Glad to see you review TOPO Mtn racer… I’ve went through 2 pair of version 1. I really enjoy topo trail shoes, very durable and comfy. Enjoy your Vlog , keep em coming.
I bought a pair of the Red Racer 2 for my first trip to the Appalachian Trail. They were absolutely amazing! Great feel, went over everything and super grippy on the slick granite !!
Just ordered a pair of these earlier this week, so feeling good about my purchase after watching your review! I'm just tired of my Altras wearing out SUPER fast and hoping these last a little longer, but still give me that wide toebox feeling. Glad to hear you didn't feel like the 5mm offset was a big deal since that was my biggest hesitation (at this point I haven't run any trails in anything but Altra!). Interested to see if I have that same heel slip issue. Thanks for the awesome reviews, man! Truly appreciated!
That's really what made me start looking at Topo's. I love my Lone Peaks but it's frustrating to have to replace them after 200-300 miles. Thanks for watching!
@@TDMiller 🤣🤣🤣 I know! But seriously, my lone peaks only have 200 miles in them and they are totally trashed! And I don’t feel like that should happen. Altra and I may be taking a break, which breaks my heart… 💔💔💔
Hey there. Lone peak and Timp wearer here. I tried on the Mtn Racer compared to the Superior, and two things threw me off with the Racer. 1. Crinkly Upper 2. A weird defined arch. Most altra shoes feel totally flat throughout. These shoes, you can feel the material wraps around the arch a lot more, which I did not like.
Interesting observations. I think the crinkly upper breaks in a bit with use. The arch difference you're feeling might be due to the 5mm offset. I didn't really notice it myself. Thanks for sharing!
I've got the Topo Terraventure 3, and let me tell you, they've made almost 2000km in the span of 1 year and besides the sole starting to get worn out (which is normal) the rest of shoe is still in good condition
Topo = Tony Post (To + Po) company founder. I loved the Mtn Racer 1, haven't tried the 2 but likely will at some point. Have been enjoying the Terraventure 3. Thanks for the video and thoughts!
@@DaveIrish66 I had the 2's but no longer do so these comparisons are based on memory. I think the 3 is a touch narrower, still plenty wide for me, and I need wide shoes, but a touch narrower than the 2. The outsole/grip feels the same to me. The biggest changes seem to be in the upper. The upper material in the 3 feels closer to (but not exactly the same) as the rip stop material in the MTN racer 1. From what I recall, the 2 upper had more of a knit feel. So I think the 3 will breathe and drain a little better. Overall, I really liked the 2 and really like the 3!
I've had a couple of pairs of the first version, and love them. The mtn racer 2s unfortunately are on backorder until November - I wear size 14. The durability of the mtn racer 1s have been phenomenal. 4-500 miles instead of the 200 I get with Altras.
hello, Chase The Summit! regarding the width of the forefoot, please, any possibility so that you can measure the insole's forefoot width of the 10.5 size? i have very wide forefoot... thank you & best regards, Mircea
Thank you for the review. Very useful. BTW: I use my shoes/boots/wellies as well and you know what? It is possible to give them a quick clean and brush before the video. 🤪
Topo runventure threes here. I like them. Looks like it’s the same outsole. Only thing I don’t like is the rubber overlays on the upper. The way it’s molded on make the upper produce a rubber crinkly sound with every step. Pretty minor in the grand scheme of things. Got about 200 miles on them, holding up well.
Theese are the best I have ever has. I can even run mixed runs (normal road and then trails) with them with no issues even after fair long distances. Other trail runner shoes( like salomon) I tried usually killed my legs even after only 10 km on a normal road.
Might try , I’ve given up on Altra they’re not the same as they used to be they still last forever home with me. They don’t Center, Laster I’m getting bad once I switched over, and I said it alone peaks or even the superiors am using Inov-8 terra-ultra g270 or now called trail -fly. Zero drop about 22mm and a real long time. The rubber grip is unbelievable but I guess it’s mixed with graffiti and pretty good real good but I just realize this is an old video so probably nobody’s gonna check this but rambling on.
Great review, thanks. I actually watched it for a second time. I have become a big TOPO fan, love the toe box room and their shoes seem to really last, I love the build quality. Just wondering since you have posted this review has your opinion/insight chanced at all? And have you used it on any races? Thanks for your work and your opinion.
