Skechers GOTrail Ultra 4

The Skechers GOTrail Ultra 3 was my favorite max cushioned trail shoe last year and one of few max cushioned shoes I feel comfortable running in.  I’m happy to report that the Ultra 4 takes what worked so well for the Ultra 3 and just improves upon it.  The main differences are: a slightly firmer midsole which makes the shoe a bit more stable, while still being very plush and well cushioned; better, more secure upper with what feels like a noticeably wider forefoot despite it being on the same last (I think this is due to a new no-sew toebox on the upper); lastly a super nice and streamlined tongue on the shoe really finished it off well.  The Ultra 4 is still my go to shoe if I want a well cushioned ride without feeling like I’m changing my stride, something I still have problems with when using most max cushioned shoes.  Great work Skechers Performance!

Great upper with slightly tweaked, more stable ride. Still the best max cushioned out there in my view.

Hoka One One Challenger ATR 3

The Challenger ATR 3 is a great sign for Hoka One One.  In addition to the Speed Instinct released last year that made my Honorable Mentions list for 2016, the Challenger ATR 3 gives me hope that Hoka is slowly tweaking their shoes in the right direction.  The ATR 3 fits so much better than the ATR (never tried the ATR 2) and yet it doesn’t seem to be substantially different in design.  Reportedly on the Clifton 3 last, it makes a huge difference.  Better toebox width, more secure overlays and a perfect amount of tongue padding and it is probably the best fitting Hoka to date in my mind (I’ve got high hopes for the Speed Instinct 2 and Speedgoat in this regard too).  The ride also, while similar, seems slightly tweaked, but in a good way.  Foam is a bit more responsive and not just soft (dare I say energy sucking) and dampening like the original.  It runs fast and yet very forgiving and light all at the same time.  I’m still not in love with the oversized bucket seat heel and rocker (something the Speed Instinct goes with out more or less) but it works in this shoe and, while I can feel it, it is never distracting or problematic and actually kinda nice if I’m tired but don’t want a heavy shoe.  If you’ve avoided Hoka in the past for the reasons I have, it might be time to take a second look.

Upper is WAY better than previous Challengers and previous Hokas. More refined and comfortable across the board. Enjoying the shoe this spring.

Brooks Caldera

The Caldera kind of came out of nowhere for me.  While I’ve liked the idea of some of Brooks past trail models, they just never seemed to excel in terms of fit and ride for me.  The midsoles tended to be on a firmer/harsher side and the fit of many Brooks shoes just seemed to be super tapered in the toe box and using odd upper design choices (Pure Grit series comes to mind for me in this regard).  I’m super happy to say that the Caldera pretty much erases all of those problems for me and is the first Brooks trail shoe I can wholeheartedly endorse.  The upper is secure, but much more forgiving in fit, while still feeling similar to a Brooks fit (does that make sense?).  I love the straightforward lacing, lace garage (seriously, more lace garages!) and just-right amount of tongue and heel collar padding for a long run/well cushioned shoe like it is.  The midsole is lively and responsive while not seeming as big or as large on the run as the stack height and look would indicate.  It reminds me of the Pearl Izumi N2/N3s but with a much more responsive ride and more secure fit.  These are great things and I sure hope Brooks sells well in this model since I’d love to see some of their other models move in the direction of the Caldera design wise (this doesn’t mean they all need to be higher cushion, but the design approach/material usage could be translated to other types of models).  The outsole is also surprisingly adequate despite its sparse application.  No problems for me with durability yet and I’d expect it to last at least as long as something like the Challenger ATR 3 above.

Such a cool design on the Caldera (bonus points for that!). Great all around shoe and perfect Pearl Izumi replacement if you are looking for one with PI now out of the running business.

Topo Athletic Terraventure

Topo had a great year last year with the MT-2 and Hydroventure and has built upon that with a more heavily lugged and slightly higher cushioned Terraventure.  The upper is classic Topo with light material and seamless overlays throughout.  The last feels slightly roomier than past Topos and slightly longer than the Ultra Fly/Magnifly which is a good thing.  It is definitely a wider platform in the midsole and outsole than the MT-2 which might be one of the only things I’m not as crazy about, but I guess makes sense for a longer more comfort oriented shoe.  The only reason I say this is that I really like Topo, and grab them off the shelf, for that very secure and nimble/natural feel and the Terraventure does move away from this just a little.  I’d love to see them tweak the Terraventure just a bit and put a midfoot shank of some sort on top of the midsole between the strobel, in addition to securing the upper just a bit more.  With that added structure I think the shoe would feel just a bit more tied together and be a much more appealing and capable long run shoe.  As it is, it runs and feels more like an MT-2 PLUS where it is basically the same feel and fit of the MT-2 with little more shoe underfoot but it ends up losing the nimble and light MT-2 feel in the process.  That all said, it is still a great shoe and one I’d compare to the Altra Lone Peak, but much prefer over the Lone Peak for my preferences in fit and feel.

Classic Topo (which is a good thing) with super clean and simple design. More shoe here and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing although hoping for a few small tweaks in an update.

