Topo Athletic - MTN Racer 1

Have you ran in the early MTN racers? I have had issues with rolled ankles other than the MTN racer 1 which I has so so so many with, and have steered clear of TOPO since. Wondering if there has been been a change in stability since then

I use Topo MTN Racer shoes. In Australia they're not cheap, but no more than all the other brands. Uphill running is just hard work. Don't try to race it (yet) just short steps and grind your way up. Yes your legs and lungs will burn, but that's the overload that is necessary to get the strength and fitness. Downhill running needs care and technique to avoid injury from falling. Run with short quick steps. Try not to put the brakes on to slow yourself because that actually needs MORE traction, which is in limited supply on steep hills. You have to run with gravity a bit. It's scary. You need the short steps so you can change direction to dodge bad spots or find the less slippery spots. Good luck! Enjoy your trail running, it's worth it!

Topo Mountain Racer ftw

I get 1200km out of Topo Mountain Racers before the Vibram has lost most of its grip

I've been thru Topo Hydroventure, Ultraventure 1/2/3, MTN Racer 1/2/3/4. The UV3's lost the outer/lug grip plot, the MTN3's felt like running in floppy support-free canvas bags (the MTN4's are a return to form). I haven't tried the Vistas yet. What I'm concerned about with the Vistas is catching little rocks in that split heel just like Saucony Peregrines do. Did you experience this in your run test? Other than that, the lugs are the same as the MTN4's, right?

The original Mtn Racer (2018-2019) was so clutch. Then they changed the soles and I lost interest...

I can imagine that the MTN Racers would be a good ultra shoe, I do own them but I've never ran an ultra, full disclaimer. But they are a wide and stable shoe with plenty of cushion, but not so much that they lack any ground feeling. The vibram is super versatile too and they are surprisingly fine on less technical segments of trail or even the odd road link up.

Topo Athletic MTN Racer - 5mm drop, foot shaped with a huge toebox, vibram, mid-high stack, not the lightest but very durable and versatile. They also have 3 and 0mm drop shoes in the lineup. Otherwise would look at Inov8, Scarpa, Salomon. Scarpa Ribelle Run or similar could be good although I haven't tried them. Or Salomon Thundercross. If you get on with zero drop then Inov8, maybe Altra.

Have you looked at the Topo lineup of shoes? Same wide toe box, same 0mm drop options. I have a bunch of them. Some zero drop, some 3 and 5mm drops. The only thing I don't like about Topos is that I hate ortho-lite insoles so I swap in super feet insoles instead. But that is probably an issue in most trail shoes since they try to go lightweight.

Topo does the wide toe box. My Ultraventures have a 5mm drop, Terraventures have a 3mm drop and there is also the mtnracer model as well (haven't tried that one yet).

My friend, it was truly excruciating on the trail - I'm so glad someone else has experienced it! Both the MTN Racer and the Terraventure gave me grief. I managed to solve it on The West Highland Way with the toe caps. I've ordered the GOATs half a size up. Did you go wide or standard?

I have low arches and haven’t had any issues with Topo Terraventures or Mtn Racers. Haven’t tried the Ultraventures since I don’t need a stability shoe.

Topo Terraventures and Mtn Racers are also great trail shoes with a wide toe box. Low drop but not zero drop, so an easier transition from Brooks. And Topos last way longer than Altras in my experience. Was only getting 400 miles on Altras and I get close to 600 miles on Topos.

Based on your likes/dislikes I’d recommend Topo Mtn Racers. Great shoe. Wide toe box, grippy on terrain, and more cushion than Altras while still maintaining some feel of the ground.

You might have luck with Brooks Catamount or Cascadias! They both are fairly narrow and have a protective rock plate. I also love Topo Mtn Racers- they have a wider toe box but are narrower everywhere else, and they have vibram soles with great traction. As a general heads up, I have narrow feet too and swear by heel lock lacing- it’s been a game changer and prevents a lot of heel slipping!

My podiatriast recommended I try Topo shoes because I have bunions and other forefoot issuss. I bought the Mountain Racer. They have a normal heel and midfoot, but the forefoot is very roomy. My feet haven't felt so good in years.

I've used both, Speedgoats for about 4000 miles, Topos (Ultraventure Pro and Mtn Racer) for over 1000. Each of them have their up and down sides. Speedgoats are a lot narrower at the front, so even a wide isn't as wide in the footbox as a Topo, and the heel is wider for the (wide) Speedgoats, so some have issues with slipping. I've given up on Topos though because of toe and arch issues. I guess my feet don't bend like the makers of Topo expect them to, so I end up in pain after 150 miles. Speedgoats roll easier and are softer where the balls of the feet are, which takes a lot of strain off my feet (though that is, unfortunately, not as pronounced anymore as is used to be with older models). Speedgoats are probably going to counteract the lifting of your toe, but you'll have to try if it really works for you, or if the footbox is still too low.

Hoka Speedgoat are pretty squishy. I just switched to topo mtn and they hard af, miss the Hokas.

Yeah, you sound like a perfect candidate for topo, Mtn racer specifically. They have good lockdown around the heel and forefoot and roomier in the toe box. Also someone else mentioned the Altra experience wild (low drop, not zero drop). I have the road version of that shoe and I’m pretty happy with it

That is awesome! I am glad it helped with your hip pain. I really liked the LP7. I went through 8 or 9 pairs before I couldn’t find them anymore. 😭 it’s what started my shoe spiral. I really struggled to transition to the LP9. I ended up in Topos. I like the ultraventure for less technical stuff and the MTN racer for more technical stuff. Turns out 4-5 mm of drop was what I needed. Switched about 5 months ago and it seemingly resolved all lingering issues.

I love them because they are grippy but they hold SO MUCH WATER. They are not waterproof, but they don’t drain very well. I wish they drained better. I also like the topo ultraventure for less technical terrain.

Topo mountain racers have some stability elements and wide. Probably worth a try. I personally love them as someone with duck feet and some arch issues from a previous injury

Not a fan of the swallow tail heel design, but definitely excited to hear that it’s fairly similar to previous models. MTN Racers have kept my feet in incredible condition for every ultra I’ve done. I just wish they’d use TPU for the *midsole* (like Triumph 20s) since, in my experience, it compresses way more gracefully than any other material. Cause my only complaint about Topos is that I can feel my footprint already smashed into the shoe after a long race with little expansion afterward.