Glad you enjoyed it! I still wear the MTN Racer 2's in my rotation. They've held up great durability wise and still have lots of life left. I haven't used them in a race yet just because I'm nervous to "fix what aint broke" but I wouldn't hesitate to.
I had one pair of Topos, they weren't that style though, they were the MT2. They had a smaller drop, only 3mm. I loved them. They lasted years and I only had 2 issues with them. One of the lace loops (which are a different style than these) came loose. I sewed it back on. And the back portion of the rubber sole started flopping around, but this was after they reached the end of their life span. I still wear them for my training though because they are still the most comfortable pair I own. I have a foot that sounds similar in shape to yours. For me, the slippage did get better.
Maybe a bit late now, but have you/did you try a good old 'runner's loop' on these, with regards to the heel slippage. It didn't look like you had adopted that in the video, but that obviously doesn't mean you haven't tried it. Looks like a great shoe otherwise!
Great video! How did you find the volume of the Topo Mtn Racer 2s compared to the Lone Peak 5 regular widths? I find the regular Altra widths work fine for me but the volume feels too low (too snug) right where the laces end at the forefoot area. Thanks.
The first 60miles/100km is the “best” part of the soles/rubber/shoes. PLEASE try and do a review *after* the first 60 (& yes this is kinda backed by science. I read a study a while ago… some students took a ton of shoes and ran them on a robot+treadmill and ALL the brands they tested lost cushion in the first 60miles then tended to stabilise until you hit much higher mileage).
Love my Topos! 3 pair of Ultraventures 1 pair Terraventures. Really interested in this updated version of the MNT racer. How do they drain? I also wear Altras but Topo seems to be built to last in comparison. Thanks for the review and hope to get an update after more miles!
In terms of drainage they could be a bit better but they dry out about as quick as my Altras. I'd like to see more intentional positioning of drain holes but those can be easily "customized". Thanks for watching!
really? My original Topo Ultraventure ripped holes at the arch in both shoes in less than 200 miles of use, not to mention the horrible fit with my toes getting jammed going downhill and the grip being barely passable in muddy conditions.
Be curious to learn how this MTN Racer 2 compares with the new (July 2022) Altra Olympus 5. Appear to be very similar trail shoes after the same niche market.
I have one pair of MTN race 2 too and same as you i have a weird foot shape and had a hard time finding a good shoe that fits in well with Mega-grip (i tried Altra but can't do well in the zero drop). considering have another pair for rotation. How is it compare to Ultra Venture Pro or Ultra Venture 2? and several months since this video how durable you found it? thanks
I haven't tried the Olympus 4 but I would assume they're much more cushioned as they're marketed as a max cushion shoe. These Topo's are more in line with the Lone Peak.
I have a pair of the first version Mntn Racers and find that they have held up really well. Only downside for me is that I found them to run a touch on the small side. I wear a size 13 in Altra's and those fit me perfectly. I find that the Topo's in a 13 are touch snug, not only in terms of length, but also in terms of width/volume. I'm interested in trying this new version of the shoe though. Sounds like they might be a bit roomier than version 1?
@@ChaseTheSummit Hmmm, interesting. Maybe they've made some changes to the last used to make the Racer 2's. I know I wasn't the only one that found the first version to be snug. The Racer 1's were not as "Foot Shaped" as Altra's imo, which is to say, not as broad in the forefoot. If they've changed that for the new version that would be a most welcome improvement, for my use anyway.
Have you tried the Topo Runventure 3? I've had my eyes on those snice they are zero drop...I love Altras but I wish there was more competition in the zero drop game.
In terms of ride they're pretty similar with the Torrent 2 feeling a bit less squishy. The fit is entirely different though. The Hokas have a more "traditional fit" while the Topo's have a wider toebox similar to an Altra.
@@ChaseTheSummit Thank you so much for the reply. I’ll give the Topo’s a try! Btw, your videos have been a great resource for me. Keep up the good work. It's appreciated.
Hey. Great timing for this review, as I was just thinking of buying these shoes for my rotation, as well. The only issue is that there is no local store selling them, so I have to buy them online, without previously trying them on to check fit/size. Since you also mentioned that you use the LP5s, could you please share on the size/fit differences? Personally I find LP5 a bit to wide in the mid foot and I can't get a good lockdown in them. I really like the fit of Timp/Torin/Superior, though. Thank you!