Altra Superior 3.0

The Superior 3.0, for me marks a new era for Altra trail shoes.  While it was quietly released (in my view) and only slightly tweaked in design and appearance, the changes (much like the ones for the Hoka Challenger ATR 3) are just the right things that needed to be done to make the shoe fit and feel like it had the potential to all along.  The biggest differences are the new last which is just a hair longer than the old PFS last and as a result fits much better for me because you get the extra length/room with the right level of volume (a problem with sizing up to get the extra length).  This culminates in effectively achieving what I hoped Altra could all along: a shoe with a wide toebox that you can actually enjoy because it holds the rest of your foot super well.  A wide toebox with a wide back half (unless your feet are high volume, which is just fine :) ), doesn’t work out too well for me and produces a sloppy fit which detracted too much from the advantage of a wide toebox.  The Superior 3.0 is the first Altra trail shoe to get this right in my mind.  In addition to the much improved fit, Altra added a more substantial rand to the shoes which helps in security in the front half and durablity as well.  The midsole and outsole are slightly tweaked and run a bit more responsive.  Additionally, it should be slightly more durable too.  They still utilize the cutouts in the outsole which is the only piece I’d recommend changing on the shoe.  Other than that, it is one of the best medium cushioned, natural trail shoes ever made in my view.  Hint for future posts: Altra is doing a lot of things right lately and I have some other posts coming that will highlight some of the great things going on in both the road and trail offerings new for this summer.

Best Altra to date for me. Great fit and feel and probably one of the best natural, medium cushioned trail shoes on the market period even if you aren’t specifically looking for a wide toe-box or zero drop.

End of the first day at the Fat Dog 120 mile. Enjoying a high alpine section on a perfect evening before what would be my biggest struggle of the year through the night resulting in my only DNF for the year.

Yes, unfortunately it is now February and a best of 2016 post is old news, but better late than never. While things were a little lighter on the blogging front for me, I still had a full year of running, racing, and got to try out tons of new shoes and gear in the process.  I ran the Carlsbad Road Marathon in January, Gorge Waterfalls 100k in April, Quad Rock 50 mile in May, Bighorn 100 mile in June, Fat Dog 120 (DNF at mile 80, 25 hrs in) in August, and the North Face 50 mile in San Francisco in December.  All in all, it was a good year of improvement and continuing to learn more about my self as a person and runner. Some big goals on tap for this year and hoping to start things off well at the LA Marathon in March (despite a recent injury setback last week, my first in 3 years).

I’ve done a “Best of the Year” post every year and thought I’d put together another one with the addition of some great gear that I’ve used a ton as well.  Hopefully this won’t be too long and some will find it useful!

Best Shoes of 2016

-Road Shoes

From Bottom to Top: Skechers GORun Forza, adidas adizero Boston 6, and Salming Miles.

1. Skechers GORun Forza – The Forza didn’t blow me away when I first tried it in February last year, but it has really hung on in my line-up and is on the short list of road shoes I turn to for most road runs other than really fast days.  The shoe holds up super well, fits and feels like a lighter shoe and offers great structure without ever getting in the way.  Such a great shoe from Skechers and foreshadowing of some big improvements that are just now coming with their 2017 lineup (See GORun 5, GOMeb Razor and GOMeb Speed 4 all of which are fantastic!).
2. adidas adizero Boston 6 – It took me a long time to get around to trying the Boston 6 despite my affinity for v5 on dry trails.  While the Boston 6 is still great on trails, adidas really improved it’s feel on the road with a softer feeling forefoot due to a new outsole which is softer and yet still very durable; great stuff from Continental.  The new seam-free toebox is a great change as well.  The Boston 6 is one of the best all around shoes out there that will literally almost do anything well.
3. Salming Miles – Salming was a big surprise for me last year and ended up with my road shoe of the year in the Distance 3.  They didn’t really revamp their mainline models much in 2016 other than some new midsole material on them, but did launch a new road shoe in the Miles.  All of my complaints about durability in the Distance and Speed have been completely abolished with the Miles.  It is probably one of the more durable shoes I’ve ever used and feels completely natural riding in Salming’s usual style and feel.  Great high mileage (likely a 750+ Mile shoe) trainer particularly if you don’t want a higher drop training shoe.

Honorable mentions: adidas adios 1 Haile (great re-issue of the adios 1 and super versatile shoe…can’t find it anymore so hopefully they re-issue the re-issue :) ), adidas adios 3 (incremental update, but still a great shoe) and Nike Pegasus 33 (light and versatile; great on trails),

-Trail Shoes

From Bottom to Top: My modified Nike Zoom Wildhorse 3, Skechers GOTrail Ultra 3, and New Balance Fresh Foam Gobi.

1. Nike Zoom Wildhorse 3 – Yes, I know this shoe was out in 2015 even (hard to believe) but I really didn’t begin to use it till this last year and actually ended up using it in most of my races this year at some point or another.  The biggest reason it took me so long was that it took modifying the midsole profile to narrow the shoe up, which transformed the shoe and quickly made it much more nimble and it made a world of difference in the overall feel.  The upper on the Wildhorse 3 is also second to none on the market it my view.  It is light, breathes well and dries out quickly while allowing me to run very long in them sock less with zero issues.  One of the best, well rounded trails shoes ever made.  Version 4 is on the way in April and very much looking forward to that update as well as the Kiger 4.  Take a look here from a preview pic of both of them from Kaci Lickteig’s twitter.
   

