If I had to characerize the new Topo Athletic Vista in just one word, it'd be plush. Topo's newest trail running shoe features more cushion, and softer cushion, than the brand's other (great) trail running shoes. No doubt, that will score comfort points with trail runners who prefer more float then feel. But how does this lightweight and cushy running shoe handle hiking? To answer that question, I tested my Vistas on series of New Mexico's most popular hiking trails—from Santa Fe's Nambe Lake to Albuquerque's South Sandia Crest. My Topo Athletic Vista review offers a hike-oriented review of this intriguing new trail runner from one of my favorite brands.
Breaking in the new Topo Athletic Vista in the foothills outside Albuquerque
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Topo Athletic Vista Review
I tested and reviewed the new Topo Athletic Vista shortly after it dropped in the summer of 2025. This shoe is made for trail running—not hiking. But Topos are popular with many thru-hikers and hikers who prefer the brand's "natural fit" over conventional running and hiking shoes. So I subjected my pair to a series of test hikes, including the Domingo Baca, Pino, Embudito, Three Guns Springs, Lake Nambe, and Sandia Crest Trails. To see how they stack up against other max cushion trail runners, I also alternated my Vistas with the HOKA Speedgoat, Salomon Thundercross, and La Sportiva Prodigio Max.
As always, Hiking Feet's reviews are 100% independent—not sponsored by or influenced by any brand or PR agency. My original takes are based on my personal hiking experience and my experience as an outdoor industry professional who's managed footwear at a hiking and backpacking shop.
Test hike along the Sangria Crest Trail
Support
Support is the main category where the Topo Athletic Vista came up short on my test hikes. Some max cushion trail runners are surprisingly supportive—even though they're made for runners, not hikers. That is, their foam is so thick that it supplies both foot support and lateral stability. But the Vista is so soft underfoot that its soles put up little resistance to rocks, roots, and steep terrain. I uncharacteristically turned an ankle at least once on each of my test hikes in the Topo Vista. None of them were serious, but that's something I haven't experienced in other cushy trail runners like the HOKA Speedgoat 6, Salomon Thundercross, and La Sportiva Prodigio Pro Max.
Like its sibling, the Topo Ultraventure 4, the Topo Athletic Vista is big on comfort but light on support.
My Topo Vistas weigh about 1 pound 9 ounces per pair
Weight
Weight-wise, the Topo Athletic Vista is pretty typical for a trail running shoe. My men's size 12 weighs about 1 lb 9 oz per pair. That's an ounce more per shoe than the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 and HOKA Speedgoat 6. At the same time, that's 9-12 ounces lighter than the average hiking shoe. If you're a hiker who values weight savings, the Vista is a good option but not a standout in the weight department.
The Topo Athletic Vista has a 5mm heel-to-toe drop
Fit
The Topo Athletic Vista runs true to size with the brand's signature "Topo Fit." Designed to support a more natural stride, the Topo Fit includes a low (5mm) drop, a wide toe box, and a more secure fit in the midfoot than Altra. I have moderately wide feet and get a good fit in the Vista by sizing up a 1/2 size from my everyday shoe size. Topo's size 12 fits similarly to the HOKA Speedgoat's size 12 WIDE.
Topo also offers the Vista in a wide—a nice addition for hikers with really wide feet.
The max cushion kept my feet fresh on my 12-mile South Sandia Crest hike
Comfort
The Topo Athletic Vista could be a comfort revelation for hikers who love cushioning. These are the plushest trail runners in my gear closet right now. I literally tested them side-by-side with my other max-cushion trail runners—as in wearing the Vista on one foot and its competitors on my other foot. The HOKA Speedgoat isn't as soft underfoot as this new shoe. If you hope to hike in as cushy a trail shoe as possible, the Vista is probably your best choice.
That being said, we all have different feet, different hiking styles, and different preferences. This shoe's lack of support could be a comfort negative for several hikers. After all, twisted ankles aren't comfortable at all. Likewise, Topo's relatively roomy fit may be perfect for me but a poor fit for hikers with narrower feet. Generally speaking, though, this shoe is a safe recommendation for more comfort-oriented hikers who want to wear a trail running shoe.
The Vistas soaked through quickly on my soggy ascent to Nambe Lake
Weather Protection
The Topo Athletic Vista is not waterproof, so my feet quickly got wet on my Lake Nambe hike as I hiked through wet grass and splashed along the edge of a soggy mountain meadow after a summer monsoon thunderstorm.
On the flipside, these trail runners drain and dry quicker than true hiking shoes. While my socks remained damp the rest of my hike, my feet weren't sloshing around in water after a few minutes. The Vista makes the most sense for fair-weather hikers or those willingly sacrifice waterproof footwear for shoes that wear cooler and dry quicker.
Multisurface tread on the Topo Athletic Vista
Traction
Like most Topos, the Vista features Vibram rubber outsoles—a big traction plus. My test hikes included almost every footing imaginable, and these soles handled every trail reasonably well. They're not quite as good on steep, sandy and gravelly switchbacks as hiking shoes and trail runners with deeper, more aggressive lugs. However, I felt sure-footed on granite slick-rock in Embudito Canyon, steep descents on soft pine needles at Nambe Lake, and the more moderate switchbacks of the Pino and Embudito Trails outside Albuquerque. On water crossings, the grip on wet river rock was also reasonably good. Overall, this shoe has solid tread for hikers who mostly hit multi-surface trails.
The Vista is a cushy trail running shoe that's hike-able
Value
With a MSRP of $175, the Topo Athletic Vista costs a pretty penny. It's more expensive than most of my trail runners and $20 more than the Traverse, my favorite Topo trail runner for hikers. In fact, it's more expensive than several of the hiking shoes in my gear closet. For that price, you want to see a standout feature or two—and this shoe's plush cushioning certainly qualifies. It's the cushiest trail runner I own, so it might be worth the premium price for men and women looking for the cushiest trail runner I've personally tested and reviewed.
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Men's Topo Athletic Vista
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Women's Topo Athletic Vista
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Topo Athletic Vista: Pros & Cons
Every shoe has its trade-offs. Here are the specific pros and cons of the Topo Athletic Vista:
Should you buy the Topo Athletic Vista trail running shoe?
If you're a hiker who prefers an extra-cushy trail running shoe, the Topo Athletic Vista should be at the top of your list of shoes to try on. That's especially true now that the new HOKA Speedgoat 6 features firmer cushioning than its predecessors. It's super-cushy, reasonably lighweight, and grippy enough for moderate trails. However, if you're looking for a more supportive trail running shoe—or trying to save a few bucks—this isn't the best option for you. Personally, I prefer the Topo Traverse trail running shoe for my hikes since it's more supportive, but the Topo Vista probably edges the Topo Ultraventure 4, thanks to its extra-plush cushioning and better durability. It's certainly one of the best new trail running shoes of 2025 that men and women might consider if it fits their feet and matches their hikes.
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Men's Topo Athletic Vista
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Women's Topo Athletic Vista
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