Topo Athletic - MTN Racer 3

As a former Altra fanboy, which included several pairs of LPs, I can vouch for the Mtn Racer 3. Much more durable, the sole/traction is infinitely better, wide toe box, and just an overall more secure feeling shoe. I am much more confident running/racing on the trails in my Topo’s than I was in Altra’s, and they’ve lasted much longer.

I’m a big fan of the Topo MTN Racer 3. I haven’t tried the MTN Racer 4 yet. Just did a 20 mile trail race on similar terrain and the shoes were fantastic. They have similar drop and a similar toe box and mid foot to the Altra Experience Wild.

Well, I did a short run in these on the treadmill this afternoon and they're not gonna work. The midfoot is just too narrow and uncomfortable, especially with the pronounced arch. I could feel it just pushing up into the side of my foot. It's like the side of my foot is just hanging over the narrow part of the midsole under my arch. Such a shame. I really dig the look of the shoe and was hoping it'd be the right choice for me. I do my long runs on the trails and am preparing for some 50k races next year. I need something that just disappears on my foot. I don't want to be thinking about hotspots or blisters or feeling something unnatural. That said, I did notice Topo makes the MTN Racer 4 in a Wide. I ordered that and hopefully it'll give me the width I need in the midfoot without making the toebox too big. Will post back here with an update after I get the 4's. Supposed to be here on Sunday.

I have this exact issue with mine. Overall I love the shoe, but I get a blister on my right foot, exactly where the arch meets the ball of my foot. I’m considering custom insoles but have no idea what to get

I have no idea where you’re hearing that altra are the gold standard, they’re usually recommended only if you need one or more of 0 drop, minimal, or wide toe box bc there are few options in those spaces. Durability issues are usually listed as their main draw back.  Personally I feel theyre somewhat overblown, as I’d always get 350-400 miles out of mine before the sides blew out.  However, that still makes them worse than all other brands I use; which almost all get 500 and I’ll stop using bc of comfort or bounce, not bc the sides explode. The newer timps have much better vibram outsoles, they’re super grippy.  Or you can try the topo mountain racer 3 if you’re not stuck on 0 drop, they’re a great shoe and durable too.

Currently IMO: Tarkine Trail Devil 2 > Topo MNTN Racer 3 > Altra Lone Peak The Tarkines feel a lot like SpeedGoats with a wider toe box and the grip isn't as good in the wet, not bad, just not as sticky as the Vibram sole on the Hokas. I did 100km race in the Topos, and they're fine in a rotation, just prefer the Tarkines. The Altras are just a bit lifeless, but I don't get blisters in them because of the toebox, so better than a standard shoe if I run long.

I've pretty much followed the same path as you and for over 100km: Tarkine Trail Devil 2 > Topo Mtn Racer 3 > Lone Peaks Although I think the LPs have the most forgiving shape and just this week, I got a pair of **Altra Experience Wild**, which are the standard Altra shape (LP are Original shape shape) but much bigger stack height and 4mm offset. They also take the Altra gaiter system, which I really like, so these may get to the top of the list- just need to get some runs in them. So, if you kinda like the LPs but want a bit more, these might be an option for you.

I had a couple pairs of the old lone peaks that lasted forever but never really had adequate traction, then I had the Olympus which I still have but they’re yardwork shoes after 250ish miles. They also never had the traction I was looking for. Then I went through 2 pairs of Timp 5s which had the traction but the first pair fell apart at 80 miles and the second pair at 140. I tried Topo mtn racer3s last week and they had the traction I want but they blistered my arches on all 3 of the runs I did in them. Returned them and got Lone Peak 9+ and I’m praying they last 300 miles.

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 have giant arches so they are a beautiful fit for me. The arch support pays off especially long distance. Never had an issue with blisters in them.

Not necessarily. My first pair of Topo Mountain Racer 2s had issues with the uppers separating from the midsole after less than 100 miles. Got reimbursed from Topo, but I’ve had issues with the shoelace eyelets tearing in my pair of the 3s. Seems few shoes are durable anymore.

I'm heavier and the SG5s are my go-tos. Also been liking the Topo MTN racer 3 of late