You sold me! Topo has become my favorite running shoe company as a wide foot boi/former Altra fanboy. No frills but well built and with solid tech. Wish they looked a bit better though
TOPO is doing things right - It's the go-to alternative for Altra, as far as wide toe-box & natural foot shape geometry. I still have the Specter 1, which will likely be replaced by the year's end by its 2nd version.
I've had this shoe for a while now. I recently ran my first marathon in it (3:45 finish), and it performed beautifully. Next marathon will be in a plated racer, but this one did quite well for a non-plated shoe. Now it's in my rotation for mostly speed and tempo workouts, but I've had it on many slow and long runs and it does well, no issues at all. I'll be curious if Topo ever comes out with a plated racer how that'll fare. I also have a couple of their trail shoes which I also love. I'm definitely a Topo fan!
I get what Thomas is saying about that thicc platform-it looks funny-but the alternative is often a narrow, tippy heel which seems to be more common in these higher-stack tempo shoes. Thomas mentioned that tippiness in the recent First Thoughts on the Hoka Mach X 2. I have noticed it in the TYR Valkyrie Speedworks and the Atreyu Race Model. Many noticed it in the earlier Endorphin Speeds. (Maybe Saucony fixed that in more recent versions; I am sure Robbe's comparison of the Specter 2 to the ES4 is spot on.) So this Specter 2 should be a responsive, light, stable, almost-supertrainer option for those of us who loathe the tippy tippy. I'm gonna pick up the Specter 2 for sure, LOVED the Cyclone 2! Thanks for the review fellas.🏃♂
"Sleeper hits of 2023"... I agree (I also am testing this shoe out) however the shoe hasn't released yet. Regardless, the Specter 2 is a fun shoe that encourages and rewards all paces. It's a simple shoe that delivers exactly, and only what you need.
I’ve been running in Altra almost 10 years now and I’ve never felt stronger well into my 40’ies. No achilles problem, no bunions, no calf pain. Racing can be done in plated supershoes still with ease. Topo is a great variation from Altra but honestly the Cyclone 2 is bottoming out if you take them on more than a 5 miler and the previous Specter was so hard it’s only good for gym work or walking. Surely hope this is the real deal!
Have Cyclone 2, like a baby Speed 3 without the plate. Like the wider toe box. Topo widely available in Thailand but seem not to be a success. Great review.
I have 9mm drop.Addidaa, topo 5 mm drop, Altra 4mm drop, and Altra 0 drop. I used to be full 0mm drop, but I am.open though I still appreciate 0mm drop the most. And I am learning to run in highly rockered shoes and toe-spring
I wish more companies would make foot shaped shoes that have even more drop. My calves can't take low drop, but the traditional pointy shoe shape messes up my feet.
regardless of how good the shoes are, it's always a wonder to me how well the foot shape fits my foot and I love it. Every other company I'm getting wides with horrible color ways :(
The Atmos and the Phantoms (which I actually liked) are certainly firm, I agree. I just can't do the regular Zipfoam Topos anymore, after trying the Cyclone 2. They feel dead. PEBAX all the way!
Good morning. Fantastic description. Another comparison: Topo specter 2- Saucony kinvara 15. What do you think, please???. Like to Thomas and Robbe. Happy monday.
Could anyone talk about how the length and sizing of Topos typically run? I seem to fit between a 12.5 and 13. I tried on a Saucony Triumph 22 in size 13 and it was too long, 12.5 was perfect, but I tried on a Mizuno Wave Rider 27 and a size 12.5 was too short, my toe was touching against the front of the shoe, whereas a size 13 in the Wave Rider felt perfect.
Do you know when Topo will be offering this shoe for sale on their website? I know they offer you a 10% discount on your first purchase if you sign up for their email.
Is Robbe running in the women's version? I don't think Topo offered the Cyclone 2 in a men's 7 or 7.5. I thought Robbe used the women's version of the Cyclone 2. Will the Specter 2 be offered in a men's 7 or 7.5?
