Topo Athletic  Specter Road-Running Shoes - Women's

It’s insane how small this toe box is compared to my Topo ultraflys. And since REI no longer carries size 10.5 in their stores, I’m stuck trying to guess what might work online. I’m so tired of buying Topo & Altra shoes that are supposed to have “roomy toe boxes” which absolutely do not. Picture shows specter & ultrafly, both the same size.

REI was out of my size so I had to purchase my first pair elsewhere, but I will be buying more when REI restocks. I have worn Brooks for decades, but my aging feet now require a wider toe box and great cushioning. Topo has a wide toe box while the rest of the shoe conforms to my medium to narrow foot. I tried a few other TOPO models without loving them, but with the Spectre I knew immediately it was perfect. I've run in them several times with no foot pain or joint discomfort. To be honest I think this shoe has restored my ability to run more often. REI please start stocking in stores:)

These shoes are very comfortable right out of the box. The wide toe box is amazing and I can only hope other shoe companies catch on. Additionally, they are nice and snug in the heel, so no slipping. Why only 3 stars then? Because I have less than 150 miles on them and the soles are completely worn down, the overlay rubber has separated from bottom in 4 places and their former "cushy" comfort has compressed and now offers no spring whatsoever. For the price, this is highway robbery. Less than 150 miles of walking...I'm not even running in them. My Topo hiking shoes are fantastic. nearly 400 miles and only now are the soles wearing down. And they continue to offer predictable support. But for my money, the Specter amounts to flushing my hard-earned cash down the toilet. Big swing and miss on durability. IF you don't heed my warning and take the plunge anyway, order 1-1 1/2 sizes up. Topos run very small.

Been recently transitioning to lower drop running shoes with a wider toe box, as well as fixing my heel strike during my stride. Without the wide toe box the shoe just destroys my feet. I found these to be sufficiently wide compared to other topo. The drop being 5mm with ample cushion helps since I have tight calves and tore my MCL last year. Overall, running in these has felt better than many other shoes I’ve tried within topo and Altra. They are flexible enough but not so flexible that I’m nervous about spraining an ankle. Sizing wise - I am typically a euro 37 or size 7 in regular shoes. I’ve used 37s in Altra because they feel large to me, but with these I went with 37.5.

So lightweight. Can wear all day and not realize you have them on. Running is a dream in them.

I got these shoes for work. I usually run trails in Topo shoes and I wanted something besides Hokas to try for work. These are very comfortable and I think running roads would be great in these. They have a slick type sole and my only problem is that they don't always grip the foot pedal on my mammography machine at work. I would definitely buy again though. I'm saving for a pair to run on asphalt.

These are poorly made- the arch support is non existent and the inside of the foot rests on the seam. It's so uncomfortable that I can't run in them.

I finally found my shoe! I’m on my third pair of Specters (and have never paid fully price, thanks REI divvies) love everything about this shoe. I’m an Altra convert so I love and appreciate the wide toe box. The squishy sole cannot be beat for my high mileage weeks. And I use my old ones to fashionably mow the yard!