Name: Topo MTN Racer 2
Brand: Topo Athletic
SKU: 62f23cd832dba6afcc3a50b3
Rating: 4.0 (30 reviews)

Hiking Boots/Shoes Recommendations?

Hiking boot recommendations?

Any recommendations for women's hiking shoes?

[Request] Hiking/outdoorsy style shoes that can handle lots of walking on concrete

Cold and wet weather hiking boots recommendations?

I am in need of a new pair of trail/hiking boots.

Hiking Boots for heavy use during the summer

Good pair of hiking shoes?

[Request] waterproof hiking shoes

[request] - Good quality walking shoes.

Hello Redditors. I'm in search of a classy yet extremely durable pair of hiking boots to take backpacking around the world for 12+ months with.

Hiking boots recommendations

Men's three season "urban hiker" (like Merrell MOAB but longer lasting)

BIFL Hiking boots for women

Hiking boots with good traction and can stand up to abuse.

Looking for a good pair of shoes for my weird feet

Request - Hiking Sandals

Request: Hiking Boots

Comfortable and cushiony shoes for walking on pavement 10KM/couple hours a day (UK)

Hiking sandals that last?

[Request] Powerful dishwasher with sanitize function?

I want the best god damned dishwasher money can buy.

Looking for the best, easiest to operate, cheapest dishwasher - Recommendation?

[Request] Best countertop dishwasher for reasonable price?

Can anyone recommend a good dishwasher?

Countertop/Portable Dishwasher

[Request] Dishwasher &lt;$1k Australian with QOL features and low water use

Dishwasher for Second Home

My friend bought a house with this KichenAid dishwasher from 1974. He says it works better than any of the other ones he has owned. He just has to convince his wife not to replace it.

What's a good Panel ready dishwasher under $1k?

Best socket set on the market $100-$150

[Request] Socket wrenches

I need a recommendation for a tool set that should last a lifetime. [Request]

Looking for a Mechanics tool set.

23 years later; GM Goodwrench socket set.

A Starter/Lifetime Tool set

Basic screwdriver set needed

Mechanic Tools that are BIFL

Trying to fill a tool roll for my truck and would like input on BFL tools like wrenches, pliers, socket sets, etc.

BIFL: Mastercraft ratchet set with lifetime warranty. Got it at 14, im 31. Went thru more abuse than you think!

Looking to upgrade my home hand tools

Was told to post this here. Husky 270pc toolset from Home Depot for $99, normally $199. Lifetime warranty too

[Request] Ratchet/Wrench/Etc tool set for home/bicycle/general use

Thoughts on a Honda Accord V6 2007?

2010 Honda Accord worth the buy?

Thoughts on a 2008 Honda accord v6 coupe EX-L?

2014 honda accord ??

After an initial round of research it seems like Honda Accord Hybrid is the right answer, but I want to pressure test that with you guys

2014 Accord V6 Touring (any thoughts?)

Which car ?

me again. 2010 2dr honda accord, 122k miles for $5,800. just want a reliable first car, thoughts?

Want to buy an Accord, any suggestions?

2020/2021 Honda Accord LX - Tell Me About Your Likes/Dislikes

Compact - Midsize suv

best small/midsize suv?

Looking for a used (06-14) reliable compact/mid-size SUV

compact/mid size suv

Midsize SUV

Recommendations for midsized SUVs to look at

Compact to Mid-Size SUV

Small to mid-size suv suggestions?

Midsize vehicle for three kids

Mid-Size SUV

Just tried a Lotus Elise Cup 250, driving impressions !

Dan Neil reviews Lotus Emira: As Good As It Gets

Considering a Lotus Elise - USA

How affordable are Lotus Elises from the 2005-2012 model year?

Lotus Exige Sport Final Edition review: farewell, Exige

I wanna know everything you know about a 2005 Lotus Elise

My Lotus Evora Review

Lotus retail sales up 24% in best performance for a decade

2022 Lotus Emira Looks to Be One of the Brand's Best

PURCHASING A LOTUS — Need Tips + Advice.

