Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Take on technical trails with confidence. The women's Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3 trail-running shoes feature a performance-tuned fit and grippy ride, for a cushioned, responsive feel on rough terrain.
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View all Topo Athletic Women's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 5 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 33 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 28 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Mesh |
Lining | Textile |
Midsole | ZipFoam: EVA/TPU |
Outsole | Vibram Megagrip rubber |
Rock Plate | No |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 0.6 oz. |
Gender | Women's |
6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Women's | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 12 |
UK | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 10 |
EU | 37 | 37.5 | 38 | 38.5 | 39 | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 |
Mondo | 22.5 | 23 | 23.5 | 24 | 24.5 | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28.5 |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.9 | 9.1 | 9.3 | 9.4 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11.2 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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Wasn’t at all sure about this purchase, in fact, when I got them home, I still thought they were a bit sloppy and I also didn’t like how they looked, BUT…I figured I’d take them on a couple of hikes and see what happened (I don’t run anymore so I wanted hiking shoes really). The amazing news was that they had great cushioning, good rock, didn’t slip on the heel after they settled in a bit and I laced them up a bit more firmly, and best of all….GRIP! These are the grippiest hiking shoes I’ve ever had and I’m used to Sportiva hiking boots. These shoes grip onto surfaces like glue! In fact, be careful, because when you first wear them, you might almost fall over because of this. I know they are designed for trail running, but they work great for trail walking and I have walked up and down some pretty steep hills in these.
I’ve had some Topos in the past, like them, but have relied on Altras exclusively for trail running, and in the last couple years, the Olympus model only. The new model of the Altra Olympus 5 did not work out for me and in a desperate Hail Mary just weeks before my race, I bought these MTN Racers. I did a 50 mile training run straight of the box and they were like slippers. It was amazing. Less stability than what I prefer, but enough. I found myself rolling my ankle a bit, but that just reminded me to not rely on the shoe. A couple weeks later, these were my race shoes for the Orcas Island 100. I had several different shoes stashed in my drop bags but never needed to change them out. These shoes worked great for me!
The Mtn Racer 2 was okay for me - I put a lot of miles on those shoes even though there were some minor issues. However, the Mtn Racer 3 is AWESOME! Such a great upgrade from the previous version. The added cushion is fantastic and I don't feel unstable on technical terrain. I had slacked on my training for a few months before getting these but felt confident and quick during my first run back, which was also my first time wearing them. My typical runs are on trails with rocks, roots, wet leaves, and water crossings, but they do well on grass and gravel as well. I'm looking forward to wearing these for 50ks in the spring!
I’ve been an Altra Lone Peak fan for years but as everyone else has noted, Altra’s quality has gone down hill. Decided to give these a try because everyone says they’re a great alternative to Altra’s. Not sure why all the wide toe box shoes seem to run small. I’m a size 11 women’s in nearly every shoe except brands like Altra and Topo Athletics. Unfortunately I had to return these and bump up to the men’s sizes so I have to knock a star there. Overall my first impression is that they fit great once I sized up. The wide toe box but also well fitted heel is a hard combination to find. Can’t wait to put some miles on them.
I'm an old woman with feet to match. Yesterday, I tried several athletic shoes at REI and fell instantly in love the Topo Athletic Women's MTN Racer 3 Trail-Running Shoes. They are so comfortable and supportive. I love the grippy sole, making it less likely for me to fall. The toe box is beautifully generous, yet the arch support is so good, I don't need my usual orthotic insert. I went up one full size for comfort. I bought it in black for winter, they look good with jeans or leggings. I only wish I had discovered this brand sooner. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (for runners and non runners)!
I’m jumping on the “big fan” bandwagon with these! I’ve had a previous pair of Topos (can’t remember the model), in which my low-volume foot slopped around in. Figured all topos were that way. I was very wrong. My low-volume foot is held secure in these, with a snug heel and no slip-sliding on the forefoot. And the cushioning! Just awesome for our northwest root-y, rocky trails. The mesh is quite breathable, making these great for summer trail running. I figured they’d be great for hiking since the fit was excellent. Didn’t work for me - I’ll stick to running with these. I did an 8+ mile hike in the North Cascades but my feet felt fatigued towards the end. For hiking I need a more firm base than these offer. I’ll look at other topo models for hiking. Stick to running with these if you need a firmer ride for hiking.
The last few years I’ve been disappointed with the Lone Peak. Tread is less durable and toe box isn’t as roomy as previous years. Time to try a new model. right out of the box I noticed the good arch support and sturdy under foot compared to the Lone peak. I’ve only done two-three mile moderate hikes but these work. The heel is a little stiffer, which I like. Gives more stability on those rocky trails. Toe box is roomy enough for my bunions and hammer toes. Happy feet so far.
LOVE these shoes. I am already a huge fan of Topo, and these are my first Mtn Racers. Perfect fit right out of the box with no break-in required. Took them for 2 trail runs and they performed great! Similar cushioning to Ultraventures but with a more aggressive tread. Wish they made these in a boot for backpacking! Fit true to size with no need to size up.
My favorite trail shoe, the fit is perfect, it cradles the heel there is no slipping, it also has great arch support and cushioning. I walk long distances (10+ miles at a time) with little foot fatigue after.
Great shoe for bad feet ! Allows you to get out and go !