I have 36 miles in the Cyclone 2 and I’ve been loving every mile! I love these shoes! I also bought the Specter 2, but have not used them yet. Thanks for the video and explanation of the shoe line. I love that you decided to incorporate this in your videos!
How helpfull that you review Topo as well, hope to see more Topo reviews from you in the future! My feet are a little on the wider side, and I've found that shoes that are a bit wider just are so more comfy.
Totally agree with your comparison to the Valkyrie Speedworks. I like the Speedworks for that snappy toe-off, but definitely prefer the Specter 2 for its stability! I am so much more confident running fast over undulating pavement in the Specter 2s because I never have the feeling that I might roll my ankle. Can't say the same of the Speedworks!
@@kofuzi I think it’s also time for them to start working with new midsole technologies, Rumour has it that they’re about to introduce a brand new supercritical foam.
I also reviewed this shoe and think your comments are spot on. I found that I really enjoyed this shoe and it was one that I looked forward to running no matter what type of front I was doing. I think for most people, the Specter 2 will do well for both training runs and races. There certainly are "better" super trainers but they're all more expensive and may not provide that much of an advantage over this shoe for its price.
The Phantom 3 might not do it for a reviewer who's tried hundreds of shoes with all the latest technology, but it's a fantastic if unassuming workhorse that won't crush your toes. I'm about to buy a second pair after ~1000 km. Cyclone 2 is of course great for short workouts, but this looks like it'll be perfect for those longer efforts next marathon season.
@@tango_gru The Phantoms are great for daily miles. The Cyclones are more for speedy sessions (no plate). I wear both of these for more than 1 year for 30 miles per week and they’re still good.
Good review and nice observations - definitely a great upgrade on the Specter 2 in look and feel. As someone who has owned many Topos (3 pairs of Cyclone 2, Ultrafly 4, St-5, Terraventure 3, Mt-5), I would definitely recommend going up a half size in the Specter 2, especially if you're taking them on longer runs (which I imagine a lot of people who get these will). I am a 9.5 comfortably in all Topos mentioned above, and 10s feel long for me in all these. Not so for the Specter 2. I bought a 9.5 and have 200miles on them. They are noticeably shorter than the others and when I go longer than 90 minutes or so, they do really start to feel tighter, less comfortable. Fine on daily run 45-75 minutes, but I tried the 10 on recently and that's definitely my size for the Specter 2. Will also add, the shoe is actually fine for speed workouts, but definitely needs to be pushed a little faster than the cyclone 2 to get the pebax to engage the same way - maybe bc it is thicker and doesnt have a plate.
@@bradeinhorn5486 Agree with you. They are definitely snugger up front and in the mid foot. It wasn’t obvious at first but once you are out there awhile you can tell.
@@michaelhaney1357 exactly my experience. Midfoot feels fine to me (though my foot sort of tapers toe to heel), but the toe box is where I feel it most. kinda bummed I didn't get the 10 off the bat as they also seem super durable - very little wear at 200mi+. I may just get another pair in 10 for longer runs, especially if I see a deal.
Do you usually run in Topo shoes that are half a size up or do you normally run in shoes that are the same size as everyday shoes? I ask as I always wonder what others do when they talk about sizing up and going true to size. I wear size 7 for everyday shoes so buy at least a 7.5 in all running shoes and will go for a size 8 if I feel like a shoe might be a very tight fitting shoe (some size 8's other than adidas have been too big for me).
@@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics good question. i'm a 9.5 in every other topo shoe i've gotten and that tends to be what I get all my shoes in unless I know the brand to run small (ie. Atreyu) or it's a tight dress shoe or something. In Crocs/sandals that don't come in half sizes I might even go down to a 9. The specter 2 just feels a bit shorter than the other 9.5 topos. I've tried 10 in other topo models and they were too long. The 10 in Specter 2 feels just right to me so that's what I'll get after I wear these out unless a better trainer option comes along between now and then.
Cyclone 2 are my favorite shoes ever! unfortunately, the Spector 2 just did not do it for me. I ended up sending them back. thanks for another great review Kofuzi!
