hello, Chase The Summit! regarding the width of the forefoot, please, any possibility so that you can measure the insole's forefoot width of the 10.5 size? i have very wide forefoot... thank you & best regards, Mircea
Hey there. Lone peak and Timp wearer here. I tried on the Mtn Racer compared to the Superior, and two things threw me off with the Racer. 1. Crinkly Upper 2. A weird defined arch. Most altra shoes feel totally flat throughout. These shoes, you can feel the material wraps around the arch a lot more, which I did not like.
Interesting observations. I think the crinkly upper breaks in a bit with use. The arch difference you're feeling might be due to the 5mm offset. I didn't really notice it myself. Thanks for sharing!
Topo = Tony Post (To + Po) company founder. I loved the Mtn Racer 1, haven't tried the 2 but likely will at some point. Have been enjoying the Terraventure 3. Thanks for the video and thoughts!
@@DaveIrish66 I had the 2's but no longer do so these comparisons are based on memory. I think the 3 is a touch narrower, still plenty wide for me, and I need wide shoes, but a touch narrower than the 2. The outsole/grip feels the same to me. The biggest changes seem to be in the upper. The upper material in the 3 feels closer to (but not exactly the same) as the rip stop material in the MTN racer 1. From what I recall, the 2 upper had more of a knit feel. So I think the 3 will breathe and drain a little better. Overall, I really liked the 2 and really like the 3!
Just ordered a pair of these earlier this week, so feeling good about my purchase after watching your review! I'm just tired of my Altras wearing out SUPER fast and hoping these last a little longer, but still give me that wide toebox feeling. Glad to hear you didn't feel like the 5mm offset was a big deal since that was my biggest hesitation (at this point I haven't run any trails in anything but Altra!). Interested to see if I have that same heel slip issue. Thanks for the awesome reviews, man! Truly appreciated!
That's really what made me start looking at Topo's. I love my Lone Peaks but it's frustrating to have to replace them after 200-300 miles. Thanks for watching!
@@TDMiller 🤣🤣🤣 I know! But seriously, my lone peaks only have 200 miles in them and they are totally trashed! And I don’t feel like that should happen. Altra and I may be taking a break, which breaks my heart… 💔💔💔
Might try , I’ve given up on Altra they’re not the same as they used to be they still last forever home with me. They don’t Center, Laster I’m getting bad once I switched over, and I said it alone peaks or even the superiors am using Inov-8 terra-ultra g270 or now called trail -fly. Zero drop about 22mm and a real long time. The rubber grip is unbelievable but I guess it’s mixed with graffiti and pretty good real good but I just realize this is an old video so probably nobody’s gonna check this but rambling on.
Glad to see you review TOPO Mtn racer… I’ve went through 2 pair of version 1. I really enjoy topo trail shoes, very durable and comfy. Enjoy your Vlog , keep em coming.
I bought a pair of the Red Racer 2 for my first trip to the Appalachian Trail. They were absolutely amazing! Great feel, went over everything and super grippy on the slick granite !!
The first 60miles/100km is the “best” part of the soles/rubber/shoes. PLEASE try and do a review *after* the first 60 (& yes this is kinda backed by science. I read a study a while ago… some students took a ton of shoes and ran them on a robot+treadmill and ALL the brands they tested lost cushion in the first 60miles then tended to stabilise until you hit much higher mileage).
Great review, thanks. I actually watched it for a second time. I have become a big TOPO fan, love the toe box room and their shoes seem to really last, I love the build quality. Just wondering since you have posted this review has your opinion/insight chanced at all? And have you used it on any races? Thanks for your work and your opinion.
Glad you enjoyed it! I still wear the MTN Racer 2's in my rotation. They've held up great durability wise and still have lots of life left. I haven't used them in a race yet just because I'm nervous to "fix what aint broke" but I wouldn't hesitate to.
I've got the Topo Terraventure 3, and let me tell you, they've made almost 2000km in the span of 1 year and besides the sole starting to get worn out (which is normal) the rest of shoe is still in good condition
Thank you for the review. Very useful. BTW: I use my shoes/boots/wellies as well and you know what? It is possible to give them a quick clean and brush before the video. 🤪
5mm offset isn't an Altra alternative. Im a fan of Altra not because the brand but the drop. Never had any major injuries since switching to them back in 2014.
Theese are the best I have ever has. I can even run mixed runs (normal road and then trails) with them with no issues even after fair long distances. Other trail runner shoes( like salomon) I tried usually killed my legs even after only 10 km on a normal road.
I've had a couple of pairs of the first version, and love them. The mtn racer 2s unfortunately are on backorder until November - I wear size 14. The durability of the mtn racer 1s have been phenomenal. 4-500 miles instead of the 200 I get with Altras.
I get asked about it a lot lol. So much in fact that I made a video about it you can find here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DPg4hXWTr34.html Thanks for watching!
Here you go. I recently upped the difficulty of my mileage running a lot on very technical terrain. When I say technical, it is like very painfully technical. I need stiff, resistant and protective shoes. I also have a lot of downhills going on, so I definitely need a good space up front. If I keep my original size, I bang my toes, if I size up I get heel slippage and cannot feel the shoe properly to make it work on the flats. All shoes. You're right maybe some of these stiff babies might need like 150km break in time.
