Topo Athletic Mtn Racer 2 Review

Michael Heimes
April 6, 2021
Gear Rating
3/10

The Good

Flexible forefootgood protection under-footGrippy traction

The Bad

I couldn't get a secure fitNot very responsiveHeavy for a racing shoe

My experience with Topo goes back to the original Ultraventure. I liked that shoe a lot and used it for easy-to-moderate-paced trail runs. But after a year or two of running in other shoes, I revisited that shoe and didn't enjoy it as much. Mostly because the cushioning just feels.... dead. It's fairly firm, but lacks cushion for the long haul, to eat rocks and roots, and isn't responsive. 

I'm sure since then Topo has made improvements to their foam, but I still have the same impression after running in the Mtn Racer 2. When running on smooth and fast trails they lacked pop and transition to make me feel like my pace could drop without effort. And when landing on a rock or root, the cushion didn't absorb it. For such a low-profile racing shoe I had more nearly twisted ankles than most trail runs. 

I also didn't feel like the shoe secured my foot very well. On technical downhills and switchbacks, my feet slipped and bounced all over the inside of the upper. This could be due to my average-to-low volume foot, but the fit is a deal-breaker for me. 

On a positive note, the forefoot had nice flexibility for a shoe with a rocker. Landing right on sharp rocks gave me no discomfort, and the traction felt good.  

Overall the fit, ride, and weight just doesn't make this a shoe I'd ever see myself reaching for. 

WHERE TO BUY
MSRP $150.00