That green ombré colorway immediately reminded me of the launch colorway for the NB4 (Illuminate Green/Lime Burst). Even the outsole looks similar. I don't have wide feet, but if I did, and if Topo were as widely available as ASICS, I might have considered this faster NB4 as my first Topo. But then again, I also have the ES4 so my quiver is full atm.
@@snowwalker9999 It just lacks a little something compared with the Superblast or the Prime X. Like, the pebax is just a little too firm. If it was a touch softer I'd enjoy it for slower miles more, and I don't think there would be any real loss on the top end.
I recently got orthotics and had to find a shoes that worked with them. Ended up with the Atmos and Specter 2 because they provided enough room in the toe box, hugged my mid-foot snugly, and have a relatively relaxed heel counter. Both seem to work well for me.
How does Specter 2 compare with Atmos ? I'm in love with the Atmos but they reach the end of their life and I need to replace them. Currently wondering if I purchase Atmos again or if I try Specter 2. My use is for do-it-all shoes.
@ The Specter 2 is lighter, firmer, and more responsive. It is clearly a faster shoe. It is not a hard shoe in any sense but the ground sensation is not blush / soft, like many other racing foams. I think it is also a tiny bit snugger all the way around except in the heel. I’m impressed with both shoes and glad I bought both pairs.
I never thought I’d say this for foot-shaped shoes, but I wish they’d made the tippy toes more round. It was bit flat and I found myself jamming my index toe sometimes
I like Topo. I had these on preorder and then they went to back order so I got impatient and got the Brooks Hyperion Max 2. I may revisit getting these
Exactly what I did 👍 I do love the Hyperion Max 2. Trying to decide on the Topo Spectre 2 @ £130.48 currently, the TYR Valkyrie Speedworks (107.99), or the asics Glide Ride Max (£108.79). My concern with the Topo is that I might feel the need to put too much pace into my long runs and with the Glide Ride Max I wonder if I may find it a bit sluggish if I want to pick up the pace. Perhaps the Speedworks is the happy medium between the two? I got myself a pair of 361° Flame 3.5 the other week and they are an awesome plated shoe for intervals and tempo runs but I wish that I had gone half a size up as they are a little tight and battered my toes a bit on a 17.5 mile hilly long run (felt them on the downhills past 10 miles after a progressive parkrun + WU and CD in them the previous day). I am tempted to get another pair of these in a bigger size as other than that it felt like I would perhaps race any distance in them. Currently available for just £104 direct from £361° if happy to wait a couple of weeks for delivery from China.
Brooks hasn't sent me a pair to review, and when a brand sends me certain shoes but not others, I take it as a signal that they don't want or need me to review it.
I only run in Altra shoes as they are zero drop and have enough space in the toe box for my feet. Do you think transitioning to a 5mm drop would be a huge difference?
Nice review! I love the Cyclone 2 so was hoping this would be more of a daily trainer version of that. The step-in in the Specter 2 (like the Cyclone 2) is super nice, the upper's comfy, and the foot-shaped toe box is something I appreciate (and wish more brands would offer!). Unfortunately, it just felt flat and boring to run in. Maybe I'm not compressing the foam much being on the lighter side, but there was no pop. It probably doesn't help that most of my miles are in Superblasts, which makes a lot of other shoes feel dull in comparison. I really wanted to love the Specter 2, but ended up exchanging them for the Mach 6🤷♂ I do think people will enjoy this shoe though, just not for me unfortunately.
After loving the Cyclone 2 and Atmos, the Spectre 2 was my most anticipated shoe of the year. Strangely, it gave me horrible foot pain when I took it on a 10-miler and I returned it. I also found it too short vs the same size in the Cyclone (and the .5 size up was too big for me). Unlucky.
I had the same experience in my first jog with the Specter 2: why are my toes grazing the end of the shoe? For the second run, the same thing was happening during warmup. Then I realize I hadn't laced up tight enough. Once I really locked my foot all the way back in the heel-which angles forward a lot-problem solved. No more grazing and I'm a happy camper with this shoe.
@@kmshultz Hmm I wonder if I had the same issue? I usually lace my shoes up fairly tight, but it's certainly possible I didn't do a good enough job. Maybe I'll try again in the future. I ordered a Superblast 2 instead so we'll see how that goes...
