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I’ve liked Topo’s footwear since my first pair three years in the past. Since then, I’ve virtually solely used Topo as a result of they provide high-performing footwear in a pure foot form. That might have made me biased when testing out the Topo MTN Racer 4, however everyone knows each shoe hits a bit totally different.
Final 12 months, I accomplished a number of path runs and races, together with a 50k, within the Topo MTN Racer 3. I additionally used it as a mountaineering shoe to discover Yosemite, Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, and Vermont’s Inexperienced Mountains. After 350 miles, the higher ripped, and, grieving, I retired the footwear.
All that to say, I had excessive expectations and a bit worry that they might have modified one thing unbelievable, you recognize what I’m speaking about.
Whereas the Topo MTN Racer 4 has a number of important updates from its predecessor, it guarantees to change into my journey shoe this 12 months.
Who’s the Topo Mtn Racer 4 good for?
- Large Ft: This mannequin suits extra cosy by means of the mid-foot although the broad toe field stays the identical.
- Technical Trails: The rugged Vibram sole grips damp granite, muddy trails, and uneven terrain. The brand new waterproof sole drains water out of the shoe so you may cross streams and puddles fearlessly.
- Lengthy Runs: The MTNRacer’s plush stack peak offers loads of safety throughout lengthy runs.
- Entrance of the Pack: These are nimble and responsive with a snug rocker however are in all probability greatest for journey runs fairly than chasing the rostrum.
MTN Racer 4 is a reasonably cushioned broad toebox shoe for these tackling longer distances and difficult terrain.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Overview
I examined the MTN Racer 4’s on varied terrains together with rocks, mud, and roots. The Vibram outsoles prevented slips on moss and damp granite. I may run with confidence it doesn’t matter what challenges the path introduced.
Probably the most notable updates to the MTN Runner is the insole. Final 12 months’s insole was a luxurious Ortholite liner. Whereas I appreciated the pillowy experience, others discovered it too comfortable.
The brand new insole is Topo’s design. It’s firmer with texturing. The stiffness will increase the responsive really feel of the shoe.
I’m joyful to commerce a softer experience for the insole’s water resistance.
Path operating is commonly soggy operating. Whereas waterproofing the higher shoe can forestall some splashes from soaking your socks, it fails when water floods the shoe from above. This soaking can happen throughout rain storms or stream crossings. As soon as the within of a water-resistant shoe is moist, it won’t dry. With a water-resistant path runner, you’re one misstep from carrying a private swimming pool.
I favor footwear designed to empty. With a shoe that drains and a pair of wool socks, I can shortly and comfortably get well from puddles and splashes.
The Topo MTN Racer not solely drains water from the higher but in addition the insole resistances holding water. The older insole would change into a sponge in rainstorms, however this insole doesn’t.
Like the remainder of the Topo household, the MTN Racer 4 sports activities the pure foot form.
The toe field nonetheless accommodates the toes, however even within the toe field, this mannequin feels barely tighter than the MTN Racer 3. This shouldn’t be an issue except you even have flipper toes. When you do, dimension as much as discover that Topo magic.
This 12 months’s MTN Racer has an ideal colorway. I really like that the shoe is shiny with an accent fade. It jogs my memory of a Mediterranean wave. It’s a playful model however not obnoxious.
Whereas I in all probability won’t put on it with my denims, it’ll look nice on the beginning line of a path race.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Match
The Topo MTN Racer nonetheless sports activities the signature pure foot form however different features of the shoe’s match have been up to date. In case you are between sizes, think about buying a half-size up.
In comparison with final 12 months’s mannequin, the higher offers a safer match. The older mannequin would often shift as I ran, however the brand new match is far more safe. In case you are between sizes, think about going up one.
As somebody with higher-volume toes, the cosy match squeezes greater than hugs the foot. I most well-liked final 12 months’s looser model. However low to mid-volume toes will in all probability love the locked-in really feel.
Moreover, this mannequin’s higher material is stiffer than final 12 months’s. I think that this would be the first a part of the shoe to put on.
Topo’s magic has been making a operating shoe that permits the toes to splay whereas retaining the heel in place. I’ve a markedly broad forefoot and slim heel. (My husband says I’ve flippers as a substitute of toes.) Given my foot proportions, Topo has been my model of alternative.
Throughout all of my runs, my heel remained in place. It didn’t not slide or chaff. The additional padding supplied an extra cushion.
Talking of padding, the medium-length tongue is kind of plush, particularly in comparison with the Hoka Speedgoat. This further cushion can cut back the probability of irritating the tendons on prime of the foot, however it additionally makes the shoe tighter on high-volume toes.
The tongue is hooked up to the shoe to stop motion whereas operating. The lacing secures the foot and has extra holes for a heel lock lacing model. The oval laces are designed to withstand put on however keep tied. I discovered the laces fairly quick however didn’t expertise them untying throughout a run.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Really feel
The Topo MTN Racer affords a secure and energetic experience.
The only real building contributes to the shoe’s responsive really feel. Below my foot, the shoe’s stiff, textured insole felt agency. To enhance the firmer insole, Topo added a extra giving midsole. The Zipfoam midsole offers a light-weight and responsive base. Moreover, the MTN Racer’s bigger stack peak protected my foot from impact-related fatigue.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole supplied traction on quite a lot of surfaces. I knew I may deal with damp granite rocks with out worry.
In comparison with Topo’s Ultraventure 4, the MTN Racer has a tighter match, a extra slim toe field, and a much less roomy higher. The MTN Racer 4 is severe about trails with a full Vibram outsole whereas the Ultraventure has a hybrid, partial Vibram sole.
Topo created this shoe as a competitor to the Hoka Speedgoat 6. Each have an identical really feel. The Speedgoat is barely lighter and narrower. (Nevertheless, the distinction in width is much less pronounced this 12 months.) Each have the Vibram Megagrip soles and a rocker.
General, this shoe is a superb possibility for runners searching for a foot-shaped shoe for his or her off-road adventures.
Related Footwear to the Topo MTN Racer 4
We’ve examined a number of that really feel related, however totally different based mostly on the model match:
- Brooks Catamount 4 – One other shoe prepared to select up the tempo on technical trails however with out the broader toebox
- Topo Ultraventure 4 -Hybrid highway to path various with a extra roomy really feel)
- Hoka Velocity Goat 6– A go to path rockstar shoe with average cushion and nonetheless a good roomy match.
Able to try it out for your self?
Go discover it right here on RunningWarehouse.com for $154
88%
It is a path shoe that may have you ever feeling safe in your grip, joyful when you encounter any water and capable of decide up the tempo as wanted. It could be lacking a bit of the cushion for some lengthy distance runners, however is an total nice decide if searching for that broad toe field.
Who Tried It?
Becky Trudeau lives in New Hampshire and enjoys path operating within the mountains close to her residence. She has accomplished a number of half marathons, a mountain marathon, and a 50k with 7,000 toes of elevation. When not operating, you might discover her mountain biking, backcountry touring, cross-country snowboarding, or studying a thriller.
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