Topo Athletic MTN Racer
Buy Topo Athletic MTN Racer at today's best price (men's/women's)
6 minute read
Overview
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer is a trail running shoe designed to offer a balance of speed and cushioning. This shoe is part of the Topo Athletic MTN Racer family and stands out for its robust features that cater to the trail running community.
Key Features:
- Zip Foam Technology: Provides enhanced cushioning and durability compared to traditional EVA foam.
- Vibram Outsole: Delivers superior grip and traction on various terrains, ensuring stability and control.
- Roomy Toe Box: Allows for natural foot splay, contributing to comfort and a better running experience.
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a shoe that can handle long distances on trails while providing comfort and versatility. Its durable construction and responsive cushioning make it suitable for a range of trail conditions.
Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 20% of running shoes today.
Verdict
The consensus on the Topo Athletic MTN Racer
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer has been well-received for its reliable performance on trails. It features a Vibram Megagrip outsole that offers excellent traction across various surfaces, from wet and slippery to dry and rocky. The shoe's Zip Foam midsole technology provides a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, making it suitable for trail races and long-distance runs. However, some runners have noted that the toe box feels narrower compared to other Topo models, which may affect fit for those with wider feet. The upper is praised for its durability and protective overlays, contributing to the shoe's longevity. Overall, the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is a solid choice for trail runners seeking a shoe that can tackle technical terrain with confidence and comfort.
Updates to Topo Athletic MTN Racer
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3 is the latest iteration in the MTN Racer line, with updates that include increased cushioning and a redesigned upper for improved fit. The midsole's Zip Foam technology continues to provide responsive cushioning, while the Vibram outsole remains a key feature for traction. Compared to its predecessor, the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 2, the new model offers a slightly higher stack height for additional protection without compromising runability.
Comparable Shoes
The Altra Timp is often compared to the Topo Athletic MTN Racer, with runners noting that the MTN Racer may offer more durability and a longer lifespan. The Altra Timp, however, is known for its wider toe box, which may appeal to runners seeking more space for toe splay.
Compared to the Hoka Torrent, the Topo Athletic MTN Racer provides a firmer and more responsive ride, which some runners prefer for trail racing. The Torrent, on the other hand, is known for its lighter weight and agility on smoother trails.
6 Topo Athletic MTN Racer Pros & Cons
3 Pros
3 Cons
In Depth
Upper
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer features a durable upper with protective overlays that contribute to the shoe's structure and security. While the toe box is roomier than many other trail shoes, some runners have found it to be narrower than expected for a Topo model. The upper's construction is designed to repel debris and provide a secure fit, which is essential for trail running.
Midsole
The midsole of the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is equipped with the brand's proprietary Zip Foam technology. This material offers more cushioning and resistance than traditional EVA foam, resulting in a more elastic and reactive ride during the shoe's lifespan. This technology is also used in other Topo Athletic models, such as the Ultraventure 3.
Outsole
A standout feature of the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is its Vibram outsole, which guarantees excellent durability, grip, and traction. This is particularly beneficial for trail runners who encounter a variety of challenging conditions and need a shoe that can provide stability and control.
Size/fit
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer is designed to accommodate runners with neutral stride techniques and is available in both men's and women's versions. The shoe's fit has been slightly improved from previous models, offering a better foot lockdown inside the shoe.
Comfort
Comfort in the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is achieved through a combination of the roomy toe box, which allows for natural foot movement, and the Ortholite insole that provides extra comfort and long-term resistance, along with antimicrobial properties.
Cushioning
Cushioning in the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is provided by the Zip Foam midsole, which delivers a cushioned yet responsive ride. This is complemented by the Ortholite insole, adding an extra layer of comfort for the runner.
Breathability
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer's upper is designed to offer breathability, with a mesh construction that allows for air flow. This helps to keep the feet cool and dry during runs, which is especially important in trail running where conditions can vary.
Stability
Stability in the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is enhanced by the Vibram outsole, which provides a secure grip on uneven terrain. The shoe's design also includes features that support a neutral gait, making it suitable for runners with neutral pronation.
Durability
Durability is a key aspect of the Topo Athletic MTN Racer, with a robust Vibram outsole that withstands the demands of trail running. The upper's protective overlays also contribute to the shoe's ability to endure tough conditions.
Grip
The grip of the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is one of its most praised features. The Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures that runners have reliable traction on a variety of surfaces, from slick rock to loose gravel.
Who should buy the Topo Athletic MTN Racer?
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer is well-suited for trail runners who are looking for a shoe that offers a combination of speed, cushioning, and durability. It is ideal for those who run on technical terrain and require a shoe with excellent grip and stability. Runners who appreciate a roomy toe box for natural foot movement will also find value in this model.
Who should not buy the Topo Athletic MTN Racer?
Runners who prefer a very wide toe box may find the Topo Athletic MTN Racer narrower than other Topo models. Those who primarily run on roads or non-technical trails might not need the advanced features designed for rugged terrain. Additionally, runners looking for a highly cushioned, plush ride may want to consider other options.
Topo Athletic MTN Racer: What's it good for?
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer is particularly good for trail running, offering a balance of cushioning and responsiveness that is suitable for both racing and training. Its durable construction and reliable grip make it a strong choice for long-distance events, such as marathons and ultra marathons, on technical terrain.
4 Topo Athletic MTN Racer FAQs
What updates have been made to the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3 compared to the previous version?
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3 features increased cushioning with a higher stack height and a redesigned upper for a better fit. The midsole's Zip Foam technology and the Vibram outsole remain consistent, providing responsive cushioning and reliable traction.
Is the Topo Athletic MTN Racer suitable for runners with wide feet?
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer offers a roomy toe box, which is a signature feature of Topo Athletic shoes. However, some runners have found it to be narrower than other models from the brand, so it may not be the widest option available.
Can the Topo Athletic MTN Racer handle wet and slippery conditions?
Yes, the Topo Athletic MTN Racer is equipped with a Vibram Megagrip outsole that provides excellent traction on wet and slippery surfaces, making it capable of handling a variety of trail conditions.
What type of cushioning does the Topo Athletic MTN Racer offer?
The Topo Athletic MTN Racer features Zip Foam technology in the midsole, which offers a more cushioned and responsive ride compared to traditional EVA foam. This makes it suitable for long-distance trail running.
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| bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
| priceBand | Price band | |||||
| similarity | Similarity | Very similar | ||||
| released | ReleasedJun 2019 | May 2019 | Jul 2019 | Mar 2018 | Mar 2018 | |
| expertReviewScore | Expert Review Score | |||||
| productAthletes | Pro athlete users | +5   |   | |||
| Weight | WeightM: 264 g W: 218 g | M: 181 g W: 142 g | M: 241 g W: 190 g | 215 g | M: 204 g W: 170 g | 235 g |
| Forefoot | Forefoot25 mm | 5 mm | 17 mm | 16 mm | M: 18 mm W: 16 mm | 7 mm |
| Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop5 mm | 4 mm | 3 mm | 4 mm | ||
| Heel | Heel30 mm | 5 mm | 17 mm | 20 mm | M: 21 mm W: 19 mm | 11 mm |
| Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail | MudTrail | Trail |
| Brand | BrandTopo Athletic | Vibram | Merrell | Salomon | Hoka | Inov-8 |
| Shoe Type | Shoe TypeMaximalist | BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow drop |
| Techs | Techs | Vibram | ||||
| Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Water repellent | ||||
| Environmental Characteristics | Environmental CharacteristicsVegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | Vegan Ⓥ | ||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHigh arch |
- Apr 2021
- Jun 2019
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