@@plain-bagel I agree it's annoying for the toes to always feel they're almost grazing the end of the shoe, even when they really aren't much. The sizing feels different from the Cyclone 2. You have to get the Specter laced down pretty tight to prevent it. Hope the Superblast 2 treats you well.
Hi there, Sorry for the bother .. got a small query. Which one would you recommend as a daily wear shoe: Spectre 2 or Phantom 3 or cyclone 2 ? Apart from daily I might do a little bit of running (10-15 km a week). I am looking for something that will last me a couple of years. I am okay to buy two pairs and keep them in rotation (Lasting a total of 4 years). I hope its a realistic ask considering the price of these.
I'm afraid I don't have logenvity data on any running shoe to help you with building a shoe rotation that would last 4 years. even if I did, the answer would likely depend on what kind of walking/casual/standing use (e.g. do you work in retail or make deliveries on foot vs do you work drive to an office for work vs do you live in a walkable neighborhood) but I think you are probably best off looking for highly durable walking shoes and making friends with your local cobbler to replace the outsole for you (I used to do this with my dress shoes for work) and one pair of comfy running shoes that gets replaced yearly. at 10km per week, you're looking at 780km.
can you be more direct and tell me what you specically would like to know? I rarely get any data at all on strobel boards, but I can try and track down an answer if you have a question.
Have Cyclone 2, bought in January. Cyclone 2 just gone on sale in Bangkok for about $90, maybe 3 coming soon. Like the extra space in the toe box. Specter 2 available in Bangkok, toss up whether I buy it or the Endorphin Speed 4 next.
@tango_gru no. Can buy Topo at Highlandner in centre Chiang Mai and Runnercart near Asoke BTS in Bangkok. Atmos, Specter 1 (3300 baht) and 2, Cyclone 2 (2995 baht) , Phantom etc.
@ thanks a lot , currently I am based out of India. I have never been to Thailand. I hope I can come soon and try food by Jai Fai and other local cuisine. Plus the good old shopping.
Hi Kofuzi, which one is best for me, I just want a shoe for morning walks/jog (45mins) and good for doing errands, Im looking at Ultraboost 5x, Asics Nimbus 26. Thanks for your input!
I'll second the previous comment. At my size and force when running, my Nimbus 26 was a little too squishy for any running BUT at a walk they are pretty dreamy.
I have 36 miles in the Cyclone 2 and I’ve been loving every mile! I love these shoes! I also bought the Specter 2, but have not used them yet. Thanks for the video and explanation of the shoe line. I love that you decided to incorporate this in your videos!
How helpfull that you review Topo as well, hope to see more Topo reviews from you in the future! My feet are a little on the wider side, and I've found that shoes that are a bit wider just are so more comfy.
Totally agree with your comparison to the Valkyrie Speedworks. I like the Speedworks for that snappy toe-off, but definitely prefer the Specter 2 for its stability! I am so much more confident running fast over undulating pavement in the Specter 2s because I never have the feeling that I might roll my ankle. Can't say the same of the Speedworks!
Man Topo has been making some excellent shoes lately!
They have become everything that I wanted Altra to be (Sorry Altra)
I feel like Altra was too slow (and is currently not aggressive enough) to provide non-zero drop options
@@kofuzi I think it’s also time for them to start working with new midsole technologies,
Rumour has it that they’re about to introduce a brand new supercritical foam.
Have a good run next weekend Ko! Thanks for what you do, hope to meet you in Chicago
I hope so too!
Ditto!!
The one iv been waiting for 🙌🏼
same :)
I also reviewed this shoe and think your comments are spot on. I found that I really enjoyed this shoe and it was one that I looked forward to running no matter what type of front I was doing. I think for most people, the Specter 2 will do well for both training runs and races. There certainly are "better" super trainers but they're all more expensive and may not provide that much of an advantage over this shoe for its price.
The Puma Deviate NITRO 3 is also a solid offering in the same price range, and it includes a plate.
you know it's a good time to be a runner when there's a shoe with a full pebax midsole and it's not considered one of the "better super trainers"
The Phantom 3 might not do it for a reviewer who's tried hundreds of shoes with all the latest technology, but it's a fantastic if unassuming workhorse that won't crush your toes. I'm about to buy a second pair after ~1000 km. Cyclone 2 is of course great for short workouts, but this looks like it'll be perfect for those longer efforts next marathon season.