Looking for a good rpg/action adventure with a good story and good characters

Deep long rpgs?

Looking for a story-focused RPG

Looking for a complex RPG

Fantasy games with an detailed and immersive world?

[WSIB] I am in search for a open world RPG that will keep me busy for hundreds of hours.

Open world game with huge map, lots of things to do, and great graphics

WSIB Feeling a bit of an rpg lull and want something exciting like old school BioWare with a engaging story that doesn’t take 100 hours to play.

WSIB: long, immersive games with high quality storytelling and writing

looking for an open-world rpg

[WSIB] A turn based strategy game that isn’t 4X

Turn-based strategy game

Turn-based strategy games

[WSIB] Small-scale, medieval, strategy game, featuring pikemen and cavalry

(WSIB) Turn-based ”wargaming” game

[WSIB] Turn Based Strategy games

WSIB if I want a strategy game for dummies

WSIB Strategic Rpg

[WSIB] Good offline strategy/(ish) games?

What are some good "smaller scale to control, but still feel large scale battle" tactical / strategy games?

Bullet Hell-Type Games: Atomicrops vs. I, Dracula: Genesis vs. Others?

WSIB if i want a completely story driven indie game but have already played undertale and oneshot (preferably similar to those 2)

Post apocalyptic enthusiast, Underrail or Atom RPG?

[SIB] Undermine or Atomicrops

WSIB if I like "Run into things, need to grow in power/special items to move further so I come back after unlocking said element" type of games.

Blsoodborne or Resident evil 2 ?

What should I buy? Animal Crossing: New Horizons or Doom: Eternal

[WSIB] Fast-paced top-down roguelikes?

[SIB] I Hate Running Backwards or Planetary Dustoff? Or something else?

SIB Nuclear Throne?

What can you recommend for minimizing pores?

I know you can’t get rid of pores but I’m wondering is there anyway to make them smaller? I use La Roche Posay products. They keep my acne mostly at bay but I feel like my pores are just so large. Part of it is genetic, but just wondering if there’s anything else I can do at home to help. Thanks!

OPEN PORES- WHAT TO DO? IS THERE ANY PRODUCT I CAN USE?

What skincare products have you used that helped with large pores?

What is the best thing to use to tighten pores on your face?

Can anyone tell me why my pores are so huge and what I can do to minimize them?

How to reduce pores.

Hey guys, how do I make my pores not look like this? Info in comments (deleted and reposted for an error in the title)

Pores reduction tips?

Advice for shrinking pores on and around nose?

[sun care] sunscreen that doesn’t irritate rosacea and perioral dermatitis

[Sun Care] Looking for sunscreen that doesn't irritate Rosacea

Sunscreen recommendations for rosacea

Looking for a sunscreen for my acne prone skin.

[Sun Care] looking for a sunscreen that works well for people with Eczema.

Desperate for a good sunscreen

Looking for a Daily Suncreen

I’ve tried them all and I still can’t find my holy grail for my dry rosacea skin. Any other recommendations?

Sunscreen, eczema and makeup, Help [Sun care]

[Sun Care] Help with not being able to use Sunscreen

How can i stop a really greasy face?

How to best defeat oily skin?

Is there any long-lasting solution for oily face?

Oily Face -&gt; Wash Face -&gt; More Oily

Extremely oily skin

Y’all know some sort of cream or product I can buy to make my face less greasy looking?

super oily face help needed

Oily Skin— please help!

Really oily skin

How to have less oily skin?