   Unmodified Wildhorse 3 on top, modified on bottom. Basically I’ve shaved the midsole down to a narrower more nimble profile and really like the results.

   

   Doesn’t affect the shoe in any negative way and really tightens up the ride while being an ounce lighter. Win, win.

2. Skechers GOTrail Ultra 3 – The Ultra 3 was a real surprise for me and after logging quite a few miles in it (in a couple different versions: standard, Climate All-Weather and a custom version with the GOTrail rock plate in it which is amazing).  It has become a very nice tool to reach for in my rotation and the just released GOTrail Ultra 4 is even better with an improved upper in nearly every aspect as well as a bit firmer midsole which is also nice.  If you haven’t tried the Ultra 3 or 4 grab a pair, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed and it offers a very unique ride that isn’t really similar to much else in the market.
3. New Balance Fresh Foam Gobi – I waited till November to try the Gobi and that was too bad.  After feeling that the Zante was loosing some of its initial luster for me due to some subpar (in my view) foam that breaks down way too early.  The Zante also had an upper that isn’t quite as supportive as I’d like to see.  Well the good news for me was the Gobi has a great upper with much more support in addition to the added lugs to the outsole which really improve the feel of the ride in my view.  The foam still breaks down too soon, but really at the price they go for (under $100) there isn’t much to fault in them.

Honorable Mentions: Hoka One One Speed Instinct (best Hoka to date for me; well cushioned yet still enough pop to run fast and the best fit by far in any Hoka for my foot…like a Nike Kiger with more plush feel), Topo MT-2/Hyrdroventure (great light minimal-esque shoes and fantastic update to original MT…there is a new version of the MT-2 with an updated upper material that just came out) , Skechers GOTrail (good new entry for Skechers that runs well in a variety of conditions with a faster/lighter feel than the Ultra 3, but similar fit and finish), Montrail Caldorado (solid all-around new shoe from Montrail…really looking forward to the Caldorado 2 upper update which could address biggest issues with first version), Montrail Trans Alps (super burly, durable and surprisingly runnable beast of a shoe; also looking forward to upper update)

-Mountain Shoes

From Bottom to Top: Scarp Atom, Scarpa Neutron, and Salming Elements.

1. Scarpa Atom – Scarpa really nailed their 2016 launches and overall came out with the best technical mountain footwear of the year in my view.  Other than some overly wide heel profiles which, while not a deal breaker, could be narrower in my view, the shoes are remarkably well made with sticky Vibram Megagrip, low drops and secure uppers.  The Atom, being the most minimal of the lineup fits snug but comfortable and creates a mountain slipper like feel in both the upper and ride.  Such a fun shoe to run technical terrain in.  I do think it could be improved with a forefoot rock plate to help with the occasional sharp rock and extend the length of outings it could handle, but even so it is still very good and one of my top 3 mountain shoes of all time….I rarely buy 2nd pairs of shoes these days and I’ll be buying another pair of Atoms.
2. Scarpa Neutron – The Neutron is a burlier and more luggy option from Scarpa and despite needing just a bit narrower midsole profile in the heel, it is a really sweet mountain option with tons of protection, a decent ride, secure upper and great traction.  Check Scarpa out if you frequent some technical or mountain terrain and keep a look out for the forthcoming Scarpa Spin that aims to strike a balance between the Atom and the Neutron and has tons of potential.
3. Salming Elements – Salming’s first entry into the mountain running scene and they got a lot of things right.  The upper needs just a bit of work in cleaning it up from stitchingand making it a touch more secure and the shoe could use a forefoot rockplate with its relatively low forefoot stack height, but the grip is quite nice in mud and loose terrain and it is one of the best non-UK designed (i.e. inov-8 or Walsh) fell running shoes I’ve come across.  Hopefully, Salming doesn’t give up on the shoe and makes a few tweaks in the direction they appear to be going with their forthcoming Trail 5 and Snowrace with improved uppers and Vibram outsoles.

Descending near of the top of Mt. Olympus outside of Salt Lake City in August.

Best Gear of 2016

-Hydration Gear

From Top to Bottom: Ultimate Direction Mono and Stereo (Hi-Fi fronts on both), Salomon Sense Set and Sense Ultra Set and Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest 3.0.

1. Ultimate Direction Mono and Stereo waistbelts – I would have never thought waist belts would make a post of any sorts let alone top my list of hydration products but UD blew me away and totally revived the waist belt as a useful running tool.  I used the Stereo which holds two 500 ml soft flasks (the Mono holds 1 500 ml flask) at the Bighorn 100 in the heat and it was incredible to have my torso clear to vent heat and yet still carry enough water comfortably.  The Mono is something I use multiple times a week in training and literally you can’t even feel it on. I can carry a phone and multiple gels (with Hi-Fi front pouch, which comes with Stereo…they are interchangeable) in the front and 500 ml of fluid in the back without even noticing (used this setup at the North Face 50 and it was flawless).
2. Salomon Sense Set and Ultra Set – What UD did for waist belts Salomon did for hydration vests…I’d almost not call these vests but hydration shirts or apparel they fit so close to the body.  Great versatility and can carry a fair bit without any encumbrance.  When I needed more gear than the UD belts could carry I used one of the Sense vests (i.e. nighttime at Bighorn or other races or training outings where jackets and lights were necessary).  Salomon is revamping the line this year with new bottles with wider caps/opening (yes!) that should go back into the vest easier and upping the capacity from 1 and 3 to 2 and 5 for these vests in addition to adding a new 8 L model (see new line here).
3. Ultimate Direction AK Mountain Vest 3.0 – The AK vest moved from the most minimal of UD’s vests to a more robust 10L capacity and includes extra pockets and features like ice axe loops for more ambitious outings.  I used the vest at the Fat Dog 120 mile in Canada which had a pretty large mandatory gear list and it was great for that heavier load which would have been too much for the Sense Ultra.  Great for adventures and more involved races and offers a nice blend of capacity and streamlined design.