I’m definitely picking this one up. Love the cyclone and I’m sure the higher stack will make this great for my long runs. The only reason I haven’t pre-ordered it is because I can’t decide between the two atrociously ugly men’s colorways 😂😢
Topo is gonna end up taking Altra’s lunch.., if altra keeps throwing out those bootleg foams that loose life at 100 miles, 125 tops… I might try this one, if I end up in the market.., but I have a shoe on the way, as I type
If only topo had better aesthetics - I really wanted to give it a try few times, but just topo coloraway are always very ugly - or at least in my opinion- and I'm perfectly fine with wide toe box aesthetics !!!!
What about the added reinforcement around the toe box for protection, Completely unnecessary as they are not trail shoes. This added protection at the front is too stiff, limiting the natural movement of your toes, especially during longer runs when your feet swell and need more flexibility. Really a bad idea.
Zero drop is awful for feet achilles low back shin splints fasciitis hips everything. It's a myth and not science. You need minimum 4-5 mm drop in your shoes. Minimum. I can't wait to try these shoes.
Hard, hard disagree. There is a transition period when moving from a shoe with significant drop to a low drop or zero drop shoe. This transition period is skipped over by many people which sometimes causes pain. The shoe industry has been a pretty massive crock for centuries. People who don't wear shoes at all or minimal shoes have far fewer problems with their feet and bodies. Our feet and bodies have been manipulated *to fit shoes* versus shoes fitting our feet since around age 2 for most folks in America. Having a significant drop in your shoes is NOT natural. It pitches your body forward so then your body has to acclimate and change to the shoe. It's not good for joints, your back, or your connective tissues. It forces your body to be less stable than it actually can be and wants to be when you're just flat on the floor.
@@jessicac4751 I could agree with you to an extent. For walking maybe you could have your body gradually adapt to 0 drop shoes depending on speed and distance. But why would you want to do that if your current shoes work for you. Running is a different animal and your shoes have to be customized to your gait muscles level of training etc. There are other variables to consider. As for folks who run in 0 drop shoes having fewer injuries I have to see the data. There are many reasons for running injuries and shoe drop isn’t number one. I just know if you have untainted calves running with zero drop shoes can be risky.
@ how long do parle actually walk around bare feet outside? Inside your home maybe maximum 2-3000 steps a day. I believe it would be bad for you otherwise we wouldn’t have invented shoes. A few mm to 6 or 8mm of do with a cushion helps you propel forward outside with a lot less strain on you calf by muscles.
You sold me! Topo has become my favorite running shoe company as a wide foot boi/former Altra fanboy. No frills but well built and with solid tech. Wish they looked a bit better though
100% with you man. Shame they look like trash! They don’t even give you a dialled back black version on most models
If the Specter 2 is a stacked Cyclone 2, then I'm all in. A lightweight, non-plated trainer/racer. Oh yeah!
TOPO is doing things right - It's the go-to alternative for Altra, as far as wide toe-box & natural foot shape geometry. I still have the Specter 1, which will likely be replaced by the year's end by its 2nd version.
I've had this shoe for a while now. I recently ran my first marathon in it (3:45 finish), and it performed beautifully. Next marathon will be in a plated racer, but this one did quite well for a non-plated shoe. Now it's in my rotation for mostly speed and tempo workouts, but I've had it on many slow and long runs and it does well, no issues at all. I'll be curious if Topo ever comes out with a plated racer how that'll fare.
I also have a couple of their trail shoes which I also love. I'm definitely a Topo fan!
MEGA Topo fan!!! Be waiting for this one!!!
Pre-ordered and cannot wait to test these bad boys out!
Lmao at the blown out calf comment, so true.
Hope TOPO create a trail version of this shoes!
