I have wide feet (10.7cm wide, 26cm length, 25.7cm girth). I just tried Altra FWD Via 2 and Experience Flow 2 in US 9 this morning, as well as Topo Phantom 4 in US 9, which felt better for me. But honestly they were pretty comparable and I think I'd be happy with either Altra or Topo. I think I liked the Phantom 4 better because it felt like it cushioned my feet more? I have very high volume and high arches. I definitely need it in Wide, though—as my feet swell on long runs, my feet will appreciate the extra room that the Wide offers.
Since the FWD Via 2 and Phantom 4 felt similar for me, I'm curious if you have any thoughts, insights, comparisons between FWD Via vs. R1?
I run topos. They have a few models available in a wide fit.
- mtn racer 4 wide (trail)
- ultraventure 4 wide (this is what I use, a transition shoe)
- phantom 4 wide (road, neutral)
- Aura wide (road stability)
I just got my first pair of Topos (Phantom 4). They are wonderful shoes. I had 3 pairs of Brooks Ghost and 3 pairs of Asics (Contend, and 1 other I'm forgetting) previously. My toes can spread out really well in the Topos. And I prefer the low drop. It feels more natural.
The Topo Phantom 4 or Atmos. I have been a huge fan of Topo for a while now and now have all of their shoes. They are so overlooked but have great foams, great fits . . . I just did my long run this morning in the Atmos and it was a dream—I actually added on a 1/2 mile to my workout!
Topo Specter 2 or Phantom 4. I’m not sure how it’ll work with your insoles since they have a pretty prominent arch, but the comfort under foot is there and the anatomical toebox is the best!
Topos have anatomical toe boxes and also have wides in some of their shoes. They have shoes for comfort and cushion and the shoes that are more speed oriented. The phantom 4 and Atmos 2 are their cushioned, comfort shoes and the Cyclone 3 and Specter 2 are their speedier shoes
Topo has a whole line of wide toebox shoes. The Atmos is great for easy, long miles, the Phamtom is the daily trainer, the Cyclone for speed work and the Specter for longer speed efforts
They actually narrowed the toe box in the Bondi this year so you may have to go with a wide width. It’s a lot firmer than I remember, but that may make it feel more nimble while running, enabling to go at different paces. I second the Topo recommendation. They have the Phantom for daily training, the Cyclone for speed work, the Atmos for recovery runs and the Specter for longer marathon training runs.
**Hi everyone,**
I'm pretty new to running — started earlier this year.
I'm 183 cm, 92 kg and currently run at least 3 times a week. My current goal is to get under **30 minutes for 5K**. I'm definitely not a speedster and my long runs are usually around **10–12 km**, though I'd love to try a **half marathon next year**.
I used to run in Mizuno Wave Rider, but they felt uncomfortable because of the high drop. I'm a fore/mid-foot striker with wide feet (I normally walk in barefoot/minimal shoes), so I switched to **Altra Torins**. I like them, especially the wide anatomic toebox, but the zero drop puts quite a lot of strain on my feet since I'm not fully used to it yet — so I’m looking for something to *complement* them.
So right now I’m looking for a **daily trainer suitable for a wide-foot, heavier, slower runner**.
Ideally something not zero-drop, but still friendly for midfoot strike.
I’ve tried the **Topo Phantom 4**, but the arch support felt a bit intrusive for me.
Are all Topos like that, or are there other models/brands that might fit someone like me?
Thanks in advance for any tips! 🙌
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