Topo Athletic MT-5 Women's Shoes

Product detailed description

The Topo Athletic MT-5 women's shoes are among the most popular trail running shoes, especially for long-distance trails such as the PCT and similar. It is no coincidence that the prestigious magazine  Section Hiker ranks Topo Athletic among the most popular shoes for long-distance treks every year. For more than 10 years, this American brand has been characterized primarily by the following features:

Spacious toe box

The manufacturer places great emphasis on the natural function of the foot, which ensures sufficient space in the toe box. This gives your toes enough room to spread out fully. In general, Topo Athletic shoes are among the widest trail shoes on the market and rank right alongside the popular Altra.

Excellent foot support

Even though the shoes are wide, they provide excellent support for the foot in the midfoot and heel areas. Thanks to this, the shoe offers very good stability even on rough terrain and performs exceptionally well during fast, tempo runs.

Excellent traction and durability

The Vibram® XS Trek EVO outsole ensures excellent traction on the trail. With a 28/23 mm cushioning profile, this is a cushioned shoe that will be great for longer periods spent on the trail. Topo Athletic shoes have earned a reputation for being very durable in recent years, as evidenced by their growing popularity among long-distance hikers.

Lightweight and breathable upper

The upper is made of a very sturdy mesh that offers an excellent balance of durability and breathability. To protect the toes from being kicked by rocks, the shoe features an extra-sturdy rubber rand.

Low drop

A 5 mm drop (the height between the heel and toe) is absolutely ideal for the vast majority of runners/walkers, as it still supports a natural foot strike while offering sufficient support for those who aren’t used to a zero-drop shoe.

Our experience

We’ve had our eye on Topo Athletic shoes for several years now, and we really started taking an interest in them after Petr Kosek tested them during his 2018 Appalachian Trail traverse. Petr has loved them ever since, and it was only a matter of time before they appeared in our lineup.

Topo Athletic

This American brand was founded in 2013 by runner Tony Post. He turned his passion into a career, first gaining nearly 30 years of experience in the footwear industry before filling a gap in the market and launching his own brand of shoes designed to help runners embrace natural running while retaining some of the favorite features found in traditional running shoes. Topo Athletic makes shoes for everyone, whether you’re a beginner runner, planning a big adventure, or looking to break a personal record at your next marathon. Our selection includes the Terraventure 4 and a zero-drop model Pursuit.

Choosing the Right Size 

When choosing running shoes, we recommend selecting a size at least one size larger than your usual shoe size. This will help you avoid blisters, pressure sores, and other discomforts. If you’re looking for shoes primarily for long-distance treks, a larger size is an absolute must—we often recommend choosing shoes up to a size and a half larger. Prolonged exertion in challenging terrain puts significant strain on your feet, causing them to swell quickly. What feels comfortable during a short training session or a weekend hike is often insufficient for a multi-day trek.

When choosing a larger size, however, it is absolutely essential that your heel stays secure in the shoe. If your heel “slides around,” tightening the laces usually won’t solve the problem—in that case, we recommend choosing a different type or model of shoe. A properly fitting shoe is the foundation of comfort and the prevention of pressure points and blisters.

Topo Athletic MT-5:

• Weight: 218 g (size 38).
• Cushioning: 28/23 mm.
• ZipFoam™ midsole.
• Drop: 5 mm (difference between heel and toe).
• Vibram® XS Trek EVO outsole.
• Attachment points for running gaiters.