Customer Reviews Topo Athletic Specter 2

Nice shoes with decent energy return, but too flexible for me. Version one was stiffer and better for my mechanics, although the midsole absorbed a lot of energy. Topos seem to be becoming more flexible with every model "upgrade". Many runners like flexible shoes and "ground feel" but not everyone has the perfect form that can handle that. The Cyclone is similar & light and flexible, so it would be nice if the Specter went the other way. Hopefully Version 3 will have a stiffer midsole or plate.

Been running ~35 miles a week with these shoes and I love how they feel. Perfect amount of cushion and response for a daily driver type road running shoe. The only issue I have is that I am currently 270 miles into these shoes the the treading is falling off on both shoes, which is extremely disappointing.

I ran in the first version of the specter and at first I found those too firm, but the more I ran in them the more I started to like them and eventually ran my first marathon in them. So I was very excited for the specter 2. They sounded like the ideal shoes for long distance (tempo) runs and marathon races. When I first put them on they felt great: light, soft and bouncy. But when I took them for a longer run, my feet started to hurt and my legs started to feel tired much faster then with the first version. The reason I think is because of the huge slab of pbax underfoot. There is just too much cof it and combined with the soft foam it drains the energy out of my legs. I also hear a 'flapping sound' on contact with the ground. I will happily run in them for shorter distances, but for my long runs I will seek out another pair of the first specters.

After loving the Cyclone 2and that's putting it mildlyI had high hopes for the Specter 2. Looked forward to it all year. It notches some boxes for long workouts: light, stable, responsive. But for me, the shoe's geometry is so bizarre, the fit so off, I ended up returning it. To understand how exaggerated and cartoonish the shape of the Specter 2 is, see my photos comparing to to the Phantom 3 and Cyclone 2. Those shoes are foot shaped. The Specter 2 is not, at least for me. The toebox is crazy wide, causing my forefoot to slide around and get blisters. Yet the shoe almost runs short, or seems to, at first. In my usual Topo size, my longer foot grazed the end of the Specter 2 on first run. Then I realized I wasn't locked down well enough. On second run, I really cinched my foot in place, and my toes were no longer flirting with the end of the shoe. Much. It still seemed my toes could get smooshed at any moment, especially at faster paces. You see, the heel counter angles forward more aggressively than any shoe I own, so when I didn't have good lockdown, my heel wasn't all the way back in the heel. I appreciate the duck-butt in the back for stability, but it seems excessive as well. I thought about sizing up 1/2 size because of the short length, but then the toes would be in the Grand Canyon. The overall shape and size of this one just doesn't work for me. As others have noted, the PEBAX midsole is quite firm. Much firmer than the Cyclone 2s, which I welcome for longer workouts. The Specter 2 is pretty light, although not as light as Topo originally teased. The shoe feels very high quality, as all Topo shoes do. Not the most stylish, but that isn't why we buy Topo. (Though the Cyclone 2 is a looker.) So, the important ingredients are there, but I hope Topo streamlines the shape of the Specter 3. The Atmos also seems kind of overwrought and bulbous, to me, and I returned that one as well. I hope Topo retreats from these strange geometries that, for me, are actually a move away from foot-shaped. The Phantom 3 and Cyclone 2 are *chef's kiss*.

I had high hopes for the new Specter with the addition of a full stack of Pebax. The Cyclone 2 was one of my favorites, so I was looking forward to the same compound with a little extra stack for long runs Unfortunately the midsole is just as firm as the first version. The toebox and lace lockdown are still my favorite detail of Topos, but combined with another stiff and firm midsole, I never really want to wear the Specters. I'm around 130lbs, so I'm not sure if a heavier runner might actually get a better benefit. I will run in the shoe since a paid for them, but I won't be getting another pair.

Training

My left heel pad came off and the right one is greatly worn away. I only have about 70 miles on them

I wanted to love these shoes but the issue with the upper has be having to bench the shoe after 60 miles, a sham considering the price of the shoe. The upper of the shoe is very lightweight and breathable and I guess in order to support the structure of the upper it is reinforced with another layer of fabric that is not soft. One of these reinforcements aligns exactly with the ball of my foot and after 3 miles there is a great deal of pain when I run and eventually a blister.