I'm wary of this brand after a relatively bad experience with their original Ultraventure shoe. I can't go downhill as fast as I wish because my foot slides to the front and my toes get jammed. Have you experienced something similar in these MTN racer 2?
The original Ultraventure is the best trail shoe I've ever owned. I actually prefer them over the new Mtn Racer 2 minus the outsole(Mega-Grip compound is superior). Regardless, your "foot slides" issue will not be going away with this model as the fit is very similar to the old Ultraventure.
@@scrubsr1304 it's probably due to the ortholite insole being too smooth. I'd swap them but another big issue I had with this model is that the upper busted open right at the arch (both shoes) and at the ball of the foot.
I'm always intrigued by Topo because I want the foot-shaped design but with a bit of drop, which is something I can't get with Altra or Hoka, cause it's one thing or the other. I might give these a try.
5mm offset isn't an Altra alternative. Im a fan of Altra not because the brand but the drop. Never had any major injuries since switching to them back in 2014.
I get asked about it a lot lol. So much in fact that I made a video about it you can find here: th-cam.com/video/DPg4hXWTr34/w-d-xo.html Thanks for watching!
Glad to see you review TOPO Mtn racer… I’ve went through 2 pair of version 1. I really enjoy topo trail shoes, very durable and comfy. Enjoy your Vlog , keep em coming.
Thanks for watching!
I bought a pair of the Red Racer 2 for my first trip to the Appalachian Trail. They were absolutely amazing! Great feel, went over everything and super grippy on the slick granite !!
Nice!
Just ordered a pair of these earlier this week, so feeling good about my purchase after watching your review! I'm just tired of my Altras wearing out SUPER fast and hoping these last a little longer, but still give me that wide toebox feeling.
Glad to hear you didn't feel like the 5mm offset was a big deal since that was my biggest hesitation (at this point I haven't run any trails in anything but Altra!).
Interested to see if I have that same heel slip issue.
Thanks for the awesome reviews, man! Truly appreciated!
That's really what made me start looking at Topo's. I love my Lone Peaks but it's frustrating to have to replace them after 200-300 miles. Thanks for watching!
@@ChaseTheSummit Glad I'm not the only one! 🤣 Also ordered some Innov8 G 270s since they are supposed to have a similar feel. We'll see!
@@DoseofDirt you disappoint me, Jeff. ;-)
@@TDMiller 🤣🤣🤣 I know! But seriously, my lone peaks only have 200 miles in them and they are totally trashed! And I don’t feel like that should happen. Altra and I may be taking a break, which breaks my heart… 💔💔💔
@@DoseofDirt you probably treated them like trash! You don't deserve them! 😘
Hey there. Lone peak and Timp wearer here. I tried on the Mtn Racer compared to the Superior, and two things threw me off with the Racer.
1. Crinkly Upper
2. A weird defined arch. Most altra shoes feel totally flat throughout. These shoes, you can feel the material wraps around the arch a lot more, which I did not like.
Interesting observations. I think the crinkly upper breaks in a bit with use. The arch difference you're feeling might be due to the 5mm offset. I didn't really notice it myself. Thanks for sharing!
If they can tackle the durability issues some Altra runners are facing, they'll be a strong competitor. Great review!
Agree ! Tried a couple of topo in the past, didn’t like the midsole they used but the zip foam sounds good.
@@movemorenowjames Zip foam is very hard compared to the Altra Ego.
@@i.p2088 so not that different from the foam before … I see. Thanks
For sure, that's really what got me interested in Topo.
I've got the Topo Terraventure 3, and let me tell you, they've made almost 2000km in the span of 1 year and besides the sole starting to get worn out (which is normal) the rest of shoe is still in good condition
Topo = Tony Post (To + Po) company founder.
I loved the Mtn Racer 1, haven't tried the 2 but likely will at some point. Have been enjoying the Terraventure 3. Thanks for the video and thoughts!
OH! that makes sense lol! Thanks for watching.
Can you compare the Terraventures 2 and 3? I love my version 2's.
