I just raced in them today, and i appreciate all of your observations. For me, its the value for money, the mega grip outsole, the lace loops to stop tongue migration, the updated zip foam (i raced in the 2s so appreciate the slightly cushier 3s). The negatives on a short course race for me is the lack of a rock plate and the very poor drainage. Overall, the grip is what i want in a racing shoe, and i need the confidence to bomb and i have it with these.
Great points all around. For the price, this shoe does bring a ton of value, and if the softer cushion is something that's desired, dollar for dollar, this is a tough shoe to beat. I totally agree too, this outsole (material and design) is one of the best in all of trail running
The best fit I have ever had, a superb shoe for me with a medium wide feet with a similar arch. Never felt so natural yet planted in a running shoe. Im running for fun, well being and exercise, I dont care about the shoe being the fastest that there is. This shoe just feels right. Big thumbs up!
Thanks, Gentlemen! Snow and ice season here in Colorado-looking forward to the LaSportiva Prodigio when it finally appears and hope you’ll consider reviewing it.
That's great to hear! It definitely seems like years ago Topo was always planning to play the long game and just steadily increase their sales even if it meant a slow first few years.
We did not. Or not yet at least. It got kind of put on the back burner being just an upper update. I've done a little running in it, so happy to answer any questions!
Do you like it? I tried the Cat2 for a few runs before returning it. Enjoyed it, but the upper was a little warm for my SoCal weather. I was hoping 3 would be more breathable with the single layer they went to. I've been running minimalist for a few years now and only recently getting back into more traditional shoes with increased mileage, so the firmer and lower (relatively) stack height was nice. I'm also slow though and I know the shoe is marketed more towards speed work. Appreciate your time.
@@davidwalsvig2959 I enjoyed it and the upper did get more breathable, but I also didn't feel like the Catamount 2 upper was warm, so I might not be the best judge of that one
Loved, loved the MTN racer 1 and was true to size to my regular shoes, tried the 2’s and they felt loose and almost could have gone 1/2 size US down but they had none in stock. Does the Mtn racer 3 fits similar to the 2 or a real true to size like the 1? Anyone.. The Mtn Racer 2’s had the heel and foot sliding/loose feel to them.
Shoot, I'm not familiar enough with the sizing of either of the previous MTN Racers to confidently say whether you should size down a half or not. Perhaps someone reading through these comments will be able to chime in
Wore these the first 50 miles of High Lonesome 2023, and I can say you missed 1 big flaw. These shoes don’t drain/dry for shit! My feet were all pruned and white when I took them off and that’s never been the case in wetter races. They were still wet the day after race! My feet were also beat to hell at the end of the race and didn’t know who to blame, since I switched into the zegamas and later Trabuco max 2 before switching back to the zegamas (don’t judge me I don’t normally change shoes!). After hearing you complain about rocks beating your feet up in them, I’d have to say that’s likely the reason mine were so beat up to the point I was taking walk breaks because they hurt so bad. Still a solid shoe for what it is, with great traction and comfort for medium length runs.
That's good to know about the lack of drainage! I can't say I got my shoes soaked during out testing. I agree, still a solid shoe with great traction, but not the best for the longest of runs anymore unfortunately
Well, you two danced around it and tried to be nice, but the MTR3 is, bluntly, a step backward from the MTR2. Lockdown and forefoot volume were stellar in the MTR2; inexplicably the 3 dramatically widened the forefoot to the point where no amount of lace tightening will prevent the foot from sliding around inside on any surface not pan-flat. The firm midsole and medial plug of the MTR2 were replaced with a squishy foam where arch collapse is now an issue on longer runs. And the midsole is already clearly breaking down in my 50mile pair, where I can easily push my finger into the middle flex groove, in contrast to my 100mile pair of MTR2 at the same position. One of you stated the sad truth: that this shoe no longer justifies it's name. Enough of that! -- excited to see the upcoming reviews (I have the Catamount 1 and just felt it needed a bit lower and softer stack and to dial back the full outsole coverage, and maybe they've done that, hope so). I rather wish you'd review the Catamount Agil, as that looks like an exciting shoe.
