Customer Reviews Topo Athletic ST-4

I bought 3 or 4 pairs of Topos ST-2 shoes several years ago. Then went on a marathoning kick where I forgot about the need for shoes that work well when I run intervals on grass with my dogs. My intervals range from 150 to nearly 1,000 meters, so I like the low-drop feel, mid-foot support, roomy toe-box, sole that's flexible fore-aft & side-to-side, plus a roomy toe-box. Most importantly, I like the way the sole has creases that add to the flexibility, but their large flat traction points don't wear out after 3 runs.

I have spent extensive time on both the ST-4 and the previous version the ST-3. While the St-4 is a fine shoe, it falls short of the far superior ST-3. If you are listening Topo, please reissue the ST-3. It was a perfect barefoot shoe. The upper was supportive, with solid heel lock, yet the softer uppers allowed your toes to really splay properly and gave them a freedom of movement that the ST-4 does not. The St-4 to me feels much more like your typical restrictive feeling running shoe, The uppers are a little stiff, and the material while it feels fine with socks, does not feel great with barefeet. You also cannot slip them on and off as easily. In use, I feel like you feel more planted in the ST-3, where as the ST-4 sole is much more vague feeling. Ultimately, the ST-3 was perfection, the ST-4 is merely fine. Please, please reissue the ST-3. Thank you.

I run in FiveFingers, trail run/hike in LonePeak 4.5s, and wear zero drop minimalists for cross training, recovery, and "life." The splay is a hair slimmer than my others, which paired with a more secure mid foot and heel lock makes traversing an incline much more secure. They are still very light and flexible, but maintain needed rigidity in torsion. **1-star deducted for the horrible laces. Both of my laces have "heat weld/splices" in the usable length which catch and hang up in the lace eyelets. VERY FRUSTRATING when tying/securing.

I've been using Altra for years and still love some models like e.g. Lone Peak and Torin. A few years ago I came across Topo and ST-4 was my very first experience with the brand. I have to say I got addicted to these shoes. I love them even more than Altras. I have already got two pairs and I'm about to buy the 3rd one. Sometimes I forget I have these shoes on. They are so comfortable! Great for gym activity, especially dead lift (zero drop, low cushion). Awesome for walking - I walk 10km a few times a week regularly and the shoes are still in great condition, even after several machine washings. Great for everyday use. + foot shape + zero drop + surprisingly durable (so far indestructible) + good laces - they look a little bit like a trampled frog

My favorite shoes for work (as a personal trainer) and training.

Lots of room in the toe box and very comfortable to wear. Some people don't like the slight arch support that the shoe provides, but I like it because I have severely flat feet and it prevents me from overpronating as my feet get tired on long runs, which protects my knees. The provided insole is comfortable and slightly cushy which I prefer for road running, but you can easily remove or replace the insole if you don't like that. These shoes are certainly stiffer than your average barefoot shoe but they do have a bit of flex to them so you can still practice a natural gait.

I use my ST-4s for cross-training type workouts three times per week. Good for all types of movements, including runs of up to 3K.

I used to wear Altras but wanted to try something different. I also watched a minimalist shoe. These fit the bill. I bought both 0 drop Topo brand shoes and like these alot. Super comfortable, lightweight. Cons: Not a great color selection. The laces are so long I had to shorten them.

Great! Best running shoe I have owned! Turns out I don't need a massive insole to have my legs not hurt! Don't be intimidated, by the zero drop or thin sole, the sole actually feels very sported and is one of the few shoes that works well for both distance and sprinting! #sweepstakes

The minimal cushioning provides great ground feel. Wouldn't change a thing. Excellent design Topo Athletic!

I've worn Altras for many years and became frustrated with their narrowing fit, razor-blade tongue, and ankle biting. These ST-4's felt great from the first run. True size. Light weight. Nice ankle and heel fit.

I absolutely love the shoe. I'll be using them for daily wear, hiit, and gym days. I currently have been using the altra solstice at the gym, and theyre great for lifting and treadmill jogs, but there isnt enough lockdown for hiit and sprints stuff. these are just a bit more fitted, still with a roomy toe box, but have way better lockdown and lateral support. there is an arch, but since I have a developed arch already, it's not like it plays a roll for me. It just fits me like a glove.

I love these shoes for workouts at the gym and I find myself wearing them the rest of the day as well. They fit and feel great and they're super lightweight and comfortable. The footbed has a nice shape for natural toe splay. Great for light jogging as well. If they made an all-black version, I'd buy this shoe forever.