I recently came to love the Topo range. I love my Cyclones and Phantoms and the Specter might be the next addition.
How long do they last ? Are they good for a daily wear shoe ?
@@tango_gru The Phantoms are great for daily miles. The Cyclones are more for speedy sessions (no plate). I wear both of these for more than 1 year for 30 miles per week and they’re still good.
Good review and nice observations - definitely a great upgrade on the Specter 2 in look and feel. As someone who has owned many Topos (3 pairs of Cyclone 2, Ultrafly 4, St-5, Terraventure 3, Mt-5), I would definitely recommend going up a half size in the Specter 2, especially if you're taking them on longer runs (which I imagine a lot of people who get these will). I am a 9.5 comfortably in all Topos mentioned above, and 10s feel long for me in all these. Not so for the Specter 2. I bought a 9.5 and have 200miles on them. They are noticeably shorter than the others and when I go longer than 90 minutes or so, they do really start to feel tighter, less comfortable. Fine on daily run 45-75 minutes, but I tried the 10 on recently and that's definitely my size for the Specter 2. Will also add, the shoe is actually fine for speed workouts, but definitely needs to be pushed a little faster than the cyclone 2 to get the pebax to engage the same way - maybe bc it is thicker and doesnt have a plate.
@@bradeinhorn5486 Agree with you. They are definitely snugger up front and in the mid foot. It wasn’t obvious at first but once you are out there awhile you can tell.
@@michaelhaney1357 exactly my experience. Midfoot feels fine to me (though my foot sort of tapers toe to heel), but the toe box is where I feel it most. kinda bummed I didn't get the 10 off the bat as they also seem super durable - very little wear at 200mi+. I may just get another pair in 10 for longer runs, especially if I see a deal.
Do you usually run in Topo shoes that are half a size up or do you normally run in shoes that are the same size as everyday shoes? I ask as I always wonder what others do when they talk about sizing up and going true to size. I wear size 7 for everyday shoes so buy at least a 7.5 in all running shoes and will go for a size 8 if I feel like a shoe might be a very tight fitting shoe (some size 8's other than adidas have been too big for me).
@@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics good question. i'm a 9.5 in every other topo shoe i've gotten and that tends to be what I get all my shoes in unless I know the brand to run small (ie. Atreyu) or it's a tight dress shoe or something. In Crocs/sandals that don't come in half sizes I might even go down to a 9. The specter 2 just feels a bit shorter than the other 9.5 topos. I've tried 10 in other topo models and they were too long. The 10 in Specter 2 feels just right to me so that's what I'll get after I wear these out unless a better trainer option comes along between now and then.
Cyclone 2 are my favorite shoes ever! unfortunately, the Spector 2 just did not do it for me. I ended up sending them back. thanks for another great review Kofuzi!
Thanks for watching!
That green ombré colorway immediately reminded me of the launch colorway for the NB4 (Illuminate Green/Lime Burst). Even the outsole looks similar. I don't have wide feet, but if I did, and if Topo were as widely available as ASICS, I might have considered this faster NB4 as my first Topo. But then again, I also have the ES4 so my quiver is full atm.
This is one of my favorite shoes. I'd call it 95% of the way to a supertrainer at 75% of the cost.
What is the 5% for? Just curious
@@snowwalker9999 It just lacks a little something compared with the Superblast or the Prime X. Like, the pebax is just a little too firm. If it was a touch softer I'd enjoy it for slower miles more, and I don't think there would be any real loss on the top end.
@@grimani Thank you. If you think Superblast is a bit softer that answers my question.
@@grimanithat something’s probably a plate
A plate. If it had a thin and light plate, it would be tops!!
Oooooooooh, the possible Superblast 2 stopgap is in for testing!
Thank you Mike.
YO! Best update for the Bondi would be to bring back the Bondi 5!
I recently got orthotics and had to find a shoes that worked with them. Ended up with the Atmos and Specter 2 because they provided enough room in the toe box, hugged my mid-foot snugly, and have a relatively relaxed heel counter. Both seem to work well for me.
