Topo Athletic  Connect Trail-Running Shoes - Men's

Most of my (closed-toe) footwear has been Topo Athletic for some time now (they just fit my feet better than most other brands), so I was anxious to try these out. Bottom line: They feel great, but I would not classify them as trail-runners, or runners at all, at least for me. I am a heel-striker with a long stride, so the lack of cushioning is noticeable. That being said, these are fantastic shoes for travel and casual wear - they are quite comfortable, and look more standard shoe-like than runners. The light weight and low-cut work well in warm weather, while the sole is ready for most any kind of surface. As a long-time TA wearer, I would bet that they will last me a long while.

I transitioned from ultra-cushioned shoes to these and went a half-size down so it’d fit like a glove and it does. I don’t have a history with Topo fits, so this is the first, and I love it. The traction is fantastic; I like the upper, it’s breathable but darker in person than online; the laces are kinda flat and easy to tie; it bends at the ball of the foot; and I think it’s good that you can remove the insole to give your toes a little more room. My midfoot and heel are secure, like Topo advertises, and the toe box has enough room. I wouldn’t call it roomy, though. I got used to narrow shoes for rock climbing because the fits in rock climbing were always garbage, going so far as wearing woman’s so I could have a secure heel, and this shoe gives me that in a pair of everyday men’s shoes. I think this shoe fits a segment that I desperately needed. My foot width is D and my heels width is 65mm.

I hate to do this. First of all, I have used TA's for years. From the 1st iteration of the Terraventure, transitioned to the Runventure, branched out to the Fli-Lyte, fell in love with the Runventure 4, and still have unopened boxes of the Runventure 4 since they discontinued that model. So I was super excited to see another zero drop, wide toe box, "trail" shoe debuting in their line-up. It crushed me to find out, as soon as my full foot was in the shoe, that this model absolutely does not have a roomy toe box. Especially not the roomy toe box that any of us have come to expect from Topo Athletic. I didn't have to give it a chance either. I ordered the same size as every other Topo shoe I've ever ordered. My pinky toes were smashed into the sides by how narrow this shoe is. I thought for a moment that maybe I need to wear it in until the upper relaxes. But, then I realized I've never had to do that with a Topo Athletic shoe in my history with the brand. The sizing isn't off either. Side by side, it is as long as my other Topo Athletic shoes. I'll admit, it frustrated me that the Runventures were discontinued. That was the all time favorite shoe of my feet. And, my displeasure grew with their expanded focus of max cushioned shoes. But, I understand, they need to do what they think they need to do to in order to continue making money. But, the pains I have gone through in trying to find my perfect shoe have been conjured up with this let down, and I am now more skeptical than I previously was for a renewed relationship with the brand.