I’ve found the TOPO to be an amazing shoe. Also not under $100 but the HOKA Speedgoat has an amazing sole for Rocky terrain. I wish there were quality trail shoes under $100 - seems an impossible task these days.

I wear the TOPO mountain racer - it is waterproof which I love and hate. Your feet will heat up quicker but stay dry. When I’m wearing my HOKA Speedgoats, I always wear wool socks - preferring Darn Tough these days.

+1 for Topo, I go between the ultra adventure and mtn racer depending on tread needs for the trail.

+1 for Topo, I go between the ultra adventure and mtn racer depending on tread needs for the trail.

Just got some Topo Mtn Racers and can confirm they are wide and very grippy. Work as well as my UltraRaptors (wide) on steep slabs, but actually run-able with a bit less stability. My Speedgoat 5s were also really grippy and plenty wide for me in normal but sized up .5 (I always do this).

+1 for topo mtn racers

South Sister is pretty mild technically, just recommend some gaiters to keep the scree out. Ive been a huge fan of the Salomon Genesis, Topo Mountain Racer, but what fits your foot is the individual question.

Only my Altras have done this even the same spot. I’ve written off Altra until i don’t hear another story about this for a while. I can’t believe they’ve let this issue persist for years. They’ve got to know. My Topos have lasted forever. My TNF shoes and Salomons are well built as well, typically I retire a pair after the foam goes flat (loses its bounce) for me after 500 miles. Uppers should outlast the foam IMHO.

Topo Athletic MTN Racers are the best I’ve found for running on tech trails so far. It’s like they took the best qualities of the Altra Lone Peak and Hoka Speedgoat and made a well cushioned, Vibram soled, wide toe box, minimal drop trail runner with decent toe bumpers and breathable upper

I love Topo but agree the ultra venture doesn't have a lot "life" in it's cushion - it lasts but isn't boing-y . The topo phantom is my go to for long road runs and I've been happy with the Altra Olympus 5 for trail and road long runs. The topo mountain racer is pretty sweet, I've mileaged my last pair out and am waiting for sales - it's light weight and decent cushion : ))

I have the Mtn Racer and it's great. 5mm drop and very comfortable. I only have a couple hundred miles on them so I'm not able to speak to durability, but I did do a really rocky, messy 30 K in them and they held up really well for that.

I love my MTN Racers! I ran an [R3](https://trailtopeak.com/2023/11/20/a-guide-to-running-the-grand-canyon-from-rim-to-rim-to-rim-r3/), the Javelina Jundred 100M, and the Anza Borrego 50 Mile in a pair. Bomb-proof and graceful. I just got the new Ultraventure 4's hoping for a bit more cushion with the same ergonomics as the Racers. I put a few treadmill miles just to check 'em out and, so far, they have the feel I was looking for with more cushion. Promising!

The Topo Mtn is a bit rough for sure on road but I love them so much I will wear them for a 50/50 trail/road long run. I can’t run at all with good form in my 1080s after using Topo and Altra for so long.

I use Mt Racer too, have two pair. Love them.

Topo are roomier for sure ill say for me the t1 toe box feel like a wide hoka but certainly not as roomier than the ultraventure or mtn racer. But I’m 2E and they’re enough wide for me.

Norda 001s for everything. I have a wide forefoot and they are comfortable even with double layer socks for ultras. If you’re looking for wide toe box but not 0 drop look at Topo Athletic. The Mtn Racer is an excellent shoe with a 5 mm drop for racing and if you’re looking for a long distance cruiser the Ultraventure is excellent. I use their road shoes and the fit is fantastic.

I had a pair of the MTN racer a long time ago, and I found that my heels slipped unbearably, very different than the other Topos which I really liked. Have not tried the terraventure but I've definitely been eyeing them, along with the Norda 001.

I would try them on because everyone has a different foot but I have a pretty large Haglund's on one foot (and likely a little less extreme one on the other - never x-rayed though) and really like the Salomon Ultra Glide (wide), Topo Mtn Racer, just got a pair of the Nike Zegama. I don't know if I would call the heel counter soft (certainly not a shoe expert) but there is padding in the heel which in my case keeps the bump from getting too irritated. YMMV.

I’ve done 95% of my trail running over the last couple years in Topo Ultraventures in wide (V3 and V4). Some of the other Topo models I’ve tried on (Mtn Racer and Phantom road off the top of my head) are still unfortunately too narrow in the mid foot, but the wide Ultraventures saved me from Altra’s increasing trend toward narrower shoes, at least for the time being.

Hoka mafate speed 4, topo mtn racer

Trail: Saucony Xodus Ultra, Topo Mt Racer, Brooks Cascadia Road: Saucony Speed, Brooks Ghost, Hilma Anywhere

Ive been using the new topo mtn racer. Definitely feels like a pretty cushioned shoe even if its not. I like the firmness of my old topo traverse better. But imo topo make amazing shoes and their durability is crazy. Have 1000km+ on my old topos and they still feel great

I have been absolutely loving my Nnormal Kjerag, including long days on rugged mountain terrain. They’re amazing. Moving even further in that direction, the Tomir 2.0 looks like a really strong contender. Others to look at would be something like a La Sportiva cyclon, Salomon Genesis (but I don’t love Salomon’s rubber), etc. What part of your Speedgoats are trashed? The upper? Outsole? Something else? My other favorite outsole for mountain terrain is a Topo Athletic MTN Racer. I still have a pair of the first version with the ripstop nylon and those are awesome. But for uppers, you want something ideally with a Matryx or similar material.

Wait for the Topo Vista. The mountain racer is the closest thing to the Atmos right now, but it's lower stack height and more firm (it's what I use by the way). The Vista is purposefully similar to the Atmos in terms of cushioning. Topo > Altra unless you want zero drop. Norda won't have the cushioning you're looking for.

Topo has road and trail shoes with wide toe box, good cushioning, and 4mm drop.

Have you tried Topo Terraventure or Mtn racer? May not be as cushioned but could manage the terrain.

I tried out topo mtn racers which can be found around $100. They are low drop, wide ball/toe box. They were super comfortable, I think my foot was just in a weird zone between sizes which was the only reason I didn't go for them. I did go with Brooks Cascadias which aren't as low to the ground and have an 8mm drop. but I found the toe box pleasantly wide, and I did 40+ miles over a couple days in them with no issue. If you order from Brooks ReStart you can get used ones for half the price of new ones, mine were $70. Just sort by "Like New" and you'll get ones people did nothing more than try on before returning. I see a lot of people recommend xero for their hiking shoes if you are accustomed to barefoot/zero drop, they have a couple pairs of trail shoes on sale for around $75 right now.