Thanks for watching! Hopefully Topo rights the ship for MTN Racer 4, as this one definitely lost some of it's mountain racing prowess. Catamount 3 review is on the horizon and we're still working on acquiring the Agil, as that is super interesting to me as well. I'm hearing it's just being produced in small quantities, so they're going out to reviewers a little delayed.
But you're the one who decided that a shoe being wider and having a softer arch shape is bad. Many people would disagree. My personal opinion is that Topo should just ditch the whole arch "support" thing because it makes their shoes really uncomfortable. :-)
I did decided that it wasn't the best fit for me, and I did address that for some this might be a huge plus. The amount of arch feel in most topo shoes does seem to be a love it or hate it kind of feel. While not the most comfortable for me, I do appreciate seeing a brand go all in on something
Hi guys. Thanks for the review, really useful stuff. I'm having a nightmare finding my next shoes and have purchased, worn and returned 6 shoes now. My issue is fit, I'm size 12 with wide toes. My last two shoes were Solomon sense ride 3 & 4. I run in north of England so mud, woodland and some techy stuff. I'm happy going slow but want to start upping my distance. This shoe appeals because of the wide toe box but would also like a bit more control. Any other suggestions? So many shoes I've tried are too narrow in the toe. Thanks!
If all those shoes mentioned are still too narrow, then it would likely be worth sacrificing a little bit of control for comfort. I think this MTN Racer 3, Pursuit, would be worth a try. Thanks for watching!
Check out the new Inov-8 wide lineup! The uppers are nicely wide across the board, but you get a lower stack, higher stack, and higher stack with 8mm lug option.
@@ConversationalPace I went for it and got the MTN racer 3 and absolutely LOVE THEM. They're everything I've been looking for. So happy. The build feels solid, the outsole delivers and the fit is a dream. If you've got WIDE feet and long toes I can't recommend them enough. I agree on your points about lack of underfoot protection and possible breathability with the upper (will see how they respond to the summer months) but over all a fantastic shoe for big sloggers like me. Maybe not as responsive as other shoes I've run in but I'll take it for the comfort and feel. Think I might get a pair of the Traverse as well for hiking and general knocking about. Thanks guys, great stuff 👞👞
@@hum-dinger2453 So funny enough, I had tried most of their other shoes but not the Mtn Racer 3. The Mtn Racer 3 I got just the other day and it fits me well. The only real issue I have with it are I really don't like the tube lacing so I swapped those out for flat laces, and how slippery the insole is. Idk if that is a Topo thing or if I went a size too big but the insole has me slipping around inside the shoe. Otherwise, it's been a fun shoe to run in, I've only gotten about 10 miles in them
I like them but even with the higher stack you feel the rocks with the soft responsive midsole. Midfoot too narrow for forefoot. Arch support too much. Grip was great. Lockdown can be difficult and sometimes feet would start to go numb. More suited for less technical terrain IMO
Yeah I agree this shoe felt best on less technical terrain for sure. Would love to see a thin rock plate incorporated into this shoe if they continue with soft of midsole foam
If you are just needing additional width in the forefoot, these are going to be great. If you need width across the entire shoe, I would look for a true wide like the Saucony Peregrine wide or Brooks Cascadia wide. All three of those shoe models are going to be able to handle heavier runners as well. What'll be most important is finding the right fit to compliment your foot and running gait👍
Hmm you might be right. Their site says Megagrip outsole compound, but no mention of it being on the litebase. I honestly have just gotten in the habit of putting both together, because nearly everyone combines the two. Good catch! I wonder why they wouldn't opt for the litebase and save a few grams.
@@ConversationalPace Litebase is more expensive I assume, and then I also don't think you can have some many cut-outs as the base has to be more continuous. Just guessing though...