Is the traction that much better? Other noticeable differences in fit? Thanks
@@DaveIrish66 I had the 2's but no longer do so these comparisons are based on memory. I think the 3 is a touch narrower, still plenty wide for me, and I need wide shoes, but a touch narrower than the 2. The outsole/grip feels the same to me. The biggest changes seem to be in the upper. The upper material in the 3 feels closer to (but not exactly the same) as the rip stop material in the MTN racer 1. From what I recall, the 2 upper had more of a knit feel. So I think the 3 will breathe and drain a little better. Overall, I really liked the 2 and really like the 3!
I've had a couple of pairs of the first version, and love them. The mtn racer 2s unfortunately are on backorder until November - I wear size 14. The durability of the mtn racer 1s have been phenomenal. 4-500 miles instead of the 200 I get with Altras.
I have Altra Rivera and Topo Ultrafly-3. Topo MUCH better quality and durability.
Thanks for sharing. 500 miles is pretty great!
hello, Chase The Summit!
regarding the width of the forefoot, please, any possibility so that you can measure the insole's forefoot width of the 10.5 size? i have very wide forefoot...
thank you & best regards,
Mircea
Thank you for the review. Very useful.
BTW: I use my shoes/boots/wellies as well and you know what? It is possible to give them a quick clean and brush before the video. 🤪
Topo runventure threes here. I like them. Looks like it’s the same outsole. Only thing I don’t like is the rubber overlays on the upper. The way it’s molded on make the upper produce a rubber crinkly sound with every step. Pretty minor in the grand scheme of things. Got about 200 miles on them, holding up well.
Oh cool! I'll have to check those out.
Theese are the best I have ever has. I can even run mixed runs (normal road and then trails) with them with no issues even after fair long distances. Other trail runner shoes( like salomon) I tried usually killed my legs even after only 10 km on a normal road.
Great video, love TOPO shoes. Great fit and quality build.
Thanks! I'm liking them so far as well.
I love my Phantom 2’s. Currently for trails I use Altras superior 5’s which I love. I’m eager to try one of Topos trail offerings.
Might try , I’ve given up on Altra they’re not the same as they used to be they still last forever home with me. They don’t Center, Laster I’m getting bad once I switched over, and I said it alone peaks or even the superiors am using Inov-8 terra-ultra g270 or now called trail -fly. Zero drop about 22mm and a real long time. The rubber grip is unbelievable but I guess it’s mixed with graffiti and pretty good real good but I just realize this is an old video so probably nobody’s gonna check this but rambling on.
How long is your longest foot in cm and which size did you get?
Great review, thanks. I actually watched it for a second time. I have become a big TOPO fan, love the toe box room and their shoes seem to really last, I love the build quality. Just wondering since you have posted this review has your opinion/insight chanced at all? And have you used it on any races? Thanks for your work and your opinion.
Glad you enjoyed it! I still wear the MTN Racer 2's in my rotation. They've held up great durability wise and still have lots of life left. I haven't used them in a race yet just because I'm nervous to "fix what aint broke" but I wouldn't hesitate to.
Been looking at this one…. Will check back in at the end of the vid.
Nice!
nice mountain shoe my friend and of course it looks very durable i have it in the list very nice video flawless altra forever 💪💪💪
Thanks for watching!
Hi, wanted to know if the upper material is warm. I have the topo ultraflys but my feet get pretty cold in them
I have noticeable heel slip on these same models too.
Have you tried using the lace lock/runners knot for lockdown? My wife wears Topo’s and always has to do the lace lock.
I tried a few different lacing methods but there's always a little bit of slip. It seems like the midsole is just a teeny bit too stiff.
I had one pair of Topos, they weren't that style though, they were the MT2. They had a smaller drop, only 3mm. I loved them. They lasted years and I only had 2 issues with them. One of the lace loops (which are a different style than these) came loose. I sewed it back on. And the back portion of the rubber sole started flopping around, but this was after they reached the end of their life span. I still wear them for my training though because they are still the most comfortable pair I own. I have a foot that sounds similar in shape to yours. For me, the slippage did get better.
That's great to hear! These are still going strong with little to no wear. Looking forward to seeing how long they last!
@@ChaseTheSummit I forgot to say, congratulations on the 40k subscribers.