I used to run in speedgoats. I have a pair of topo ultraventures and topo mtn racers. I like both. The ultraventure is squishier but not as much traction for steep wet trails. Mtn racer has been great. My runs are 10-13 miles 3-5000’ of gain on trail. So far pretty durable compared to the hoka. I always ripped the upper on the hokas. The topos have a Wider toe box.

This is what I do all of my races in, however you have to lock the heal in so that foot doesn’t slide. In super technical stuff I get a bit of lateral sliding but that will happen with almost all shoes.

Or Topo Mtn Racers. Went from SG to these and loving the Topos

I'm another fan of the Topo Ultraventure 4s. I got them in regular and wide and like them both. It's cold where I live and I like being able to fit thicker socks in the wides. My foot (as measured by Fleet Feet's scanners) is D width (women's wide) at the forefoot and my heels are really narrow so Topo's shape works well for me. I also have a pair of men's (for a little extra width) Hoka Stinson ATR 7s that I really love. Ooh and a pair of Mtn racers that I love the fit of but my arthritic feet can only handle about 3 miles in.

Topo mtn racer might scratch that itc h if you've got wide feet like me

I’ve been in these since release. I’m liking them for distance. I find myself in Mountain Racers for particularly scrambly days, where I’m not as secure with a big maxy sole. But for covering long distances they’ve become a favorite.

Topo Mtn Racer. I had a very narrow shoes before, but this was very comfy. Ran a few ultras in them. Lasted like 1200km.

I was really excited for this one, but the shape was too narrow/tapered for my feet, even in the wide version. I figured I'd give them a go nonetheless, but I ran into the same issue with other Topos (Terraventure, Mtn Racer) where the part at the base of the laces digs sharply into the top of my foot/toes, even when fully untied. Ultraventure 4s in wide are the only shoes on the market I've found so far that fit my wide mid-forefoot/high volume feet, but unfortunately the Vista was pretty much dissimilar in every way in my experience. Still on the lookout for a shoe with the mid-forefoot fit of the Ultraventure but with a bit more aggressive outsole.

I have been running in TOPO for a few years and I find them very reliable :) it’s not zero drop but not very high maybe 4mm

Topo mtn racer ! They have a wide toe box and a reasonable drop … I find them perfect for dry or mountain races (if it’s very muddy then the saucony peregrine but not durable at all)

This is amazing to hear from a fellow TBI survivor and kudos to you for continuing your running. For your trail feedback a shoe with a minimal stack of cushion underfoot typically gives the best feedback. But you also should consider that most thin or minimal shoes might also have a rock plate in them but also if the cushioning is soft or firm it will influence the feedback with firmer usually being better feedback. Zero drop being the answer for feedback is flat out wrong. Zero drop does not equal less foam underfoot, case in point is the Altra Olympus. Very high stack and stiff shoe with zero drop. Also the minimal shoe won’t offer you protection so be mindful of how long you might be able to run in the shoe even while you are slowly getting used to the minimal protection. Consider that even if there is a great option for the minimal shoe that fits the bill for your ground feedback but doesn’t allow you to run even 50% of the length of runs you’d like to be running, well than that is kind of a useless option. I think having a shoe that fits your foot better and better communicates where the shoe is on your foot also outweighs the pure ground feedback as it is more predictable of shoe. Totally my bias but I have fit shoes at Running stores for 15+ years so I’m going to be at least a little biased. Most trail shoes now have Vibram outsole which is really the benchmark for other brands to match. I have personally had multiple pairs of Saucony trail shoes with their Powertrack outsole have every bit as good as traction as Vibram. From Saucony, I believe the Peregrine to have great trail feedback in addition to the Powertrack outsole. Also the traction from Salomon Contagrip is widely regarded as equitable to Vibram. From Salomon, their S-lab pulsar 3 is a fantastic shoe with fairly minimal cushioning, and a firmer cushion that also relays feedback well. I know Inov8 is well regarded for their grip with incredibly tall lugs, sometimes 6-8mm lugs, but those super tall lugs feel like shit on anything but very soft ground that they can dig into. Think about what kind of dirt you have and that will also play a part in the lugs that will grip better. Inov8 definitely fits the category for tall lugs and minimal cushioning for several of their shoes. Altra Maxtrack outsole has been fine but I’ve found it to be not quite up to par with Vibram/Contragrip/Powertrak. Altra with Vibram outsoles has been good but definitely shoot for a lower stack that you can run with and put the mileage you would like to run in. Topo Mtn Racer with Vibram outsole is great grip but might leave trail feedback be desired. I find Topo to fit more locked in overall than Altra. Hoka Zinal is a great minimal trail shoe but leaves traction to be desired unless you have quite hard pack dirt. Hope this helps. Thank you for reading my novel. I apologize

I like the Topo Mtn Racer on rugged terrain.

Topo Mtn Racer would be at the top of my list. Terraventure was a little stiff and hard for me, but might be up your alley.

On streets, I go with the Saucony Endorphin line. On trails, Topo MTN Racers or Hoka Speedgoat.

Am running it to. Just finished Zion 100M using Topo Mtn Racer and will be doing same for Kodiak

Topo pursuit for zero drop, I love a lot of the other ones tho. Like mtn racer or terraventure 

Topo Mtn Racer and Topo Ultraventure are good trail options

I would also consider Topo. I find the fit of Altras a bit sloppy but Topo was much better in the midfoot.

LS Prodigio, Merrell Agility Peak and Topo MTN Racer as my go-tos. LS Bushido for techy shorter stuff. Saucony Peregrine ST for mud. Old pair of Cascadias with screws for the snow and ice.

I really like my Topo MTN racers! Switched to them from Altra lone peaks and I find the toe box to be larger + way more comfy for my wide feet.

Why not look for lighter options within Topo like the Mtn Racer or the Pursuit?

Topo Ultraventure for cruising on smoother trails and Topo MTN Racer for a firmer ride and better grip on more technical terrain.

