Shoes are a deeply private gear alternative and what works nice for one particular person is perhaps a catastrophe for one more. I’ve at all times been hesitant to assessment a pair of sneakers for that cause, however I’ve been carrying Topos for the final couple of years and was excited to present a brand new to me mannequin of theirs a attempt with the Mtn Racer 4.
These path runners notable options embrace Topo’s signature roomy toe field, Vibram outsole, and elevated cushioning. Topo Athletic has turn out to be a well-liked model within the climbing and working world as of late, and was the #1 model of shoe used on the Appalachian Path in 2024. Studying about them via the AT survey is definitely what prompted me to present Topo’s a attempt a few years in the past.
Store the Mtn Racer 4
Stack Peak: 33mm (heel) / 28mm (forefoot)Heel to Toe Drop: 5mmWeight: 10.4 OZ (M9); 8.5 OZ (W7)Gaiter Suitable: YesRock Plate: NoCushion: HighUnderfoot Really feel: ResponsiveSupport: NeutralMSRP: $155
Supposed Use
These sneakers are greatest for path working and racing. They definitely can be utilized for climbing and backpacking as nicely, however I can see how they’re geared extra in direction of runners in comparison with a few of their different fashions. For my part, the excessive cushion with out sacrificing the shoe’s responsiveness is what offers them that edge for working. I put them to the check whereas climbing, working, and racing over the course of reviewing them.
Circumstance of Evaluate
I examined the Mtn Racer 4 in all kinds of path and exercise sorts the previous couple of months. I’ve used them path working, in a path race, climbing, an in a single day backpacking journey, and even a number of highway working miles. The varied terrains I used them in included mud, some snow patches, packed path, steep and rocky path, and a few highway. I’ve put a complete of about 50 miles on them to this point.
Options
Anatomical Toe Field
All Topos have the foot form toe field many hikers have come to know and love. It’s significantly nice for these of us with vast toes (together with me). They pair this with a safe midfoot and heel, so that they’re not too free. I feel individuals with out vast toes may gain advantage from the roomy toe field— it’s actually a recreation changer and I wouldn’t return to a shoe with out it.
As many individuals discover out on thru-hikes, most individuals are cramming their toes in sneakers which are too small for them with out even realizing, resulting in foot ache and blisters. Let your toes breathe!
Vibram Outsole
Vibram is the gold commonplace in relation to traction. I do know I’ll be in good palms with any Vibram sole by way of traction and put on time. It offers me extra confidence on these rocky or moist trails.
Zip Foam Cushioning
I used to be wanting ahead to making an attempt the next cushion mannequin of the Topos. The Mtn Racer 4 has their proprietary Zip Foam which is springier than EVA and affords extra rebound over the lifetime of the shoe. I discovered the cushioning to present the advantages of froth with out being overkill and making the shoe really feel too delicate or unstable. The responsiveness of the Mtn Racer additionally allowed me to really feel the terrain very nicely— which isn’t usually what I’d count on from the next cushioned shoe— however I did admire it.
Gaiter Compatibility
The Mtn Racer 4 contains an up to date and (principally) common gaiter attachment system. That is undoubtedly a bonus for journeys while you wish to preserve extra particles out of your sneakers. I didn’t have the possibility to make use of this, however it seems to be like a strong and intuitive system.
Heel Drop
A 5mm drop falls in the course of the vary for many trainers. Heel drop is one thing that has so much to do with every particular particular person’s foot and working or strolling fashion. It’s undoubtedly one thing to pay attention to and evaluate what your toes are used to, as altering it up considerably too shortly could cause issues.
Zero drop is a well-liked possibility on the market however, personally, doesn’t work nicely for me. I normally go for a 3-5mm drop, so this shoe was nice for me.
Sturdiness
I’ve put about 50 miles on these sneakers, and to this point see no actual indicators of damage apart from the dust stains. I’ve had a number of pairs of Topos at this level, and I’ve nearly at all times changed them as a result of quantity of miles I’ve placed on them slightly than any put on on the uppers. My cue to switch them is to have a look at the cushioning and see how compressed it’s or if I discover my toes beginning to be extra sore than regular after a run or hike. To me, if the cushioning from use is the very first thing to go on a shoe, it’s doing nicely by way of sturdiness.
Match & Consolation
As talked about beforehand, the Mtn Racer 4 has a roomy toe field like all Topo Athletic sneakers. I discovered this mannequin to suit barely extra cosy within the midfoot than another Topos I’ve worn in the identical measurement (a ladies’s 10). The opposite fashions I’ve tried have been a extra climbing centered shoe (the Terraventure), and a pair highway working fashions.
They felt like they have been formed a bit in a different way than different fashions of their sneakers, which is completely regular throughout a model. The heel was additionally a bit looser. I needed to take a while to interrupt them in and hone in my lacing technique for them to work for me. After breaking them in although, they have been nonetheless a lot comfy. Sooner or later I would contemplate going up half a measurement within the Mtn Racers for only a smidge extra room within the midfoot.
These sneakers even have impartial help, which I at all times search for in a shoe, and is one other facet of a shoe that’s totally different for everybody.
Topo Mtn Racer 4 Execs
Excessive Cushion: Cushioning helps your toes damage much less, and I’m all for that! I haven’t had the possibility to make use of a path shoe with the next stage of cushion till now. It definitely didn’t disappoint.
Responsiveness: Getting additional momentum out of your shoe actually enables you to lean into the terrain you’re in, and I appreciated this from the Mtn Racer 4. I appreciated it probably the most whereas path working, however it additionally retains you going with climbing too.
Vibram Outsole: Having good traction is so vital with technical terrain, and the Vibram outsole with nice lugs on the Mtn Racer 4 will do you nicely.
Topo Mtn Racer 4 Cons
Match: This mannequin felt a bit extra cosy within the midfoot, however looser within the heel than different Topo Fashions, and took extra time to interrupt in for me. For somebody with a distinct foot form than me, this might be a very good factor.
No Rock Plate: A rock plate is at all times a pleasant addition for a path shoe, however I didn’t really feel prefer it was enormously missed. It’s at all times a steadiness of what options work collectively and you’ll select so many for one pair of sneakers.
Total
Topo Athletic has put out one other strong path shoe with the Mtn Racer 4. I’d advocate it to hikers— particularly path runners. Undoubtedly check out all of the specs to ensure it’s one thing that may give you the results you want between the heel drop, the help sort, and anything in a shoe you’re partial too.
Store the Mtn Racer 4
Comparable Merchandise
Altra Olympus
MSRP: $175Heel Drop: 0mmWeight: 12.2 oz (M) / 10.95oz (W)
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4
MSRP: $155Heel Drop: 5mmWeight: 10.4oz (M9) / 8.7oz (W7)
Hoka Speedgoat 6
MSRP: $155Heel Drop: 5mmWeight: 9.8oz (M) / 8.2oz (W)
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