Customer Reviews Topo Athletic Traverse

I was looking for a wider, tougher version of a running shoe for walking, light hiking and all around outdoor shoe. The shoe is a heavier material and is reinforced in key areas but still light enough to be considered a trail running shoe. The shoe is advertised as a wider toe box but it was still not quite wide enough for my EE foot. I exchanged for half size up and this worked much better. Overall I am pleased with the shoe but if you have an extra wide foot I would size up 1/2 size.

Sorry Topo but his is not a well designed thru hiking shoe, the toe box is roomy, the sole is tough, but the shoe has a narrow feel to it compared to other models. Thats not what you want if you are carry a pack walking on varied traill conditions every day. You could easily trun a ankle using these for thru hiking. Now I love topos I have several pair and hike in them all the time. Please bring back the non water proof Trailventure, that was an excellent thru hiking shoe.

Pros - great stability and support - anatomical toe box - rock plate - higher drop (5mm) than some shoes from other brands that offer "foot shaped" shoes Cons - Rigid heel caused terrible heel blisters - I wish they had slightly more cushion - I found the heel loop unhelpful when pulling the shoes on. A tab at the top of the heel would be better. I wore these shoes during a 500 mile section hike of the Pacific Crest Trail. During a previous thru hike (while wearing different shoes) I had numerous foot and ankle issues including plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendonitis (chronic pain on the inside of one ankle). My feet and ankles fared much better this time around which I attribute to the supportive and stable nature of the Topo Traverse and doing foot and ankle specific physical therapy before my hike. However, I dealt with terrible heel blisters which I believe was caused by the rigid heel of the traverse. Terrible blisters were a huge inconvenience on my thru hike and are likely a deal breaker which will prevent me from wearing the Traverse in the future, unfortunately.

I used this model for my Colorado Trail thru hike and in total 540 miles by which the lugs of the sole wore out. The heel of the shoe was abrasive and wore off the skin of my Achilles quickly. The heel cup in the lining was too aggressive causing blisters on both heels with high mileage. The toe box should have been slightly wider but the shape was good otherwise. The upper of the shoe allowed water in too easily compared to Altra's material. The shoe had great traction, good toe protection, and good rock protection.

Love the way they look although the are roomy they do not look clumsy They are a great to go from trail to concrete or to garden paths. Very versatile I was a long time Teva shoe devotee but I am now converted to Topo

I will be walking the 500 mile Camino de Santiago Frances in September. I did this hike 3 years ago with Terraventure 3 shoe. Wanted to try a shoe with a 5cm lift and a bit more padding. This shoe has been great during my training. Looking forward to using them in September. #sweepstakes

I really wanted to love this shoe. It had everything that I wanted in a trail runner. The cushion is great, the heel to toe ratio was perfect, and the toe box is roomy. The problem was the heel. There is something just a little different between this shoe and Terraventure. And that gave me the biggest blister that I've ever had, within 4 miles. I switched back to my Terraventures, and everything is better. I gave this shoe 3 separate hikes, and had the same issue each time. This shoe might be great for you, but for me, they're pretty useless. Unfortunately I waited a bit to use them, so my 30 days is up to return then. That's my fault and not the fault of Topo. All things being said, I do think that this is a really good shoe. I just wish the fit was better for me.

Love the roomy toe box

Looked like a nice shoe, but I found the midfoot to be too narrow for me resulting in uncomfortable pressure a bit behind the base of my little toe. It was obvious as soon as I put them on. I've been wearing the Pursuit (1 & 2) and Trailventure (1 & 2) for years and was sad to discover that these didn't have the same shape.

I love the fit of Topo shoes that have a wide to box. Contrary to the information page, these are not roomy at all. In fact, the width for the entire shoe is less than normal. I ended up buying a pair of MTN Racer 3 and they have the wider fit I've grown accustomed with Topo. Topo, please don't begin cheapening your products. This is my 3rd pair and don't want to look for another brand. Also, please find new ways to designate the width of your both your shoes and toe boxes. Based on my experience and other reviews, you have narrowed some of your shoes while continuing to place the "Roomy Toe Box" label on their information page. It seems you have a loyal fanbase, including myself. Your build quality and roomy toe box is why I keep coming back. Please don't start chasing us away.

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

Topo has truly nailed it with this shoe for thru-hiking. Perfectly structured to handle the weight of a pack. I just finished section hiking the PCT through Desolation Wilderness with this shoe and it handled everything perfectly. Pros: 1. Durability - this shoe held up to everything I threw at it and still looks brand new. The quality is unmatched. 2. Tread - super grippy and durable. 3. Upper + integrated gaiters - withstands the elements and keeps debris out 4. Insole - the smart design of the insole dries quickly and sheds water fast after river crossings. I want this insole for all shoes. Cons: 1. Only con I can think of is it's not instantly comfortable when trying on. It doesn't shine til you add the weight of a pack. Overall, the best shoe I've worn for backpacking period.

