Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide
Valyermo, California
Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 Trail-Running Shoes - Men's
$155.00
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Offering a more secure fit with superior traction, the men's Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 Trail-Running Shoes are ready to help you take on technical terrain while pushing your pace.
Key Details
Trail-Running Shoe Type
Rugged-Trail
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm)
5
Running Shoe Cushioning
Moderate Cushion
Rock Plate
No
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- Revised uppers feature a slightly snugger fit for extra security on technical trails
- Improved gaiter system now features a more universal hook-and-loop attachment (gaiters not included)
- Secure midfoot and heel design keeps you feeling nimble and agile through every mile
- Roomy toe boxes allow your toes to align in their natural position for better balance and comfort
- FKT Insoles deliver a responsive step-in feel, with optimal drainage in wet conditions
- ZipFoamâ„¢ formula in midsoles provides a soft step-in feel and responsive ride
- 33 mm heel and 28 mm forefoot stack height offers generous cushioning and protection underfoot
- Vibram® Megagrip outsoles provide traction and grip on technical terrain, including wet surfaces
- Weight (half pair): 8.5 oz.
Imported.
View all Topo Athletic Men's Trail-Running Shoes| Best Use | Trail Running |
|---|---|
| Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
| Running Shoe Cushioning | Moderate 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 (30% recycled) |
| Lining | Textile |
| Midsole | ZipFoam |
| Outsole | Vibram Megagrip |
| Rock Plate | No |
| Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 1 oz. |
| Gender | Men's |
| Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
Topo Athletic Footwear - Men's
| 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
| UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 48 | 49 | 50 |
| Mondo | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 32 | 33 |
| Foot Length (in.) | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.2 | 12.6 | 13 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches.
Buying Advice
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Heel Lockdown is a Problem
Brian2 months ago
First time ever getting blisters in Topo. This is a step backwards from v3. I don’t notice the softer midsole which I was looking fwd to. The new insole is slick and my foot slides around more. Although, mid foot lockdown seems slightly improved. Worst part is the heel counter and tongue changes. I find it difficult to lock in my heel. The tongue got bigger, thicker and added overlays. All of this makes the tongue uncomfortable as I’m trying to improve the heel lock.
Brian
Grand Rapids, MI
9 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
Heel Lockdown is a Problem
Brian2 months ago
First time ever getting blisters in Topo. This is a step backwards from v3. I don’t notice the softer midsole which I was looking fwd to. The new insole is slick and my foot slides around more. Although, mid foot lockdown seems slightly improved. Worst part is the heel counter and tongue changes. I find it difficult to lock in my heel. The tongue got bigger, thicker and added overlays. All of this makes the tongue uncomfortable as I’m trying to improve the heel lock.
Brian
Grand Rapids, MI
9 people found this review helpful
Customer Images
Kevin
Worst shoes I've ever hiked in
2 weeks ago
I picked up these shoes for a 200 mile section hike on the PCT. I had done some brief walks in them around town and some local trails and hadn't noticed any real issues. That all changed when I actually took them out on my hike. Within the first day I had a fairly large blister, despite taping the hot spot when I felt it. It all went down hill from there. I found my feet rolling inward whenever I was walking over rocks, and after a while, on normal ground as well. No matter how I laced them they kept creating hot spots. I had 4-5 blisters within the first week, despite taking steps to avoid them.(Liner socks, taping, taking shoe off breaks). Within 100 miles the top of the shoes began to come apart and by mile 200 these shoes are done. I put on a previous pair of Altras that had over 400 miles on them and they were more comfortable than the Topos. I won't ever buy anything from this company again.
Average Weekly Mileage:30+ miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11
No, I do not recommend this product
Brian
Grand Rapids, MI
Heel Lockdown is a Problem
2 months ago
First time ever getting blisters in Topo. This is a step backwards from v3. I don’t notice the softer midsole which I was looking fwd to. The new insole is slick and my foot slides around more. Although, mid foot lockdown seems slightly improved. Worst part is the heel counter and tongue changes. I find it difficult to lock in my heel. The tongue got bigger, thicker and added overlays. All of this makes the tongue uncomfortable as I’m trying to improve the heel lock.