Adrian Krebs

Johannes Engler

Tavis Lochhead

Switchback Travel

Topo Athletic might not be a household name like Salomon or La Sportiva, but their lineup of trail and road running shoes speaks for itself (not to mention, they’re founded by the former CEO of Vibram). The MTN Racer 2 is a standout trail-specific model in their quiver: like the Lone Peak above, it features a wide toe box and locked-in waist and heel, lending all-day comfort for swollen and hard-working feet. But the MTN Racer tacks on some technical chops, with a 5-millimeter drop (compared to the Altra’s 0mm), slightly firmer cushioning, a sticky Vibram Megagrip sole (a blend often used in climbing approach shoes), and a small decrease in weight. Overall, it’s a really easy shoe to get along with—we recommend the MTN Racer to friends more than any other model here, and have yet to know anyone who’s been less than thrilled.

The MTN Racer was recently updated, and the “2” features a more breathable upper, revamped heel, and a refined fit (we had to go a half size up with the first iteration but dropped down to our normal size with the “2”). We think it’s a great update to an already excellent shoe, and with a solid build the MTN Racer should last you upwards of 500 miles. Where it does fall short is on truly off-camber terrain—mountain runners will want to opt for a stiffer and protective ride like the La Sportiva Bushido or Salomon Sense Ride above. But for those who stick to the trail (even fairly technical trails), the Topo Athletic is a trustworthy and capable companion. See the Men's Topo MTN Racer 2  See the Women's Topo MTN Racer 2

Budget Pick

rei.com

amazon.com

blisterreview.com

Chase the Summit

r/Ultralight

r/RunningShoeGeeks

 Make sure you give me a thumbs up down below and subscribe to the channel if you find this video helpful or fun or anything, it really helps me out. Okay, let's move on. First off, the design of the Topo Mountain Racer 2 is pretty cool. I actually really like this colorway

 So far, the reason I say these have a lot in common with the Ultra Trail Running shoes is because of the fit. They have this sort of foot shaped toe box that reminds me a lot of the Ultra Lone Peaks which I also wear a lot and I really like how these shoes wrap around my foot. Keep in mind my feet are really weird. I have kind of a a wide midfoot so in this area, but I've got a fairly narrow heel and I've got a fairly wide forefoot so I go from narrow in the back all the way to pretty wide up front and these toppo or toppo Mountain Racer twos accommodate my feet really well

 and I like that the tongue is pretty thin because it allows you to really snug it down and get a pretty good fit on your ankle. Around the perimeter of the ankle, though, there is some padding and it is a little bit thick in the back, but it's not at all uncomfortable or anything like that. and this shoe doesn't feel overly hot on even on really hot days because of that mesh all around the outside of the shoe. The midsole material on the Mount Racer 2 is called zip foam

 They're built to be durable and robust, but also not weigh you down too much on the trail. and I've been fortunate enough to be running in these shoes for probably about 60 miles now. all on trails and you can see they're pretty nasty looking, so I've gotten some good use out of them in wet conditions, dry conditions, really hot conditions. so I think I have a well-rounded opinion I can share with you before we get into it

Topo MTN Racer 2 Trail Shoe - An Altra Alternative with Tons of Grip!

Last Chance

I am down to my last pair of Timp 1.5s which are an amazing shoe IMO.  I start to the PCT next month and am still trying to find an good alternative.  

To be honest, I am completely sold on the zero-drop platform.  I wear Altra road running shoes every day, and I have already gone through 3 pairs of the Torrin 4 plush, with 2 more pairs still in the closet.  After trying the Timp 2’s, I knew that I could not hike in them, so I tried the Lone Peak 4.5’s, but I also was bothered by the notorious achillies rubbing and shrunken toebox.  I don’t know why Altra is pumping out garbage trail runners all of the sudden, but apparently that is the reality.  

Would I be crazy to start the PCT in my trusty Torrin 4 road running shoes and then switch to my last pair of Timps in Kennedy Meadows for the Sierras?  Would I be okay with less traction in the desert section?  I am definitely open to other suggestions.  The reason that I don’t want to leave Altra, is because they totally solved the knee pain that I was experiencing before switching.  Let me know what you all think.