You will sacrifice speed with approach shoes so it depends if you want to hike or also do some running. I do everything in trail runners. I know people who bring climbing shoes for some objectives, but not the ones you mention. As long as your scrambling, I don't think you will need to bring more than 1 pair of shoes (bar if you do a snow/ice/glacier objective and want to bring mountaineering boots). Shoes I've worn: Salomon Sense Ride, Salomon Slab Genesis, Norda 001, Topo Mountain Racer. All give more more than enough grip and confidence on hard scrambles.

Topos could work for you. Or maybe they don't. Yes it's true they cater to wider feet. To be honest, for scrambling I do prefer a slightly more snug feel around my foot. Even if that gives me a slightly pinchy feeling. Too wide and your foot can slide around a bit in the shoes which you want to avoid. I got a pair of Altras this spring and while very comfortable, they absolutely suck on technical terrain. There are lots of shoes that are not narrow nor wide and that mould well to your specific foot. I have really enjoyed the Salomon Slab Genesis in that regard, but they're rather pricey and not super durable when you scramble a lot with them.

Agree that Topo shoes are a good alternative. I got the Mtn Racer when switching from Altras.

I want to love mine but really struggle with them. The arch is so high, it took me 3-4 runs to lace them so the bottoms of my feet stopped going numb. The toe box seemed nice but even with a solid heel lock, my toenails are falling off for the first time from downhills. Just my 0.02 for anyone who might have had these issues and be looking into these shoes! They’ve got great grip and cushion for super technical and rocky stuff. I was wearing them mostly on dirt and gravel and recently took them to the mountains which definitely helped me like them more.

I’ve taken my Topo MTN racer’s up Longs, Capitol, and multiple laps up Freeway on the 2nd flatiron. The wide toe box isn’t great for the class 5 moves on freeway but I’d say they’re the perfect scrambling shoe if you’re looking for something for class 3/4. I like a lower drop shoe for scrambling because I feel more centered/connected to the ground. I also use them as my primary on any technical trail run less than 8 miles and they’re great.

I already replied to the OP but yes I think that must have happened here. Take a look at your title- that's what people are responding to, because there aren't trail shoes that compensate for weak ankles. it sounds like you just need shoe recs and have had ankle concerns before though? You're right that better shoes will make a difference. Can you go somewhere and try on different pairs? my personal favorite for gnarly terrain are topo mountain racers.

currently in tears because my new MTN racers didnt arrive before my trip to the NE 😂 I did get a pair of vistas too to try but not sure how I'll feel with full stack on new trails (to me)

I have both. Mountain Racer 3 has a little more cushion and a 5mm drop IIRC. The Mountain Racer doesn't drain very well. The Pursuit 2 fits me a little better and seems to cause less rubbing on my heel. It drains better and is 0 drop. Both solid shoes, I'd probably give the Pursuit 2 a slight edge. Ultraventure 3 is solid as well. High cushion and 5mm drop.

I don't have a pair of Lone Peaks, but I have some other Altras (Escalante/Paradigm), and they don't seem as wide in the toe box as my Topo Athletic shoes. If you like the Lone Peak, check out the Pursuit 2. Some other shoes, such as the Ultraventure, also come in wide.

MTN Racer is a good option as well. I have both. They are similar, but MTN Racer has more stack height and more aggressive lugs.

I switched to trail runners after years of wearing boots for two main reasons: comfort and quick drying. Hiking Boots and Hiking Shoes made my feet ache and sweat after just a couple of hours of hiking; therefore, I looked for an alternative. I heard about hikers wearing trail shoes, and since I was a runner, I thought I'd give it a try, so I did, and I never went back. I wear Altra Lone Peak (flexible, comfy), Topo Mtn Racer (stiff), and Hoka Speed Goat (comfy, bouncy), depending on my mood in that order. My go-to is the Altra Lone Peak as they have a rock-plate and are zero-drop. I just find them to be like a glove, allowing me to "feel" the ground when I hike. I have hiked extensively in Pennsylvania, a place that I believe is one of the rockiest places on earth. Rocky as in, the trail is rocks where every rock is pointy and the points all face upward ready to pierce your foot. For reference: I've hiked all over the West and consider the Rocky Mountains to be comfortable by comparison. If you want to really protect your feet, then Topo Mtn Racer or Hoka Speed Goats will give you that added bit of protection, and a bit of bounce. As far as grip goes, all three are excellent. It's truly amazing how good they are at gripping scree, sand, and unstable terrain. I do caution when it comes to wet and slick rock though - for that, I have no answer, but good luck. My Altra Lone Peaks saved me from nearly sliding off a cliff on sandy terrain in Arizona, kept my footing bouldering up a mountain in Pennsylvania, and across a ridgeline of scree along Mount Hood in Oregon.

Topo Mountain Racer!

Just picked up a pair of mountain racers, snug fit with a wide toe box and they feel great

I say this with an active request to be buried in my altar LP 6s (which now have the equivalent traction of a house slipper) but it's Topo mountain racers. 100%

I have loose ankle ligaments. My lowest drop trail shoe, the MTN Racer, is what what I’ve rolled my ankle in the most. My highest stack, Trabuco Max, I’ve rolled it the least. Not saying lower = more rolls, but I don’t think you’ll a big improvement with lower drop. Ankle strength work, ankle brace or wrap

oddly, I find the Topo MTN Racer very unstable as an overpronator. I collapse more in that shoe than any other trail shoe I've owned (other than the FujiSpeed).

I really like my Topo MTN Racers!

Don’t know, as I haven’t tried the other ones. Mtn racer has some drop, iirc. I’ve mostly been running in the topo mt-series (1-4) and some runventures and terraventures, and compared to all of those, the pursuits have less ground feel and more cushion, which i appreciate on longer runs.

I really like my Topo MTN racer! On the road my easy day shoe is New Balance 1080 so I like a cushioned shoe too..

Totally feel you when a shoe hits just right and then disappears, it’s the worst. Maybe check out Altra Lone Peak or Topo Athletic MTN Racer? Both have that comfy, low-drop, grippy vibe.

Salomon (Ultra Glide and Speedcross) and Topo Mountain Racer here.

I think I have a similar foot to you - front is wide due to bunions but the rest of my foot is regular width. I absolutely love my Topos - I discovered them last year and am currently on my second pair of the Ultraventures (my pick for easy/mild trails) and first pair of Terraventures (good for muddy/rooty/technical trails). I still use some of my other shoes but the Topos quickly became the ones that I always reach for. I think the mtn racer is supposed to be a good all rounder - I found it wasn’t quite wide enough in the toe box for me, but I think they might be bringing out/have brought out a wide version.