I get what Thomas is saying about that thicc platform-it looks funny-but the alternative is often a narrow, tippy heel which seems to be more common in these higher-stack tempo shoes. Thomas mentioned that tippiness in the recent First Thoughts on the Hoka Mach X 2. I have noticed it in the TYR Valkyrie Speedworks and the Atreyu Race Model. Many noticed it in the earlier Endorphin Speeds. (Maybe Saucony fixed that in more recent versions; I am sure Robbe's comparison of the Specter 2 to the ES4 is spot on.) So this Specter 2 should be a responsive, light, stable, almost-supertrainer option for those of us who loathe the tippy tippy. I'm gonna pick up the Specter 2 for sure, LOVED the Cyclone 2! Thanks for the review fellas.🏃♂
"Sleeper hits of 2023"... I agree (I also am testing this shoe out) however the shoe hasn't released yet. Regardless, the Specter 2 is a fun shoe that encourages and rewards all paces. It's a simple shoe that delivers exactly, and only what you need.
I’ve been running in Altra almost 10 years now and I’ve never felt stronger well into my 40’ies. No achilles problem, no bunions, no calf pain. Racing can be done in plated supershoes still with ease. Topo is a great variation from Altra but honestly the Cyclone 2 is bottoming out if you take them on more than a 5 miler and the previous Specter was so hard it’s only good for gym work or walking. Surely hope this is the real deal!
I love Saucony ES4, so I'll definitely give those a try. Especially that they are non-plated - looking really nice! Thanks for the review 🙌
Have Cyclone 2, like a baby Speed 3 without the plate. Like the wider toe box. Topo widely available in Thailand but seem not to be a success. Great review.
I have 9mm drop.Addidaa, topo 5 mm drop, Altra 4mm drop, and Altra 0 drop. I used to be full 0mm drop, but I am.open though I still appreciate 0mm drop the most. And I am learning to run in highly rockered shoes and toe-spring
The stack and drop reminds me of mach 6, which i love. How does it compare?
I use Altra's for hikes, love the foot shape.
I wish more companies would make foot shaped shoes that have even more drop. My calves can't take low drop, but the traditional pointy shoe shape messes up my feet.
regardless of how good the shoes are, it's always a wonder to me how well the foot shape fits my foot and I love it. Every other company I'm getting wides with horrible color ways :(
My concern with the Cyclone 2 was the midfoot was too narrow. I hope this has a straighter last more similar to the Ultrafly line.
How does it compare to the Asics Nimbus? or Superblast?
I've been wanting a daily trainer version of the Cyclone 2 but I've found other Topos to be too firm. This sounds like what I've been looking for!
The Atmos and the Phantoms (which I actually liked) are certainly firm, I agree. I just can't do the regular Zipfoam Topos anymore, after trying the Cyclone 2. They feel dead. PEBAX all the way!
Fit wise, how does this compare to the Cyclone 2? About the same or any adjusted size recs?
Have they also increased the ark highs in this like in the MTN R 3?
Did thomas roll his eyes at shoes shaped like healthy feet?! ;-)
Good morning. Fantastic description. Another comparison: Topo specter 2- Saucony kinvara 15. What do you think, please???. Like to Thomas and Robbe. Happy monday.
Kinvara is probably a lot firmer. Different foam.
For my Cyclone's 2, I had to go a half size down because they were too long. I wonder if these are the same or true to size.
Can't wait for this! Thanks and a dumb question - is that the women's model you tested or will that be a men's colorway too?
Not sure on the color options
Could anyone talk about how the length and sizing of Topos typically run? I seem to fit between a 12.5 and 13. I tried on a Saucony Triumph 22 in size 13 and it was too long, 12.5 was perfect, but I tried on a Mizuno Wave Rider 27 and a size 12.5 was too short, my toe was touching against the front of the shoe, whereas a size 13 in the Wave Rider felt perfect.
i'd go 12.5
@@BradEinhorn ok thank you.
Any chance of Specter 2 vs Endorphin Speed 4 between two shoes?
I love zero drop🤔🤷♂️
You got me with that toyota analogy
how does it compare to the Atmos?
Do you know when Topo will be offering this shoe for sale on their website? I know they offer you a 10% discount on your first purchase if you sign up for their email.
