Topo Phantom 4 Evaluation | Constantly Good Really feel

Since its inception in 2019 the Phantom has turn out to be certainly one of Topo Athletic’s top-selling highway trainers. The Phantom 4 appears to be like to be sufficient of an replace to lure in curious new runners, whereas not a lot an overhaul that it’ll flip away devoted followers of the shoe.

The Phantom 4 is a excessive stack every day coach with the power to go lengthy. Its foot-shaped toe field and softer midsole additionally make it a succesful restoration run possibility.

With the Specter 2 turning into Topo’s tempo coach and the introduction of the max cushioned Atmos, the Phantom 4 has moved away from a firmer really feel to extra of a comfort-oriented one, whereas nonetheless sustaining the power to allow you to run effectively at reasonable paces.

Topo Phantom 4 Overview

I might take into account myself considerably aware of Topo’s choices. Prior to buying the Cyclone  – certainly one of my present favourite brief distance pace trainers – I attempted out the Phantom 3 and Atmos.

I used to be popping out of a marathon coaching block and I had some points with trainers with extraordinarily slender toe bins and wanted some respiratory room for my toes.

The same look and aesthetic of the New Steadiness Insurgent v2 from just a few years in the past, however with a pleasant PEBAX midsole made the Cyclone the winner over the Phantom and Atmos. I’ve usually referred to this as my mid-life disaster shoe buy; I went with the Porsche 911 after I perhaps ought to have gotten the Honda Civic.The midsole was the place I observed the largest change from the Phantom 3.

Topo has up to date this yr’s Phantom 4 with a softer formulation of their signature ZipFoam midsole compound.

The softness is a bit deceptive, nevertheless. When giving it the squeeze take a look at it feels nearly as delicate as the unique New Steadiness “Fuelcell” foam (variations 4 of their Fuelcell line are completely different compounds), however underfoot it responds a lot otherwise.

On the run you get a pleasant delicate touchdown with only a trace of bounce to it. When working on the quicker finish of my simple tempo vary I observed a firmer journey, however a softer journey at slower paces.

I did, nevertheless, discover it fairly simple to set a tempo and lock in. The rocker is gentle, its primary operate is to maintain you rolling by means of your stride quite than launching you ahead.

The outsole protection is completely different from earlier variations. Gone is the segmented rubber protection, changing it’s the single piece with very refined flex grooves that enable some flexibility whereas maintaining sufficient stiffness to go with the rocker.

There are additionally 2 rubber strips on both facet of the heel for a little bit of traction for heel strikers. Grip was good, and the uncovered midsole within the midfoot nonetheless appears to be like largely unscuffed after testing.

Topo’s current colour choices have seen some enchancment. I actually just like the Navy Blue and Citrus colorway I acquired.

It’s not fairly the loudness I choose however it beats the Black or Orange from high to backside of previous iterations. The elevated midsole heel flare provides a bit of…flare…and model synergy because it brings the silhouette nearer to the present appears to be like of their highway fashions such because the Specter, Cyclone, Aura, and Atmos.

Topo Phanton 4 Match

I might inform instantly Topo prioritized mixing consolation with their basic Topo match.

It match true to dimension in my males’s dimension 11. The toe field is spacious and roomy, providing you with loads of room for toe splay, whereas the heel and midfoot are cosy however not constricting. The step-in really feel presents consolation throughout.

The higher is extraordinarily delicate but holds the foot snugly with a barely offset lacing system that leans in the direction of the medial facet of the foot, not almost as aggressively because the Vaporfly 2, however it’s noticeable.

The tongue is just not gusseted, however Topo’s use of lace loops retains it from sliding round.

The delicate padding across the ankle collar amps up the consolation. The molded plastic heel counter helps maintain your heel in place with none undesirable stress or rubbing.

I’m not one who’s delicate to heel counters, however in case you are, take word that the padding below the heel collar is just not as plush and is likely to be observed. Topo added an exterior molded layer masking the heel and lengthening all the way in which as much as the final 3 lace holes, including a bit of construction.

My one large knock on the higher is the shortage of airflow. Regardless of the climate or the thickness of my socks, my toes have been all the time heat.

Very slight sidewalls hug the midfoot on either side, though it’s extra noticeable on the medial facet. I consider this to be partially as a result of raised arch assist present in most Topo footwear.

Who Tried it?

I’m Tim, a 44-year previous Clydesdale runner traversing the roads and seaside paths in Sunny Lengthy Seaside, California. After a few years of brain-damaging contact sports activities I discovered a love for working later in life. My favourite distance is the half marathon, however for some purpose I’ve a wholesome disdain for the 5k/10k distances. A typical week entails discovering time to run 15-25 miles per week after I’m not in coaching. After I’m not out working yow will discover me with my important different. You could find me on instagram @thetimharrison.

In search of extra path working discuss?