<div class="md">I am down to my last pair of Timp 1.5s which are an amazing shoe IMO. I start to the PCT next month and am still trying to find an good alternative. 

To be honest, I am completely sold on the zero-drop platform. I wear Altra road running shoes every day, and I have already gone through 3 pairs of the Torrin 4 plush, with 2 more pairs still in the closet. After trying the Timp 2’s, I knew that I could not hike in them, so I tried the Lone Peak 4.5’s, but I also was bothered by the notorious achillies rubbing and shrunken toebox. I don’t know why Altra is pumping out garbage trail runners all of the sudden, but apparently that is the reality. 

Would I be crazy to start the PCT in my trusty Torrin 4 road running shoes and then switch to my last pair of Timps in Kennedy Meadows for the Sierras? Would I be okay with less traction in the desert section? I am definitely open to other suggestions. The reason that I don’t want to leave Altra, is because they totally solved the knee pain that I was experiencing before switching. Let me know what you all think.
</div>

Everyone know that the Altra Timp 2's are trash. Is this even a viable alternative?

 I have flat/fallen arches so any ridge or rise under my arches will initially feel good but eventually cause pain. This is not to say that there is aggressive arch support built into the shoes. There is not. But it was enough that it was a problem for me

 That said, the design of the heel support was such that I didn't experience any hint of heel pain, the problem that led me to Altra in the first place.  I ended up returning the the Mtn Racer 2s..

 I probably preferred the Mtn Racer 2 to either of the Altra models in this respect.  Altra's proprietary outsole is often criticized for its lack of grip on wet surfaces. Topo seems to use Vibram across their lineup, which is typically lauded for its grip in wet conditions. In fairness, I have never noticed an issue with my Altras in wet conditions and didn't test these shoes in wet conditions

Nice looking shoe with good cushion but not an Altra replacement

I’m intrigued by Topo Athletic. I like the wide toe box but it doesn’t seem to be as wide as Altras, which are a bit too much for me. I can’t really seem to tell the difference between the Ultraventure, Terraventure, Runventure, etc.  Seems like Runventure is definitely the lightest of those and might not be enough support for me. But I can’t tell which is a better choice between the Ultra and Terra. What’s the difference?  Also are these shoes pretty true to size? And can you use an insole with them, like
Superfeet? I remember I tried using an insole in Altras and there was too much of a gap near my big toe because the foot box was so much bigger than the insole.

<div class="md">I’m intrigued by Topo Athletic. I like the wide toe box but it doesn’t seem to be as wide as Altras, which are a bit too much for me. I can’t really seem to tell the difference between the Ultraventure, Terraventure, Runventure, etc. Seems like Runventure is definitely the lightest of those and might not be enough support for me. But I can’t tell which is a better choice between the Ultra and Terra. What’s the difference? Also are these shoes pretty true to size? And can you use an insole with them, like
Superfeet? I remember I tried using an insole in Altras and there was too much of a gap near my big toe because the foot box was so much bigger than the insole.
</div>

Which Topo Athletic shoe for backpacking?

 Montana and Idaho. The durability is sort of in question but so far it’s nothing a little shoegoo can’t fix. These shoes are the perfect balance of a do it all trail runner. O and the grip is amazing

This year I tried the ALTRA Olympus 4 and lone peak 5. Some of the sloppiest fitting shoes I’ve ever tried. Tried the HOKA speedgoat4 and while these were great for in town casual walking. These were a nightmare on the trail

 Utah. Wyoming. Montana and Idaho. The durability is sort of in question but so far it’s nothing a little shoegoo can’t fix

Best trail runner of 2021?

 It is highly cushioned. On the positive side, the shoe seemed well built, it was light and had a pleasant appearance. Would I recommend the shoe, I hesitate because it was my personal preferences that lead me to return the shoe, but it seemed like a solid product.

