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Thanks for the video. I had been using MTN racer 2 since late 2021. Total 3 pairs worn out (life span range from 600km - 850km before the outsole was totally flat and very slippery) the fourth one was still in service and is considering the next gen of MTN racer. really love to see Topo keep the goodies in next generation (some brand did change too much in versions basically changing the DNA I used to bought for). I love wide toe box good heel lock in and some cushion the version 2 gave me all that - cannot adapt to the Altra zero drop. Topo MTN racers is the only fit I had been searching for many years I would pray they keep the same DNA
Saw these again in your Ute 100 video today, tried some on tonight at REI but probably need a half size bigger and they don't have in stock. Felt pretty good though, think I might order a pair from REI online. You must have decided they were great shoes since you wore them for the ultra even after all the other shoes you've reviewed. Thanks for the review!
They are great shoes! I should mention that I did develop some blisters under the balls of my feet after 70 miles, but that could have happened in any pair of shoes. Otherwise, they were comfortable the entire race!
Great review Chad. I just got some a few weeks ago, loving them so far. These are my first Topos after switching from many years of Altras. Love the wide toe box, I buy all trail shoes a half size up and haven't had any issues with feet slide/toe rub. Trying them on a very technical 100k next month, then I'll know for sure if I'm sticking with these. Thanks for the thorough review!
I really appreciate this video. I've done a couple trail races and this year I'm extending my distance so I wanted to upgrade from the Hoka challenger. These seem to check all the boxes.
Thank you my friend! They did great for me during my 100 mile race a few months back (although I did start to form a blister on the bottom of each foot at about mile 70). Still, I love these shoes and recommend them! Here's my UTE 100 race video if you want to give it a watch: ua-cam.com/video/wUah95mbE1I/v-deo.html
Hey @SeeChadRun thanks for recommending this review. I agree this shoe is great. I was out running in a pair today. The only gripe I have is when I'm running down steep terrain, the lock down isn't perfect and my feet slide a bit forward (rip a toe nail today). I think this might be the laces, perhaps swapping them out for textured flats might solve this or worse still the lace lugs might be stretching. Hopefully this is just the breaking in period. IMO, if they used the BOA lacing system, it would be perfect.
Great review. New to the channel and like what you have here. Like the vibe, like the format and like the honesty. Keep it up!! Been Topo curious. This review helps a ton.
Would love to see you do a review of the Ultraventure 3 and comparison to the Mtn Racer! I like the comfort of the Ultraventure but it seems like the Mtn Racer might be a more “spirited” rebound as the Ultraventure seems more like an impact absorber with little rebound.
I think that would be a good comparison. I get the impression that the MTN Racer is a little better for, as you put it, spirited trail running while the Ultraventure is slightly more protective and better for trail adventure hiking (although still very good as a trail runner).
Prices probably pretty fair figuring I usually spend about $120 just for a pair of sandals to run in. I wish the stack was lower sometimes on trails of if I don’t feel the ground I’m going down or I roll an ankle or something so I think 28 and 33 is pretty high but that’s for me most people probably like even higher, good video.
Thank you! The stack doesn't feel as high as advertised. You can still feel the ground underfoot and receive good feedback too. Some have complained that it doesn't have enough protection, but I think it's a perfect balance between cushioning that I can run a long time in and underfoot feeling.
I found these too narrow in the midfoot while the toebox was super wide. Didn’t like the arch support, too much. Cushion was responsive but soft and you gotta watch your step, protection isn’t great. Grip was awesome. Honestly for a “mtn racer” they felt better on mellow less technical trails. Overall liked them but moved on for reasons above
Topo is really for wide flat foot. I had been searching this for long time. Other brand tends to be narrower (which I didn’t fit) while friends of mine (who used to other brand) also complained about rolling sideways I had no such problem vs I slide forward/backward in other brands 😂
Great video. Im new here. I just changed from Altra to topo. So far so good. Im recovering from kidney stone surgery, so im doing a lot of walking to put muscle mass back on. Thanks.
They are ok for shorter distance up to about 50km, but there is something in the toe bumper that catches the top of my toes on the downhills so I don't use them, I prefer the pursuit.
Good for mellow terrain. I like the cushioning for long runs. However, stack is too tall for mountain runs with technical trails, but my feet were rolling way too much in these.
