TOPO An offbeat trail shoe that not many trail runners know about, but most people love it once they try it on ... The main reason is that it is a wide-toe trail running shoe that fits the foot shape of most Thai people, and this model also features other design elements that trail runners will enjoy. Let's go through them one by one.

 

 Topo MTN Racer 3 Specs 

• Stack height: 33mm heel / 28mm forefoot 
• Drop: 5mm
• Weight: Men's 9US 286g / Women's 7US 235g

Design of this model: It is a supportive trail shoe that can also be used for speed. It has a thick sole for support and a curved sole shape for a smooth stride.

Improvements from the previous MTN Racer 2 model: The forefoot is 3mm higher and the sole shape is more curved. The result is that this model 3 provides better impact protection. When encountering sharp loose rocks, it really feels more comfortable on the soles of the feet ... and you can really feel that this model 3 rolls!

Let's look at each part, starting from the top down.

Upper:

The material is engineered mesh, which looks strong, durable, and breathable. It doesn't absorb water. The structure provides midfoot support, and the heel counter is strong, supports the ankle well, and locks the heel in place.

Toebox:

Comfortably wide. For those with wide feet, I think they will really like it. But for those with normal-width feet, some may need to size down, because if you don't, your foot will slide around, as the forefoot of this model is really wide.

Midsole:

It features a newly formulated Zipfoam that is soft but not mushy, with better energy return than the previous model ... and it really feels that way. Because the sole is thicker, when encountering loose rocks and running for a long time, it doesn't transmit as much impact to the feet as the old model. The responsiveness at toe-off is also good. It's not as bouncy as road shoe foams or PEBA foams, but for Topo, it does a very good job.

Outsole:

It features Vibram Megagrip with deep lugs, about 4-5mm deep. It grips the ground very well, and this is another highlight that many people like after trying it ... With lugs this deep, will it be harsh? I can tell you that it's not harsh even when running on concrete!

Summary of what I like about this model

1. Soft but not mushy foam, combined with the curved sole shape: Makes this model feel comfortable and fun to run in.

2. Wet surface grip: I encountered wet rocks and wet, sloped concrete roads, and I felt very confident with every downhill step. This is thanks to the grip of the Vibram sole.

3. Ground bite: It makes climbing loose dirt slopes very easy. Because the lugs are deep and sharp, when you place your foot and apply weight, the lugs bite deep into the ground, making climbing much easier.

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Things I think need improvement for the next model:

1. Deep stains on the upper material of this model are easy to get. After using it for a while, it will look old because it leaves stains that are hard to remove.

2. The toebox is a bit too wide. At first, it felt a bit hollow, so I had to tighten the laces a bit to feel more confident while running.

3. Running long distances on rocky terrain makes the soles of the feet tired ... Even though the foam is thicker, you can still feel sharp loose rocks when running. If it had a stone guard, I think it would be much more comfortable for long runs.

Topo Shoes Try-on highlight video, whichfeatures an interview at the end with a runner sharing their thoughts on trying the MTN Racer 3 

Who is the Topo MTN Racer 3 suitable for 

1. Beginner runners can use it: It is an easy-to-run trail shoe that requires almost no adjustment. With this soft feel, I think it is truly friendly to everyone.

2. People with wide feet: The toebox is comfortably wide. For those who often have problems with swollen toes after running on trails for a long time, the wide forefoot will definitely prevent your toes from being squeezed.

3. Runners who want a shoe with good grip and ground bite. It really meets the requirements.

4. Runners who want a supportive trail shoe that can also be used for speed, allowing for a variety of paces and making running more fun. This pair is perfect ... But if you want to reach the podium, this pair may not quite meet those needs.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the Topo MTN Racer 3, feel free to ask us in the chat.

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