Maybe a bit late now, but have you/did you try a good old 'runner's loop' on these, with regards to the heel slippage. It didn't look like you had adopted that in the video, but that obviously doesn't mean you haven't tried it.
Looks like a great shoe otherwise!
I haven't but it would probably help with the heel slip. Thanks for watching!
Great video! How did you find the volume of the Topo Mtn Racer 2s compared to the Lone Peak 5 regular widths? I find the regular Altra widths work fine for me but the volume feels too low (too snug) right where the laces end at the forefoot area. Thanks.
Very similar to the Altra LP's. I'd say if the LP's didn't work for you these might not either.
The first 60miles/100km is the “best” part of the soles/rubber/shoes.
PLEASE try and do a review *after* the first 60
(& yes this is kinda backed by science. I read a study a while ago… some students took a ton of shoes and ran them on a robot+treadmill and ALL the brands they tested lost cushion in the first 60miles then tended to stabilise until you hit much higher mileage).
I'll see what I can do!
The upper is a single layer mesh? Can you see light passing through?
The upper is single layer but there is a backing to it. The shoes drain pretty well though.
Nice review! Sounds like a good alternative to my Lone Peak's.
Thanks! Yes, they're as close as you can get to Altra without being an Altra!
@@ChaseTheSummit, I think that I will just use my altra's for now. Very happy to know there is a good alternative.
I have both and its a great alternative to LP's
Love my Topos! 3 pair of Ultraventures
1 pair Terraventures.
Really interested in this updated version of the MNT racer. How do they drain?
I also wear Altras but Topo seems to be built to last in comparison. Thanks for the review and hope to get an update after more miles!
In terms of drainage they could be a bit better but they dry out about as quick as my Altras. I'd like to see more intentional positioning of drain holes but those can be easily "customized". Thanks for watching!
really? My original Topo Ultraventure ripped holes at the arch in both shoes in less than 200 miles of use, not to mention the horrible fit with my toes getting jammed going downhill and the grip being barely passable in muddy conditions.
Be curious to learn how this MTN Racer 2 compares with the new (July 2022) Altra Olympus 5. Appear to be very similar trail shoes after the same niche market.
I've got a pair of Olympus 5's in the mail. Stay tuned!
Great, looking forward to the comparison!
I have one pair of MTN race 2 too and same as you i have a weird foot shape and had a hard time finding a good shoe that fits in well with Mega-grip (i tried Altra but can't do well in the zero drop). considering have another pair for rotation. How is it compare to Ultra Venture Pro or Ultra Venture 2? and several months since this video how durable you found it? thanks
I haven't tried the Ultra Venture's but they look great. These shoes are still holding up great but they're not my primary trail show in the rotation.
Have you worn the Olympus 4? Wondering how these compare to that in terms of cushioning.
I haven't tried the Olympus 4 but I would assume they're much more cushioned as they're marketed as a max cushion shoe. These Topo's are more in line with the Lone Peak.
Great review! Couple questions, maybe I missed. Good protection underfoot from rocks?
Decent protection. There's not rock plate in these shoes but the midsole has a dual density that adds some protection.
Which shoe has a wider mid and fore foot? My left foot is wider than the foam on the altras lol.
I'd say the Altras do. I have an oddly wide mid-foot or instep and find Altras to be the most forgiving.
What do you think in hard pack condition and downhill terrain MTN2 vs. Sense ride 4 which one is better? I will use it in Thailand.
The grip on the MTN Racer is hard to beat unfortunately I don’t have experience with the Sense ride 4 to compare with though.
I have a pair of the first version Mntn Racers and find that they have held up really well. Only downside for me is that I found them to run a touch on the small side. I wear a size 13 in Altra's and those fit me perfectly. I find that the Topo's in a 13 are touch snug, not only in terms of length, but also in terms of width/volume. I'm interested in trying this new version of the shoe though. Sounds like they might be a bit roomier than version 1?
That's interesting because I found the MTN Racer 2's to feel a little big compared to my altras!
@@ChaseTheSummit Hmmm, interesting. Maybe they've made some changes to the last used to make the Racer 2's. I know I wasn't the only one that found the first version to be snug. The Racer 1's were not as "Foot Shaped" as Altra's imo, which is to say, not as broad in the forefoot. If they've changed that for the new version that would be a most welcome improvement, for my use anyway.