Age:35–44
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Average Weekly Mileage:30+ miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10
Running Experience:Experienced
No, I do not recommend this product
Outis
Great New Trail Shoe
2 months ago
Have and currently own many various pairs of Topo. Always a bit worried when a new model comes out on a shoe I really enjoy. Topo did an excellent job on the fine-tuning changes on the MTN Racer 4. Secure heal and mid foot lockdown is an improvement over the MTN Racer 3. They corrected it just enough without over doing it. Cushioning has improved and the Mega grip outsole as always is great. More stable than the previous model..........AND, you made it in GREY!!! Thank-You Topo. Can't wait for the Vista.
Derrida
Great all around
3 months ago
Best shoe I've owned in my 82 years. Bought it for gardening due to it's lateral stability and overall support. Big toe box for my size 13 feet, and so far has been doing well with my neurologically damaged toes. REI sales guy advised me well.
BDAE
Denver, CO
Avoid. Least durable shoes ever!
1 week ago
Avoid these shoes if you want durable uppers. Owned mtn racer 3 before. SAME FLAW WITH THE 4s. Like to kick back and cross my feet after a trail run or hike. Happened on both shoes after wearing 5 times! Contacted topo and the rep had the gall to tell me I was running wrong. That’s the same as Steve Jobs telling customers they were holding their phones wrong with atennnagate.
Age:55–64
Height:5'5"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 10.5
Running Experience:Experienced
No, I do not recommend this product
Fraser
Don’t buy, heels gave me BLISTERS!
2 months ago
While the shoes fit wonderfully, within 10 minutes of walking with these shoes, I felt lots of pressure on my heels. I am bummed because these shoes are otherwise exceptionally comfortable. However, I cannot abide heel blisters so I would NOT RECOMMEND these shoes.
Age:18–24
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'2"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 11.5
Running Experience:Beginner
No, I do not recommend this product
birdguy29
Heel problems for me
1 month ago
I don't like leaving reviews and I especially don't like leaving negative reviews but this is an exception. Hoping to help others avoid the problems I've had: the heels. These are incredibly comfortable out of the box and walking around the store but my first hike I noticed the heel slipping and creates bad hot spots. Thought I could break them in and it would go away but it hasn't. I seriously wonder how shoes like this could pass R&D with a small brand like this who must send them to pros and test them in-house. My only conclusion is that everyone's foot/ankle anatomy is different. But for me, these are unusable and I'm super bummed because I specifically bought them for the purpose of a trip out of the country, I even bought them ahead of time to slightly break-in and ensure they would work for that purpose (which I'm glad I did). I won't write-off Topo, but I'd recommend skipping this model because it appears I'm not the only one with this problem. Note: other than the heels this would be a great shoe. They're cushy but you feel planted on the trail. Somewhere between Altra and Hoka.
Age:25–34
Weight:200–225 lbs.
Height:6'3"
Average Weekly Mileage:11–30 miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 13
No, I do not recommend this product
ARM
Beware the heel platform
2 months ago
Toebox feels like home - very much like Altras. Love it. The heel, however, feels incredibly unstable and rolls in on flat terrain unlike any shoe I have run in before.
No, I do not recommend this product
Jose Quitral
Poor foot support
1 month ago
Poor foot support for those of us with bunions and plantar fasciitis. I tried replacing my Altra shoes with this brand, and my feet started to feel bad again.
PeteD
Doylestown, PA
Good Upgrade for Me
2 months ago
I've put about 100 miles on these coming from the MTN Racer 3, no blisters or problems on the heel at all. I did size half-size up, not sure if that matters. Overall satisfied and they're a little softer than the 3's.
Age:45–54
Weight:175–200 lbs.
Height:6'0"
Average Weekly Mileage:30+ miles
Typical Shoe Size:Mens 12
Running Experience:Experienced
Yes , I recommend this product
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