Interesting, thanks. I'm still firmly an Altra man, but wish they'd do something a bit luggier for the muddy winter Cornish coast path! May be tempted to try these.
Great intro to the Mt Racer. I have two pair and love them; I also have three pair of the Ultraventure3, and I find myself going back to the Mt Racer more often. Just really like the upper and the feel overall. I have been a Topo Fan for some time as I also have a wide foot. Used to be a Altra fan also but totally agree about the quality issues. Topo is very well made, and their customer service is top shelf. They do have an insole you can buy separate called the FKT that is a beaded insole that is water resistant and will be added to their trail shoes going forward. I do believe it came standard with the Pursuit2. Thanks for your work and enjoy Topo.
Nice one. Excellent assessment of the Topo model. The brand is sells well here at The Complete Runner as opposed to Altra. Topo offer the varying drops of course as mentioned. BTW I also did a video of the MTN Racer 3 in this colourway though we do offer the blue/orange. On my fastrax1949 channel. Filmed using Hover x1. Keep up the good work! Terry Lonergan
Nice. I totally agree with your review. I wore a lot of Altras in the past, but this year switched to the exact shoe in the video. The main thing I appreciate is the build quality and the lock down. I feel like my foot is locked in with Topo, but would often slide side-to-side in Altras. Btw - if you want to try a fun Topo road shoe, try the Cyclone 2!
I’m on my 4th pair of Topos. If you need a road shoe I highly recommend the Topo Specter 2. The fit reminds me of the MTN Racer and the Pebax midsole just bounces you along. If you like the Altra Escalante then you have to try the Topo Cyclone 2… it puts the Altra to shame.
Topo is a nice little brand that seems to be on the upswing the last couple years. I've only tried their road shoes...first the STR-3 that was kind of meh for me. Not as much toe box room as I was hoping for and a rather firm ride. But I picked up the Cyclone 2 last year and that was a huge improvement. It's super light w/ an all pebax midsole. Very underrated shoe. Simple, no plates, no bells and whistles, just comfortable and it works.
Very glad you are reviewing Topo because I've been wanting to try myself. I have been looking at the Pursuit 2 because it is zero drop but MTN Racer 3 looks great too. Keep the reviews coming!
Great shoe James! I really want to give the mountain racer a bash at some point in the future. That's a solid pick for winter running. 👌 Top review as always bud. 😎🤘
The Topo Pursuit 2 is my favorite trail shoe. It's what the evolution of the Timp should have been and hasn't started falling apart at 100 miles. If you like the Timp, you'll love the Pursuit.
I thought you would like them James, like you I think they tick all the boxes, I'm keen to look at the rest of their line up. I was able to try on a pair of Topos at an Expo, they didn't have the MTN Racer 3 there, but it was good to check sizing before buying a pair online direct from Topo with a 10% discount for a 1st purchase. The sizing seems similar to Altra for me.
yeah, prob going to get these when my timp 4 is finally dead (they're superglued together atm) i heard mtn racer 3 holds water but it's just because of the insole
Hey. I just ordered a bunch of Altra and topo shoes lol. And they’re coming in this week. Issue with topo is why the hail is the mid foot part so narrow. This will cause cause ankle sprains and over pronation. The stack cushion height is also 10mm too high not stable
How can you fit it with a wide foot? Is your instep higher? I just find these too narrow above the midfoot insole. Famtastic toe box and great outsole.
@ I was looking for a shoe that was something similar to the hoka speedgoat but with a better toe box and good grip I’ve ran in the altra lone peak version 5 and 6 and once I got to 50 miles in both shoes the midsole felt like a flat mountain bike tire
I ordered with Amazon so I can return them. But so far. Escalante 3 has been the best one. I really thought topo Ultraventure and Terra venture would do but I can’t do shoes where the mid foot is narrow. I don’t get why they did that
I actually find they fit my feet perfectly… I have wide forefoot but then it thins out .. thanks for the feedback and yes, the escalante is great shoe !
Great review - I am currently in Hoka Challengers - i need a wider shoe and was looking at the Topo, in terms of cushioning, is this shoe as cushioned as the challenger, doing the Costa Brava stage run in April and need something for that ??
