Topo Athletic Phantom 2 Review

The Phantom 2 from Topo is a roomy, max cushioned trainer with a 5 mm drop. The initial look at the shoe shows the anatomical toe box and the added cushioning to the shoe. Added more cushion to the shoe than in the original iteration of the Phantom. Midsole is an improvement with a soft core. The cushion felt pretty responsive. The change in the cushion moved it to a little firmer which gives some responsiveness. I prefer a softer landing overall and so this wasn’t my favorite shoe during testing. The Phantom 2 weighs a little more than 10 oz makes it a little heavier than some of the other shoes on the market this spring and summer.

The upper is a soft mesh with no overlays. The shoe just looks super plain which is fine but not something we are used to anymore with neon and multi-colored shoes dominating the market.

Fit is true to size with a slightly wider toe box that was reminiscent of Altra shoes. I am a men’s 9.5-10 and a 9.5 felt great here. The laces stayed secure throughout the run. 

I would use this shoe as a daily trainer for easy/moderate run days. I would not want this for my days with workouts and speed. The weight would definitely start to get in the way there as well as the stiffness of the cushion.