact with the ground.Our Verdict
I also tested the shoes on walks and runs. They are exactly what I enjoy wearing casually in terms of aesthetics and feel. When I ran, it felt very much like the urban version of wearing my Altra Lone Peaks on the trails. I enjoyed how my feet moved and how I could feel the ground, but I also recognized I currently prefer a bit less feedback on sidewalks than I do on dirt and rocks.
Exhausted After Every Run? You Might Be Overtraining (Here’s How to Tell)
Leave a Reply