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 possible benefits of "natural running" with 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? This 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:
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 Top 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
Less severe than "zero drop" trail running shoes
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) drop, Topos encourage a more natural landing while placing less stress on hikers' feet, ankles, and calves than 0mm drop shoes.
Lightweight
Lighter than most hiking shoes & trail running shoes
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
Extra toe room for a healthier, more natural base
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 Athletic's sturdiest trail running shoes make the best Topo hiking shoes. Hikers who prefer trail running shoes should start with the Topo Ultraventure Pro or the Terraventure 3 for lightweight hiking performance.
Topo Ultraventure Pro: best trail running shoe for hikers
Main Benefits:
The Ultraventure Pro is a high performance trail running shoe made for ultra-marathoners. That makes it a strong option for long-distance thru-hikers or fast and light hikers. The Ultraventure Pro feels firm yet cushioned underfoot with a wide toe box and low (5mm) heel to toe drop. On one hand, the roomy toe box and low drop encourage a more "natural" running or hiking style. On the other hand, the Ultraventure Pro mixes a proprietary foam midsole with light stability, a rock plate, and an external TPU heel counter for added cushion and support. The shoe's Vibram Megagrip outsoles provide good grip on wet and dry surfaces. This is a performance-oriented trail runner that's more cushioned, supportive, and durable than the Altra Lone Peak— with plenty of room in the toe box.
Topo Terraventure 3: versatile trail running shoe for hikers
Main Benefits:
The Terraventure 3 is the versatile, do-it-all trail running shoe in the Topo Athletic trail lineup. It features Topo's roomy toe box, low drop (3mm), and moderate cushioning. The updated Terraventure 3 features better traction than the old Terraventure 2 with a Vibram Megagrip outsole for good grip on technical terrain. This could be great trail running shoe for day hikers or thru-hikers who want less support and structure than the Ultraventure Pro. It's also less expensive, making it one of the most popular Topo hiking shoes.
best Topo hiking boots
Topo Athletic makes one—and only one—style for hiking, the Trailventure 2. It's an award-winning fast-backing boot/mid-cut hiking shoe that should appeal to many day hikers. (It was my surprise favorite in 2022 of all the hiking boots and shoes that I reviewed on Hiking Feet.) It may be the only Topo hiking boot, but it's one of the overall best lightweight hiking boots.
Topo Trailventure 2: best Topo hiking boot
Main Benefits:
The Trailventure is the one Topo Athletic style that's specifically made for hiking (not running). It's a "fastpacking" boot— a cross between a lightweight hiking boot and trail running shoe. The new Trailventure 2 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 well to 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 Topos 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
hiking Acadia National Park in the Topo Trailventure 2 hiking boots
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, and I also wear the Ultraventure Pro for some of my hikes and wear the (regular) Ultraventure —Topo's overall best-seller—as my go-to work from home shoe.
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.
Hiking Feet may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) if you click those links and make a purchase. Those commissions keep this site afloat (and compensate me for the hundreds of unpaid hours I spent creating free content to help you buy the right hiking boots or shoes). If Hiking Feet hooked you up with good recommendations, please consider hooking me up, too. Thanks, I appreciate it!