Thanks. I have nt worn challengers for many years but can remember the feel. I would yes, maybe even more bounce .. re cushion - it’s similar to the speedgoat 4 and altra timp !
Hello, I have a bunion in one feet. Please, give me advice. Is there a topo model that is wider than the others? I have already tried one model, that is ultrafly 5, but it didn't work well for my bunion. So I am wondering if there is a model that is the largest or every models have the same width. Thank you!!!!
Hi, sorry can’t really help much as only have the one pair but pretty sure most are wide and foot shaped. You could try the Altra Torin in wide, that’s roomy !
Interesting, thanks. I'm still firmly an Altra man, but wish they'd do something a bit luggier for the muddy winter Cornish coast path! May be tempted to try these.
They have brought out the king MT again … that was extremely grippy
Hooray! Topo content. Getting similarly fed up with Altra so can see Topo on the horizon myself.
Yup. Stayed tuned for more updates …
Great intro to the Mt Racer. I have two pair and love them; I also have three pair of the Ultraventure3, and I find myself going back to the Mt Racer more often. Just really like the upper and the feel overall. I have been a Topo Fan for some time as I also have a wide foot. Used to be a Altra fan also but totally agree about the quality issues. Topo is very well made, and their customer service is top shelf. They do have an insole you can buy separate called the FKT that is a beaded insole that is water resistant and will be added to their trail shoes going forward. I do believe it came standard with the Pursuit2. Thanks for your work and enjoy Topo.
Nice one. Excellent assessment of the Topo model. The brand is sells well here at The Complete Runner as opposed to Altra. Topo offer the varying drops of course as mentioned. BTW I also did a video of the MTN Racer 3 in this colourway though we do offer the blue/orange. On my fastrax1949 channel. Filmed using Hover x1. Keep up the good work! Terry Lonergan
Thanks for the info!
My favourite shoe ever.
It is a great shoe
Nice. I totally agree with your review. I wore a lot of Altras in the past, but this year switched to the exact shoe in the video. The main thing I appreciate is the build quality and the lock down. I feel like my foot is locked in with Topo, but would often slide side-to-side in Altras. Btw - if you want to try a fun Topo road shoe, try the Cyclone 2!
I’m now looking at the cyclone 2 !! Thanks
I’m on my 4th pair of Topos. If you need a road shoe I highly recommend the Topo Specter 2. The fit reminds me of the MTN Racer and the Pebax midsole just bounces you along. If you like the Altra Escalante then you have to try the Topo Cyclone 2… it puts the Altra to shame.
Topo is a nice little brand that seems to be on the upswing the last couple years. I've only tried their road shoes...first the STR-3 that was kind of meh for me. Not as much toe box room as I was hoping for and a rather firm ride. But I picked up the Cyclone 2 last year and that was a huge improvement. It's super light w/ an all pebax midsole. Very underrated shoe. Simple, no plates, no bells and whistles, just comfortable and it works.
Might look at the cyclone 2 for more of max cushion road - loving the escalante 4 at the moment for road. Thanks for the suggestion
@@movemorenowjames I ran in both Escalante 4 and Cyclone 2 and MUCH preferred the Cyclone 2. Way more fun! Just my experience though....
Very glad you are reviewing Topo because I've been wanting to try myself. I have been looking at the Pursuit 2 because it is zero drop but MTN Racer 3 looks great too. Keep the reviews coming!
Thanks. So far it’s great and think it will continue to be !
Great shoe James! I really want to give the mountain racer a bash at some point in the future. That's a solid pick for winter running. 👌 Top review as always bud. 😎🤘
Cheers Ben - definitely got some winter grip!
The Topo Pursuit 2 is my favorite trail shoe. It's what the evolution of the Timp should have been and hasn't started falling apart at 100 miles. If you like the Timp, you'll love the Pursuit.
