Mine arrived a few days ago (my first Topo) after hearing great things about this shoe and had my first run in them yesterday. Usually run in Altras but I wanted a bit of drop to save my calves with a bit of cushion for my longer road runs. So far I'm loving them, nice wide toe-box and a secure fit around the rest of my foot. I've heard these take a few miles to soften up. Thinking these will be more durable than the Torin 3.5s they're replacing.
Thanks for your comment. I am willing to buy the Zephyr coming from a very similar context (running in Altra Torin 3.5 but want a bit of drop for my long runs). Is it true size? Thanks a lot!
Man, look how young this guy was back then. Excellent review as always. He's right, it's a half size big. But only exactly that, .5. Interesting that he called that so precisely. I got this solely for the color. Love the blue. But I guess I have a high instep, because yet again a Topo tongue hurts my ankle. And the Zephyr tongue is the most painful of all of them. It's thin and sharp edged. At least the other Topo's I have, have rounded edge tongues. I'm pretty tired of loving everything about a shoe, except a stupid issue that shouldn't even be an issue.
I've been tying my knots extra tight, to build up strength on my ankle where Topo tongues usually hurt me. I'm gonna buy this again in a .5 less. I think the top of my foot is getting used to tongue pain. Since I was a kid I've always tied my laces loosely. And was amazed by how tight other kids tied theirs. To me they were almost angry about it. The only reason I'm giving this shoe another chance is because the blue is so cool looking.
I love your shirt!! Thanks for reviewing this shoe. I was hoping this was in the line up for being reviewed. Your review of the shoe design is very helpful with some lingering questions I had about this design.
I really want to like Topo (love the concept that they are pushing), but I feel they are playing catch up in respects to research and design/ development. Their shoes are extremely well constructed; better than most main stream manufacturers. However, they don't seem to push the bar, lack novel innovation, or excite me much. I know it's hard for a small company to compete with the market lions, but hopefully in future iterations we can expect more.
Hello, Mr. Phone! Just FYI, there is a pretty unique approach to this shoe with the combination of the ZipFoam, Plantar Flexion Stabilizer and traditional EVA encasement. Be assured, the plastic PFS layer is NOT a traditional "stability" feature...just a layer that allows the more bouncy ZipFoam to feel more consistent without losing the cushioning benefits its designed for. As we mention, it's also NOT Topo's attempt at a carbon fiber plate...it allows for foot movement and simply springs back at a slightly higher rate that the foam cushioning would have on its own. We get where you're going and know Topo fights the fight of a smaller player in the market...but their designers are really making progress on unique feels and features to stand out. Thanks for the solid comment!
For your next shoe review, how about the new Altra Timp 2? I’m excited hear what you think about it. Also, in May, the Altra Torin 4.5 is due out. Will be looking for your review on it as well. Take care and thank you for the great reviews!!!
Great to see that Topo can check so many boxes with the Zephyr. I know Topo makes zero drop shoes, but do they have a similar version of the Zephyr with zero drop? Thanks and love your stuff.
Great review man, I wish I was in FL so I could get in person advice. Now for the question: I have flat/wide feet. I used to run in Altra Provision 3.5 and loved them, then went to Hoka Gaviota 2. I like them, but feel too high and too mushy. I only run 2-3 miles a day. Would you suggest the Zephyr as a stability-ish shoe or something else? I was also TRYING to keep a low heel to toe drop
Just quietly Mizuno has been putting a plastic wave plate in their shoes for a long time but I guess its a new trick for Topo .. I'll be honest Topo aren't really on my radar but I will give them a look since they have wide toe box and a little bit of drop .. unlike Altras (current main daily road shoe)
gosekinz , I am an Altra guy, but recently snagged a pair of the Topo Ultrafly 2s. 5mm drop. I only have two runs in them so far. They do need a little “break in” time, but the wide toe box and the feel are fantastic.
I have been running in Altra's recently and really enjoy the wide toe box. The main issue with the Altra's for me is that they don't fit my high arch very well and really push down on my foot. Are these good for high arches? Thanks a bunch.