Yeah that very well could be. I can't say I've seen too many super segmented litebase soles. Although I wouldn't mind seeing how the underfoot feel of this shoe changes if there was a full outsole at least in the forefoot.
@@ConversationalPace I have enjoyed some Topos, and on paper thought I’d really like this one. I found it a bit the way you described the VJ ultra. As if it was a hard ish cage up front that I moved around in and bounced off the ridged toe cap and sides. I wasn’t as locked into a nice soft interior the way I’ve been in other Topo shoes.
Now how this one got soft and everything did the pursuit do the same one thing I think for Tubbo to really I guess make it as a company. I think they need some designers in there. They’re their shoes almost look like something you would wear if you’re a hospital worker or something Just looks like they have no life.
I just raced in them today, and i appreciate all of your observations. For me, its the value for money, the mega grip outsole, the lace loops to stop tongue migration, the updated zip foam (i raced in the 2s so appreciate the slightly cushier 3s). The negatives on a short course race for me is the lack of a rock plate and the very poor drainage. Overall, the grip is what i want in a racing shoe, and i need the confidence to bomb and i have it with these.
Great points all around. For the price, this shoe does bring a ton of value, and if the softer cushion is something that's desired, dollar for dollar, this is a tough shoe to beat. I totally agree too, this outsole (material and design) is one of the best in all of trail running
The best fit I have ever had, a superb shoe for me with a medium wide feet with a similar arch. Never felt so natural yet planted in a running shoe. Im running for fun, well being and exercise, I dont care about the shoe being the fastest that there is. This shoe just feels right. Big thumbs up!
You've definitely found the right shoe then! I love the arch feel of pretty much every Topo model. They're doing a lot of things right with the fit!
Another thorough review. Appreciated
Thanks for watching!
Topo has been a great shoe brand for me. Top quality and durable
Agreed, they've always been top notch regarding quality and durability
Happy Finn mentioned not being very breathable. That killed Topo for me. Only pair I had were still damp the morning after my only run in them.
Yeah definitely such a huge bummer to grab your shoes the next morning and have them still be wet!
Thanks, Gentlemen! Snow and ice season here in Colorado-looking forward to the LaSportiva Prodigio when it finally appears and hope you’ll consider reviewing it.
Thanks for watching! Definitely will be reviewing that Prodigio when we get our hands on it!
Topo are the choice of the connoisseur 👍😸🏴🦄
Perhaps still a bit of a niche brand, but very reliable and gets the job done!
BEST 100 Mile shoe! Award winning!
Topo is humming along here in New Zealand. I see more of them about now than I do Altra, by a long way.
That's great to hear! It definitely seems like years ago Topo was always planning to play the long game and just steadily increase their sales even if it meant a slow first few years.
For ref, Ive tried Mafate 4, Saucorny Exodus 2, Sense ride 5, Speed goat wide edition(still too narrow), merrel adventure peak 5.
The one I’ve been waiting for!! LFG
🔥🔥🔥
Did you guys ever actually do a Catamount 3 review? Referenced here, but not finding in your library. Thanks! Really enjoy your content and exchanges.
We did not. Or not yet at least. It got kind of put on the back burner being just an upper update. I've done a little running in it, so happy to answer any questions!
Do you like it? I tried the Cat2 for a few runs before returning it. Enjoyed it, but the upper was a little warm for my SoCal weather. I was hoping 3 would be more breathable with the single layer they went to. I've been running minimalist for a few years now and only recently getting back into more traditional shoes with increased mileage, so the firmer and lower (relatively) stack height was nice. I'm also slow though and I know the shoe is marketed more towards speed work. Appreciate your time.
@@davidwalsvig2959 I enjoyed it and the upper did get more breathable, but I also didn't feel like the Catamount 2 upper was warm, so I might not be the best judge of that one
Thanks for your feedback. What would you take over the Catamount in that sector?
I've really been enjoying the Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx!
Boring trail shoes often make good hiking shoes.