Great feedback and perspective. I appreciate you sharing! I didn't feel that my feet were rolling around too much, but I suppose all that means is we have different feet. Haha
Chad, this shoe is the best trail runner I have experienced to date. I can't wait to see what the MTN Racer 4 will be like. Any idea when it will be revealed? Got an embargo date? :) I hope you have it and are reviewing it now. I know its coming soon.
They seem heavy to deserve the name « racer »! For a US size 9 I try to keep my shoes below 255-260 grams. But they seem indeed well built and padded for long runs.
They certainly don't feel as heavy as they claim to be, but rather feel quite nimble and quick underfeet. They certainly feel closer to 255-260 grams in actual use.
I can't compare the 3s to version 2 since this is my first experience in Topo trail shoes. V3 has a great underfoot feel, and I think the midsole is one of the big updates from v2 to v3. Sorry I can't be more helpful here, but thank you for checking out the video!
One review I watched mentioned that the firmer midsole of the 2 felt more protective than the softer midsole of the 3, even though the 2's stack height was 3mm less.
Hi chad! Saw you reviewed altra timp 5. What size you wear your timp 5? And what size you wear this mtn racer? I have size 10 mens on my timp 5. What size should i get if i buy this mtn racer?
I went with my typical men's 9.5 and don't feel that I needed to change sizes in either shoe. For me, both fit very true to size. I'd recommend sticking with your size 10 in the MTN Racer 3. Thanks for giving the videos a watch!
Great question my friend! Topo just released the Pursuit 2 which is a zero drop trail shoe similarly made to the MTN Racer 3 but with a zero drop, so a direct competitor against the Timp 5. I'll have a review of the Pursuit 2 on the channel soon but in short I prefer Topo shoes over Altra. That's not to say that Altra shoes are bad but I feel that the Topo trail shoes are just a little more lively and inspiring to run in. I would take the MTN Racer 3 (5mm drop) or Pursuit 2 (zero drop) over the Timp 5.
Would this be too aggressive for a trail marathon that’s mild flat dirt but may have some mud? I wanted to get these cause they look a little more nimble than the Ultraventure 3 but do you think that would be a better shoe?
2 things why it doesn’t work for me. 5 mm drop hurts my hips and with stack height that high more tuned to trip on the trail. But I have friends who love the shoe, most liked vs 2 the best
Thanks for the video. I had been using MTN racer 2 since late 2021. Total 3 pairs worn out (life span range from 600km - 850km before the outsole was totally flat and very slippery) the fourth one was still in service and is considering the next gen of MTN racer. really love to see Topo keep the goodies in next generation (some brand did change too much in versions basically changing the DNA I used to bought for). I love wide toe box good heel lock in and some cushion the version 2 gave me all that - cannot adapt to the Altra zero drop. Topo MTN racers is the only fit I had been searching for many years I would pray they keep the same DNA
Super delayed reply, but you'll be happy to learn that the MTN Racer 4 coming out in early 2025 will keep the same ZipFoam but be a tad softer with the same fit.
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Thanks for the video. I had been using MTN racer 2 since late 2021. Total 3 pairs worn out (life span range from 600km - 850km before the outsole was totally flat and very slippery) the fourth one was still in service and is considering the next gen of MTN racer. really love to see Topo keep the goodies in next generation (some brand did change too much in versions basically changing the DNA I used to bought for). I love wide toe box good heel lock in and some cushion the version 2 gave me all that - cannot adapt to the Altra zero drop. Topo MTN racers is the only fit I had been searching for many years I would pray they keep the same DNA
I think you'll enjoy version 3. Great feedback and thanks for checking out the video!
Saw these again in your Ute 100 video today, tried some on tonight at REI but probably need a half size bigger and they don't have in stock. Felt pretty good though, think I might order a pair from REI online. You must have decided they were great shoes since you wore them for the ultra even after all the other shoes you've reviewed. Thanks for the review!
They are great shoes! I should mention that I did develop some blisters under the balls of my feet after 70 miles, but that could have happened in any pair of shoes. Otherwise, they were comfortable the entire race!