-Other things I Liked this last Year

Altra Casual shoes, Buff and Dynafit running hats and GU Hydration and Nutrition products.

1. Altra Casual Shoes – Altra released the Tokala and Desert boot and they really hit a nice balance of lightweight design and comfort, while still looking like a normal shoe and feeling like a running shoe.  They’ve been great especially going to work after runs where they have plenty of room for feet to spread, relax and recover.
2. Light running caps from Buff and Dynafit – the Buff Cap Pro and Dynafit React Cap have been awesome this last year.  They are super light, very packable and both allow the bill to be flipped up when you are climbing steeper trails or otherwise want more visibility.  Great design, particularly in more mountain environments.
3. GU Energy  – I used to not be that picky about energy and hydration products in the past and felt that sugar was sugar, but after making some effort to dial in my nutrition for 100 milers (after some issues with hydration at Western States in 2015), I needed to deal with sodium levels better as well as have a wide variety of gels and chews to keep things interesting for calories.  The GU Hydration (formerly GU Brew) product had become a go to for electrolyte replacement for long outings and it also contains 70 cals per serving so there is some added sugar there too.  The big difference for me is that the GU Hydration doesn’t have a super sweet taste or aftertaste that many others do for me and this is huge when going through lots of volume of liquid.  GU Roctane drinks are also great for workouts in training where I want to simplify my calories and hydration into one drink.  GU gels, which are now offered in bulk with a GU designed soft flask (yes!) have a wide variety of flavors with many being very palatable for me (some favorited are Salted Chocolate Roctane, Cucumber Mint, Root Beer, Salted Watermelon and Salted Caramel but many other good flavors). I still will use Clif Shot Bloks, Clif gels and Honey Stinger Gels to mix up the type of sugars here and there, but I’ll use GU the most and their drink is by far the best in my view (Clif’s Hydration drink mix is also decent).

Another shot near the bottom of the Mt. Olympus trail.

Hope you all found something of interest with this post and hang in there with the site as we try to figure out how to balance everything out with our busy family lives and careers.  Doesn’t mean we aren’t getting out running and trying new things still!  I’d love to read any comments you may have on any of the shoes or gear I mentioned and always on the lookout for new things that work well for folks.  I like good design of all sorts and always curious for new innovations and ideas that work well.  Happy running in 2017!

Good luck in 2017 everyone! Pic of some of my recent single digit F marathon training conditions….not exactly ideal for a SoCal marathon, but that’s part of the challenge!

Topo’s 2015 lineup started to change this a bit, particularly in the uppers, and is reflected in my review of the Runventure. Topo seems very keen on listening to feedback and quickly improving their shoes. I expected some incremental improvement with the MT-2 and Hydroventure, but what I found were some very large refinements across the board that elevate the Topo trail lineup from cool ideas from a new brand, to legitimate trail offerings. I’ve been a fan of Topo for a while, but just couldn’t honestly say the overall experience was one I could recommend.  That’s pretty much turned around with these two models, and I’ll explain why below.

Specs

Topo MT-2 –

Price: $100.00 MSRP

Weight: 241 g (8.5 oz) mens 9

Stack Height: 23mm Heel/20mm FF; 3mm drop

Topo Hydroventure –

Price: $130.00 MSRP

Weight: 275 g (9.7 oz) mens 9

Stack Height: 23mm Heel/20mm FF; 3mm drop

Specs from Topo Athletic

Great overlays and fit on both of them, with good toebox room and secure midfoot and heel.

Upper and Fit

As I stated above, Topo’s uppers really came a long way in 2015 with shoes like the Runventure, Magnifly and Tribute showing large improvements in the construction, materials, and overlays on the uppers. The MT-2 and Hydroventure continue this refinement in different ways.  The only downside to the Runventure upper was that it had a pretty thick, 3/4 length lining in the interior.  While this was nice from a comfort standpoint, in warmer weather the shoe ran a little hot.

The MT-2 completely alleviates this issue with nearly 70% of the upper unlined (all but the heel area), and a very thin and breathable mesh.  What I’m most surprised about is how they managed to get a good, secure fit with such a thin and light mesh.  My conclusion is that this is due to the fantastic overlays, which they combine to entirely rand the shoe, plus secure the midfoot to the lacing, all in what appears to be either one seamless overlay layer or a few very thin layers (continuous if that is the case since I can’t see transition areas).  The end result is the upper is extremely flexible and comfortable, while still being breathable and supportive.

