Customer Reviews Topo Athletic Mtn Racer 2

I bought these several weeks ago, to use mostly on the treadmill and hiking, but also as an all around walking sneaker due to the extra heel cushion and to get a comfy break from my zero drop Lone Peaks. I love both pairs of shoes and can give an experienced opinion of the fit. The LPs are roomy, light and playful whereas the Mtn Racer 2s are more fitted, structural and solid. I have wide feet and when I first saw the Topos I didn't think they looked wide enough. The laces are spaced wide giving the impression of a narrow shoe. But after wearing them twice they had broken in and the fit is excellent. I especially like the mid fit and tongue and rim of the shoe which feels snug and supportive like a neoprene sock without ever feeling tight. I'm now a permenant fan. Both shoes have their pros and cons, I like working out in both but enjoy the zero drop of the LPs and then coming home and putting on the Topos almost like a recovery shoe. The MRs cushion is firmer also, sometimes the LPs get too marshmellowy and I enjoy the rigidity and structure to take all the effort away from my feet so they can truly feel comfortable and relaxed.

I was loyal to a certain company of "foot-shaped" shoes for years. Had that company stayed true to their original ideas, I'd have never discovered Topo. Topo stepped in and filled the gap that the 'other' company had -- well -- done away with. That is, Topo is truly a foot shaped shoe. Further, the cushion on this shoe is like none I have ever experienced. I've got 150 miles on these and the cushion still feel like new. The uppers are strong, the midsole is still soft, and the Vibram outsole is tough as nails and sticky as taffy. This is the best shoe I've run in - ever. So, Topo, please don't feel the pressure to change too frequently. It's ok with me if you just change the colors from year-to-year, but your formula works. Speaking of the color, this school bus orange has been my favorite color since I had my first circus peanut. So, if you keep this color, that'd be cool also. I've already purchased multiple pairs of these shoes, so I should be good for a while. Try this shoe.

I've put some miles on these now after also using the original Mtn Racer. The new ZipFoam really makes a huge difference, and is a great foam that is more cushy, but has a solid rebound so it doesn't feel all squishy. Durability so far has been good. While I preferred the originals upper material, this new one has been a bit more breathable, tho at the cost of allowing more trail ash as grit thru into my socks. The MegaGrip outsold is the best I've ever worn, in both wet and dry. My only wish for improvement is to add a little bit more padding at the top of the tongue. When I lace them up tight to get a snug fit, the laces there cut into the top of my instep a bit more than I would like. Other than that, I really wish Topo would offer these in a understated dark gray/black or true navy blue /gray type color way. It'd be nice to wear them on travel trips without a bunch of neon nonsense standing out. And offer the 12.5 in all colors as well.

These are the best trail running / hiking shoes I've ever owned. They are light yet super burly and they have fantastic energy return.

Topo are my fave shoe brand -- have had about ten pairs between trail & road and have loved every single pair! The MTN Racer 2 gives you a nice medium stack over the ground, while also giving ample support without being stiff. These are rugged, can withstand the elements, and have clocked about 100 miles for me so far with a ton of pop still left to go -- 10/10 would recommend for trail runners / hikers! #sweepstakes

Always the perfect fitI have purchased many topos over the years and they're always great. Love this color too!

After 25 years of trail running, racing, training, and long distance hiking using all major brands of high performance trail shoes and hiking boots. After being displeased in at least one way or another with most all other brands I found Topo. I have since worn out 4 pair of the MTN Racer 2 and recently ordered my 5th. At one point during the 4 shoes and thousands of miles I had to ask for assistance with a shoe and Topo proved that their customer service is as exceptional as their shoes. The people I spoke with were all very helpful, and made the process so easy. These are the best hard use high mileage trail footwear I have found. I am a customer for life. I tell everyone about my Topo's! #sweepstakes

I love using this shoes for trail running, walking, hiking and for errands. It fits perfectly on my foot, it is comfortable and lightweight. I can use this for my exercise and daily routine like buying groceries at the store. I can even use this for work. It is comfortable and I can move fast without a second thought, because I have this awesome shoes, I found my match. #sweepstakes #topoathlethic

Last minute decision to need new shoes for an 80k ultra in scotland. decided on the mtn racer 2. the 80k was the first time I wore them and the gamble paid off beautiful. Great grip, room for toes. Laces held even through all the bog and excellent heel lock. I really have nothing negative to say.

I have used Topos for years . Something happened recently where you started making the women's shoes more narrow. Maybe this is to accommodate more women's feet, but it does not work for me. So I need you to make more women shoes in wide, especially the top of the line trail shoes. But these men shoes work pretty well since they're just a little bit wider, but they're not quite wide enough. Please please please make more styles in wide.

