Shoes are a deeply private gear selection and what works nice for one particular person could be a catastrophe for one more. I’ve all the time been hesitant to overview a pair of sneakers for that purpose, 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 preferred model within the mountain climbing and working world as of late, and was the #1 model of shoe used on the Appalachian Path in 2024. Studying about them by means of 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: 5mm
Weight: 10.4 OZ (M9); 8.5 OZ (W7)
Gaiter Suitable: Sure
Rock Plate: No
Cushion: Excessive
Underfoot Really feel: Responsive
Assist: Impartial
MSRP: $155
Supposed Use
These sneakers are finest for path working and racing. They definitely can be utilized for mountain climbing and backpacking as nicely, however I can see how they’re geared extra in the direction of runners in comparison with a few of their different fashions. In my view, 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 mountain climbing, working, and racing over the course of reviewing them.
Circumstance of Overview
I examined the Mtn Racer 4 in all kinds of path and exercise varieties the previous couple of months. I’ve used them path working, in a path race, mountain climbing, an in a single day backpacking journey, and even a couple 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 broad toes (together with me). They pair this with a safe midfoot and heel, in order that they’re not too free. I believe individuals with out broad toes may benefit from the roomy toe field— it’s truthfully 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 normal with regards to traction. I do know I’ll be in good fingers with any Vibram sole when it comes to 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 attempting a better cushion mannequin of the Topos. The Mtn Racer 4 has their proprietary Zip Foam which is springier than EVA and provides 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 mushy or unstable. The responsiveness of the Mtn Racer additionally allowed me to really feel the terrain very nicely— which isn’t usually what I might anticipate from a better 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 prospect to make use of this, but it surely appears to be like 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 quite a bit to do with every particular particular person’s foot and working or strolling model. It’s undoubtedly one thing to pay attention to and examine what your toes are used to, as altering it up considerably too shortly could cause issues.
Zero drop is a well-liked choice on the market however, personally, doesn’t work nicely for me. I often 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 aside from the grime stains. I’ve had a number of pairs of Topos at this level, and I’ve nearly all the time changed them as a result of quantity of miles I’ve placed on them relatively than any put on on the uppers. My cue to exchange them is to take a look at the cushioning and see how compressed it’s or if I discover my toes beginning to be extra sore than normal 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 when it comes to 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 dimension (a ladies’s 10). The opposite fashions I’ve tried have been a extra mountain climbing targeted 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 lots snug. Sooner or later I would take into account going up half a dimension within the Mtn Racers for only a smidge extra room within the midfoot.
These sneakers even have impartial assist, which I all the time search for in a shoe, and is one other facet of a shoe that’s completely different for everybody.
Topo Mtn Racer 4 Professionals
Excessive Cushion: Cushioning helps your toes damage much less, and I’m all for that! I haven’t had the prospect to make use of a path shoe with a better 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 essentially the most whereas path working, but it surely additionally retains you going with mountain climbing too.
Vibram Outsole: Having good traction is so necessary 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 special foot form than me, this could possibly be a great factor.
No Rock Plate: A rock plate is all the time a pleasant addition for a path shoe, however I didn’t really feel prefer it was enormously missed. It’s all the time a stability of what options work collectively and you’ll select so many for one pair of sneakers.
General
Topo Athletic has put out one other strong path shoe with the Mtn Racer 4. I might suggest it to hikers— particularly path runners. Positively check out all of the specs to ensure it’s one thing that can be just right for you between the heel drop, the assist kind, and the rest in a shoe you’re partial too.
Store the Mtn Racer 4
Comparable Merchandise
Altra Olympus
MSRP: $175
Heel Drop: 0mm
Weight: 12.2 oz (M) / 10.95oz (W)
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4
MSRP: $155
Heel Drop: 5mm
Weight: 10.4oz (M9) / 8.7oz (W7)
Hoka Speedgoat 6
MSRP: $155
Heel Drop: 5mm
Weight: 9.8oz (M) / 8.2oz (W)
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