Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

Optimized for thru-hiking and lightweight enough for running, the women's Topo Athletic Traverse trail-running shoes will help you conquer even the toughest trails with confidence.
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Imported.
View all Topo Athletic Women's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
---|---|
Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 5 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 30 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 25 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Mesh |
Lining | Textile |
Midsole | EVA |
Outsole | Vibram Megagrip rubber |
Rock Plate | Yes |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 1.4 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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This shoe seems to be amazing. It feels like quality construction and materials and the sole is incredible. It's exactly what I wanted...except it didn't fit. I have a barely-wide forefoot, narrow heel, high arches, moderately high volume foot. For reference, I wear an 8 Hoka Challenger wide that feels a little too snug on longer hikes but fine under 5 miles. The 8.5 Traverse felt very tight across my forefoot and my toe hit the end even when I just bent my foot on a flat surface. Almost like it was abnormally low-volume from top to bottom. Took the insoles out (the insoles are AMAZING) and it fit pretty well in volume. Normally I wouldn't leave a review until I found the right size - but wanted others to know you might need to size up a half size. That said, I would absolutely recommend these to anyone to try. The support was very comfortable, I was impressed with the construction, the Vibram soles are solid, and I think it's a really good shoe. I hope I can size up and find a good fit, because I really like this model.
I sized up a 1/2 size for my other Topo shoes and loved them. I used the same size in this shoe but needed to size up an additional 1/2 size. So for me it runs a full size smaller. Next time I will spend more time wearing the shoe inside before I decide to keep it.
This shoe is very comfortable. I have big toe issues and this shoe works great. The only reason for four stars is it runs small my toes hit the front of the shoe. Had to size up. I have a wider foot and they fit well in the width.
Trail footwear is very subjective to individual preference and no one shoe is perfect for everyone. My situation: I have narrow feet, high arches, I’m starting to get bunions, and I have been battling plantar fasciitis. I have always worn old school hiking boots, especially for backpacking. However lately I have found the stiff shank, lack of cushioning, and narrower toe box to be super painful over longer distances. Topos have solved all of these issues. The rock plate protects my feet from rocky terrain, and the Vibram sole is very durable and grippy. They are not great for snow- not waterproof and not great for kicking steps. For any snow free trail they are great.
Great shoe, especially for hiking: roomy toe box, rock plate, closed-cell foam insole sheds water. I got my normal size and it fits fine. The only concern I have is that loop coming off the heel, presumably to help put the shoe on. Because it's a loop, unlike the tab found on most other shoes, I think it has the potential to snag on a staub when I'm stepping over a log, or get ensnared in some other way, causing the wearer to fall.
I wear Topo Mtn racers, but I bought these during a seven week section hike of the AT when my Mtn racers died. This shoe runs more narrow than other Topos, and it runs a half size smaller. I have put 485 miles on them and I will not buy them again. I had zero issues in Mtn racers, but I have had hot spots and blisters in these and most of one foot is currently covered in Leukotape. Topo desperately needs to fix the sizing and width.
I consider these casual hiking shoes. Love the wide toe bed and the neutral color. However, while prepping for a serious backpacking trip, discovered that with any weight over 15 pounds, after 3-4 miles my heels were hurting so badly I could barely walk. I just didn't find they have enough cushioning for longer hikes with a heavier backpack. Expensive for what they are...
After a long struggle finding a hiking shoe for me, i finally found this one! Went through 2 pairs from Damascus VA to Baxter SP in Maine. My normal shoe size is 7 but in this I wear a 8.5 with darn tough socks so beware and size up atleast 1 whole size.
Started using these 200 miles into PCT, used them for the rest. absolute favorite shoe.
After wearing these for a few hikes, (50-75 miles) I really like them. Seems like they will hold up to some big miles with the vibram soles. Good quality materials on the shoe itself and are really breathable not hot. The fit is great. My heel is locked in tight and toes have plenty of room. Size up a half size from your already sized up half size for a hiking shoe. 8 1/2 street shoe=9 hiking shoe=9 1/2 in Topo.