Customer Reviews Topo Athletic ST-5

Really liked the shoe other than the insane level of arch support. It felt like I was walking on my arches, rather than on my heels or forefoot. The shoe fit great and was set to replace my other shoes but I couldn't get over the arch support so I had to return them. The arch support should be advertised - it is in no way minimal.

I love the lightweight construction and fit, but coming from other minimal and barefoot shoes (Altra, Vivobarefoot), the built-in arch support is too much for me. I hope Topo will someday make the same shoe but with an actual flat, zero-drop sole, but sadly, these will be returned.

I had to get out a razor blade and some sandpaper to get rid of the built-in arch support, but after I did that, they are a wonderful pair of shoes. The ride is good, the build quality is good, and they are very flexible. I find that 10-15mm is the ideal amount of foam for a pair of shoes to have, and they fit the bill well.

I use St-5 for easy running and strides 5 to 10 miles. These need a breakin period if it is your first time trying minimalist sneakers. The wide toebox is awesome. I have tried them for work and they are really great. Although, I only have put on them about 30 miles, will update once we get around 100 miles. I have low arch and so I use orthotics in mine.

I use these for walking, hiking, and hitting the gym. These are the most packable things ever, and weigh less than my electric toothbrush. I get the black ones and they even double as casual wear on the airplane, at the breakfast. I meant to order two more pairs, because inevitably they will cancelled or something dumb. These are my go to everyday shoes, the Chuck Taylors for my active 60's.

Enjoy wearing these shoes at the gym or just walking around town super comfortable.

So first off, I picked these up to replace a pair of Altra's that wore out too quickly. With these Topo's I use them primarily for gym, as the zero drop and low stack height is perfect for squats and deadlifts. These shoes are great and they provide ample support just where it is needed. I haven't ran in these as I mostly do primarily trail runs, would love if these came as 14mm stack trail shoe, as they would replace another trail shoe of mine. Overall, I'm happy I picked these up.

I bought them to do street photography during my trip to Madrid Spain for two weeks. I would walk for at least 8-12 hours a day and never have I felt so comfortable. I can not recommend them enough to everyone! The reason I am writing this because I am on the Topo website to purchase another pair.

Love this Topo model. It is the closest to the first pair of Topos I bought in 2016: Light and pliable that bend with the natural motion of the foot. I don't know why they are considered to be road shoes. I use them for trail running and hiking. I find most Trail running models to be too stiff and restrictive. These are perfect. I wish Topo would also make a similar shoe with water proof materials for colder, wetter days.

I use these as my everyday shoes, dog-walking shoes, as well as occasional running shoes. I had been looking for this exact level of minimalism in a shoe for a while, and am super pumped I found it. Considering buying another pair or two. #sweepstakes

I walk daily and I enjoy different models of topo. The zero drop shoes are awesome for me. I have high arches and it's really nice that topo makes shoes with built in arch support plus cushioning. I preferred the ST-4 because it had slightly more cushion but overall I like the shoe and the aesthetic. Good looking and lots of compliments. Most companies that make zero drop shoes don't take people with high arches into account. It's nice that Topo is available for people who need arch support

This is a great shoe. The fit is perfect, the toe box wide. It's light, and the stack height/firmness are perfect for road runners who want a minimal feel with just enough protection and midsole for long runs. My only complaint is there is small but noticeable arch support. I still wear the ST-5, but I rotate it with other shoes. I'd wear this exclusively, and rotate multiple pairs, if the arch support could be removed. (Perhaps put the arch in a removable insole, along with a flat insole?)

Use my Topos mostly for walking in a rural area on a mix of pavement, gravel and dirt roads. Love wide toe box, zero drop and amount of cushioning, but I'm disappointed in the durability. Mesh on toe box began to break down at around 100 miles and has gradually gotten worse. I expect more use out of a shoe at this level.

Bought these for the gym. The fit is spot on. I really like them but the sole material is shredding. I am guessing it is because of the rope climbs. Wish these were what they could be.

Love these shoes! Very lightweight and true barefoot design. Also love the wide toe box. #sweepstakes

These are my everyday shoes for pretty much everything. Very light but sturdy, I wear them to the office and on walks and runs. The Topo comfort is built in just like every pair I've ever had, but the minimalist drop keeps my feet engaged during exercise. The toe box is the best of any minimalist shoe I've ever worn.

I use my Topo shoes for running and indoor workout exercises. The fit is perfect for my wide feet and bunions. If a person wants lightweight quality running shoes that look great, I highly recommend them

First shoe shaped like my foot! Feels fantastic. "#sweepstakes"

Super high quality. The ST-5 has a barefoot feel, but somehow provides essential support. The shoe is ultralight and bendable. My shoe of choice.

These are the most comfortable shoes I've owned. They are my always-on indoor shoes. But really essential for workouts: kettlebell and mobility exercises. They have all the benefits of going barefoot but I can wear them on rough concrete or slippery surfaces. They are super grippy.

One of the best purchase I have made in 2025. Sizing is perfect and it feels great in the feet. I don't know why you guys don't have more Zero Drop shoes. That was the perfect shoe for me and looking forward to the 2026 update.

leisure

I have found that at age 71 cushioned shoes do not promote good running integrity, especially when running in sweepstakes races. The ST-5 have helped me in footstrike, leg swing, cadence and many small running movements that add to good running form. This of course transfers to multiple miles of running pleasure! I find the sole to be excellent in design for natural foot movement. I would vote for the ST-5 to be a sweepstakes winner for minimalist running shoes.

I have found that at age 71, cushioned shoes actually damage my running integrity. I find the ST-5 to have improved my foot strike, leg movement, cadence and micro changes affecting good running. Really nice design in foot strike area for natural movement.