If the trail is local to you then I’d ask some local running shops what shoes they like best for the terrain around you. I personally like to have a rotation of shoes for different conditions, but a few that I think are decent all rounders (cushioned enough that you won’t be in pain if you’re running on road, deep enough lugs that you’re not going to slide around the second there’s a little bit of mud, stack height not so high you’re likely to break your ankles as soon as there’s rocks and roots, etc) are the Salomon Ultraglide, On Cloudultra, North Face Flight Vectiv, Topo Mtn Racer, New Balance Hierro. Hoka Speedgoats probably fall under there too but I found them a bit clunky on anything technical and they only lasted 400km (I can usually get double that from a shoe).

I got the same big toe rub in the MTN Racer but 1/2 sized up and added Sole active medium insoles for the support and toe room I needed. I did need to use a heel lock lacing method for stability, but only on really choppy trail sections. I went to Topos after the Speedgoat 5s gave me width and arch stress problems. I tried the Ultraventure 4s in my regular size and didn’t get the toe rub experienced in the same sized Racers. I’ll be testing the fit and durability of those with a spring purchase and hope to get the 700+ miles I got from the MTN Racers.

I picked up some Gel Trabucos here recently and love them. Other shoes I have been wearing are xodus ultras, mtn racers and brooks catamount. Fit wise I love them, they feel stable and enough cushion while not being clunky like my catamounts.

I prefer relatively light weight low to medium stack shoes with cushioning on the medium-firm side like the Peregrine, Torrent, and Topo MT. There are lower stack and lighter shoes out there but the above are just the ones I've used and liked. Most snow in my area is soft even when packed so shoe cushioning isn't needed. Lower stack for better balance, firmer cushioning for less energy loss to the ground so it doesn't feel like I'm slowing down too much. Light weight to partially offset the penalty of spikes/traction device for snow that is hard frozen and slippery.

Altra LP, Saucony Perigrine, Topo MT or Terraventures, Brooks Cascadia, and the list goes on. I am biased for Altra Lone Peaks for its ultimate comfort. The Olympus are a bit chunky for trails in my opinion but it is up to you to try them on and decide. Altra LP are comfortable out of the box. The outsole is durable and work well for most conditions. If you run on wet trails, find a shoe with Vibram outsole (Olympus for Altra). IMO, on trails the lower the drop the better. The zero drop is very unnoticeable. Most moderate and harder trails are constantly changing under foot, having a drop of greater than 4mm for me is detrimental for stability. If you are running easy trails or gravel paths a regular road shoe will be fine. The advantages of a trail shoe are foot protection, water drainage and grip. Otherwise a pair of road shoe can handle flat paths of gravel or packed dirt just fine. Go to a specialty store and try try, try. Remember sales associates can give good advice......but they can also be misinformed or biased. They can recommend but you need to make the decision based on your preferences.

I just switched to Topo. I went with a 5mm drop but it checks the other boxes. I have not put much time on them but out of the box I'm happy. Altra shoes started wearing out way to fast.

I've got a couple Topos as well and I love the fit, but the arch is too high for me, and the midsole is very 'meh' and seems to break down a lot faster than other brands.

Topos if you need arch support, altras if you don’t. I was planning on making the switch from altras to topos but the arch support in topos would make my feet hurt. I don’t have wide feet, but love the roomy toe box. The midfoot and heel fit almost perfect after using the runners knot. Lone peaks for the trail and escalantes for the road.

I recently switched to Topos after similar issues with the newer lone peak models. They have some more bounce, which took some adjustment, but now I like them lot!

Both my Topos ripped open in under 400-miles this year. Never had that issue with Altra. One of the Topos didn’t even last 200

Seconding everyone saying Topos. I have short but wide feet (I call them my hobbit feet) to the point where a pair of On Clouds once made my feet bleed on an easy 10-mile jog by compressing them so severely, and Topos are the only shoes I'll wear (tried Altras but the 0-drop thing doesn't work for me).

I also got PF from dabbling in topos after being an Altra user for years. It's too bad because they are so much better in many respects but the arch just doesn't work for me.

I have wide feet and went from Hoka to Topo because the Hokas were narrow and with the extra cushion I rolled my ankle occasionally. About 300 miles on the Topos and so far so good. Holding up better than my Altras did (shoe before the Hoka). I do miss the cushion. I got some inserts for them to get some cushion and they changed where the heels rubs and I could starts feeling a hot spot inside the first ten miles. Sinai took them out and just live with the reduced cushion. And that has been OK. I’ve kind of tuned out my feet hurting after like ten or so. I was talking to a guy once and said that your feet stop hurting. I decided after that is not entirely true. I think it is you just stop caring that your feet hurt…

I’ve switched almost entirely to trail runners including on a lot,of rugged terrain. I did find that when I was using Hokas that I had an increased tendency to roll my ankle after about ten miles. I like the padding, but have found lower drop shoes to be better for this. Altras are good, but I destroy them in about 300 miles. Trying Topos right now. Not as padded, but low drop with a wide toe box and they seem to be holding up better.

Trail runner will be fine. I was talking to a guy recently that said the AT requires real boots. But even by his argument, trail runners will be fine. The thing with trail runners is when you are tired, it is easier to roll your ankle. I have only found this to be a concern when I was using Hoka. Altras and Topos have less to zero drop and they don’t have this occur for me. Though Altras kind of suck for durability (expect 300 miles unless they fixed things). And Topos have less padding and are not as comfortable.

Topo is the correct answer. Go with Altras if you dont mind your achilles blowing up

Durability aside, try on both shoes. If you’re not thru-hiking then durability doesn’t matter much. Yeah, it’ll be annoying if they give out sooner than you expected, but the comfort can be worth the money. For me, Altras are the most comfortable by far. I wanted to switch to Topos due to the rave reviews and the vibram sole, but I had to immediately return them due to their pronounced arch support. My feet hated them and my altra trail runners and road shoes are the most comfortable shoes for my feet I’ve ever worn. I was late to the game so I’m sure I missed out on the glory days, but until another company comes out with a wide toe box and no arch support trail runner it’s altra all the way for me.