Same mesh as far as I can tell, with Hyrdoventure (red, on right) having the DVdryLT eVent material laminated to the back.

The Hydroventure upper is an entirely different type of improvement.  It uses the same outer mesh and overlay approach as the MT-2, but adds an DVdryLT eVent, one piece upper. While not a waterproof outer shell as much as the Altra Lone Peak Neoshell, it is still a true one piece waterproof upper, unlike the bootie type designs of nearly any other waterproof shoe. The great part of this is that the upper is really not any thicker than a normal shoe, and can be constructed the same as a normal shoe. This makes the fit much nicer than nearly any other waterpoof shoe I’ve run in, even better than the Altra Neoshell simply because the Topo last is much more secure in the midfoot and heel than the Altra.

The only downside to the Hydroventure upper is linked to its upside.  It runs warm in any temps over 35-40 degrees, but as a waterproof shoe, this is almost unavoidable and also a benefit usually in the nasty weather where a waterproof shoe is more useful anyway. Additionally, this upper construction method lends itself to an extremely light overall shoe weight over GTX shoes. The Hydroventure is definitely the lightest waterproof shoe I have and, according to my own measurements, comparable to almost any other normal trail shoe in weight – for example, it is as light as something like the Nike Kiger 3.  Very impressive!

Hydroventure interior is simple, and just like regular shoe construction, despite being waterproof.

The fit overall is much improved on the MT-2/Hydroventure (same last on both). The midsole is slightly narrower at the arch, and this contributes to a better fit in the midfoot for me over the MT and Runventure. The footbed is also changed, and completely different from other Topo models. Instead of a thick/stiff two piece footbed that felt dead to me, Topo replaced it with a lighter, softer one piece foot bed that just feels much better. Additionally, I feel like the last overall is just a bit more refined in fit, and I get a better fit in the toebox and midfoot than other Topo models without the bunching and more baggy fit of the original MT. The MT-2 and Hydroventure are two of the best fitting shoes out there with a wide toebox and secure midfoot/heel.

New, simplified and lighter footbed.

Midsole and Ride

While the uppers are much improved in these shoes over previous Topo models, the midsoles improved even more. The Runventure and original MT both felt dead to me. While the midsole was there and protected your foot a little, it added no life or “feel” to the shoe.  I’m happy to report that the MT-2 and Hydroventure midsole (same mold/shape and I believe firmness) is not only a little more protective, but also much more responsive and lively.  I ran a few different runs in the MT-2 that included some tempo work, with even one interval on pavement, and the shoe really didn’t even feel like a Topo to me.  I would have been very uncomfortable running that same run in the Runventure, and yet the MT-2 was not only enjoyable, but worked as good as many road shoes would, and much better than tons of trail shoes.  They have a very versatile ride that handles smooth/hard terrain, but also is competent on more technical trail due to the lower stack height and trim cut to the midsole and outsole.

Great new midsole design that adds 3mm to forefoot stack height of original MT/Runventure design, and offers a slightly softer and more responsive feel. Additionally, midfoot is a bit narrower which leads to a better fit in the arch for me.

One key difference with the Hydroventure is that Topo put in the same rockplate as in the Runventure, which gives it a more protective, and slightly firmer ride. By contrast, the MT-2 has no rockplate, and is much more flexible in feel, but also a bit softer and less protective.  I’m kinda torn between the two rides since the Hydroventure ride would be much better for longer runs/races, but I like MT-2 upper, being light and breathable, so kind of wish the MT-2 had the Hydro rockplate, even though I still like the flexible nimble feel of the MT-2 without it for shorter runs; maybe Topo will offer both someday (fingers crossed :) )?

Outsole

The MT-2 and Hydroventure outsole are the same and, in fact, are also the same as the original MT and Runventure. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing since it is a very versatile outsole that handles a wide variety of terrain and surfaces very well.  Additionally, it is quite durable and light too. For the MT-2, I think the outsole is nearly perfect, however, for the Hydroventure it may be a little under-lugged, since that shoe, being waterproof, is normally going to be used in much nastier conditions like mud, snow and rougher mountain terrain. In this case, I think it could really benefit from a bit deeper lug, which would also help differentiate it a bit more from the MT-2 (and make room for an MT-2 with the Hydroventure rock plate :)). As it is, the current outsole is quite good, and thus the Hydroventure makes a good winter road-to-trail shoe, and also functions well on regular trail in cold conditions.

Same outsole. Notice rockplate exposed in both forefoot and heel (two piece TPU plate) of Hydroventure on the left.

Conclusion

All in all, I’m actually somewhat blown away by how much the new Topo models have improved. If these two shoes are any indication, there are some good things coming down the pipe from Topo.  The MT-2, particularly since it retails for $100, is probably one of the best values in the lightweight trail market, and is extremely versatile. The Hydroventure is one of the more reasonably priced waterproof models, while also the lightest and probably best fitting waterproof model out there due to the great DVdryLT eVent design. I’d wholeheartedly recommend the MT-2 for anyone that runs trails and likes a light and lively shoe, and I’d recommend the Hydroventure as a general waterproof shoe, particularly notable for its light weight and for those that like the MT-2 but want a bit more protection. Great stuff Topo!