I’m a bit of a heel striker when I run. Will this shoe be okay for me? I currently use the Saucony Ride ISO 2. Also do I need to be worried about the lower heel toe drop ? Thank you
Hello - It seemed the Phantom was a tiny bit short in my size 10. Are you saying this goes the opposite and I would need a 9.5? I have a 10 in the Mtn Racer. Thanks for the great reviews! Steve
Hi, I'm considering doing a 70km FKT in autumn this year that will be mostly on pavement and gravel roads and looking for a shoe to do get me through. Your statement that you legs felt as fresh after the run as before kinda peaked my interest. Do you think the Zephyr is good for long distances or is it to stiff? On a side note: I can only wear Altra or Topo shoes with my exceptional wide front feet
I'm confused - listening to you, it sounds like a great shoe for a marathon, but you said you wouldn't use for a race. Is it just because of the weight?
Well, only since last week when we reviewed the Speedgoat 4/Wide. But before that: TRUTH! We're back on the horse now that new models are coming out. It usually takes us a couple of weeks to get true mileage in, but we have a full slate of new road and trail kicks for the next month or three...we're excited! Thanks for joining us again!
When he says, "Midfoot really secures you, really locks you in." I hear "this shoe is gonna squeeze the hell out of your wide foot. Move along son." It would be good if presenter showed the camera the top of the shoe more, so we can get a sense of the midfoot width, and overall form.
Mine arrived a few days ago (my first Topo) after hearing great things about this shoe and had my first run in them yesterday. Usually run in Altras but I wanted a bit of drop to save my calves with a bit of cushion for my longer road runs. So far I'm loving them, nice wide toe-box and a secure fit around the rest of my foot. I've heard these take a few miles to soften up. Thinking these will be more durable than the Torin 3.5s they're replacing.
Thanks for your comment. I am willing to buy the Zephyr coming from a very similar context (running in Altra Torin 3.5 but want a bit of drop for my long runs). Is it true size? Thanks a lot!
@@amoreira1 No problem Alvaro. It fit true to size.
Literally the only carbon plate shoe on the market for wide feet! Desperate to get my hands on…
Man, look how young this guy was back then. Excellent review as always. He's right, it's a half size big. But only exactly that, .5. Interesting that he called that so precisely. I got this solely for the color. Love the blue. But I guess I have a high instep, because yet again a Topo tongue hurts my ankle. And the Zephyr tongue is the most painful of all of them. It's thin and sharp edged. At least the other Topo's I have, have rounded edge tongues. I'm pretty tired of loving everything about a shoe, except a stupid issue that shouldn't even be an issue.
I've been tying my knots extra tight, to build up strength on my ankle where Topo tongues usually hurt me. I'm gonna buy this again in a .5 less. I think the top of my foot is getting used to tongue pain. Since I was a kid I've always tied my laces loosely. And was amazed by how tight other kids tied theirs. To me they were almost angry about it. The only reason I'm giving this shoe another chance is because the blue is so cool looking.
The shoe is great for long runs, short runs, or sprints I really enjoy the comfort and feel. Your toes will greatly appreciate them .
I love your shirt!! Thanks for reviewing this shoe. I was hoping this was in the line up for being reviewed. Your review of the shoe design is very helpful with some lingering questions I had about this design.
Thanks so much, Amber! We really appreciate the positive feedback!
I really want to like Topo (love the concept that they are pushing), but I feel they are playing catch up in respects to research and design/ development. Their shoes are extremely well constructed; better than most main stream manufacturers. However, they don't seem to push the bar, lack novel innovation, or excite me much. I know it's hard for a small company to compete with the market lions, but hopefully in future iterations we can expect more.
Hello, Mr. Phone! Just FYI, there is a pretty unique approach to this shoe with the combination of the ZipFoam, Plantar Flexion Stabilizer and traditional EVA encasement. Be assured, the plastic PFS layer is NOT a traditional "stability" feature...just a layer that allows the more bouncy ZipFoam to feel more consistent without losing the cushioning benefits its designed for. As we mention, it's also NOT Topo's attempt at a carbon fiber plate...it allows for foot movement and simply springs back at a slightly higher rate that the foam cushioning would have on its own. We get where you're going and know Topo fights the fight of a smaller player in the market...but their designers are really making progress on unique feels and features to stand out. Thanks for the solid comment!