Glad to hear you that works for you!
How does Specter 2 compare with Atmos ?
I'm in love with the Atmos but they reach the end of their life and I need to replace them. Currently wondering if I purchase Atmos again or if I try Specter 2. My use is for do-it-all shoes.
@ The Specter 2 is lighter, firmer, and more responsive. It is clearly a faster shoe. It is not a hard shoe in any sense but the ground sensation is not blush / soft, like many other racing foams. I think it is also a tiny bit snugger all the way around except in the heel. I’m impressed with both shoes and glad I bought both pairs.
I never thought I’d say this for foot-shaped shoes, but I wish they’d made the tippy toes more round. It was bit flat and I found myself jamming my index toe sometimes
Totally agree
I like Topo. I had these on preorder and then they went to back order so I got impatient and got the Brooks Hyperion Max 2. I may revisit getting these
Exactly what I did 👍 I do love the Hyperion Max 2. Trying to decide on the Topo Spectre 2 @ £130.48 currently, the TYR Valkyrie Speedworks (107.99), or the asics Glide Ride Max (£108.79). My concern with the Topo is that I might feel the need to put too much pace into my long runs and with the Glide Ride Max I wonder if I may find it a bit sluggish if I want to pick up the pace. Perhaps the Speedworks is the happy medium between the two?
I got myself a pair of 361° Flame 3.5 the other week and they are an awesome plated shoe for intervals and tempo runs but I wish that I had gone half a size up as they are a little tight and battered my toes a bit on a 17.5 mile hilly long run (felt them on the downhills past 10 miles after a progressive parkrun + WU and CD in them the previous day). I am tempted to get another pair of these in a bigger size as other than that it felt like I would perhaps race any distance in them. Currently available for just £104 direct from £361° if happy to wait a couple of weeks for delivery from China.
I'd actually like to hear what you had to say about the phantom. I hated the phantom 2. Like running in cinder blocks.
Love topo and so do my wide feet
Ordered yesterday when it got released in the uk👌. Nice Review👍
Hope you enjoy!
I love these shoes. I keep reaching for them. My usual size is 10.5 for Saucony, Hoka....These are perfect at size 10.
I would love for you to review the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 since you have tested the first version before.
Brooks hasn't sent me a pair to review, and when a brand sends me certain shoes but not others, I take it as a signal that they don't want or need me to review it.
@@kofuzi thanks for informing me about this! Appreciate it!
I only run in Altra shoes as they are zero drop and have enough space in the toe box for my feet. Do you think transitioning to a 5mm drop would be a huge difference?
Nice review! I love the Cyclone 2 so was hoping this would be more of a daily trainer version of that. The step-in in the Specter 2 (like the Cyclone 2) is super nice, the upper's comfy, and the foot-shaped toe box is something I appreciate (and wish more brands would offer!). Unfortunately, it just felt flat and boring to run in. Maybe I'm not compressing the foam much being on the lighter side, but there was no pop. It probably doesn't help that most of my miles are in Superblasts, which makes a lot of other shoes feel dull in comparison. I really wanted to love the Specter 2, but ended up exchanging them for the Mach 6🤷♂ I do think people will enjoy this shoe though, just not for me unfortunately.
After loving the Cyclone 2 and Atmos, the Spectre 2 was my most anticipated shoe of the year. Strangely, it gave me horrible foot pain when I took it on a 10-miler and I returned it. I also found it too short vs the same size in the Cyclone (and the .5 size up was too big for me). Unlucky.
Hmmm. Sorry to hear that
I had the same experience in my first jog with the Specter 2: why are my toes grazing the end of the shoe? For the second run, the same thing was happening during warmup. Then I realize I hadn't laced up tight enough. Once I really locked my foot all the way back in the heel-which angles forward a lot-problem solved. No more grazing and I'm a happy camper with this shoe.
@@kmshultz Hmm I wonder if I had the same issue? I usually lace my shoes up fairly tight, but it's certainly possible I didn't do a good enough job. Maybe I'll try again in the future. I ordered a Superblast 2 instead so we'll see how that goes...
@@plain-bagel I agree it's annoying for the toes to always feel they're almost grazing the end of the shoe, even when they really aren't much. The sizing feels different from the Cyclone 2. You have to get the Specter laced down pretty tight to prevent it. Hope the Superblast 2 treats you well.