Different colourway to the one that is getting released🧐
Me likey!!! Is this better than the Adizero SL 2.? 🤙
Honestly just different shoes altogether
Is Robbe running in the women's version? I don't think Topo offered the Cyclone 2 in a men's 7 or 7.5. I thought Robbe used the women's version of the Cyclone 2. Will the Specter 2 be offered in a men's 7 or 7.5?
Yeah, women's 9
@@Believeintherun
To bad! I actually like that color better than the 2 color options for the mens.
@@Believeintherun Thanks. I also went with a women's 9 for the Cyclone 2. Will do the same for the Specter 2.
I’m definitely picking this one up. Love the cyclone and I’m sure the higher stack will make this great for my long runs. The only reason I haven’t pre-ordered it is because I can’t decide between the two atrociously ugly men’s colorways 😂😢
I like my cyclone 2; but the durability is not good.
If the Specter 2 is a lot of the cyclone 2, but with better durability, then I'm in.
Topo is my favorite. Altra lost it.
Agree. I can get over 100 miles more on a Topo. Altra's wear out too fast.
Topo is gonna end up taking Altra’s lunch.., if altra keeps throwing out those bootleg foams that loose life at 100 miles, 125 tops…
I might try this one, if I end up in the market.., but I have a shoe on the way, as I type
I agree. How many years have they been using EGO foam?
Comparing the most expensive Topo shoe with the cheapest Altra foam is not really a fair comparison
If only topo had better aesthetics - I really wanted to give it a try few times, but just topo coloraway are always very ugly - or at least in my opinion- and I'm perfectly fine with wide toe box aesthetics !!!!
What about the added reinforcement around the toe box for protection, Completely unnecessary as they are not trail shoes. This added protection at the front is too stiff, limiting the natural movement of your toes, especially during longer runs when your feet swell and need more flexibility. Really a bad idea.
...ja snakes in the plane!
So that’s 1 tuck and 1 no tuck.
Foot shaped toe box ain’t it when you got Morton foot 😂
Ugly shoes all, but the ultraventure is decent shoe
Zero drop is awful for feet achilles low back shin splints fasciitis hips everything. It's a myth and not science. You need minimum 4-5 mm drop in your shoes. Minimum. I can't wait to try these shoes.
Hard, hard disagree. There is a transition period when moving from a shoe with significant drop to a low drop or zero drop shoe. This transition period is skipped over by many people which sometimes causes pain. The shoe industry has been a pretty massive crock for centuries.
People who don't wear shoes at all or minimal shoes have far fewer problems with their feet and bodies. Our feet and bodies have been manipulated *to fit shoes* versus shoes fitting our feet since around age 2 for most folks in America. Having a significant drop in your shoes is NOT natural. It pitches your body forward so then your body has to acclimate and change to the shoe. It's not good for joints, your back, or your connective tissues. It forces your body to be less stable than it actually can be and wants to be when you're just flat on the floor.
@@jessicac4751 I could agree with you to an extent. For walking maybe you could have your body gradually adapt to 0 drop shoes depending on speed and distance. But why would you want to do that if your current shoes work for you. Running is a different animal and your shoes have to be customized to your gait muscles level of training etc. There are other variables to consider. As for folks who run in 0 drop shoes having fewer injuries I have to see the data. There are many reasons for running injuries and shoe drop isn’t number one. I just know if you have untainted calves running with zero drop shoes can be risky.
Couldn’t agree more!
Only because you’re used to shoes with a drop.. Is walking around in your bare feet (that’s zero drop) bad for your Achilles?
@ how long do parle actually walk around bare feet outside? Inside your home maybe maximum 2-3000 steps a day. I believe it would be bad for you otherwise we wouldn’t have invented shoes. A few mm to 6 or 8mm of do with a cushion helps you propel forward outside with a lot less strain on you calf by muscles.
Whenever a shoe gets a duck-ass like that, it's a big NO from me, no matter anything else!
Why does Robbe always make that creepy smooching sound?
Who cares. Why do you always comment like an a$$hole?