Customer Reviews Topo Athletic ST-4

Perfect zero drop shoe if only the base was as wide as the magnifly 3

Im always skeptical of new versions, but ended up loving the ST 3's more than the ST 2's so I was excited to try these, but have been disappointed. I have worn Topos since 2015 and have consistently worn a 10 across all the road and trail models I've tried. These feel a half size too small, even after breaking in. The sole also feels more rigid than previous versions in an unpleasant way. I also liked the fabric upper of the 3s and found it didn't wear on the inside like the mesh had on my 2s and Runventures so I wish they'd kept the fabric from the 3's. Due to the sizing, I was unable to wear these enough to test the durability however.

I loved the ST-2, but like the ST-3 and ST-4 much less. I still love the idea of the model. I like the collapsible heal; it's my favorite of any shoe. I like the wide, but not clown-like toe box, and the 0 drop. However, in the recent models feels off, such that my foot is constantly fighting the shoe and I never get the connected, "forget it's there" feeling. The midsole also feels dead. Neither cushioned nor responsive. I think it's due to a loss of flexibility with the newer midsole material. I find it less comfortable than shoes that are much more minimal. I still hold out hope for this shoe which fills a much needed space in the market. I just hope for another change in midsole material in the next version so that I may fall in love with this model again.

The ST-4 is a relatively comfortable shoe, but feels more stiff and narrower than previous versions. The ST-1 and ST-2 that I have felt like slippers when they first arrived and were not constrictive on my exceptionally wide feet. To me, the ST-4 is stiff and not nearly as comfortable as the other ST models that I have. There is also some arch support that is uncomfortable for me and seems counter to the intent of this shoe. The toe box also seems narrower than previous versions, a feature that appears to have been incorporated across multiple Topo models and is counter to the whole 'natural' feel that was a selling point for this brand. Overall, the shoe is OK, but I wish that Topo would avoid the inclination to overbuild their shoes and stick to what made them a great product for those who prefer a more natural running feel. Leave the overbuilding to Nike, Addidas and the like. I would maybe recommend this product.

I'm not quite sure on the ST-4 yet. I've run hundreds of miles in the ST-2 and ST-3 and loved both shoes out of the box. The ST-4 is taking some breaking in to feel comfortable; 25 miles and still does not quite feel there. There is a "clopiness" to them like they Cyclone, but with that shoe it felt a lot better after a few runs. I do like the upper on the ST-4, but the outsole just does not feel as good as the ST-3 (yet?). I'd also prefer a non-Ortholite insole as they hold onto water/sweat.

Let me start by saying that Topo Athletic make one of the widest running shoes on the market, and the fact it is paired with a zero drop stack height is almost unheard of unless making the full transition to minimalist shoes (which is not something to be rushed, and often needs a transitional shoe like this). With that being said, the toe box is still not wide enough for my foot, and so I can't use the full strength of my arch, because my big toe is still inhibited. I appreciate the effort the company is making, and for anyone with a foot width equal or less to 10.5cm wide, this is a fantastic shoe! But, because I am writing a personal review of this shoe, I give it 3 stars for mediocre or average, which is not bad compared to all the other one star stuff on the market :) I'd compare this shoe to the Altra Escalante Racer. The ST-4 is $40 cheaper, 6mm closer to the ground, and for now, in-stock. It would be cool if Topo adopted more sustainable shoe making practices, but I think at this stage I'm just describing my own shoe company if I continue struggling to find adequate running shoes that don't mess up my body a little bit with each run. For now, my toes are forced to be crossed for a new wider version of the ST-4 in the future.

I don't like that much room in the toes and I even sent the originals back and went down a size.

If you liked the ST-2 and ST-3 shoes, you may not like these. There is a reinforced plastic toe box which adds unnecessary weight, reduces flexibility and also rubs your toes making them prone to blisters. I ran through over 12 pairs of the ST-2/ST-3 series and loved them. For an ultralight shoe they were perfect, durability was a bit low, but expected for such a lightweight shoe. These seem better for a heal strike run to avoid the plastic toe box rubbing. It would be better it Topo just reverted back to an older version instead of the ST-4. The ST-4 shoe make it seam that a key person at Topo responsible for the design of the previous versions either left Topo, or lost their vote at Topo. Please bring back an older version so I don't have to go on the shoe dating game again!

REALLY wanted to like ST-4s; absolutely loved several pair of ST-2s, but found the ST-3's mesh upper too sloppy for a flexible flat foot. Tried other brands, Zephyr, Fly-lite but nothing could compare to 2s. Have now had two runs in the 4s...can't get used to them. While I love the wide toe box, minimal stack, and price, the shoe is so stiff that even running partners comment on the noise. I'm a heel-glance or midfoot runner. Suspect these would be ok for forefoot-based speedwork but not for the majority of my 40mpw.

Loved my ST-3s. When the ST-4s dropped, I bought a pair and tried them out and didn't like them nearly as much. I ended up going back and buying half a dozen pairs of ST-3s that are now almost all worn out. I decided to try the ST-4 again, and found them still to be a massive disappointment. I wish Topo would bring back the ST-3, or go back to the formula with a few tweaks for the ST-5.

I mostly road run, about 30 miles per week. Runs are 3-13 miles.

I loved the ST-3 so much that I racked up well over 2000 miles in different pairs in them within a year. When they released the ST-4 I really tried to make it work but they landed in the donation pile within 30 miles.

I've been wearing Topo running shoes since 2016 and have worn Fli-Lyte, ST-2, ST-3, and ST-4 models. The added structure to the front of the ST-4 toe box makes these unwearable for me. My foot feels less secure/looser, yet the toe box feels tighter. The added rubber/stiffness doesn't allow for the laces to snug the shoe to my foot so I found my foot moving in the shoe which caused my toes to hit the new rubber structure surrounding the toe box and blister. The St-3 was a great shoe and a great fit. Please fix! There's not a better running shoe on the market for me.

I began wearing ST-2's a few years ago, which I liked, but LOVED the ST-3's. I probably ordered 10 pairs, and although I went through them quickly (walking 25,000 steps per day), the comfort was worth it! I purchased the ST-4's as soon as they came out, and no matter what I do, they are NOT wearable. They hurt my arch, are way too rigid in the middle, and I am super disappointed. Please bring back the features that I loved in the ST-2's and ST-3's. Thank you!

I have worn the ST-3 for the past 4 years, and loved the zero drop and flexibility. I ordered 2 pairs of the the ST-4. There is a manufacturers defect on both pairs. Each right shoe had a significant rock (unworn) from outer heel to big toe, left shoe was as expected. Poorly balanced shoes- a true disappointment.