Customer Reviews Topo Athletic Traverse

Perspective: 40-year-old 160lb 5'9" man with experience with dozens of wide-toebox footwear since 2008. Feet are a narrow C-width and arches are low and flexible. I've tried just about every pair of Topo trail shoes since the original Ultraventure, as well as many of the road shoes. The same goes for Altra. The reason I've tried so many is that they almost never provide a good fit for my narrow feet. Sometimes I've downsized or tried the women's versions, but these were not ideal solution and caused other fit problems. Women's size 11.5 would probably be what I need, but this size is rarely offered and I don't enjoy the feminine colors anyway. Altra slim fits work pretty well for me, but none of those currently have Vibram rubber. After some scary slips, I don't trust their MaxTrac outsoles. These problems sent me to the low volume Astral TR1 shoes. They are very good and fit me very well. However, their toebox is narrower than Altra and Topo Athletic. After being left with blisters on the tops of both pinky toes after a 30-mile day, I went looking for a wider toebox again. This year I've tried another dozen pairs or so. I just completed two wet and muddy 10K Obstacle Coarse races and frequent a 30-mile trail with frequent water crossings. When I saw that the Traverse had a hydrophobic insole and quick draining/drying features, I ordered immediately. I really don't want to settle for anything less than Vibram Megagrip, so I was very hopeful these would be the shoes for me. I recently tried the MTN Racer 3 and was disappointed that I couldn't get a good lockdown. In contrast, these felt secure immediately. There is just the right amount of toebox space for me to wear Injinji Ultra socks with no pressure on either side. My first test was a trail with a 750 foot drop over 2-3 miles. I wasn't intending to run, but the shoes felt so good that I did anyway. I've never used a wide-toebox shoe that was so secure on sustained downhill sections. It really felt like I had Vibram Megragrip lugs attached directly to the bottom of my feet. Though these are apparently not specialized for running, the good fit made me feel much more nimble than usual. The next weekend I wore them on a relatively flat trail half marathon with some mud. They were secure and comfortable the whole time. No blisters after the race, and no foot pain. My ankles and feet were sore after my recent OCR races in some other zero drop wide-toebox shoes, so this was a stark difference. The light stability seems to be just enough for my needs without being overbearing. I previously used the MTN Racer 2 with light stability in a half size down from my usual. I highly prefer the Traverse in every way. I still need to test the quick draining feature. I really enjoy the texture of the insole though. It seems to grip my socks better than the slidey Ortholite insoles. This is probably also part of why they feel so secure. Everything certainly dried out fast after I cleaned off all the mud from my race. Topo, please continue to make shoes like this one. Surely more people like me that are stuck in between men and women's widths but still want wide toeboxes exist. I would love more colors. The Pursuit's color scheme is my favorite. I would love to see the Traverse in those colors.

I live in the Rocky mountains and spend most of my weekends hiking 8-30 miles. These shoes cover all of those hikes plus everything else. The fit around the bull and midfoot is unmatched in any shoe I've ever had. My toes are free but still secure. No hot spots and then the grip is incredible with these. Will for sure buy again

Glad I switched from Altra to topo's. They are night and day difference when it comes to quality.

I hiked 800 km (500 miles) on the Camino Frances. I was completely amazed by the shoe. I didn't have any blisters the whole month. Until the end, the sole still had enough tread to allow me to move safely. I used Superfeet Insoles to give a better support to my flat feet. It was the first time that I hiked without light hiking boots and I felt absolutely safe and stable the whole Time. I ordered two more pairs for future hikes.