@@SeeChadRun if it takes 70 miles to reach the blisters I think I'll be good! Thanks again
Great review Chad. I just got some a few weeks ago, loving them so far. These are my first Topos after switching from many years of Altras. Love the wide toe box, I buy all trail shoes a half size up and haven't had any issues with feet slide/toe rub. Trying them on a very technical 100k next month, then I'll know for sure if I'm sticking with these. Thanks for the thorough review!
That's great feedback my friend! Hope you're doing well and I look forward to seeing your 100K video 🙂
I really appreciate this video. I've done a couple trail races and this year I'm extending my distance so I wanted to upgrade from the Hoka challenger. These seem to check all the boxes.
Thank you my friend! They did great for me during my 100 mile race a few months back (although I did start to form a blister on the bottom of each foot at about mile 70). Still, I love these shoes and recommend them! Here's my UTE 100 race video if you want to give it a watch: ua-cam.com/video/wUah95mbE1I/v-deo.html
@SeeChadRun I'll 100% watch it. Congratulations on completing a 100 mile race. That's on my list to work up to
Hey @SeeChadRun thanks for recommending this review.
I agree this shoe is great. I was out running in a pair today.
The only gripe I have is when I'm running down steep terrain, the lock down isn't perfect and my feet slide a bit forward (rip a toe nail today). I think this might be the laces, perhaps swapping them out for textured flats might solve this or worse still the lace lugs might be stretching. Hopefully this is just the breaking in period. IMO, if they used the BOA lacing system, it would be perfect.
Great feedback! Thanks for checking out the video!
Same, slipping forward too even when locking hard down the lace...
Great review. New to the channel and like what you have here. Like the vibe, like the format and like the honesty. Keep it up!! Been Topo curious. This review helps a ton.
Appreciate the feedback and thank you so much!
Would love to see you do a review of the Ultraventure 3 and comparison to the Mtn Racer! I like the comfort of the Ultraventure but it seems like the Mtn Racer might be a more “spirited” rebound as the Ultraventure seems more like an impact absorber with little rebound.
I think that would be a good comparison. I get the impression that the MTN Racer is a little better for, as you put it, spirited trail running while the Ultraventure is slightly more protective and better for trail adventure hiking (although still very good as a trail runner).
Prices probably pretty fair figuring I usually spend about $120 just for a pair of sandals to run in. I wish the stack was lower sometimes on trails of if I don’t feel the ground I’m going down or I roll an ankle or something so I think 28 and 33 is pretty high but that’s for me most people probably like even higher, good video.
Thank you! The stack doesn't feel as high as advertised. You can still feel the ground underfoot and receive good feedback too. Some have complained that it doesn't have enough protection, but I think it's a perfect balance between cushioning that I can run a long time in and underfoot feeling.
This looks like an awesome little trail network! Also I love a good moody run! Very nice man!
Thank you! I feel blessed to have these trails so close to home.
Thanks to your video Chad I think I'm going to order a set of Topos for my next running shoe :)
I think you'll like them a lot, but of course, let me know! So what are you training for? Maybe a 50 miler...? 🤔
I found these too narrow in the midfoot while the toebox was super wide. Didn’t like the arch support, too much. Cushion was responsive but soft and you gotta watch your step, protection isn’t great. Grip was awesome. Honestly for a “mtn racer” they felt better on mellow less technical trails. Overall liked them but moved on for reasons above
Totally agree ! Superb on mellow technical, grip & confort, but struggling in technical trail due to the too much (for me) wide toe box...
Thanks! What alternative would you recommend regarding the narrow midfoot? Much appreciated!
Topo is really for wide flat foot. I had been searching this for long time. Other brand tends to be narrower (which I didn’t fit) while friends of mine (who used to other brand) also complained about rolling sideways I had no such problem vs I slide forward/backward in other brands 😂
What other shoes have you found you liked?
I’ve been using the Speedgoat but things take forever to soften. They’re too damn stiff.
Other than the Topo MTN Racer 3 and Pursuit 2, I've also really enjoyed the Salomon Genesis, VJ MAXx2, and La Sportviva Prodigio.
Great video. Im new here. I just changed from Altra to topo. So far so good.
Im recovering from kidney stone surgery, so im doing a lot of walking to put muscle mass back on. Thanks.
Welcome! Best of luck as you recover and rebuild!!!
They are ok for shorter distance up to about 50km, but there is something in the toe bumper that catches the top of my toes on the downhills so I don't use them, I prefer the pursuit.