Like u/Responsible-Walrus-5 said, fit is the most important thing. That being said I used to hike with Altras, but on my first thru hike a friend and I both bought pairs of Altra LPs in a trail town, and in about a week both our pairs of shoes fell apart, and we weren't even hiking long days or in crazy terrain. Earlier models were much better (which is why I used them before that). If both fit you well, go with Topo, I switched to them a couple years ago and I've been very happy, but ultimately if they don't fit your foot, you're better off with Altras.

Trail runners all the way, trail runner technology has come a long way! They’ll be more breathable and lighter than boots. Altras are a classic thru hiking shoe but don’t have great longevity. Topo, Saucony, and Brooks I’ve had good experience with all of them. There’s also Salomon and Merrell, but I’ve never tried them. I’d recommend ordering a few pairs off of REI to try them out. You can return them even after using them.

+1 for anything Topo. Wide toe box and zero drop. They’re my go to for road and trail now

I highly recommend Topo Trail runners. I have wide feet and they are fantastic. I use them for all of my running now, road and trail. My current pair is the Runventure 4's and theyre fantastic. vibram sole and lightweight. roomy toe box. They are definitely worth checking out

I love Topo trail runners. Every person has a different foot & will likely find comfort in different shoes, but the wide toe box concept was a life altering discovery for me. I think several companies make shoes with wide toe box, but I like the fact that Topo makes durable shoes with wide toe box that are not all zero drop. I know many that love Altra as well, but most of their shoes are zero drop. To each their own 🤷

+1 for Topos. I have wide feet and they are great

Non goretex trail runners Topo are my jam. Big wide toe box. Altra is my second choice

I’ve gotten 500+ miles on several Topo models, though I hear Norda 001 last even longer.

If you as me Altra is terrible. The quality over the years has went down the drain. Topo Athletic has now passed them as the most popular shoe for thru hikers.

Topo for sure. I made the move from New Balance to Topo and haven't looked back

One more YES for Lone Peak. Are you used to shoes with a bigger toe box? If so, they'll be great and you should be fine on rocky terrain. I find the Topo more smurf-like than the Lone Peaks. Too marshmallow-ey for my taste. I think the switch to 0 drop is minimal. I wouldn't over think it, but you'll know.

The ones that fit you. The problem with shoe/pack recommendations is that everyone's fit needs are different. By all means, try the Altras and the Topos! But I suggest trying as many shoes on as you can, preferably from a retailer with a great return policy so you can wear them around your house. Of course it's pretty well impossible to mimic the conditions of actual hiking while keeping the shoes returnable, especially for several days or weeks in a row. I personally have a really hard foot to fit. I have narrow, low volume feet and I tend to get some degree of heel slippage in pretty much any type of "athletic" shoe ( I always lace with a heel-lock). So I usually have to try on several pairs and am the most annoying person at the store. I personally find European brands like La Sportiva, Salomon, or Scarpa to be the safest bet - but I rarely ever see those brands recommended compared to Altra or Topo.

I went to Topo from Alta and I’m very happy.

I'll put another vote in for Topo

Topo Athletic. I’ve heard the Pursuits aren’t as durable but the models I’ve tried hold up really well to abuse.

New Balance Hierro comes as wide as 4E for men and 2E for women. Topo is also legit wide. I wear a women's D width and their wide shoes are TOO wide for me. That never happens with my hobbit feet 😂

Topos are slightly less disappointing in terms of durability. 

I keep trying other shoes and keep coming running back to Topo. They make the perfect shoes for my feet.

TOPO’s fall apart. We called them Tape-o’s in my tramily and they were hell for one of our guys. Hoka’s are good but you can’t really feel the trail/ground because they’re moon boots, but comfy.

Topo athletic is worth looking into if you liked the wide toe box of Altras. They typically have minimal drop (0-5mm depending on the model), and so far durability has been good for me. The ones I've tried seem to have slightly more volume in the shoe, so on steeper grades it's been tougher for me to get my foot locked in well without over tightening, but that's the only negative I've got for them with my feet.

My Topos gave up after <400 mi…

Topo are standard wide toe box... and everyone I know that wore altra have now gone to Topo here in the UK.

Mm ditto. Currently four pairs. Speed cross, and a topo. i dont remember which one. Theyre minimalistish and a race prize. (Total brag).. I have plenty fine arches and their inserts or whatever hurt my feet without a super plush sock. But also a pair of torins and asics, gel contented? Idk. They were on sale $60. Good shoe though. New balance has, or had at least a less expensive trail shoe. I thought they were great and transitioned from trail to road on them regularly. Also I wear my torins on steep trail all the time.

I've been having good luck with the Nike Pegasus Trail 4, with the caveat that at 240# they felt too mushy/squishy in stock form. I dug out my Superfeet insoles and put them in, and that combo is working well. I've also had good luck with Topo Athletic trail shoes in stock form, but they're typically lower drop than I'm looking for these days. My shoes do tend to poop out around 250 miles, but whatcha gonna do.

Another former Altra guy that switched to Topo!

Altra makes shoes that are more that zero drop now but I've already been using Topo (a shoe with a similarly wide to box) for years. They both have a great foot shape for so many people, but it's advisable to change your drop gradually. Standard American tennis shoes have a drop of 12mm The Topos I run in have 5mm Altra has options for 0mm, 3mm, and 5mm if I remember correctly

I also switched from hoka SG to topo (green ones I forget) 300 miles into the PCT and it actually removed the knee pain I had had for years that was ironically caused by hokas

IME, Topo is wider farther back in the foot compared to Altra, plus give a little more support back further along the arch. This suits my wide feet well as Altra can sometimes rub where my lateral metatarsal joints are. Hope that helps.

Im a former altra guy. Topo is it for me. Fully worth a try. I also like the norda 002, but they are not quiiiiiite as wide, but I have ~1800 k on my first pair, and 600+ on my second pair.

Topo is your answer. Norda also great buy spendy

Seventy fifth vote for Topos.

I wore Altra for a few years and switched to Topo... they seem better quality and last longer. I do wear the trail runner (Pursuit) as an everyday shoe and it has held up really well even on concrete. I know it won't last as long because of this, but I just found them so comfortable I don't care. I just purchased the Ultraventure as well but haven't worn them yet.

Topos are super comfy but I couldn't imagine running an ultra in them. I loved my topos but started using the xodus ultra 4 when I needed a technical shoe and my topos got demoted to my road shoe haha. I mostly run on rocky terrain in the mountains so not trying to say anyone else would have the same experience as me especially if you run on more frequented trails.

