MTN Racer Series

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.

Worth noting that the MTN Racer is not waterproof (and shouldn't be)

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

Same here. The fit is very similar between the two.

topo mtn racer 4!! they meet pretty much every criteria youre looking for. amazing shoe!

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).

I have both the Topo Vista and the Mtn Racers and don't find one any more or less grippy on trails than the other. Both have good traction. Is there something about your experience with the Vista that makes you doubtful? Based on what you've written here I'd go with the Vista and have the Mtn Racers available in case you want to switch out.

Nah I’m with you and so is every trail runner I know. My blue Topo Mtn Racers have 500 miles on them and still look great. I’ve had light colored trail shoes that looked like garbage after 2 runs

Yeah I did get some heel blisters in the Mtn Racers when I stupidly ran a 100M in them without doing heel lock lacing first. Once I did the heel lock they’ve been great for me, no more blisters

I have put 500+ miles on Topo Vistas, Topo Mtn Racers, and Topo Terraventures without running into that issue whatsoever

Weird! I have flat feet and Topos don’t bother me at all. I’ve definitely experienced that high arch feeling in other shoes, but never Topos (and I have 6 different models of them!)

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.