Topo Athletic is a newish brand devoted to runners, not hikers. But Topo trail runners are a trendy pick for thru-hikers, and the mid-cut Topo hiking shoe—the Trailventure 2— is currently my favorite lightweight hiking boot. Topos are unique because they blend the benefits of "natural running" with the strengths of traditional running shoes. That means Topo is similar to Altra— a brand with a cult-like following —but with a little more support, a more secure fit, and better durability. Do you want to learn more? I've been testing Topos for three years now. My Topo Athletic brand review offers a hiker's take on this up and coming brand with recommendations for the best Topo hiking shoes and boots.
Hiking Acadia National Park in the Topo Trailventure 2
Topo Athletic Brand Review
Topo Athletic was founded in 2013 by Tony Post (aka "To Po"), a runner who'd been working in the footwear industry for almost thirty years. He was part of the "minimalist" movement in running shoes that encourages a more "natural" or "barefoot" running style. But he also realized that ultra-minimalist running shoes (e.g. Vibram Five Finger) and Zero Drop running shoes (e.g. Altras) didn't work for everybody. That's why he founded Topo Athletic—to create running shoes that combined aspects of "natural" running with some of the support of traditional running shoes.
Topo Athletic is not a traditional brand for hikers. However, the American Podiatric Medical Association awarded Topo Athletic its Seal of Approval for shoes that promote healthy feet. And Topos may provide the fit and peak performance that appeals to many hikers in the fast-and-light niche, such as thru-hikers, fast-packers, ultralight backpackers, and day hikers who prefer lightweight trail shoes that support a more natural running hiking style.
topo athletic:
"Tony knew there was still something missing from the market—a shoe that allowed runners to access the important benefits of natural running while maintaining some of their favorite features found in traditional running shoes."
Highlights of Topo hiking shoes
Technically, Topo Athletic does not make a true "hiking shoe." Hikers either hike in Topo trail running shoes or the Topo Trailventure— a lightweight "fast-packing" boot that targets fast hikers who carry light packs. That being said, Topos can be good hiking shoes—if you're after a brand with these features:
Low Drop
Topo hiking shoes/trail running shoes feature "low drop" from the heel down to the toe to support a more natural landing. The brand strikes a balance between traditional high drop hiking and running shoes—which placed 10-15mm of cushioning under the heel to absorb shock—and flat, "zero drop" shoes, that have no extra cushioning beneath the heel. With low (3-5mm) drops, Topos encourage people to land on their midfoot while placing less stress on their feet, ankles, and calves than 0mm drop shoes.
Lightweight
Topo may be a great brand for hikers who value weight savings over price or support. Made for competitive runners and fast hikers, Topo hiking shoes feature lightweight construction to shave ounces off your footwear to save energy on the trail (if you hike fast enough or far enough).
Wide Toe Box
Topos feature a wide toe box that allows for natural toe splay to utilize and strengthen a more natural base. Their toe boxes also allow extra room for the swelling that occurs on longer hikes and accommodates most hikers with wide feet (since most hikers who buy wides only need extra room in the forefoot and toes, not in the heel). That being said, many podiatrists argue that all men and women should be wearing footwear with wider toe boxes for healthier feet and fewer injuries.
Best Topo Hiking Shoes
hiking Rothrock State Forest (PA) in the Topo Ultraventure Pro
Topo Ultraventure
Lightweight Trail Runners for Hikers
Main Benefits:
Topo Athletic's best-selling trail running shoes, Ultraventures are high performance trail shoes made for ultra-marathoners. The exceptionally cushy Ultraventure is ultralight with thin ventilated mesh for extra weight savings and cooler feet on the trail. If you value weight savings more than anything else, The Ultraventure 4 the best Topo hiking shoe for you. The Pro version—aka Ultraventure Pro—is similar but mixes a proprietary foam midsole with light stability, a rock plate, and an external TPU heel counter for added support on big-mile days. It's a little firmer underfoot with more durable mesh uppers—better for hikers who tackle tougher trails. Both shoes' Vibram Megagrip outsoles provide good grip on wet and dry surfaces. The Topo Athletic Ultraventure is a good choice for hikers who want an exceptionally light and cushy trail runner with extra room in the toe box.
Topo Traverse
Trail Runner made for Thru-Hikers
Main Benefits:
The Topo Athletic Traverse is the first trail running shoe that's specifically made for thru-hikers. Its build is similar to the Ultraventure Pro, but Topo also optimized this shoe to dry quickly with closed cell foam insoles and drainage ports. The Traverse is more supportive and durable than the ultralight Ultraventure 4 but still weighs in as a relatively lightweight trail runner. Among trail runners, the Traverse is Topo's best hiking shoe—learn more in my extended, first-hand review. If you're a thru-hiker, give this shoe a look. If you hike moderate to tough terrain, the Traverse will be a better hiking shoe than the ultralight Ultraventure.
Topo Trailventure 2
Best Mid-Cut Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
The Trailventure 2 is a "fastpacking" boot— a cross between a lightweight hiking boot and trail running shoe. Like the trail running shoes above, this mid-cut hiking shoe features Topo's wide toe box, a secure fit, and low (5mm) heel to toe drop. It's got a cushioned feel with a moderately stiff outsole (& nylon shank) for support and just a little over-the-ankle protection. Its Vibram outsoles deliver solid traction on a range of surfaces, and its (optional) eVent waterproofing is more breathable than GORE-TEX. The Trailventure 2 is tailor-made for fast and light hikers, but casual hikers might choose it for its lightweight comfort. It's the most comfortable hiking boot that I own...and holds up better than expected on the hard trails I hike.
Hiking in Topo Athletic: Pros vs. Cons
Topo Athletic is good brand, but it's a niche brand. That means hikers need to pay extra attention to the brand's pros and cons to figure out if Topo hiking shoes will fit their feet and match their hikes.
Topo Athletic may be a newer brand. But at the very least, its trail running shoes and fastpacking boots are worth a look if you're after lightweight hiking shoes/boots with low drop and wide toe boxes. They're popular with some of my friends in the outdoor industry and may be a go-to brand for the fast-and-light crowd. Altras didn't work for me. However, Topos have been a nice addition to my hiking collection and seem to be healing a big toe injury that's dogged me for years.
I can see why podiatrists recommend Topo Athletic. I also recommend Topos— if they match your hiking style.
Topo Hiking Shoes: definitely worth a look
Topo Athletic wasn't on my radar until some of my fellow Backcountry Gearheads recommended them to me. I'm glad they did. The Topo Trailventure 2 has surprisingly become my favorite day hiking boot. I also wear the Traverse for some of my hikes and wear the (regular) Ultraventure —Topo's overall best-seller—as my go-to work-from-home shoe and hiking shoe for desert washes and mixed use urban trails.
That being said, they may or may not work for your feet or your hikes. If you're not feeling Topos, no problem. Feel free to browse my brand reviews or check out other brands with good trail runners, such as Altra, Hoka, La Sportiva, and Salomon.
However, if you are interested in Topo hiking shoes, please consider buying them through the affiliate links above.
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