I can't speak for everyone's experience, but topos for me are better for groomed trails. I have used them in the mountains but much prefer my sauconys over topos on rocky technical terrain.

Agreed. That’s why topo>altra. Altra is so sloppy at the heel where topo really starts narrowing the upper from the midfoot to the heel. Merrell could also have some really good shoes but are so sloppy at the heel.

The Topo big toe rub! Finally, someone else with the same issue as me! It was such an annoyance for me on the PCT in '22, and to my surprise, even their newer models do it to me. It's a tragedy, bc I love the way their shoes feel on me smh Yes actually, I'm currently trying out the Hoka Speedgoat 5s and love them. I never saw myself as a high-cushion shoe person, but they're greattt, just absolutely eat whatever surface you throw @ them. Feels like you have a rock-plate almost. **Just make sure to size up!**

Hey honestly would recommend your comfortable trail shoes with some good vibram sole and a deep cleat. Altra is a good option. I’ve also enjoyed topo. Something more oriented to climbing isn’t going to have good running hiking support. And in both it’s best to be comfortable in your gear

I’ve been really happy with my topo. Before that used only Altra

Topo athletic, stared using them about two years ago and they have the same roomy toe box altra has but with better durability imo

I'm a huge Topo fan. I've been wearing them for years, but lately, I've been going through them like candy. I'm considering switching brands - considering I've been brand loyal for years, this says a lot coming from me. Hopefully, you have better luck, because imo, they are the most comfortable shoe, and I like how they have different mm drops.

Hoka speedgoats were recommended via a place that goes Gait testing etc. I love the speedgoats for comfort they are great to hike in. Unfortunately their souls and the desert are very incompatible and they will wear out fast, so if you are expecting 500 miles per shoe, the hokas will not hit that, especially in the first 700 miles. Disappointed that I barely made the 260 mark on no tread, I switched to topos. Comfortable, love the toe box, and I got to say they designed a really intelligent shoe. I really really liked them, and they were very durable. Unfortunately by Wrightwood I was having knee issues I've never had before. I saw blaze Physio and she showed me how I was walking in those shoes. The solution according to her? Where Hoka speedgoats. I continued to wear them to hikertown, and gave someone they very good condition topos for my new rei ordered speedgoats and she was right. So how you walk really matters for the shoes you wear and these two different a lot. I really wish topos made a sole more like the speed goat or that hoka made a more durable shoe. At home I'm getting closer to 400 miles with the speed goats in pnw hiking but that desert Sands them down fast

I wear minimalist/barefoot/zero drop shoes day to day. I also hiked 1300 miles of PCT including all of JMT (well, the large part that overlaps) wearing a mix of Altras and Topos. I much prefer the Topos as simply much more durable and a bit more supportive, well worth the small weight penalty. Currently rocking the Traverse model. The year after my big hike, I attempted to hike a pretty tough 120-mile section "off the couch" using Vivo barefoot shoes instead of tried-and-true Topos. It was a total disaster. By mile 13, the soles of my feet were two giant blister cushions. I hobbled out the next day nearly crying from pain and hitched home, utterly defeated. Turns out padding and isolation from scorching hot jagged/sloped black basalt surfaces is important. So yeah, as u/_m2thet says, barefoot is good for maintenance of foot strength and gentle tread in normal, less demanding life conditions. Then when you put your feet to a hard test, you still want all the protection you can get.

Topos. Absolutely wonderful shoes. Altra is my second brand I go to but Topo quality is better IMO.

The real answer is they can be awesome if they work for YOUR feet. People with narrow feet and a high arch tend to hate them and they can even cause a high arch to collapse from lack of support. My feet, on the other hand, are wide and flat so Altra has always felt great for me. Recently I have switched over to Topo. My problem with Altra is that anything with more cushion than the Lone Peaks loses too much foot volume with the increased padding. The Topos give me the extra padding, more inline with an Altra Timp, but don't squish my mid foot like the Timps do. I still wear Lone Peaks 9's from time to time, but I have less fatigue in my feet with the Topos.

I definitely rolled my ankles more in Speedgoats than I do in my topos or lone peaks. But I don’t think it’s as much about stack height as it is about forefoot width. Just having a wider base helps a lot for the stability, for me at least

Topo’s. Altra grip sucks whereas Topo use Vibram so you don’t fall over as soon as it rains. The new Inov-8 fits in wide are pretty good too - less toe room but good width through the midfoot. Topo are pretty standard fit in the midfoot (I’ve not tried a wide fit of theirs) so depends where your foot is wide.

Yep. Also have a very wide forefoot but a narrow heel. Topos fit great. They're low drop but not zero drop, not hard to get used to especially for trail.

I love Topos (I have \~ 5 pairs) including a pair of Phantoms for road training, but FWIW I don't use them as my road race shoes. I have a pair of Saucony Endorphin Speeds for that, the carbon plate makes them feel faster (dunno if they are, may be entirely psychological, but it's fun).

I'm a hiker, but also a singer (amateur, but singing with competent choral groups). The singing group did a tour of Ireland one year, and France another. I bought a pair of black on black trail runners, and used them throughout the trip (concert dress was all black). Worked great. Similarly, our family did an ecotour in Brazil a year ago. I picked dark-colored Topa trail runners for that trip as well. Another good choice.

Dozens- hoka, altra, topo, speedland and mount to coast. Rotate them all kinda. Two different sizes. I am a big guy and don’t cheap on my shoes. Whatever it takes to get the miles in.

I have been in zero drop shoes for about 10 years. Altras have always been the most comfortable for me, but they just don’t last very long. I’m 6’3” 215 pounds, so your results may be better. I’ve pretty much settle on Topos for their decent durability. Since you have narrow feet, you might look at something from Astral. The compound they use for their sole (G rubber) is amazing. Like walk over wet, moss covered rocks with zero shits given type of amazing. I have a wide, high volume forefoot so they just aren’t great for me overall. My Goldilocks would be Altra comfort/Topo quality and durability/Astral sole

I’m a pretty big fan of Topo Athletic trail shoes. Very wide toe box and their durability beats Altra IMO.

