Topo Athletic Womens MTN Racer 4 Lightweight Comfortable 5MM Drop Trail Running Shoes Athletic Shoes for Trail

Love love love these! The fit is perfect and not overly cushioned. My go to trail shoe. Read more

I enjoy trail running and mountain races, so I purchased these and I have to say I’m impressed. I decided to hit the trail and put these to work and to the test. I hiked trail ran/hiked 9.38 miles in these and did not do anything to “break them in”. Initial thoughts when I tried them on, it felt like there was a lot of arch support. Enough so it caught my attention. I was not sure if it would be too much for me, but it was GREAT!! Really nice, wide toe box. Which I personally prefer, especially when putting in longer miles. VERY comfortable and roomy. I will tie them with a heel lock next time. I had no issues but noticed towards the end of my morning trip, my foot was moving around more than I would like. Zero concerns about the grip with the tread, I climbed loose rock, boulders, several water crossings and not once did I feel like I would slip. I felt like I was able to plant my foot with certainty. **Of note my entire 9+ miles was also in the rain, so I am even more impressed!** Also, the color is just stunning, if you’re into the brighter colors like me! The sole is nice, has cushion but not that super thick style. I feel like it’s within the middle ground of options compared to other brands. I wish they were water proof, I think that’s the only thing that would make them better. Fresh shoes and not a single blister or hot spot on my feet. I have several different Models of the Altras and to be blunt. I would reach for these runners over the Altras any day of the week. If you’re a trail runner I think these really are a great option. I am going to be hitting a couple more longer hikes within the next week and I intend to test these further. Read more

These are so supportive and comfortable! They have a great arch for my foot. They really work for any outdoor activity not just hiking. I tried them on initially at rei and came here for the extra color so I could get the blue ones. My only issue is they seem a bit tight across the top of my foot. But one foot is recovering from an injury so has a bit of swelling. I previously had a pair of holes I wore unhappily for about two years. They did give the support I was looking for. Every hike ive done since getting these has felt so much better. Read more

This is my third Topo shoe that I've bought. As with my other Topo purchases, I appreciate the wide toe box, quality construction, low drop and good foot support. I'm not a runner, I'm a hiker. My favorite hiking shoe is the Topo Trailventure 2 WP, but I find it a bit too hot for summer. The Mountain Racer offers a more lightweight and more breathable experience at the cost of slightly less support due to the more flexible upper material and shorter cut. I've recently experienced some metatarsal foot pain, but the thick sole of the Mountain Racer has been accommodating that condition nicely. As with other high stack shoes, the drawback is the slight increase in stepping awkwardness due to the wider external foot bed. The Trailventure 2 WP remains my favorite for colder months, but I'm happy with this purchase for summer hikes. Read more

Love these shoes. I always buy Topo for work as an RN and on hikes Read more

Great fit out of the box. Adequate cushioning without sacrificing the ground feel. Good traction. This is my 3rd pair of Topos. Read more

I have worn the MT-racer 3's and they are a great shoe. Lightweight and perfect for longer distance trail running. I decided to try the Mt-racer 4's and the fit is so uncomfortable. I tried running in them and they lasted about a quarter of a mile, squeezing at the arch and the outside of the foot. I had to switch back to my Mt-racer 3's. I hope they won't stop making them. Read more

I purchased the Mtn Racer 4s earlier this summer and the changes made from previous models have rendered them unwearable. As usual the wide toe is fantastic. The grip is great even on loose talus and scree and held well for some very steep descents in the alps. Usually the somewhat narrow ankle and general structure is what sets the Topos apart from other wide toe shoes. I’ve been in Topos for over 5 years now and have used these from trail running to hiking to backpacking. The Mtn Racer 4 ankle changes result in a rigid poorly shaped structure that led to blister after blister on multiple spots on my ankles. I wore them for over 70 miles using massive amounts of mole skin and they simply do not “break in.” My heel and especially my Achilles tendon(s) hurt significantly after many miles in these shoes which I never experienced with the 2s or 3s. The ankle feels bulky and I dreaded wearing these shoes. Reading through some other reviews I do not believe this is just me. I found a pair of Mtn Racer 3s at an outlet option and my blisters went away as did my Achilles and general heel pain after a week of wearing the older model. Zero break-in required, I completed a multi day backpacking trip with no issues using the Mtn Racer 3. I’ll never wear the 4s again. I’m writing this review in hopes that the Mtn Racer 5 will revert back to the previous ankle structure. Until then I’ll hope to find Mtn Racer 3s and be forced to look at other brands if the change is permanent. Comparative shots provided. Read more