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 haven't had heel blisters in years using mostly Brooks, Topo, and Solomon shoes. I got blisters on the back of both feet in the first 2 miles of my first hike. These shoes are really a disappointment, even though I love my other Topos. The insole and heel combine to push my foot so high that my heel slips continually. I have given it 4 tries, ended up hiking without insoles just to make it off the trail. Will have to return them. I ordered different insoles but will probably just return them and try another pair. I wanted to love these for all of the other reasons, like the rock plate. But the heel is a deal breaker.

I use my tipis for racing, hiking and backpacking

I purchased these Traverse to walk the Camino Frances from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela in March & April. These shoes have ~500 miles from the camino and ~200 miles of training and the only real sign of wear is at the back heel. The sole looks almost new. Walked in cold, warm, rain, shine, snow, unpaved trail to concrete to remnants of Roman roads. Only two days had hot spots which tape cured. No blisters. Paired with double layer merino wool socks and size larger than normal. Perfect!

#sweepstakes I use the Traverse for cutting grass on a hillside with a lawnmower. The lugs are great grippers and the shoe is lightweight! The fit is just about perfect. At first I thought it was a tad too tight, and I started to get a hotspot or two, but after wearing them to cut grass on a couple of hillsides, I actually didn't want to take them off, and didn't! They were comfortable all day long that day. Alas! I took them off and they're waiting for the next week's grass cutting. I'm impressed with the shoe, for sure.

Nice work Topo, these are outstanding, dare I say the best hiking shoe! This is my 3rd pair of Topo shoes and my favorite! I previously wore out 2 pairs of Mtn Racers. I have been wearing the Pursuits on trails in AZ including several days backpacking through the Grand Canyon backcountry. These have just the right amount of cushioning for hiking and backpacking, firm enough to allow my shoes to give the support needed when hiking and backpacking with a 38 pound pack, but enough cushion to be a trail runner. Nailed it! I think that's your multi layer midsole. The rock plate is a welcome addition (not previously seen on other models) to protect my feet from poky things in the trail. The grip of the Vibram outsole is the best on the market and it's a very versatile tread design. The internal dimensions hold my foot securely but allow my for plenty of room for my piggies to stay happy on long hikes (always size up 1/2 size from your normal size if using on trails). His has just the right amount of lightweight external foot protection around the forefoot. The integrated, proprietary gaiter attachments are handy for using Topo gaiters. It would be nice if you included a tab of Velcro on the heel to accommodate other brands. One could easily shoegoo on a little tab of Velcro if I wanted it, so no deduction in score. Regarding he 5 mm drop Inthink that's perfect for backpacking. 10 out of 10! The Pursuit deserves cult status in he hiking world

Walking our dogs on rough terrain; wearing them to work; the Traverse does the job and lasts longer than the dozen or so Altra's used in the past. The foot feel of the inner sole feels very textured when initially putting them on, but it is not noticeable at all when out and about. Wearing a size 13 men's. Used a small length of gutted paracord with knots on both ends (see image) then adhesive backed Velcro folded onto itself around the cord (see other image). This allows lighter weight, better breathing gaiters to be used. Only Topo's with a decent rock plate can be used with our pointy sharp rock trails. The WP Trailventure 2 works great when the weather is cooler/snowy. Sadly, my big toes bend inward and the tip of the big toenail presses on fabric instead of the toe bumper, causing accelerated wear: no fault by Topo, just wish the toe bumper extended a little more over the top of the shoes, like the Trailventure 2.

just a minor complaint on the shoe is that after long hikes for me (+12 miles & 5K elevation gain) I started to feel tight on the sides of the shoe, rubbing my pinky fingers but nothing to big of a complain, just something to get better on the new version

I've been 24 years off the AT and am approaching the point of no return. I recently hooked up with my ThruHiking niece on a down day. Her partner suggested I look at the Traverse and I've been nothing but impressed. Any decent shoes I've tried lately have been too tight in the arch and toe, or else they didn't seem durable enough for a long distance hike. I hiked exclusively in Mrrls back in the day, but now find they don't fit, (too many retirement years in sandals). There are just too many things to like about the Traverse such as the thought put into the sole construction, the fact these things dry so fast, and I love the gaiter loop. Although I know a shoe alone won't get me back on the trail, but it goes a long way in encouragement, so for me the Traverse hiking shoe is a God-send.

Great for trail running. Would like a slightly wider option but overall the fit rocks and is much better than many other brands. Feels very secure but doesn't mess up my toes. If you like Altras you'll like these. #sweepstakes

Currently am using my Topo's for everyday walking. These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. As I have issues with plantar fasciitis, the heel to toe drop was an important feature. Having Appalachian Trail hiking experience and hoping to get back on the next section soon, the "#sweepstakes" could help with the replenishment of another pair when needed, as I need look no further for another brand of shoe. I am a satisfied customer and keep up the good work!

I really wanted to like this shoe for planned thru hiking. Toe box and stability is nice but shoe is too tight at "the waist". I ended up going with the Terraventure 4. I wish the mid shoe was slightly wider. Returned the Traverse and stayed with the Terraventure 4.

Junk quality, The right shoe has a small twist causing the sole to be uneven. The right heel position is uncomfortable.I don't understand that other shoes made in China are not that bad, but your shoes are of such poor quality. The left shoe is good, very comfortable and reliable.