Thanks Mark. I did love the timp - may have to check out the pursuit 2 again… looks pretty cool
Great to hear it fits you well James, I know the problems you’ve had in the past getting shoes that are wide enough 👍
Fit like a glove !! Thanks Martin
I thought you would like them James, like you I think they tick all the boxes, I'm keen to look at the rest of their line up. I was able to try on a pair of Topos at an Expo, they didn't have the MTN Racer 3 there, but it was good to check sizing before buying a pair online direct from Topo with a 10% discount for a 1st purchase. The sizing seems similar to Altra for me.
They feel great and fit like a glove … will definitely be looking at the other models now for sure .. thanks for the recommendation!
Nice man, thanks for the shoutout!
@@ChadLubinski 🫡
Hi. I was tuning in to see if you had picked up the new/old Altra King MT2. Maybe not as you've had them before right?
yeah, prob going to get these when my timp 4 is finally dead (they're superglued together atm)
i heard mtn racer 3 holds water but it's just because of the insole
I need to experiment with some deep puddles - will do and will update ! Thanks
Hey. I just ordered a bunch of Altra and topo shoes lol. And they’re coming in this week. Issue with topo is why the hail is the mid foot part so narrow. This will cause cause ankle sprains and over pronation. The stack cushion height is also 10mm too high not stable
Topo is not a minimalist shoe, the heel and sole are much firmer than Altra so I do not have pronation issues because it restricts sideway movement
It fortunately fits my foot shape perfectly- but mine does thin out towards the mid/back. Thanks for the feedback 👍
I know what you mean.. and thanks for the feedback
How can you fit it with a wide foot? Is your instep higher? I just find these too narrow above the midfoot insole. Famtastic toe box and great outsole.
I find it ok, think my feet are only wide at the toes etc, then slim down.. they really fit perfectly. My instep is quite high come to think of it ..
I picked up a pair of those about a month ago and took them on a 6 mile run out of the box and I was blown away ill never buy altra shoes again
If you could sum up the difference in a few words? Keen to hear … thx
@ I was looking for a shoe that was something similar to the hoka speedgoat but with a better toe box and good grip I’ve ran in the altra lone peak version 5 and 6 and once I got to 50 miles in both shoes the midsole felt like a flat mountain bike tire
@ that’s exactly what I was looking for … it’s a good shoe. Really keen to try the Spector 2 by Topo for road
@@movemorenowjames I have the topo phantom 3 road shoe which is a good shoe also the Spector 2 is the next shoe on my list
I ordered with Amazon so I can return them. But so far. Escalante 3 has been the best one. I really thought topo Ultraventure and Terra venture would do but I can’t do shoes where the mid foot is narrow. I don’t get why they did that
I actually find they fit my feet perfectly… I have wide forefoot but then it thins out .. thanks for the feedback and yes, the escalante is great shoe !
Ultraventure is great, but lugs are small and wear quickly -however i love toes splay in easier days
This one is definitely grippy ! Thanks for the feedback
Great review - I am currently in Hoka Challengers - i need a wider shoe and was looking at the Topo, in terms of cushioning, is this shoe as cushioned as the challenger, doing the Costa Brava stage run in April and need something for that ??
Thanks. I have nt worn challengers for many years but can remember the feel. I would yes, maybe even more bounce .. re cushion - it’s similar to the speedgoat 4 and altra timp !
Love this review. I have ultradventure 3 and the tread and grip is awful.
Thanks Paul. You’re right - I have heard the grip is pretty rubbish on that one… can’t say the same about the MTN racer 3 !
Hello, I have a bunion in one feet. Please, give me advice. Is there a topo model that is wider than the others? I have already tried one model, that is ultrafly 5, but it didn't work well for my bunion. So I am wondering if there is a model that is the largest or every models have the same width.
Thank you!!!!
Hi, sorry can’t really help much as only have the one pair but pretty sure most are wide and foot shaped. You could try the Altra Torin in wide, that’s roomy !
Been running in altra since 2015 and really want to try the topo but the zero drop minimal stack aren’t around anymore. Runventure was it?
Hi, think there is a couple of zero drops by topo .. will look into it . Thanks for the feedback
Just a shame about the massive arch support - defeats the purpose of the wide toe box, low heel drop etc
I know what you mean but for me I actually don’t mind it as I think I have high arches so I don’t really feel it too much …