The Topo MT-2 and Hydroventure are available for purchase at Topoathletic.com and Amazon.com. The MT-2, but not the Hydroventure, is available at Running Warehouse.

Specs

Price: $110

Weight: 8.9 oz men’s 9, 7.4 oz women’s size 7

Stack Height: 19mm Heel/17mm Forefoot; 2mm drop

Stats via Topo Athletic

Topo’s snugger heel and midfoot with a medium/wide toebox is a nice combo. Also notice eyelet cord loops which are a great change from the MT.

Upper and Fit

The upper feel was nice on the MT with Topo’s medium to wide-ish toebox, but the fit was not that secure, and there was way too much volume for my feet.  Additionally, the upper just seemed too thin to really hold the foot well for anything but mellow trail.  The Runventure pretty much rectifies any issue I had with the MT upper.  It feels lower volume in the midfoot and heel, and they swapped out the long fabric ghille loops for small cord loops that the laces run through.  The result is that I can snug down the shoe really well, and there are no pressure points due to proper placement of the cord loops and tongue padding.

Great mesh and overlays.

The rest of the upper is very well executed, with a durable mesh and strong overlays that serve to secure the midfoot and also rand the entire shoe (big kudos for that).  The interior is also lined 3/4 of the way, which creates a very nice sock-free environment.  The arch area on Topos is still a little off to me for some reason.  I can alleviate it a bit by removing the arch area out of the footbed, but I also feel that it is somewhat due the shape of the midsole, which is pretty straight from heel to toe, and I think the arch area is a little too wide for my foot so it sits on the midfoot area of the midsole a little.  That said, it doesn’t cause major problems, and otherwise the Runventure upper is one of the best on the market, which is amazing since this shoe comes so shortly after the MT; Topo knows how to listen and improve their product quickly.

Great upper design with overlays in the right spots and a wonderful, lightweight rand. Midsole is there, but doesn’t really add much. Also of note is that the black section of the midsole is actually up on the side of the foot creating a bathtub effect in the forefoot, something I don’t care for.

Midsole and Ride

Hmmm, well without being too harsh, the ride on the Runventure is pretty mediocre.  My feeling is that this is mostly due to the use of compressed EVA which, while protective, just doesn’t offer any liveliness to the ride or fluidity to the running experience.  If the shoe is minimal enough, this matters less (and the Topo Tribute shows this in some ways), but for a 9 oz shoe, I think the midsole is a pretty important component.  I’ve been stumped by the use of compressed EVA in trail shoes (less common in road shoes) for quite some time, and aside from a few exceptions that are also minimal (Merrel Ascend Glove for one), compressed eva has detracted from some shoes that I’d otherwise have enjoyed quite a bit more (e.g., the inov-8 Race Ultra 270 and the Salomon Sense series).  Great design on those shoes, but pretty sub-par midsole material and ride.  The biggest thing I’d change on the Runventure is to have a responsive, injected EVA for the midsole. I think it would transform the shoe, which is otherwise very well done.

One big addition to the Runventure midsole from the MT is a full length TPU rock plate.  This helps quite a bit in protection and providing some additional precision to the ride, and was a good move.  Overall, the ride of the Runventure is pretty minimal and firm, like a slightly more protective Merrell Ascend Glove or Bare Access.  If you like a minimalistic feel and ride, you won’t be disappointed, but I think this alienates a good share of the market who are looking for a light and fast feel with a little forgiveness and response to the midsole (recently, adidas XT Boost is a great example at a very similar weight to Runventure; midsole material is a big deal).

Pretty no nonsense outsole that serves its purpose. Carbon fiber looking slits (actually TPU) are the rock plate showing through.

Outsole

The outsole is a carryover from the MT and also is the same as the recently released MT-2.  I actually like the outsole quite a bit.  It is a general purpose trail outsole composed of a fairly durable compound that is still decent enough on rock, but has a nice low profile lug design that doesn’t get in the way on dry trails.  It’s not going to be fantastic in mud or very loose terrain, but with a low to the ground midsole and secure fit, I didn’t find it prohibitive off trail and on technical sections.  Many trail shoes could benefit from reducing lug depths (like the Nike Kiger 3), unless they are really aiming at a mountain or fell running type of shoe.  Smart design, that, until Topo wants some more differentiation in their trail line, will serve the majority of trail runners well.

Overall Impressions

In the end, I like the Topo Runventure, especially as a more minimalistic option to take on shorter runs where I want more ground feel.  The shoe is a representation of Topo’s ability to significantly improve their shoes in just one development cycle, which is exciting to see.  If they can do the same for a followup to the Runventure by evolving the midsole material and ride just a bit, they would have one of the best overall lightweight trail shoes out there.  As it is, the upper is fantastic (a real highlight of the shoe) and the outsole is well done.  The result is a shoe that provides a fairly precise, albeit firm and minimalistic ride, on a low drop platform with one of the better fits out there.

The Topo Runventure is available for purchase at Amazon.com and Topoathletic.com.