Big toe box

Overview: I purchased two pairs of Topo’s MTN Racer trail running shoes in July 2019 for running and backpacking and have put at least 300 miles in each pair, split evenly between running and hiking or backpacking. In this review I will go over (1) locations of use, (2) Shoe details, (3) fit, security, ride/performance, traction, and durability, (4) comparisons to other shoes, (5) dislikes and improvements I’d like to see and (6) an overall summary. I am not sponsored or supported by Topo, purchased these shoes with my own money, and this review contains my experiences and opinions only. Here is a link to one pair with an estimated 300 miles (~160 running, ~20 hiking, ~120 backpacking in the Southwest and Southern California): https://imgur.com/a/adYb6mo

(1) Locations of use: Southwest (local trails in Phoenix, AZT sections including Superstitions, Mazatzals, and Grand Canyon), Midwest (Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota and Upper Peninsula in Michigan) and West Coast (Skyline to Sea, Muir/Tamalpais/Marin in Northern California, Emigrant Wilderness, Mt. Baldy, and Anza-Borrego in Socal)

(2) Shoe Details:

	Size: Mens 8.5

	Average shoe weight: 9.65 ounces on my scale (9.5 oz R and 9.8 oz L)

	Stack height and offset: 30/25 (5mm drop), includes insole, midsole, and outsole/lugs
	
Materials: Ripstop upper with overlays, 3 piece/density midsole (softer heel, firmer arch, 
moderate mid-forefoot as far as I can tell), Vibram Megagrip outsole

	Price: $140

(3) Fit, security, ride/performance, traction, and durability:
	
Fit: Topo shoes fit my feet well. I would describe my feet as normal to slightly wide in the toes and forefoot, normal along the middle, and narrow in the heel. The toe box is wide, but not as much as older Altra shoes. The tongue is short and thin, but there is just enough that the laces don’t dig in the front when climbing. I have to take care to lace up with my foot bent up to ensure this.

Security: The upper fabric is ripstop, does not stretch much, and has overlays, resulting in a secure hold over the sole. A common criticism of wide toe boxed shoes is that those with narrower feet lose security on the downhills and when making sharp turns. This occasionally happened to me in Altras but not in the MTN Racer, in part thanks to the upper. However it does trap heat and moisture, most notably in winter conditions with snow where I am fine with normal socks and am ok as long as I’m moving at moderate or higher effort but I take care to wear thinner socks and bring extras to change into in the summer.

Ride/performance: I found the cushioning to be slightly on the firm side but comfortable for all day wear. I used this pair for a 30 mile/6,000 foot gain run in late 2019 and a 70-80 mile backpacking trip with ~20 miles of off trail in 2020 and didn’t have complaints regarding cushioning or comfort. The MTN racer does not have a rockplate, but I often did not feel the need for one during backpacking since the cushioning muted most rocks and roots adequately. I don’t think I noticed the firm midsole piece under my arch that Topo describes as lending light stability. The softer heel midsole piece is nice on extended downhills or when I’m heel striking a lot as impacts feel less jarring.

Traction: The Vibram Megagrip outsole sticks well to flat smooth surfaces and the lug design is a good balance between maintaining adequate surface area contact but having enough height to dig into softer surfaces. Debris like mud and dirt are quickly ejected when transitioning between soft dirty surfaces to clean smooth surfaces. 

Durability: After many technical runs, hikes, and backpacking trips including some bushwhacking, the uppers on my MTN Racers are still intact and going strong. The toe bumpers have peeled slightly, but I have not noticed a difference in performance otherwise. There is some wear in the upper around the heel but I haven’t noticed differences in foot hold. The midsole has flattened notably after 150-200 miles but not dramatically and is more of a consideration for running than hiking or backpacking. Before that, I could run extended downhills and land on rocks without issue. Now, I am more careful of my footing and will try to pick my way if possible on extended rocky downs. I have not noticed much of a difference when hiking or backpacking however. The lugs show light-moderate wear and still have plenty of life as traction on smooth surfaces is still great, potentially better than when new because the sharp lug corners are now rounded and smooth. I anticipate at least another 150-200 miles from each pair until either the lugs or midsole wear down enough that I would stop using these on long runs or longer trips with trickier surfaces.

