Topo Athletic Men's MTN Racer 3 Comfortable Lightweight 5MM Drop Trail Running Shoes, Athletic Shoes for Trail Running

I’m a Topo fan, although I’m not a trail runner. I am on my feet for 6+ hours/day in my retirement gig as well as daily long dog walks the occasional hike.I discovered this brand several years ago when searching for relief as my forefeet continued to spread out with age - now 76YO but still very active. I really appreciate the Topo fit mantra with low drop, secure heel and midfoot and roomy toe space. I also appreciate the great wear with Vibram soles on the trail models that provide wonderful support. My two-year old Terraventure 3’s still have quite usable tread, although the midsoles on these have lost some life in that time.These Mountain Racer 3’s, like my other new Ultraventure 4’s, have noticeably more cushion than those beloved TV3’s, even recalling when they were new. Notable improvement from back then when I tried thicker Topos is that these new models don’t give up any lateral stability, feeling very solid under foot.Topo describes the cushion in these MR3’s “responsive” compared to “plush” for the UV4’s that I also own and love. That’s an accurate description for both. The subtle contrast between them is appreciated since I alternate the two models during my typical week. I like the black MR3’s upper’s resistance to showing potential stains when I’m doing my woodworking projects or rebuilding bikes.

TOPO MTN Racer-3s are my new favorite hiking shoe. The quality of construction is top-notch, and the shoes fit my wide feet better than any other shoe. This is my second pair purchased in the past month, because when I find a shoe with a fit this good, I have to stock up. Also, I purchased this pair 1/2 size larger to accommodate any foot swelling that may occur on my longer treks.Additionally, this vendor had excellent pricing on the MTN Racer-3, and fast delivery. Item arrived in perfect new condition, and meets my needs perfectly...

These are replacements to my Altra Lone Peak 6.They have very good traction and lots of bounce in the cushion. They snug up nice on my foot but provide good room in the toe box. The laces stay tied as well, they do not slip lose over time. I have only done three 10 mile hikes so far but I can tell they are a lot more comfortable than my Lone Peaks...which have about 300 miles on them. We'll see how the Topos hold up.

As a woman with wide feet its difficult for me to find comfortable sneakers. I'm a 10 in women's shoes and got a 9 in these. The sneakers are very comfortable and have a roomy toe box. This is my 2nd pair of topos and I'm super happy with them.

I like the MTN Racer 2 so I decided to try the 3. I like a stability shoe, and I knew about it not being a stability shoe but I've had neutral Topos before so I threw caution to the wind. I am not a runner, I use these to hike or plain old walk. The Good: more cushion. I think that's good anyway, still trying to get used to it but seems to be a positive. Tongue has more padding. Yes thank you who decided trail running shoes needed those flimsy tongues. Wider toe box! This is the best part, my toes can wiggle freely. I have really wide feet so much appreciated change here. Vibram soles still grippy as all get out. The Bad: definitely need gaiters with these on trails, the part around the ankle is basically like a funnel that sends all manner of crap straight into your shoe. There may be a lacing technique that can help with this I'm gonna have to try. It's not a stability shoe but it doesn't seem to be a true neutral either. If you are looking for light arch support you might love this.I'm trying various insoles with these to see if I can come up with a combo that works for hiking. If not they will be my work shoes and I'll go back to the 2s.

Through a couple decades of distance running, I have been able to try a lot of different shoes.I started in Brooks and fell in love with their heel and lock down.I tried Hoka to help get over an injury,Once the bones healed, I found the Hokas too “cushy” for me,but really enjoyed the lower drop platform.I stayed with the lower drop platforms and fell in love with the Altra toe box.Even on the road, I preferred the trail shoes for the firmer ride.For a decade plus, I ran mainly in Altras Lone Peaksand was happy with the wear, ride, and toe box.Unfortunately the toe boxes started to narrow (even on the models they claimed to be built on the original platforms).In search of the original Altra toe box,I stumbled across Topo and gave the Mountain Racer a try.Version 2 was about the same toe box as the new Altras - but this shoe had the same heel as Brooks with a better mid foot lockdown,And it had the Hoka heel to toe drop.I enjoyed the version 2 (heel, drop, and wear), but still yearned for the old Altra toe box.Topo must have read my mind and went to a wider toe box with version 3.For me, the Mountain Racer 3 is the perfect shoe for my likes - old Altra toe box, Brooks heel, with the Hoka drop and a trail sole for a light, firm ride.300 plus miles and the fist pair is just starting to show some wear.Judging by version 2, I should see another 200 - 300 running miles before the shoes are relegated to yard work.I was so pleased with the version 3,I purchased all three color ways ,and am looking forward to many enjoyable miles - both dirt and road.

For years I have been an Altra fan, but recently their quality and fit have changed. Luckily I found Topo.Topo has many of the same characteristics as Altra but are much better constructed.The vibram soles are long lasting and have excellent grip without getting in the way.Topo's fit is very true to size and gives you generous toe space while locking your heel and instep in place without being uncomfortable.Great shoes.