“Coming from Altra Escalantes I was looking for a good wide toebox but a bit of heel left which these have at 3mm. Definitely a firmer ride compared with the squish of the Escalante but still a good running experience. Overall pretty pleased.”
“Tried these after several pairs of altra's. Like the wide toebox and the level of cushioning a bit wide in the midfoot for me but thicker sock sorted it. Overall happy with them after about 50 miles.”
“Love these shoes. Been hugely impressed with Topo shoes for a while now. They have a really good build quality which I really appreciate. I land on the outside of my fore/mid foot and Topos have a harder wearing material there. On these Fli-lite 3s it is a black rubber. It means I can easily get to 500miles+ in Topos, in most other makes I barely make it to 300.
The comfort of the shoes is superb, not just because of the (big) toe box. I've found Altras to be fine except that the midfoot is really sloppy which makes their shoes feel too clown like. The low drop, decent toe box AND secure midfoot makes Topos great.
I don't have an issue wearing these for any type of road run, including sessions. I've run over 16 miles in them and they've felt good.
Can't thank Northern Runner enough for their advice for trying Topo. I wouldn't have taken the plunge (Topos are normally sold at retail price, not a discounted like most makes sold online). Still stunned more people in the UK aren't raving about them. Well worth a try.”
“I am a woman but have wide feet and bunions, so trying out men’s running shoes for the first time, as women’s versions tend to be narrower and are hard to find above a size 8. Lovely to have a wide toe box and better for my bunion-inflicted feet. Would still like a little more depth in the shoe in the mid-foot and a more snug fit round the ankle, but that’s down to my problem feet! The low drop takes a little getting used to and I’m finding my runs harder work, but hopefully that will improve with time. Overall, my feet are much happier - a great pair of shoes.”
“not zero drop... but they might as well be.
Though these shoes have a 3mm heal drop, they feel to me like a zero drop shoe. I've spent a few years in Hokas which are a 5mm HD, and reasoned that this wouldn't be that big a departure. The difference though is huge. This isn't really a criticism as such - but if you are thinking of this as a mid step on your way to minimalism, then you should be aware that the water is deeper than you might think it is.
That said, the shoe is a lot of fun. You get a really nice wide toe box, with a really good midfoot fit. They are incredibly light weight, and the mesh is so light that when the air comes through them, you'd be forgiven for checking they are still on your feet. That light mesh has a good amount of give to it adding to comfort - but I do wonder if this will stretch as the shoe wears in. Contrary to some very minimal shoes, you also get some good arch support which I really appreciate. The sizing is a little odd, both me and my wife found that they are a little short and needed to go up a half size.
The ride is quite firm. Those who like to feel in touch with the ground will appreciate this. I've not yet taken these into longer distances, and wonder how this will feel. Over short distances though this is a fast, really fun shoe.”