Last year Tony Post made a bit of a splash when he left his position as CEO of Vibram USA to launch his own footwear company. Post led Vibram through a period of time when the Fivefingers line of “toe-shoes” were red hot, and left just as VFF sales seemed to be headed off a cliff. His new company, named Topo Athletic (a combination of the first two letters of his first and last name), put out it’s first round of footwear late last year, and I have to say I wasn’t terribly impressed.

The initial shoes in the Topo lineup all featured a split-toe, Tabi-style design (see Topo RT image below). There isn’t anything necessarily wrong with a split-toe shoe, but I think most people could see that the toe-shoe concept had pretty much run its course, and a Tabi-style shoe was going to be a tough sell as a mainstream product. Topo did send me a few pairs of the initial shoes, but I was a bit surprised to find in them a mix of features that were going to alienate most of the footwear world. Mainstream runners aren’t going to go for Tabi shoes. Minimalist runners are much more likely to bite, but the shoes had a very strong sensation of arch support, which is an anathema to most minimalists. And the soles were far from minimal.

Topo RT Tabi Shoe

In a comment on the Birthdayshoes.com website responding to a complaint about the arch support, Post said the following:

“…some of our shoes are lightly posted on the medial side of the heel, perhaps that’s what you felt. There is no arch support in the shoe, it’s simply an EVA midsole contoured to follow the natural shape of the foot. The light medial post may not be felt by everyone (noticed more by those with lower arches or flat feet), it doesn’t prevent you from using the muscles in your feet or arch during running or standing, in fact some find it a gentle reminder to do so.”

In the same comment Post also wrote:

“We make level or near level platforms (no more than 3mm drop) because we think that encourages better posture and a mid-foot strike during running. No offense to anyone, but I was talking about this long before ALTRA was born ;)”

Nothing like a bit of corporate competitiveness!

I have pretty high arches, and I can definitely feel a strong sense of pressure along my arch in the Topo RT shoes. It’s particularly noticeable just medial to the front of the heel. Whatever you want to call it, posting or arch support, it’s a sensation that I’m guessing would be a huge turnoff to most diehard minimalists (who are the one’s most likely to try a Tabi shoe!). The RT also had a fairly thick sole, and Topo openly admitted that they were not trying to be a minimalist company. Given this mix of cushioned sole, arch supporting feel, and split toe, I’m not shoe who the target demographic for the shoes – the niche had to be very, very small.

I don’t have any sales data for the original Topo shoes, but my guess is they have not sold well. I’ve heard very little chatter about them, and have not been asked about them by readers. Add on top of that the fact that Topo just released a line of shoes that ditch the split toe and I think the data support the notion that the Tabi design was a mistake (even though Post says they plan to retain the Tabi models in their collection).

Topo contacted me several weeks ago to ask about my experience with the initial shoes. I was honest and told them I hadn’t even run in them, and that I wasn’t crazy about the Tabi design. With so many shoes to review in my queue, I didn’t want to spend the time to run 20-30 miles in a shoe that did not appeal to me in appearance or feel, and that I thought was going to be a bust. They indicated that they understood the Tabi was polarizing, and wanted to know if I’d like to try one of the new non-split toe designs instead. Feeling guilty about not running in the RT, I agreed to try out the new Topo MT.

So why the long, Tabi-centric intro to a review of a non-Tabi shoe? Because I think this is a case where a bad initial decision has given way to a wise change of direction and a pretty darned nice shoe:

I’ve had the Topo MT on my feet a lot over the past 3-4 weeks, and I’ve been very impressed with them. Read on to see my detailed thoughts.

Upper Construction

The upper of the Topo MT is really, really nice – one of the best I’ve seen in awhile. Topo shoes appear to be very well crafted across the board, so quality seems to be very important to the company. The upper is composed externally of a layer of tightly woven mesh with a lot of overlays to add support. The toe-cap is reinforced by a flexible overlay, and this extends backward through the flex points on both sides. A lot of shoes seem to tear at these flex points, so hopefully the overlays will assist in preventing that.

Some other features of the upper:

-The tongue of the MT is gusseted for about 2/3 of it’s length to keep debris from slipping in – it’s a thin tongue but has a bit of cushion built in.

-There is no plastic heel counter in this shoe, but the overlays on the heel are a bit thicker to provide structure.

-The internal lining of the ankle collar is padded, but not excessively so (more than the Merrell Ascend Glove, less than the Inov-8 Trailroc 235 – these are two of he closest competitors to this shoe).

-The internal lining of the upper is impressively comfortable. I often see the term “seamless” used to describe uppers that really are not seamless, but the lining of the Topo MT is truly seamless all the way to the level of the ball of the forefoot. It’s a very comfortable shoe. I haven’t run sockless in them yet (too cold up here) but I see no reason why that would not be an option in these shoes.

One tradeoff to having a soft, almost full-length internal lining is that it impedes drainage and tends to absorb water. I ran in a steady, cold rain a few weeks ago and hit ankle-deep puddles on multiple occasions – the shoes absorb water and do not shed it quickly. Lots of squishing until the water manages to work it’s way out. Made for some cold feet that day!