Good for mellow terrain. I like the cushioning for long runs. However, stack is too tall for mountain runs with technical trails, but my feet were rolling way too much in these.
Great feedback and perspective. I appreciate you sharing! I didn't feel that my feet were rolling around too much, but I suppose all that means is we have different feet. Haha
Chad, this shoe is the best trail runner I have experienced to date. I can't wait to see what the MTN Racer 4 will be like. Any idea when it will be revealed? Got an embargo date? :) I hope you have it and are reviewing it now. I know its coming soon.
I don't have a release date but I'll reach out to my Topo contact as I'd love to get my feet in an early pair to review!
@ sounds good. Thanks for such great reviews!
- Nick in Prescott, AZ
They seem heavy to deserve the name « racer »! For a US size 9 I try to keep my shoes below 255-260 grams. But they seem indeed well built and padded for long runs.
They certainly don't feel as heavy as they claim to be, but rather feel quite nimble and quick underfeet. They certainly feel closer to 255-260 grams in actual use.
Definitively not heavy, they are on the lightest side of trail running shoes.
The best Trail running shoe
I came here for the review and just got lost in the beauty of the trail during the last portion of the video
Haha! Excellent 👍
Good review.
I've got a brand new pair of MTN 2's. How would you rate them, compared to the 3's for a 50M and 100M?
I can't compare the 3s to version 2 since this is my first experience in Topo trail shoes. V3 has a great underfoot feel, and I think the midsole is one of the big updates from v2 to v3. Sorry I can't be more helpful here, but thank you for checking out the video!
One review I watched mentioned that the firmer midsole of the 2 felt more protective than the softer midsole of the 3, even though the 2's stack height was 3mm less.
V2 is much more stiff (not cushy at all) but less wide (which I would prefer)
Hi chad! Saw you reviewed altra timp 5. What size you wear your timp 5? And what size you wear this mtn racer?
I have size 10 mens on my timp 5. What size should i get if i buy this mtn racer?
I went with my typical men's 9.5 and don't feel that I needed to change sizes in either shoe. For me, both fit very true to size. I'd recommend sticking with your size 10 in the MTN Racer 3. Thanks for giving the videos a watch!
@@SeeChadRun thanks much for the advice! I'll buy this one soon!
Hi Chad which one do you preferred between timp 5 and MTN 3?
Great question my friend! Topo just released the Pursuit 2 which is a zero drop trail shoe similarly made to the MTN Racer 3 but with a zero drop, so a direct competitor against the Timp 5. I'll have a review of the Pursuit 2 on the channel soon but in short I prefer Topo shoes over Altra. That's not to say that Altra shoes are bad but I feel that the Topo trail shoes are just a little more lively and inspiring to run in. I would take the MTN Racer 3 (5mm drop) or Pursuit 2 (zero drop) over the Timp 5.
@@SeeChadRun thx for your answer I’ll check your pursuit 2 review and would love to see a MTN racer 4
Would this be too aggressive for a trail marathon that’s mild flat dirt but may have some mud? I wanted to get these cause they look a little more nimble than the Ultraventure 3 but do you think that would be a better shoe?
I would totally use them for a mild trail marathon with potential mud! Would be an excellent choice 👍
@@SeeChadRun Awesome. I’m loving my other Topos. They just seem to fit right.
2 things why it doesn’t work for me.
5 mm drop hurts my hips and with stack height that high more tuned to trip on the trail.
But I have friends who love the shoe, most liked vs 2 the best
Great feedback and I appreciate the comment!
Thanks for the video. I had been using MTN racer 2 since late 2021. Total 3 pairs worn out (life span range from 600km - 850km before the outsole was totally flat and very slippery) the fourth one was still in service and is considering the next gen of MTN racer. really love to see Topo keep the goodies in next generation (some brand did change too much in versions basically changing the DNA I used to bought for). I love wide toe box good heel lock in and some cushion the version 2 gave me all that - cannot adapt to the Altra zero drop. Topo MTN racers is the only fit I had been searching for many years I would pray they keep the same DNA
Super delayed reply, but you'll be happy to learn that the MTN Racer 4 coming out in early 2025 will keep the same ZipFoam but be a tad softer with the same fit.