Best Topo Athletic Shoes 2023

Topo Athletic shoes give you the benefits of natural running while maintaining some of the features traditionally found in the best running shoes. Topo was founded in 2013 by Tony Post, who has been around the running industry for over 40 years. With a mission to make shoes that bring the natural feeling of running to everyone, Topo continuously improves its shoes to bring you the best cushion, fit and run possible.

Topo Athletic shoes all have three distinct characteristics:

1. Roomy toe box: The anatomically larger toe box might be one of the first things you notice about Topo shoes. This allows your toes to splay and relax more than traditional footwear that tapers at the toe. It helps your toes align in their natural positions for better balance, stability and comfort.
2. Secure midfoot and heel: Although there is a wider toe box, the midfoot and heel will wrap around and lock down your foot. The result is that you feel nimble, agile and secure no matter the terrain.
3. Low heel-to-toe drop: All Topo Athletic shoes are engineered with either a 0mm, 3mm or 5mm heel-to-toe drop. This lower drop encourages a midfoot strike when running so you move naturally through the gait cycle.

All of these characteristics combine to give you shoes that make running feel innate, natural and comfortable. All Topo Athletic shoes are athlete-inclusive, so they will work whether you are running a four-minute mile or out walking with friends.

If you’re in the market for a new pair, these are the best Topo Athletic running shoes for your run:

[This article is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2023. Find all the best running shoes from the top brands for all situations.]

Cushioned and responsive, the Topo Athletic Phantom 2 will have you excited for your long runs. The dual-density midsole in the Phantom 2 has incredibly soft ZipFoam™ surrounded by a stable EVA foam, giving the shoe a soft feeling underfoot that still has some snap to it. Plus, Topo added 3mm of cushioning to this version of the Phantom for a softer ride.

The Phantom 2 sports an engineered mesh upper with no overlays, so it is breathable and comfortable. Nice and roomy in the toe box, it is secure throughout the midfoot and has a TPU heel counter to give you the best fit possible. You will be excited to lace up the Topo Athletic Phantom 2 whether you are walking the dog or running a marathon.

The Topo Athletic Ultrafly 3 provides a cushioned, stable ride whether you are running, walking or just need a comfortable stability shoe. The external TPU counter pairs with a traditional medial posting to provide guidance to those who have flexible arches or overpronate. It is also excellent if you need some stability towards the end of the run when your form starts to break down.

The Ultrafly 3 is engineered with a dual-density midsole for a bouncy ride. It is soft underfoot, yet responsive to give you a spring in your step. A breathable mesh upper with a molded heel counter rounds out the Ultrafly 3. Stable and secure, the Ultrafly 3 will keep you running strong.

Go off-road in the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3. These trail running shoes offer cushion and comfort with an updated Zipfoam midsole cushion that is lighter, softer and more responsive. The lightweight mesh upper has minimal overlays to allow your feet to breathe. Plus, there is an internal microfiber belt to keep your feet snug and secure.

Go ahead and run on those muddy trails—the Ultraventure 3 sports a Vibram® XS Trek EVO outsole, which was designed for wet conditions. The outsole has generously spaced lugs to give you grip and traction on uneven and slick surfaces. Go explore the trails in the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3.

The Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 4 is a lightweight, versatile shoe that is great whether you are running on the pavement or going to the gym.

Topo’s ZipFoam™ midsole gives you a lively, bouncy ride. A sleek, refreshed upper with no overlays makes the shoe lightweight and breathable. Plus, there is a new lacing system with loops as opposed to traditional eyelets to keep your feet secure. Lastly, Topo widened the platform of the shoe for a smoother and more stable ride.

How We Chose the Best Topo Athletic Running Shoes

To pick the best Topo running shoes, we combed through our shoe reviews, best-sellers lists and fit id data to find the shoes we think will work for most people in most situations. We also leaned on our expertise in the running industry to make recommendations.

You can shop with confidence at Fleet Feet: We offer free shipping and returns on all running shoes, and you have 60 days to return any gear if you don’t like the way it looks, fits or feels. Plus, with our price-match guarantee, you can make sure you never pay too much for a new pair of running shoes.

Best Running Shoe Brands

Topo Athletics makes some of the best running shoes in the business, but there are plenty of excellent shoes from other brands. See the best running shoe brands 2023 for more great shoes.

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