Found this to be the case with the Arc'teryx Norvan LD3.
100% this shoe I could hike in all day, and the wider toe box definitely is nice then
@@ConversationalPace Topo seems to be overtaking Altra in Hiking shoe popularity. Durability is one key factor, and the Vibram (some models).
Yeah definitely seeing them on a lot more thru hikers on the PCT every year
Loved, loved the MTN racer 1 and was true to size to my regular shoes, tried the 2’s and they felt loose and almost could have gone 1/2 size US down but they had none in stock. Does the Mtn racer 3 fits similar to the 2 or a real true to size like the 1? Anyone..
The Mtn Racer 2’s had the heel and foot sliding/loose feel to them.
Shoot, I'm not familiar enough with the sizing of either of the previous MTN Racers to confidently say whether you should size down a half or not. Perhaps someone reading through these comments will be able to chime in
Wore these the first 50 miles of High Lonesome 2023, and I can say you missed 1 big flaw. These shoes don’t drain/dry for shit! My feet were all pruned and white when I took them off and that’s never been the case in wetter races. They were still wet the day after race!
My feet were also beat to hell at the end of the race and didn’t know who to blame, since I switched into the zegamas and later Trabuco max 2 before switching back to the zegamas (don’t judge me I don’t normally change shoes!). After hearing you complain about rocks beating your feet up in them, I’d have to say that’s likely the reason mine were so beat up to the point I was taking walk breaks because they hurt so bad.
Still a solid shoe for what it is, with great traction and comfort for medium length runs.
That's good to know about the lack of drainage! I can't say I got my shoes soaked during out testing. I agree, still a solid shoe with great traction, but not the best for the longest of runs anymore unfortunately
Well, you two danced around it and tried to be nice, but the MTR3 is, bluntly, a step backward from the MTR2. Lockdown and forefoot volume were stellar in the MTR2; inexplicably the 3 dramatically widened the forefoot to the point where no amount of lace tightening will prevent the foot from sliding around inside on any surface not pan-flat. The firm midsole and medial plug of the MTR2 were replaced with a squishy foam where arch collapse is now an issue on longer runs. And the midsole is already clearly breaking down in my 50mile pair, where I can easily push my finger into the middle flex groove, in contrast to my 100mile pair of MTR2 at the same position. One of you stated the sad truth: that this shoe no longer justifies it's name. Enough of that! -- excited to see the upcoming reviews (I have the Catamount 1 and just felt it needed a bit lower and softer stack and to dial back the full outsole coverage, and maybe they've done that, hope so). I rather wish you'd review the Catamount Agil, as that looks like an exciting shoe.
Thanks for watching! Hopefully Topo rights the ship for MTN Racer 4, as this one definitely lost some of it's mountain racing prowess. Catamount 3 review is on the horizon and we're still working on acquiring the Agil, as that is super interesting to me as well. I'm hearing it's just being produced in small quantities, so they're going out to reviewers a little delayed.
But you're the one who decided that a shoe being wider and having a softer arch shape is bad. Many people would disagree. My personal opinion is that Topo should just ditch the whole arch "support" thing because it makes their shoes really uncomfortable. :-)
I did decided that it wasn't the best fit for me, and I did address that for some this might be a huge plus. The amount of arch feel in most topo shoes does seem to be a love it or hate it kind of feel. While not the most comfortable for me, I do appreciate seeing a brand go all in on something
Hi guys. Thanks for the review, really useful stuff. I'm having a nightmare finding my next shoes and have purchased, worn and returned 6 shoes now. My issue is fit, I'm size 12 with wide toes. My last two shoes were Solomon sense ride 3 & 4. I run in north of England so mud, woodland and some techy stuff. I'm happy going slow but want to start upping my distance. This shoe appeals because of the wide toe box but would also like a bit more control. Any other suggestions? So many shoes I've tried are too narrow in the toe. Thanks!