We all now how great of foam Pebax is, but I feel that Topo is not using appropriate. Pebax is a fun and very bouncy foam without loosing being responsiv. Topo choose not to use a carbon plate and therefore have to firm up the Pebax and its shine. I feel like its a waist of a great material. Pebax needs to be more cushioned. This could have been a great shoe if Pebax was used right with more bounce, it's time for Topo to use that carbon plate and get Pebax right!

Something is off with these shoes. I run in 0-5mm drop shoes, alternating between Altra/Topo. The fit/wide toe box are positives, but something is unnatural about running in them. It doesn't feel like a natural foot strike at all for a min. drop shoe. As a result, I'm experiencing knee and back pain which is very unusual. I had high hopes after reading all of the initial positive reviews, but disappointed in the product and wish I could return them. Guess it's back to Altras for me!

This shoe is drastically different. I was on the specter 1's for almost 3.5 years. Had several pairs. I wore these for 3 mile run and immediately have an ongoing issue w my peroneal tendons. Not sure why. Love Topo though so was bummed.

Ran about 40 miles in these shoes before realizing I had to size up so I sent them back. Return was approved 8/18 and it's now 8/28 and still no tracking number or shoes back yet! I've emailed Topo and no response. In 2025 I find this level of customer service to be pathetic and they have absolutely lost me and I hope others as a customer. I run 250+ miles a month and just retired another pair and I expected these back well before now so definitely a huge bummer. Do not support this business please!

I was looking for a wide toe box to replace my aging Superblasts, and since I've had good luck with their trail shoes, I picked up a pair of Specter 2's. Immediately I wanted to take them off. The fit was awful; poor heel lock, the foot bed had ridges and valleys that were not aligned my feet, the mid foot had no support and felt saggy, and the toe box was clunky and ill fitting. I love the Ultraventure and Vista, but I'm frustrated I've yet to find a road show from this brand that I like.

While the toe box may be roomy, they are too narrow across the toe knuckles.

I feel compelled to share my experience with these running shoes, and unfortunately, I must give them a rating of one starnot to be confused with the term "Lone Star," as that would undermine their name. It is worth noting that this is my first time awarding a pair of running shoes such a low rating. As someone who runs at least five kilometers every day and participates in a minimum of twenty races each year, consistently placing in the top three for my age group, I understand the importance of comfortable and supportive footwear. My experience with the Specter 2 shoes has been quite disappointing. A simple test to determine whether a shoe might cause discomfort is to try walking in it without the insoles. In my case, it became evident that these shoes rely heavily on insoles to mask significant design issues. To be candid, they are among the most uncomfortable shoes I have ever worn. The rocker design is particularly distressing; it feels as if my foot is rolling off a cliff, similar to a stiff foam bar pressing across the bottom of my foot. After a few minutes of running in these shoes, even with the insoles in place, I realized that I could not bear the thought of using them without insoles, in stark contrast to my Asics Nova Blast, which provide a far superior experience. Unfortunately, I began to feel pain in the ball of my feet, which ultimately ended my running for the day. Additionally, the way the shoes cradle the outside of my foot is concerning; it creates an uncomfortable sensation where the outside appears elevated compared to the midfoot. While I recognize that some shoe designs incorporate this feature for heel support, it does not translate well for the overall structure of the foot. I also reached out to customer support but found the experience frustrating; I was advised to email customer service, and after five emails, I received no response. I do want to acknowledge Tony for his efforts; he genuinely tries to assist customers, which I appreciate.

I give it a 1 star, not the LONE STAR, which would be a disservice to its name. I have never given a pair of running shoes a 1 star before, so I guess this is a 1st. I run at least 5k-plus a day, Run in at least 20-plus races a year, and normally place in the top 3 for my age group. Now for the Specter 2's. Well, one way to tell if a shoe will cause you foot pain is to try walking in it without the insoles. Some shoes need them to cover up major design flaws as in the case with the Specter 2. OH MY GOD they are the worst, most uncomfortable shoes ever. First off the rocker, what did they do? It feels like your foot is rolling off a cliff, Almost like a stiff foam bar is running across the bottom of your foot from left to right. I wouldn't dare run in these with no insoles as I do with my Ascis Nova Blast. After a few minutes of running in these with insoles back in you start to feel pain on the ball of your feet and guess what? You're now done running for the day. The other big issue is they feel like they are cradling the outside of your foot; yeah the outside of the foot feels higher than the middle. This is a great design used by most shoe designers for a heel but not for the rest of your feet. The phone support was no help, they told me to email customer service, 5 emails later and not "1" reply. I only gave 1 star to Tony because at least he tries.