Roomy toe box. Perfect balance for cushion, heel drop, stack height, and support parameters.

Topo is the best shoe around. If altra has destroyed your feet and achilles but you still want a shoe the is comfortable and fits naturally - this is your new go to.

Bought these as light hikers to get back on trails near me. As soon as I put them on in the store, I knew they were perfect for me. They felt like they were bespoke designed for my feet. #sweepstakes

Almost a perfect shoe for trail running. The slight heel slippage is noticeable but I didn't have any irritation or blisters from it.

Second pair of Topos after years of only wearing Altra. I was never a fan of the zero drop but needed the roomy toe box. These Topos are way more durable and just as comfortable, without the zero drop design. Win all the way around.

out of the box, this has become my favorite trail shoe - the first run was a 12 miler with a mix of sloppy trail and some paved patches of path - this shoe was outstanding on both - enough cushion so I got some give on the paved sections and firm enough that I felt secure in the slop - and the grip was excellent as well so that I was able to "hook up" to the trail in the sloppy technical parts - thanks Topo!

My first time wearing them was on an intense hike in Banff that could have been deadly (everyone else was wearing climbing helmets, there was lightening and hail). I had no time to break in these shoes, but they held up perfectly. Once I made it off the mountain, I even trail ran in them so as to help prevent hypothermia from setting in. Since this initial hike in the summer, I've wore them in other hikes in Banff and Hawaii. I've gotten them very muddy, but they cleaned up well and have about 50 miles of intense hiking on them. This is my favorite hiking shoe of all time, and I'm tempted to buy several pairs as back-ups, just in case future versions of the MTN Racers don't fit my feet as well.

I absolutely love the wrap and fit of this shoe. The MTN Racer 2 does an exceptional job of providing incredible wrapping around the ankle pocket and forefoot area while leaving *just enough* room in the toe box where I don't feel cramped nor like I'm all sloppy. I wouldn't say that I have bony protrusions on my heals, but they're definitely a little pronounced. That being said, I don't ever feel them while running in these shoes (I do in other brands) and can vouch that the materials topo used in the heel pocket are superior... I HATE other brands' cheap materials that rip/shred after 50-100 miles. Topo took the time to make sure the the shoe (inside and out) will weather well through the miles of use and abuse. The laces are rock solid and hold a knot well. Traction is incredible - I'm a Pacific Northwest runner (cough cough rain / rocks / roots cough cough) and have been very pleased with the confident foot strikes as I'm rambling through the woods.

Great trail shoe. I trained and ran a 50k in these. Great fit wide toe box the only thing I would change would be to maybe add a bit more rubber right in the middle of the foot on the sole the exposed foam allows rocks to poke through once in awhile, no need for a rock plate just a bit more rubber

I'm really enjoying this shoe so far. I got the mangos so I have to call them Goldilocks. I come from a long line of Altras because I like zero drop shoes. I do wish the Mt. Racer was a zero drop or no more than 3mm, but 5mm is acceptable to my legs/feet/knees. The Altras are falling apart before the soles wear out, lame! And they are not backing up their product, so I'm out. This shoe has all the goods for my style, cush, light, and nimble handling, and so far durable. I'm at 100 miles so far. The Mega grip is the industry standard and 100%. The upper is slippery, tough, and breathable. The slippery part is key, stuff doesn't catch on the shoe therefore the upper doesn't tear. Love the secure heal cup and the thin tongue. The amount of cush is perfect. Topo nailed it, and it's $40-$50 less than an Altra. One more thing; I'm a tough reviewer with very high expectations and I'm impressed with this shoe.

I have always loved the wide toe box of the altras but the heel has always been to wide to feel secure in them. These fit great, secure with room for my toes to stretch. Midsole is cushioned yet rebounds well. I do a lot of hike, run, and scrambles in the same session. The shoes have enough feel and the mega grip rubber is nothing but excellent on low angled rock slabs. Great all round shoe for technical trails imo. Super comfortable, secure, and the grip are out of this world. I also doubt Topo will go the way of many others and substitute their own rubber for vibram as the founder has heavy ties to vibram.

I have been hiking all summer in these shoes in the Granite State of NH. I regularly hike on granite rocks and slabby slopes and the grip on these shoes is unbelievable. They are very comfortable and stable. I moved over from Altra and I have to say if these come out in a wide I will likely not buy another shoe again. Even though they have a bigger toe box I personally could use a little more room. Not a deal breaker, just wishful thinking. Ordering my second pair this week.