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I’ve liked Topo’s footwear since my first pair three years in the past. Since then, I’ve virtually solely used Topo as a result of they provide high-performing footwear 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 slightly totally different.
Final yr, 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 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 footwear.
All that to say, I had excessive expectations and slightly worry that they could have modified one thing incredible, you realize what I’m speaking about.
Whereas the Topo MTN Racer 4 has a number of vital updates from its predecessor, it guarantees to change into my journey shoe this yr.
Who’s the Topo Mtn Racer 4 good for?
- Large Toes: This mannequin matches extra cosy via the mid-foot although the huge 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 may cross streams and puddles fearlessly.
- Lengthy Runs: The MTNRacer’s plush stack peak supplies loads of safety throughout lengthy runs.
- Entrance of the Pack: These are nimble and responsive with a cushty rocker however are in all probability greatest for journey runs quite than chasing the rostrum.
MTN Racer 4 is a reasonably cushioned huge 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 may run with confidence it doesn’t matter what challenges the path offered.
Some of the notable updates to the MTN Runner is the insole. Final yr’s insole was a luxurious Ortholite liner. Whereas I appreciated the pillowy journey, others discovered it too delicate.
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 blissful to commerce a softer journey for the insole’s water resistance.
Path operating is commonly soggy operating. Whereas waterproofing the higher shoe can stop 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 might be one misstep from carrying a private swimming pool.
I favor footwear designed to empty. With a shoe that drains and a pair of wool socks, I can shortly and comfortably get well from puddles and splashes.
The Topo MTN Racer not solely drains water from the higher but additionally the insole resistances holding water. The older insole would change into 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 except you even have flipper ft. In case you do, dimension as much as discover that Topo magic.
This yr’s MTN Racer has an incredible colorway. I like that the shoe is vivid with an accent fade. It jogs my memory of a Mediterranean wave. It’s a playful type 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 features 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 yr’s mannequin, the higher supplies a safer match. The older mannequin would often 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 cosy match squeezes greater than hugs the foot. I most well-liked final yr’s looser type. However low to mid-volume ft will in all probability love the locked-in really feel.
Moreover, this mannequin’s higher material is stiffer than final yr’s. I think that this would be the first a part of the shoe to put on.
Topo’s magic has been making a operating shoe that enables the toes to splay whereas preserving the heel in place. I’ve a markedly huge forefoot and slender heel. (My husband says I’ve flippers as an alternative of ft.) Given my foot proportions, Topo has been my model of alternative.
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 kind of plush, particularly in comparison with the Hoka Speedgoat. This additional cushion can scale back the probability of irritating the tendons on high of the foot, however it additionally makes the shoe tighter on high-volume ft.
The tongue is connected to the shoe to stop motion whereas operating. The lacing secures the foot and has extra holes for a heel lock lacing type. The oval laces are designed to withstand put on however keep tied. I discovered the laces fairly brief however didn’t expertise them untying throughout a run.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Really feel
The Topo MTN Racer provides a secure and energetic journey.
The only development contributes to the shoe’s responsive really feel. Below my foot, the shoe’s stiff, textured insole felt agency. To enrich the firmer insole, Topo added a extra giving midsole. The Zipfoam midsole supplies 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 quite a lot of surfaces. I knew I may deal with damp granite rocks with out worry.
In comparison with Topo’s Ultraventure 4, the MTN Racer has a tighter match, a extra slender toe field, and a much less roomy higher. The MTN Racer 4 is severe 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 yr.) Each have the Vibram Megagrip soles and a rocker.
Total, this shoe is a superb 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 totally 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 highway to path various with a extra roomy really feel)
- Hoka Velocity 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%
It is a path shoe that may have you ever feeling safe in your grip, blissful in the event you encounter any water and capable of decide up the tempo as wanted. It might be lacking slightly of the cushion for some lengthy distance runners, however is an general nice decide if in search of that huge toe field.
Who Tried It?
Becky Trudeau lives in New Hampshire and enjoys path operating within the mountains close to her house. She has accomplished a number of half marathons, a mountain marathon, and a 50k with 7,000 ft of elevation. When not operating, it’s possible you’ll discover her mountain biking, backcountry touring, cross-country snowboarding, or studying a thriller.
On the lookout for extra path operating speak?