(4) Comparisons to other shoes: 

	The MTN Racer reminds me a lot of the Altra Lone Peak 3.0 and 3.5, except with a potentially narrower toe box and heel, better traction, firmer cushioning, more underfoot protection, and more upper and midsole durability. Compared to the Timp 1.5, the MTN Racer is firmer with more underfoot protection. After something like 6 pairs of Lone Peak 2.5-3.5 and 2 pairs of Timp 1-1.5, I’d describe my experience with the MTN Racer as more refined and durable than Altra. However these comparisons are somewhat dated given the current Altra Lone Peak 5 and Timp 2. 

I currently only have 40 running miles on the Lone Peak 5 and so far would say that the Lone Peak 5 is wider and has softer cushioning however the MTN Racer at 300+ miles has similar underfoot protection against sharps, which is a consideration where I live, run, and hike.

	Compared to the Ultraventure 1, the MTN Racer is a bit lighter, firmer, and fits more snugly in the toes and midfoot while heel fit is the same. Users have been advised to size up half a size for the MTN Racer if they wish to have a fit similar to the Ultraventure. I felt that the Ultraventure’s cushioning sometimes bottomed out on large sharp objects, which happened to a lesser extent in the MTN Racer. I prefer the MTN Racer over the Ultraventure for the lighter weight, Megagrip outsole, and firmer cushioning.
	
Compared to the Hoka Speedgoat 3 and Evo Speedgoat, the MTN Racer is wider and has less underfoot cushioning and protection against sharps while traction is similar. Upper durability is higher in the MTN Racer vs the Speedgoat as I have some light wear around the big and pinky toes in the Goats but not in the MTN Racer. 

Compared to the Brooks Caldera 3, the MTN Racer is wider, fits my feet better, and has better traction. The Caldera 3 however has had much better midsole life since I have a pair with 650+ road and trail miles that I wouldn’t think twice about stomping on sharp rocks with during a run.

(5) Improvements I’d like to see:

	The main areas of improvement I think of for the MTN Racer are in the upper and midsole. While I didn’t have big issues with how much heat the upper trapped, others might. Topo could update the upper with what they’re using for the Runventure 3 or with the Engineered mesh from their road shoes and newer Ultraventure 2. I thought the midsole flattened a bit early compared to say Brooks’ BioMoGo used in their Caldera. Topo could update their EVA formula or use their new ZipFoam that they’re using in some of their other shoes like the Ultrafly 3, Cyclone, and Ultraventure Pro. Another area of improvement is weight.

(6) Overall summary:

	Overall, I enjoyed using the MTN Racer. It was a good generalist shoe that I liked for running, hiking, and backpacking. I did feel that the midsole flattened a bit with moderate use for running, but for hiking and backpacking I don’t have any complaints. I think this shoe could be an option for those who want a wider shoe where Altras do not work. I would consider stocking up if they were on sale, however in my case (a) I also have 2 pairs of Hoka Speedgoat 3s and 1 pair of Evo Speedgoats that I’m using, (b) Topo recently released the Ultraventure Pro which might be better for my use, and (c) Topo may be releasing new versions of their Terraventure and MTN Racer this spring/summer.