Great review … similar foot shape so sounds like it will work although the heel slippage is a little concerning.
Had heel slippage in the Topo Ultrafly-3. Went down half a size. Problem solved. My Topo Ultrafly-3 are a full size smaller than the Altra Rivera.
@@i.p2088 interesting, cool thanks
The heel slip hasn't become a major problem yet but I haven't done any 20+ mile runs with the MTN Racer 2 so only time will tell.
Have you tried the Topo Runventure 3? I've had my eyes on those snice they are zero drop...I love Altras but I wish there was more competition in the zero drop game.
Haven't tried them but they look pretty slick. I agree, I wish there were more "footshaped" zero drop or at least low drop shoes out there.
@@ChaseTheSummit Open market for a hungry entrepreneur lol!
Awesome, informative review! I wonder how these compare to the Hoka M Torrent 2?
In terms of ride they're pretty similar with the Torrent 2 feeling a bit less squishy. The fit is entirely different though. The Hokas have a more "traditional fit" while the Topo's have a wider toebox similar to an Altra.
@@ChaseTheSummit Thank you so much for the reply. I’ll give the Topo’s a try! Btw, your videos have been a great resource for me. Keep up the good work. It's appreciated.
Hey. Great timing for this review, as I was just thinking of buying these shoes for my rotation, as well. The only issue is that there is no local store selling them, so I have to buy them online, without previously trying them on to check fit/size. Since you also mentioned that you use the LP5s, could you please share on the size/fit differences? Personally I find LP5 a bit to wide in the mid foot and I can't get a good lockdown in them. I really like the fit of Timp/Torin/Superior, though. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing! The sizing is pretty similar to LP5's but I found the topo's just to feel a tiny bit longer.
The sizing is similar to LP's, I feel the mid foot is wide but I dont feel its as wide as LP's
I have to go a half size down with the LP's. Should I go a half size down to with this midek?
*model
#internet bro
I'm wary of this brand after a relatively bad experience with their original Ultraventure shoe. I can't go downhill as fast as I wish because my foot slides to the front and my toes get jammed. Have you experienced something similar in these MTN racer 2?
Do you have narrow feet? These shoes run wide and may be a bit too wide for you.
@@ChaseTheSummit no, I'd say medium to wide
The original Ultraventure is the best trail shoe I've ever owned. I actually prefer them over the new Mtn Racer 2 minus the outsole(Mega-Grip compound is superior). Regardless, your "foot slides" issue will not be going away with this model as the fit is very similar to the old Ultraventure.
@@scrubsr1304 it's probably due to the ortholite insole being too smooth. I'd swap them but another big issue I had with this model is that the upper busted open right at the arch (both shoes) and at the ball of the foot.
I think the company was started by TOny POst. So the pronunciation is from that.
Makes sense!
@@ChaseTheSummit yeah. It’s the guy who came up with Five Fingers at Vibram.
Very difficult to buy them...not many shops sell topo
Yeah it seems like buying online might be the only option for a lot of people.
I'm always intrigued by Topo because I want the foot-shaped design but with a bit of drop, which is something I can't get with Altra or Hoka, cause it's one thing or the other. I might give these a try.
That's what got me interested in these shoes. That, and their durability as I've had some issues with Altras over the years.
@@ChaseTheSummit how is the durability after a year?
I really don’t understand how anyone can choose Lone Peak’s over these. MTN Racers are better in every way IMO.
The heel-slip and that the tounge is just 1 cm to short, has been a problem for a long time for Topo.
And the reson I stopped buying them.
Oh interesting! Thanks for sharing.
5mm offset isn't an Altra alternative. Im a fan of Altra not because the brand but the drop. Never had any major injuries since switching to them back in 2014.
came for the review of MTN Racer 2s, stayed for the tattoo "μου λείπεισ". Are you comfortable explaining why you got the tattoo?
I get asked about it a lot lol. So much in fact that I made a video about it you can find here: th-cam.com/video/DPg4hXWTr34/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for watching!
It's pronounced "Topo." Not "Topo."
So... Topo
@@ChaseTheSummit Exactly 😉
Great review, maybe slow down the speech a touch though, i feel tired just listening ;)
Try using the .5x playback speed 👍
@@ChaseTheSummit 🤣