Sole Contruction

The Topo MT weighs in around 9oz in my size 10, largely because the sole is well cushioned and protected. They are a 2mm drop shoe with a stack height of 19mm at the heel and 17mm at the forefoot. Most of my running has either been on asphalt or on crusty ice and snow, and I find the cushioning firm but not rock-hard. I wish I could comment on how they feel on a warm, dirt trail, but that’s unfortunately hard to come by this time of year in NH. I’m not clear if there is a rock plate in these shoes, but protection has been more-than adequate on the surfaces I have run on so far – this is probably due to a combo of the rubber outsole and moderately cushioned midsole.

The full-length outsole of the Topo MT is lugged, but the lugs are low an flat. As such, traction in these shoes is decent but nothing special. They do ok on crusty ice, but not so good on fresh snow or smoother ice surfaces. My guess is they’d be fine for light trail duty, but are not going to give much traction in mud or on wet, slick surfaces.

Fit and Feel

One big positive about the Topo MT is that the sensation of strong arch support that I felt in the RT is gone. There is some arch contour, but no strong feeling of pressure. The 2mm is barely noticeable, feels and runs like a zero drop shoe to me, and my calves even got a little sore after my first few runs in them (probably due to my recent series of 9-10mm drop shoe reviews – out of practice!).

The other big plus for the MT is that the toebox is very roomy, both in width and vertical volume. My toes have a ton of room to move around in these shoes. The fit is snug through the heel and midoot. Overall they are an incredibly comfortable shoe and one that I often grab for all-day wear (wore them for a day walking around Boston last weekend – feet were quite happy!).

Comparison photo of the Merrell Ascend Glove (left), Inov-8 Trailroc 235 (middle), and Topo MT (right)

Comparison photo of the Merrell Ascend Glove (left), Inov-8 Trailroc 235 (middle), and Topo MT (right)

Conclusion

The Topo MT is a very versatile shoe. It’s not so luggy that you can’t use it on the road (have had no issues myself using them on the road), and it provides adequate traction for light trail running. If I had to identify the nearest competitors to this shoe they’d be the Merrell Ascend Glove, Inov-8 Trailroc 235/245, and Altra Superior. All of these are great shoes, but quite honestly, among these four I think the Topo MT might be my favorite simply because the upper is so nicely constructed and so comfortable. If good drainage were critical I might look elsewhere, but the Merrell Ascend lacks cushion lining the ankle collar (skin at back of my ankle doesn’t like that), and I’ve heard too many durability complaints about the uppers of the Trailroc 235 and Altra Superior (the update to the latter is about to be released, hopefully the new upper will perform better).

If you’re looking for a solid hybrid shoe with moderate cushion, a roomy toebox, decent protection, and ability to perform on both trails and roads then the Topo MT is definitely worth a look!

Currently the Topo MT is only available at REI. I’ve heard that it will be released more broadly after February 1.

Topo Athletic RT – The Topo Running Shoe

Topo Athletic RR – The Topo Racing Shoe With BOA Laces

 Topo Athletic RX – The Topo Running Shoe

I wrote an article a few months back pointing out that the split-toe design has been used many times before, and I’m still not sure that I’m crazy about the split-toe aesthetic (Fivefingers were weird enough to be cool, not sure if these shoes have that going for them). I personally am not a big fan of BOA lacing systems, particularly given the added cost when a shoe incorporates BOA, so I’d pass on the Topo RR shoe. If I could get over the split-toe, the RT looks like a decent shoe. It’ll be interesting to see how they sell.

How about you, do you see success in the future for Topo shoes, or has the toe-pocket design run its course?

If you’ve already tried one of these shoes, leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Finally, if you’re itching to get a pair, it looks like City Sports has first rights to sell Topo.

Another possible reason why Post left Vibram is that the company is in a bit of a sticky position since they make soles for other brands (e.g., New Balance, Merrell), and for that business to continue they can’t also be a direct competitor to those brands in the footwear market. As a result, they are somewhat boxed into making toe shoes since making more traditional shoes without individual toe pockets would put them in that competitive zone and risk their sole business. If he wanted to innovate, which it seems Post was keen to do, staying with Vibram would have really limited his options.

The Wired article indicates that Post has indeed been up to something since leaving Vibram, though details are scant at this point. What we do know is that he’s started a new company called Topo Athletic and has $5 million in venture capital backing him. As for what products Topo will be releasing, initial offerings will be revealed at the Outdoor Retailer Show in January. Wired also quotes Post as saying “This is not another toe shoe…This is completely different.”

Here is what Wired has to say about the new shoes:

Post’s hook for his new line of shoes is something he calls “innate amplification” — a mysterious concept that enhances your natural body movements. “Innate amplification takes the body’s own natural biomechanics and tries to amplify and support them,” says Post. “We don’t try to correct or change the way you run or train, but we try to work with what nature gave you.”

Wired also reports that:

ToPo Athletic is going after the geeky, early-adopter fitness consumer – some of the same people who jumped on the FiveFingers bandwagon. “Our narrowest consumer focus is really the early adopter, someone who isn’t scared to take a risk,” says ToPo marketing director Georgia Shaw.

Sounds like the target audience includes myself and a lot of the readers of this blog

It’ll be interesting to see what Post has come up with – after all, a guy that can create immense demand for toe shoes is worth keeping an eye on!

You can sign up for a preview email at the Topo Athletic website, and Justin Owings at Birthday Shoes has grabbed a few cryptic images from that site that appear to show the shoes.