<div class="md">Overview: I purchased two pairs of Topo’s MTN Racer trail running shoes in July 2019 for running and backpacking and have put at least 300 miles in each pair, split evenly between running and hiking or backpacking. In this review I will go over (1) locations of use, (2) Shoe details, (3) fit, security, ride/performance, traction, and durability, (4) comparisons to other shoes, (5) dislikes and improvements I’d like to see and (6) an overall summary. I am not sponsored or supported by Topo, purchased these shoes with my own money, and this review contains my experiences and opinions only. Here is a link to photos for one pair with an estimated 300 miles (~160 running, ~20 hiking, ~120 backpacking in the Southwest and Southern California): 

<a href="https://imgur.com/a/adYb6mo">https://imgur.com/a/adYb6mo</a>

(1) Locations of use: Southwest (local trails in Phoenix, AZT sections including Superstitions, Mazatzals, and Grand Canyon), Midwest (Superior Hiking Trail in Minnesota and Upper Peninsula in Michigan) and West Coast (Skyline to Sea, Muir/Tamalpais/Marin in Northern California, Emigrant Wilderness, Mt. Baldy, and Anza-Borrego in Socal)

(2) Shoe Details:

Size: Mens 8.5

Average shoe weight: 9.65 ounces on my scale (9.5 oz R and 9.8 oz L)

Stack height and offset: 30/25 (5mm drop), includes insole, midsole, and outsole/lugs

Materials: Ripstop upper with overlays, 3 piece/density midsole (softer heel, firmer arch, 
moderate mid-forefoot as far as I can tell), Vibram Megagrip outsole

Price: $140

(3) Fit, security, ride/performance, traction, and durability:

Fit: Topo shoes fit my feet well. I would describe my feet as normal to slightly wide in the toes and forefoot, normal along the middle, and narrow in the heel. The toe box is wide, but not as much as older Altra shoes. The tongue is short and thin, but there is just enough that the laces don’t dig in the front when climbing. I have to take care to lace up with my foot bent up to ensure this.

Security: The upper fabric is ripstop, does not stretch much, and has overlays, resulting in a secure hold over the sole. A common criticism of wide toe boxed shoes is that those with narrower feet lose security on the downhills and when making sharp turns. This occasionally happened to me in Altras but not in the MTN Racer, in part thanks to the upper. However it does trap heat and moisture, most notably in winter conditions with snow where I am fine with normal socks and am ok as long as I’m moving at moderate or higher effort but I take care to wear thinner socks and bring extras to change into in the summer.

Ride/performance: I found the cushioning to be slightly on the firm side but comfortable for all day wear. I used this pair for a 30 mile/6,000 foot gain run in late 2019 and a 70-80 mile backpacking trip with ~20 miles of off trail in 2020 and didn’t have complaints regarding cushioning or comfort. The MTN racer does not have a rockplate, but I often did not feel the need for one during backpacking since the cushioning muted most rocks and roots adequately. I don’t think I noticed the firm midsole piece under my arch that Topo describes as lending light stability. The softer heel midsole piece is nice on extended downhills or when I’m heel striking a lot as impacts feel less jarring.

Traction: The Vibram Megagrip outsole sticks well to flat smooth surfaces and the lug design is a good balance between maintaining adequate surface area contact but having enough height to dig into softer surfaces. Debris like mud and dirt are quickly ejected when transitioning between soft dirty surfaces to clean smooth surfaces. 

Durability: After many technical runs, hikes, and backpacking trips including some bushwhacking, the uppers on my MTN Racers are still intact and going strong. The toe bumpers have peeled slightly, but I have not noticed a difference in performance otherwise. There is some wear in the upper around the heel but I haven’t noticed differences in foot hold. The midsole has flattened notably after 150-200 miles but not dramatically and is more of a consideration for running than hiking or backpacking. Before that, I could run extended downhills and land on rocks without issue. Now, I am more careful of my footing and will try to pick my way if possible on extended rocky downs. I have not noticed much of a difference when hiking or backpacking however. The lugs show light-moderate wear and still have plenty of life as traction on smooth surfaces is still great, potentially better than when new because the sharp lug corners are now rounded and smooth. I anticipate at least another 150-200 miles from each pair until either the lugs or midsole wear down enough that I would stop using these on long runs or longer trips with trickier surfaces.