Hi there, Sorry for the bother .. got a small query. Which one would you recommend as a daily wear shoe: Spectre 2 or Phantom 3 or cyclone 2 ? Apart from daily I might do a little bit of running (10-15 km a week). I am looking for something that will last me a couple of years. I am okay to buy two pairs and keep them in rotation (Lasting a total of 4 years). I hope its a realistic ask considering the price of these.
I'm afraid I don't have logenvity data on any running shoe to help you with building a shoe rotation that would last 4 years. even if I did, the answer would likely depend on what kind of walking/casual/standing use (e.g. do you work in retail or make deliveries on foot vs do you work drive to an office for work vs do you live in a walkable neighborhood)
but I think you are probably best off looking for highly durable walking shoes and making friends with your local cobbler to replace the outsole for you (I used to do this with my dress shoes for work) and one pair of comfy running shoes that gets replaced yearly. at 10km per week, you're looking at 780km.
Why not compare it to the Speed 4?
Hi Kofuzi. Can you review the Anta PG7 travel shoes. They say it's a good cushioned shoes but there is not enough review for it. Thanks
It is as soft as the Atmos or it is firmer? Softness of Atmos is the exact point I'm enjoying the most between plush and firmness
It’s very different. Soft for a long run is very different than soft for a racing or workout shoe
Hi, just wondered what the maximum distance you would do 8n the Cyclone 2?
interesting question. I think this could be a really great road ultra shoe for me, so maybe 50k?
Good morning. Another comparison: Topo specter 2- nb rebel v4. What do you think, please??. Like to Kofuzi. Happy saturday.
the shoes feel incredibly different and I would use them quite differently
@@kofuzi .👍
Why didn't you touch about the strobel of the shoe?
can you be more direct and tell me what you specically would like to know? I rarely get any data at all on strobel boards, but I can try and track down an answer if you have a question.
@@kofuzi just the thickness and hardness of the strobel.
Kofuzi says good I buy
Phantom 3 Wide wasn't wide enough
Torin Wide not wide enough
Is there a road shoe shaped like LP6-Wide?
Race, daily, recovery? Yes, please
This or magic speed 4?
What action cam you use?
see description
1080v13 or v14 a better alternative?
nope
Have Cyclone 2, bought in January. Cyclone 2 just gone on sale in Bangkok for about $90, maybe 3 coming soon. Like the extra space in the toe box.
Specter 2 available in Bangkok, toss up whether I buy it or the Endorphin Speed 4 next.
Do they have an authorized showroom in Bangkok for Topo ???
@tango_gru no. Can buy Topo at Highlandner in centre Chiang Mai and Runnercart near Asoke BTS in Bangkok. Atmos, Specter 1 (3300 baht) and 2, Cyclone 2 (2995 baht) , Phantom etc.
@ thanks a lot , currently I am based out of India. I have never been to Thailand. I hope I can come soon and try food by Jai Fai and other local cuisine. Plus the good old shopping.
Hi Kofuzi, which one is best for me, I just want a shoe for morning walks/jog (45mins) and good for doing errands, Im looking at Ultraboost 5x, Asics Nimbus 26. Thanks for your input!
Nimbus is a great walking shoe. That's how I use my 25. Too heavy for running (for my taste).
I'll second the previous comment. At my size and force when running, my Nimbus 26 was a little too squishy for any running BUT at a walk they are pretty dreamy.
Looks similar to the Superblast, how do they compare?
similar use case but very different sensation under foot. the Topo is more firm
Yo, what’s going on!!
Do u know who is the artist behind this song?
@@אודיצברי Jim Yosef - Checkered
Yo Luis!
@@LuisBecerra79 Thanks!
Definitely 'Toe-po' and not "Top-o" as in "top o'the morning to you" as the Irish stereotype would say?
the name of the brand comes from the founder, Tony Post
I remember everyone switched to topo after altra quality was reduced. Now topo quality has reduced. So i cant bother with either brands anymore.
What issue did you get on Topo ?
Their customer service personnel is way off base to bad
Would love to try a Topo shoe but they are just so damn ugly