I have been using my Mountain Racers on a lot of our Sierra Trips this Summer and it has provided many smiling moments while running over hill and dale. The trails I travel over have a wide variety of surfaces. From granite stair steps and boulders to pine carpeted forest sections the MR has been outstanding, though actually a little too cushioned (for my taste) for proper hiking. The Traverse combines all the attributes I love in the MR and adds qualities which make it one of the best hikers I have ever used. Presently, I have over 150 miles in them. Just got back from a trip to the last open in the Eastern Sierras of California, in a place called Lundy Lake, near Lee Vining. Did several long trips over the course of several days including a trek to one of the nicest lakes I have ever seen in the Sierras. Incredible outsole, protective and light upper. The toe bumper was awesome in the rocky sections. Many steep grades, sometimes over 20%, so you know there were some gnarly descents too. The Traverse excels at everything you present I with. With every model I try from Top it seems the brand continues to improve on already excellent products. Every iteration of new models seem to be linear improvements and new models build on the heritage of all the feedback they get from you and I, the users. Chapeau Topo, for another model well done!

I love these shoes. I got the brown ones. They hug my feet just right. Not too loose and not too tight. They look great, too!

I hiked over 200miles in the Cherokee National forest last year and it is some extremely rough and rugged. These size 13wides have been a revelation in my 48yrs on planet earth. They have held up on every level. There are no holes in the weaved fabric and the traction is still great. Even the toe rubber is perfect and so is the fabric around my ankles. My foot is held tight in the mid-foot then expands out where my toes are free to spread out. Absolutely great shoe to meander about in the forest.

These shoes come and feel as advertised. A lot of traction and cushion. They are a bit stiff for a trail running shoe so it's an individual preference in that discipline, but as a hiking shoe they rock!!

Perfect long-distance hiking shoe with vibram sole, rocker plate, and comfy toe box yet not loose in the heal. Dries fast. Topo gator fits perfect too. For me, comparing this to trail runners this shoe offers much better foot and ankle support while hiking with a 25-30 pound pack. Most other trail runner shoes are too mushy so roll under any root or rock.

Good shoes

I've been looking for a long time for a comfortable, secure, and roomy fit for shoes. I'm talking yearsssss. I'm so glad I found topo, I love this shoe. I have to have a good grip, and be ready to tackle any terrain for my job. It has great grip and after the 2nd day, I threw literally 3 other pairs of shoes away. Love it! Recommend it. Will buy again and again This will last me much longer than most shoes.

Bought for short hikes in the Andes. Great fit and awesome look! I have received lots of compliments. The Vibran sole is super grippy. #sweepstakes

Great for thru hikes, after trying many other brands this shoe is it, thank you so much for making such a great shoe!

Only about 70 miles in on this pair of Traverse, but they seem to be the right combo of comfort and feedback on the trails so far for my feet.

Everyday wear to work and walking.

I wear these everyday for work and another pair on trail. Since changing to the 5mm drop Traverse, my plantar fasciitis has not returned.

Love this shoe. I needed something a bit sturdier than the Pursuit 2 for rocky AZ trails, and this is just the thing. Supportive, moderately cushioned, and a sole that provides protection from sharp rocks. #sweepstakes

I discovered Topos after a painful bout of plantar fasciitis backpacking a section on the Appalachian Trail. I made the transition to a low (not zero) drop from a 13mm to the 5mm Traverse. I currently own three pair; two for the trail and one for the office. I am very happy with the fit and durability of the uppers. The grippy soles ate lasting, but we'll see how they do on the Virginia rocks once I get 500 miles on them.

I use my topos for trail running and the wide width sizing provided works for me. I am a midsole runner and on the rocky trails, I avoid bruising on the sharp or pointy rocks and roots. I am still in the breaking in process, but it has been very good so far.

The fit is the best I have ever experienced. Full comfort with top of the market performance on the trails!

I use these for on trail running and hiking. These are definitely an all day shoe. I require a big toe spread but otherwise have a pretty normal foot profile. My feel do not float and blister in these shoes even though my toes do not get crowded as my feel swell and return. They are tough .

I do long trail hikes. I use the Traverse and it is, without a doubt, the best shoe for hiking, and I have tried literally every brand over many years. None come close to Topo Traverse. Vibram megagrip soles, great durability, large toe box, and size 15's available.

I walked the 1000-mile (1600-kilometer) Le Puy Camino last summer in these shoes. I will be wearing them on my 2026 Camino Norte! Very comfortable!

Comfortable fit with good Vibram soles. Big fan of these shoes!