I also have an unusually wide foot and I have a love hate relationship with Topos. Love how wide they are but hate that the highest drop shoe they offer is 5mm. Not everyone is into the low drop trend. So basically for me it’s either a shoe that’s not quite wide enough but has a higher drop or a shoe that is wide enough but lower drop. Not to mention that Topo is just a newer brand is definitely still just figuring it out. The durability / quality of the shoes isn’t quite top notch despite $150+ price tags. Disappointing shoes but unfortunately the best compromise for me right now

Your best bet is to find one of the prior generation of current shoes (Speedgoat 5, Topo, Altra, Salomon etc). Anything is going to be light years ahead of chucks in terms of traction and support. Head to your local run shop , let them know your budget and try on as many as you can - every make/model fits differently and everyone has different feet , trying on in person is the best way to make sure you get the most value for your dollars. Good luck 👍

I like Topo. I have similar feet and they have a great heel to toe ratio. I went up a size from my normal. Although, they don't wear as well as the Hokas in my experience. The front of the soles are peeling off after around 300 miles.

I did the AT this year. I would say 80% of us were Topos and 20% in Altras. Altras have a zero drop which is bad if you have calf/Achilles/plantar fascia tightness. I used to hike in Hoka Speedgoats until they made the toe box more narrow.

Another for Topa. I got the Terraventures recently as I wanted a wider toebox than my Hoka Mafates. Toebox is now great, but the rest of the Topo fit js a bit too wide for me 😅

Altra Olympus or Topo brand shoes. They’re the best out there. I live in Altras and recently discovered Topo. They’re just as comfortable. I haven’t worn hiking boots in 6+ years now for backpacking, hiking, scrambling, nothing, and I’m better for it

Every shoe will work for people differently. I did the first half in Topos and got terrible Achilles tendinitis and planter fasciitis. Made the switch to speedgoats at Shasta per the recommendation of the shoe guy and all symptoms started to get better. Though I had planter fasciitis until February the following year haha

Just got back from there on Saturday. I used my carbon trekking poles and Topo Designs trail runners I use for backpacking. Didn't regret either choice. I did store the second trekking pole after about 45 minutes of walking, since I found that one was enough and I liked having a free hand for grabbing the walls or whatever from time to time. The only regret I had was wearing Sealskinz "water socks" -- the kind that have a plastic layer inside two fabric layers. I would have preferred just using my wool hiking socks since my feet were drenched on the first step in the water anyway and the water was warm enough I didn't need the insulation effect. They were completely comfortable for 10 miles over nearly 5 hours in the water, but they were not needed.

Topo has zero drop. I went through xero trail shoes they were alright. Altras tend to fall apart these days.

Altra has the widest toe box out there. I think the ONLY possible other option to consider is LEMs. But that is why your toes are tight in others and Altra's are so comfy- best toe box. LEMs I tried on recently were also great! I have been a die hard Altra for more than a decade for all activities. But tried TOPO recently- and they are ok- but not as good on toe box. Lems were the same as I am used to with Altra- and seem to have a better lug (better on rocky terrain).

Another vote for Topo.

Topo athletic has a big toe box.

Topo makes great shoes Edit: I had Altras that were trash, but I love my topos

Altras are junk (I’ve tried two pairs) Topo Athletic are much better

If they're less than a year old, submit a warranty claim with Topo. They replaced a pair of my Topo's, no problem, when some fabric in the lining failed prematurely.

Topo. I run in the for road and trail.

Topo. I’ve backpacked everywhere in them. I prefer trailventure 4. Traverse is a mid narrow in the last, so they decided to sell it in a wide. Met a retired topo sales rep on the Colorado trail and he swears by the mountain racer. That’s going to be my next shoe.

Altras or topos....stable, but not sure they are "affordable". Agreed with others, no such thing as ankle support, but stability for sure. I had a pair of Saucony that felt great, but were ankle sprainers beyond a doubt. Running in Topos and Inov-8s now.

Ever give Topo’s a try? I grabbed a pair that was on clearance at REI a few years ago, and alternated them with my Cascadias, and really liked them, but now they’re mainly my gravel cycling shoe

I love a wide toe box but can’t do zero drop. I don’t like the lack of push off and I’ve had plantar fasciitis in the past which is not suited for zero drop. I use Topo and Altra low heal to toe drop but not zero.

I had Ultra LP then changed to Topo, but have gone back to Altra LPs. I know the quality has been an issue, but my Topos also started showing signs of wear and tear early on.

I have 3 pairs. 1 each for trail, road, and treadmill. Currently all Topo shoes though I also use Altras on occasion.

Moved 2 years ago. Escalate and Timp feel apart. Ordered another timp and the build was sick low quality only 1 made it into my foot and returned. Topo is my brand now. Done with Altra

I wanted to like them - love the toe box and zero drop. But the mid foot is too narrow for me.

I’ve owned a few pies of topos over the years and my foot always spills over the outside of the sole

I bought some topos before my altras for running. I can't vouch for the material build quality but the midfoot was way too narrow, the toe box was a bit pathetic and the strange feeling of a structured insole with a very cushioned midsole was disconcerting. The worst part was the awful midfoot. Some "normal" shoes have a wider midfoot. I returned them and was relatively happy with my altras 9+ wide instead.

Topo, Altra and recently Inov-8 have adopted ‘Foot-shape’ style shoes that are wider een less pointy in the front.

Google will never get you there. And even individual reviews can be biased. You’re gonna have to try them on and see what works for you. “These run narrow” or “these run wide” is BS. It’s all relative to the individual. Sounds like you want a “low” and not a “mid”. And we’re immediately going to rule out Oboz and Keen and Merril. Try Solomon, try Topo, try even a bushido by La Sportiva.

My buddy had a pair of topo’s on his GR11 thru hike. I was with him for the first 18 days of it and by the end the top of the shoes by the tongue was completely worn through, so that the plastic-y interior material was coming through. They also had a hole in the side that I had to sew up for him. The soles were in reasonably good nick tbf, and the GR11 is a pretty tough trail, but the shoes were brand new at the start or the hike

Norda’s definitely worth it IMO. £250 in the UK, and I’m on my second pair. The first pair is still wearable, but the tread is nearly gone under the ball of my foot, but they have done about 800 miles of hiking and probably 4-500 of running. My first trail runners were a pair of Lone Peaks, which cost me about £130 in the UK, and lasted about 150 miles before they got their first hole… Norda’s are an up-front-investment but they do just last sooo much longer than any other pair. I made a comment higher up about Topo’s. My buddy who I hiked with for 18 days on the GR11 in the Pyrenees had a hole in one shoe, and both were split next to the tongue. My Norda’s were a little worn down on the sole, but aside from that were in good condition.