(4) Comparisons to other shoes: 

The MTN Racer reminds me a lot of the Altra Lone Peak 3.0 and 3.5, except with a potentially narrower toe box and heel, better traction, firmer cushioning, more underfoot protection, and more upper and midsole durability. Compared to the Timp 1.5, the MTN Racer is firmer with more underfoot protection. After something like 6 pairs of Lone Peak 2.5-3.5 and 2 pairs of Timp 1-1.5, I’d describe my experience with the MTN Racer as more refined and durable than Altra. However these comparisons are somewhat dated given the current Altra Lone Peak 5 and Timp 2. 

I currently only have 40 running miles on the Lone Peak 5 and so far would say that the Lone Peak 5 is wider and has softer cushioning however the MTN Racer at 300+ miles has similar underfoot protection against sharps, which is a consideration where I live, run, and hike.

Compared to the Ultraventure 1, the MTN Racer is a bit lighter, firmer, and fits more snugly in the toes and midfoot while heel fit is the same. Users have been advised to size up half a size for the MTN Racer if they wish to have a fit similar to the Ultraventure. I felt that the Ultraventure’s cushioning sometimes bottomed out on large sharp objects, which happened to a lesser extent in the MTN Racer. I prefer the MTN Racer over the Ultraventure for the lighter weight, Megagrip outsole, and firmer cushioning.

Compared to the Hoka Speedgoat 3 and Evo Speedgoat, the MTN Racer is wider and has less underfoot cushioning and protection against sharps while traction is similar. Upper durability is higher in the MTN Racer vs the Speedgoat as I have some light wear around the big and pinky toes in the Goats but not in the MTN Racer. 

Compared to the Brooks Caldera 3, the MTN Racer is wider, fits my feet better, and has better traction. The Caldera 3 however has had much better midsole life since I have a pair with 650+ road and trail miles that I wouldn’t think twice about stomping on sharp rocks with during a run.

EDIT: Compared to my pair of Topo MT3s in M8 with 300+ miles, the MTN Racer in M8.5 is wider, longer, heavier, has more underfoot cushion and protection across its lifespan, and has better traction. The differences are not as pronounced for hiking and backpacking except when over a lot of rocky sections where the impacts add up while in the MT3 but not the MTN Racer. However if road running is a consideration, then the MT3 works better than the MTN Racer as the MT3 is lighter while the MTN Racer feels slightly clunky and sticky on road. The MT3 also feels a little more nimble than the MTN Racer thanks to the slightly lower stack height.

(5) Improvements I’d like to see:

The main areas of improvement I think of for the MTN Racer are in the upper and midsole. While I didn’t have big issues with how much heat the upper trapped, others might. Topo could update the upper with what they’re using for the Runventure 3 or with the Engineered mesh from their road shoes and newer Ultraventure 2. I thought the midsole flattened a bit early compared to say Brooks’ BioMoGo used in their Caldera. Topo could update their EVA formula or use their new ZipFoam that they’re using in some of their other shoes like the Ultrafly 3, Cyclone, and Ultraventure Pro. Another area of improvement is weight.

(6) Overall summary:

Overall, I enjoyed using the MTN Racer. It was a good generalist shoe that I liked for running, hiking, and backpacking. I did feel that the midsole flattened a bit with moderate use for running, but for hiking and backpacking I don’t have any complaints. I think this shoe could be an option for those who want a wider shoe where Altras do not work. I would consider stocking up if they were on sale, however in my case (a) I also have 2 pairs of Hoka Speedgoat 3s and 1 pair of Evo Speedgoats that I’m using, (b) Topo recently released the Ultraventure Pro which might be better for my use, and (c) Topo may be releasing new versions of their Terraventure and MTN Racer this spring/summer.
</div>

Topo MTN Racer 2

Reviews

Top reviews

QUICK QUESTION!

You might also like