For your next shoe review, how about the new Altra Timp 2? I’m excited hear what you think about it. Also, in May, the Altra Torin 4.5 is due out. Will be looking for your review on it as well. Take care and thank you for the great reviews!!!
Great to see that Topo can check so many boxes with the Zephyr. I know Topo makes zero drop shoes, but do they have a similar version of the Zephyr with zero drop? Thanks and love your stuff.
Great review man, I wish I was in FL so I could get in person advice. Now for the question: I have flat/wide feet. I used to run in Altra Provision 3.5 and loved them, then went to Hoka Gaviota 2. I like them, but feel too high and too mushy. I only run 2-3 miles a day. Would you suggest the Zephyr as a stability-ish shoe or something else? I was also TRYING to keep a low heel to toe drop
Just quietly Mizuno has been putting a plastic wave plate in their shoes for a long time but I guess its a new trick for Topo .. I'll be honest Topo aren't really on my radar but I will give them a look since they have wide toe box and a little bit of drop .. unlike Altras (current main daily road shoe)
gosekinz , I am an Altra guy, but recently snagged a pair of the Topo Ultrafly 2s. 5mm drop. I only have two runs in them so far. They do need a little “break in” time, but the wide toe box and the feel are fantastic.
Great review, thanks! If this is not a race shoe, which of the Topo range would you say is (and have you reviewed it?)?
I have been running in Altra's recently and really enjoy the wide toe box. The main issue with the Altra's for me is that they don't fit my high arch very well and really push down on my foot. Are these good for high arches?
Thanks a bunch.
Thanks for the video. Does the plate count as a carbon plate?
How do you feel the Topo Zephyr compares to the Altra Torin4.0, in feel as well as number of miles we will get out of them?
How do you compare this to the Ultrafly series? Could neutral runners run in both?
Is there a Topo shoe that you would consider a race/track shoe?
For the track, there really isn't.
I’m a bit of a heel striker when I run. Will this shoe be okay for me? I currently use the Saucony Ride ISO 2. Also do I need to be worried about the lower heel toe drop ? Thank you
This is the review i was waiting for. So i wear a 10clifton i should get this in 9.5?
Hi Josh! That's what we suggest! There will be inherently more room in the toe box on this shoe, but we still find it to run a bit short. Good luck!
Hello - It seemed the Phantom was a tiny bit short in my size 10. Are you saying this goes the opposite and I would need a 9.5? I have a 10 in the Mtn Racer. Thanks for the great reviews! Steve
@@TheUltraRunningCompany i got these in a 9.5 like you recommended. Fit great. Thanks👍
@@88happytrails I spent all morning running the calculations for you using Fermat's theorem. And indeed, 9.5 is the magic number for you in this shoe.
Hi, I'm considering doing a 70km FKT in autumn this year that will be mostly on pavement and gravel roads and looking for a shoe to do get me through. Your statement that you legs felt as fresh after the run as before kinda peaked my interest. Do you think the Zephyr is good for long distances or is it to stiff?
On a side note: I can only wear Altra or Topo shoes with my exceptional wide front feet
Did you buy a pair MAL? I'm thinking about a road ultra and wondered what you thought of them? Thanks
I own a Topo ST3. How does the sizing of this shoe compare to that?
I'm confused - listening to you, it sounds like a great shoe for a marathon, but you said you wouldn't use for a race. Is it just because of the weight?
Probably because it's not springly enough for race.
I wear a 10 in maginfly 2. should I try a 9.5 if I order? thanks!
Been a while.
Well, only since last week when we reviewed the Speedgoat 4/Wide. But before that: TRUTH! We're back on the horse now that new models are coming out. It usually takes us a couple of weeks to get true mileage in, but we have a full slate of new road and trail kicks for the next month or three...we're excited! Thanks for joining us again!
Does this shoe fit true to size?
I normaly wear 10 in hoka and nike. I got 9.5 in theses. Fit great
When he says, "Midfoot really secures you, really locks you in." I hear "this shoe is gonna squeeze the hell out of your wide foot. Move along son."
It would be good if presenter showed the camera the top of the shoe more, so we can get a sense of the midfoot width, and overall form.
I see now that presenter did hold shoe from all angles. I'm a moron. I should stay off UA-cam.