If all those shoes mentioned are still too narrow, then it would likely be worth sacrificing a little bit of control for comfort. I think this MTN Racer 3, Pursuit, would be worth a try. Thanks for watching!
Check out the new Inov-8 wide lineup! The uppers are nicely wide across the board, but you get a lower stack, higher stack, and higher stack with 8mm lug option.
@@ConversationalPace I went for it and got the MTN racer 3 and absolutely LOVE THEM. They're everything I've been looking for. So happy. The build feels solid, the outsole delivers and the fit is a dream. If you've got WIDE feet and long toes I can't recommend them enough. I agree on your points about lack of underfoot protection and possible breathability with the upper (will see how they respond to the summer months) but over all a fantastic shoe for big sloggers like me. Maybe not as responsive as other shoes I've run in but I'll take it for the comfort and feel. Think I might get a pair of the Traverse as well for hiking and general knocking about. Thanks guys, great stuff 👞👞
So glad you went for it and they worked out! Stories like this is exactly why this channel exists!
Would love Topo but their midfoot area is so narrow in any shoe of theirs I've tried.
Yeah it's almost too drastic of a difference between their midfoot and forefoot at this point
@@ConversationalPace Yea. It's almost laughable how different they are. Too bad because if their midfoot was a bit more forgiving, I'd wear them
Would the wide Version help in that issue?
@@hum-dinger2453 So funny enough, I had tried most of their other shoes but not the Mtn Racer 3. The Mtn Racer 3 I got just the other day and it fits me well. The only real issue I have with it are I really don't like the tube lacing so I swapped those out for flat laces, and how slippery the insole is. Idk if that is a Topo thing or if I went a size too big but the insole has me slipping around inside the shoe. Otherwise, it's been a fun shoe to run in, I've only gotten about 10 miles in them
I like them but even with the higher stack you feel the rocks with the soft responsive midsole. Midfoot too narrow for forefoot. Arch support too much. Grip was great. Lockdown can be difficult and sometimes feet would start to go numb. More suited for less technical terrain IMO
Yeah I agree this shoe felt best on less technical terrain for sure. Would love to see a thin rock plate incorporated into this shoe if they continue with soft of midsole foam
So good for ppl who are heavy and need wide shoes?
If you are just needing additional width in the forefoot, these are going to be great. If you need width across the entire shoe, I would look for a true wide like the Saucony Peregrine wide or Brooks Cascadia wide. All three of those shoe models are going to be able to handle heavier runners as well. What'll be most important is finding the right fit to compliment your foot and running gait👍
Are you sure it's Litebase?
Looks like regular Vibram to me.
Hmm you might be right. Their site says Megagrip outsole compound, but no mention of it being on the litebase. I honestly have just gotten in the habit of putting both together, because nearly everyone combines the two. Good catch! I wonder why they wouldn't opt for the litebase and save a few grams.
@@ConversationalPace Litebase is more expensive I assume, and then I also don't think you can have some many cut-outs as the base has to be more continuous. Just guessing though...
Yeah that very well could be. I can't say I've seen too many super segmented litebase soles. Although I wouldn't mind seeing how the underfoot feel of this shoe changes if there was a full outsole at least in the forefoot.
Good review! I didn’t care for this shoe. I found it boring, and a bit uncomfortable.
Thanks for watching and your opinion is appreciated! What part of the shoe was uncomfortable for you?
@@ConversationalPace I have enjoyed some Topos, and on paper thought I’d really like this one. I found it a bit the way you described the VJ ultra. As if it was a hard ish cage up front that I moved around in and bounced off the ridged toe cap and sides. I wasn’t as locked into a nice soft interior the way I’ve been in other Topo shoes.
ahh yeah toe bang on a hard toe cap is no bueno for sure
Now how this one got soft and everything did the pursuit do the same one thing I think for Tubbo to really I guess make it as a company. I think they need some designers in there. They’re their shoes almost look like something you would wear if you’re a hospital worker or something Just looks like they have no life.