I totally love these shoes. I was really looking for some running shoes with a low stack height and zero drop. I found that I love these for walking, but since the material is so light on the sides and bulks up a bit there, I wear them only for walking. The sole is probably the most comfortable I've ever walked on. I totally love the roomy toe box. My feet have low arches and I feel like these were made for me. I'd love to try other Topo products and maybe use one for running too.

I use my topos for my road runs, and going to the gym. I've been using the st shoes for about 6 years now starting with the tabi shoes that I miss.

I have had 3 pairs of these and I am buy another just in case they discontinue this. I love this shoe for traveling as the heal folds down for going through customs and security. Makes it easy for sitting on a flight too. It's also great for folding down into a suite case.

I use these for Crosstraining (Deka, Crossfit, Camp Gladiator) on a daily basis. They are almost the perfect shoe. The upper is perfect..light yet very stable. Just about the only shoe for doing any kind of agility as your forefoot never slides around. Now there are 2 improvements needed. 1. The midsole feels meh. Would be nice to see more rebound. 2. Heel slippage is not good. Slides out the top a little unless you really tie the laces tight. But more so the heel slides side to side in the shoe.

Have used the Topos for 8+years and have returned to the more minimalist ST-4 after using the Magnifly most recently. The magnifly is good for long walks always felt clunky to me (although great for long walks). For running I prefer the minimal feel of the ST-4. I love the wide toebox, zero drop, and just enough cushion to smooth out the ground but where you still feel what you are running on. They are super light and, for me, I feel like my form is best with a minimal shoe like this. Only cons are the back of the shoe will cut up your ankle if you're wearing no show socks and because of how thin they are, you will definitely wear through them quicker than a full size shoe. All in all though, perfect running shoe for those who want a roomy toe box, natural feel, and zero drop.

Running paths along Han River in Seoul most days. The light weight allows you to hit extra kilos and really fly.

I use them for Camp Gladiator, Deka, CrossFit, other HITT workouts that involve running and agility. Most training shoes are too heavy and not good for lifting. Most running shoes are terrible for agility and too soft for lifting. This shoe has a great upper with no worries about your forefoot sliding around when you make a quick change of direction. The rubber seems good so far and has good placement for a mid/fore foot runner. The only issue is the heel slippage. You have to really tighten down the laces to minimize it at the cost of blood circulation. A little padding at the top of the heel or a little less material between the last loop and the heel would likely solve that.

I've been recovering from a back injury and decided to experiment with zero drop shoes. I went from custom orthotics in standard 10mm drop running shoes to these (ditched the orthotics) and am really happy with them. Everything feels better, especially the back. Seems to be built solid and are very comfortable.

A very light and fast zero-drop shoe. It has a wide toe box, which I really enjoy. It feels more comfortable and natural to have room for my toes to splay out a little while running. That said, it still feels quite secure, although it may take a few runs to get your preferred lacing tension dialed in. It performs great on pavement and fairly well on grass trails or dirt trails that are compacted. I've done 10-15 mile runs with these without an issue, but it probably is best for faster sub-10 mile runs. I also like that the heel collapses, which makes this a great travel running shoe too. Highly recommended if you're looking for a more minimal and fast daily runner, especially if you prefer zero-drop shoes.

I wore my ST-2s out, tried Altra Escalantes but didn't love the slightly higher drop and weight, and I'd been waiting for a few months for an ST-4 to come out. I think Topo did a great job with this one, it improves on the ST-2 in some ways (more breathable, sleeker visual design, more comfortable footbed although YMMV there) but keeps the important things right - still zero drop, still very lightweight. Great shoe!

A fantastic shoe for its purpose. My runs in this shoe range from 3 to 13 miles. Pros: First, the zero drop and 16mm stack contribute to a natural feel on the foot. Second, the weight and fabric construction contribute to a VERY nimble and flexible feel. Third, the toe box is comfortable and roomy. Cons: First, the 16mm stack is great for a natural feel, but it also means the impact will be greater on your legs. Something to consider if you have knee/hip issues. Second, the fit is fairly secure but relatively roomy/flexible. If you want a shoe that feels tighter on your foot or if you have narrow feet, then these may not be for you. Overall, this is an excellent shoe that feels great for short-mid range runs. I really like the natural and flexible feel. It feels fast. The sole's bottom is showing more wear than I would expect, but somewhat expected because this shoe is intended to be more minimalist than others. For the same reason, I likely wouldn't love this on a rocky trail, but it has held up surprisingly well on dirt trails.