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I’ve beloved Topo’s sneakers since my first pair three years in the past. Since then, I’ve nearly solely used Topo as a result of they provide high-performing sneakers in a pure foot form. That might have made me biased when testing out the Topo MTN Racer 4, however everyone knows each shoe hits somewhat completely different.
Final 12 months, I accomplished a number of path runs and races, together with a 50k, within the Topo MTN Racer 3. I additionally used it as a mountain climbing shoe to discover Yosemite, Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, and Vermont’s Inexperienced Mountains. After 350 miles, the higher ripped, and, grieving, I retired the sneakers.
All that to say, I had excessive expectations and somewhat worry that they might have modified one thing incredible, you understand what I’m speaking about.
Whereas the Topo MTN Racer 4 has a number of important updates from its predecessor, it guarantees to grow to be my journey shoe this 12 months.
Who’s the Topo Mtn Racer 4 good for?
- Large Ft: This mannequin suits extra comfortable by means of the mid-foot although the vast toe field stays the identical.
- Technical Trails: The rugged Vibram sole grips damp granite, muddy trails, and uneven terrain. The brand new waterproof sole drains water out of the shoe so you possibly can cross streams and puddles fearlessly.
- Lengthy Runs: The MTNRacer’s plush stack peak gives loads of safety throughout lengthy runs.
- Entrance of the Pack: These are nimble and responsive with a snug rocker however are in all probability finest for journey runs moderately than chasing the rostrum.
MTN Racer 4 is a reasonably cushioned vast toebox shoe for these tackling longer distances and difficult terrain.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Overview
I examined the MTN Racer 4’s on numerous terrains together with rocks, mud, and roots. The Vibram outsoles prevented slips on moss and damp granite. I might run with confidence it doesn’t matter what challenges the path offered.
One of the crucial notable updates to the MTN Runner is the insole. Final 12 months’s insole was a luxurious Ortholite liner. Whereas I appreciated the pillowy journey, others discovered it too gentle.
The brand new insole is Topo’s design. It’s firmer with texturing. The stiffness will increase the responsive really feel of the shoe.
I’m completely satisfied to commerce a softer journey for the insole’s water resistance.
Path working is commonly soggy working. Whereas waterproofing the higher shoe can forestall some splashes from soaking your socks, it fails when water floods the shoe from above. This soaking can happen throughout rain storms or stream crossings. As soon as the within of a water-resistant shoe is moist, it is not going to dry. With a water-resistant path runner, you’re one misstep from carrying a private swimming pool.
I favor sneakers designed to empty. With a shoe that drains and a pair of wool socks, I can rapidly and comfortably get well from puddles and splashes.
The Topo MTN Racer not solely drains water from the higher but in addition the insole resistances holding water. The older insole would grow to be a sponge in rainstorms, however this insole doesn’t.
Like the remainder of the Topo household, the MTN Racer 4 sports activities the pure foot form.
The toe field nonetheless accommodates the toes, however even within the toe field, this mannequin feels barely tighter than the MTN Racer 3. This shouldn’t be an issue until you even have flipper ft. In the event you do, dimension as much as discover that Topo magic.
This 12 months’s MTN Racer has a fantastic colorway. I really like that the shoe is brilliant with an accent fade. It jogs my memory of a Mediterranean wave. It’s a playful model however not obnoxious.
Whereas I in all probability is not going to put on it with my denims, it’ll look nice on the beginning line of a path race.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Match
The Topo MTN Racer nonetheless sports activities the signature pure foot form however different points of the shoe’s match have been up to date. In case you are between sizes, think about buying a half-size up.
In comparison with final 12 months’s mannequin, the higher gives a safer match. The older mannequin would sometimes shift as I ran, however the brand new match is way more safe. In case you are between sizes, think about going up one.
As somebody with higher-volume ft, the comfortable match squeezes greater than hugs the foot. I most popular final 12 months’s looser model. However low to mid-volume ft will in all probability love the locked-in really feel.
Moreover, this mannequin’s higher cloth is stiffer than final 12 months’s. I think that this would be the first a part of the shoe to put on.
Topo’s magic has been making a working shoe that permits the toes to splay whereas preserving the heel in place. I’ve a markedly vast forefoot and slim heel. (My husband says I’ve flippers as an alternative of ft.) Given my foot proportions, Topo has been my model of selection.
Throughout all of my runs, my heel remained in place. It didn’t not slide or chaff. The additional padding offered an extra cushion.
Talking of padding, the medium-length tongue is sort of plush, particularly in comparison with the Hoka Speedgoat. This further cushion can scale back the chance of irritating the tendons on prime of the foot, nevertheless it additionally makes the shoe tighter on high-volume ft.
The tongue is hooked up to the shoe to stop motion whereas working. The lacing secures the foot and has extra holes for a heel lock lacing model. The oval laces are designed to withstand put on however keep tied. I discovered the laces fairly quick however didn’t expertise them untying throughout a run.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Really feel
The Topo MTN Racer presents a steady and energetic journey.
The only real building contributes to the shoe’s responsive really feel. Underneath my foot, the shoe’s stiff, textured insole felt agency. To enhance the firmer insole, Topo added a extra giving midsole. The Zipfoam midsole gives a light-weight and responsive base. Moreover, the MTN Racer’s bigger stack peak protected my foot from impact-related fatigue.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole offered traction on a wide range of surfaces. I knew I might sort out damp granite rocks with out worry.
In comparison with Topo’s Ultraventure 4, the MTN Racer has a tighter match, a extra slim toe field, and a much less roomy higher. The MTN Racer 4 is critical about trails with a full Vibram outsole whereas the Ultraventure has a hybrid, partial Vibram sole.
Topo created this shoe as a competitor to the Hoka Speedgoat 6. Each have the same really feel. The Speedgoat is barely lighter and narrower. (Nevertheless, the distinction in width is much less pronounced this 12 months.) Each have the Vibram Megagrip soles and a rocker.
General, this shoe is a good possibility for runners in search of a foot-shaped shoe for his or her off-road adventures.
Comparable Footwear to the Topo MTN Racer 4
We’ve examined a number of that really feel comparable, however completely different primarily based on the model match:
- Brooks Catamount 4 – One other shoe prepared to select up the tempo on technical trails however with out the broader toebox
- Topo Ultraventure 4 -Hybrid street to path various with a extra roomy really feel)
- Hoka Pace Goat 6– A go to path rockstar shoe with average cushion and nonetheless a good roomy match.
Able to check it out for your self?
Go discover it right here on RunningWarehouse.com for $154
88%
This can be a path shoe that can have you ever feeling safe in your grip, completely satisfied in the event you encounter any water and capable of choose up the tempo as wanted. It might be lacking somewhat of the cushion for some lengthy distance runners, however is an total nice choose if in search of that vast toe field.
Who Tried It?
Becky Trudeau lives in New Hampshire and enjoys path working within the mountains close to her dwelling. She has accomplished a number of half marathons, a mountain marathon, and a 50k with 7,000 ft of elevation. When not working, you could discover her mountain biking, backcountry touring, cross-country snowboarding, or studying a thriller.