Great video! How did you find the volume of the Topo Mtn Racer 2s compared to the Lone Peak 5 regular widths? I find the regular Altra widths work fine for me but the volume feels too low (too snug) right where the laces end at the forefoot area. Thanks.
I have one pair of MTN race 2 too and same as you i have a weird foot shape and had a hard time finding a good shoe that fits in well with Mega-grip (i tried Altra but can't do well in the zero drop). considering have another pair for rotation. How is it compare to Ultra Venture Pro or Ultra Venture 2? and several months since this video how durable you found it? thanks
I haven't tried the Olympus 4 but I would assume they're much more cushioned as they're marketed as a max cushion shoe. These Topo's are more in line with the Lone Peak.
Maybe a bit late now, but have you/did you try a good old 'runner's loop' on these, with regards to the heel slippage. It didn't look like you had adopted that in the video, but that obviously doesn't mean you haven't tried it. Looks like a great shoe otherwise!
Topo runventure threes here. I like them. Looks like it’s the same outsole. Only thing I don’t like is the rubber overlays on the upper. The way it’s molded on make the upper produce a rubber crinkly sound with every step. Pretty minor in the grand scheme of things. Got about 200 miles on them, holding up well.
Hey. Great timing for this review, as I was just thinking of buying these shoes for my rotation, as well. The only issue is that there is no local store selling them, so I have to buy them online, without previously trying them on to check fit/size. Since you also mentioned that you use the LP5s, could you please share on the size/fit differences? Personally I find LP5 a bit to wide in the mid foot and I can't get a good lockdown in them. I really like the fit of Timp/Torin/Superior, though. Thank you!
Have you tried the Topo Runventure 3? I've had my eyes on those snice they are zero drop...I love Altras but I wish there was more competition in the zero drop game.
Be curious to learn how this MTN Racer 2 compares with the new (July 2022) Altra Olympus 5. Appear to be very similar trail shoes after the same niche market.
I have a pair of the first version Mntn Racers and find that they have held up really well. Only downside for me is that I found them to run a touch on the small side. I wear a size 13 in Altra's and those fit me perfectly. I find that the Topo's in a 13 are touch snug, not only in terms of length, but also in terms of width/volume. I'm interested in trying this new version of the shoe though. Sounds like they might be a bit roomier than version 1?
@@ChaseTheSummit Hmmm, interesting. Maybe they've made some changes to the last used to make the Racer 2's. I know I wasn't the only one that found the first version to be snug. The Racer 1's were not as "Foot Shaped" as Altra's imo, which is to say, not as broad in the forefoot. If they've changed that for the new version that would be a most welcome improvement, for my use anyway.
In terms of ride they're pretty similar with the Torrent 2 feeling a bit less squishy. The fit is entirely different though. The Hokas have a more "traditional fit" while the Topo's have a wider toebox similar to an Altra.
@@ChaseTheSummit Thank you so much for the reply. I’ll give the Topo’s a try! Btw, your videos have been a great resource for me. Keep up the good work. It's appreciated.
Love my Topos! 3 pair of Ultraventures 1 pair Terraventures. Really interested in this updated version of the MNT racer. How do they drain? I also wear Altras but Topo seems to be built to last in comparison. Thanks for the review and hope to get an update after more miles!
In terms of drainage they could be a bit better but they dry out about as quick as my Altras. I'd like to see more intentional positioning of drain holes but those can be easily "customized". Thanks for watching!
really? My original Topo Ultraventure ripped holes at the arch in both shoes in less than 200 miles of use, not to mention the horrible fit with my toes getting jammed going downhill and the grip being barely passable in muddy conditions.
I'm wary of this brand after a relatively bad experience with their original Ultraventure shoe. I can't go downhill as fast as I wish because my foot slides to the front and my toes get jammed. Have you experienced something similar in these MTN racer 2?
The original Ultraventure is the best trail shoe I've ever owned. I actually prefer them over the new Mtn Racer 2 minus the outsole(Mega-Grip compound is superior). Regardless, your "foot slides" issue will not be going away with this model as the fit is very similar to the old Ultraventure.
@@scrubsr1304 it's probably due to the ortholite insole being too smooth. I'd swap them but another big issue I had with this model is that the upper busted open right at the arch (both shoes) and at the ball of the foot.
I'm always intrigued by Topo because I want the foot-shaped design but with a bit of drop, which is something I can't get with Altra or Hoka, cause it's one thing or the other. I might give these a try.
I had one pair of Topos, they weren't that style though, they were the MT2. They had a smaller drop, only 3mm. I loved them. They lasted years and I only had 2 issues with them. One of the lace loops (which are a different style than these) came loose. I sewed it back on. And the back portion of the rubber sole started flopping around, but this was after they reached the end of their life span. I still wear them for my training though because they are still the most comfortable pair I own. I have a foot that sounds similar in shape to yours. For me, the slippage did get better.
I've been running in the original topo ultraventure for a few yrs. Unfortunately, the ultraventure 2 hit my right lateral ankle and gave me an angry bone bruise 2 miles in. Got the new mtn racers and find them ok though not as cushy. Tread is great on mud and scree and I do have to size up 1/2 from Altras.
