Topo Athletic Shoes Review: Roomy Toe Box with Great Support
When the world’s got you down, there’s something oddly fulfilling in scrolling through Zappos new arrivals. That was me a few weeks ago when Topo Athletic shoes popped up in my search. How did Zappos know I was lamenting the current state of our country and my feet at the same time? Could Topo Athletic shoes bring some needed foot joy into my life?
The answer is a resounding YES. We left the Chicago area for an Indiana town a few months ago. Among the biggest challenges was finding a fitness class to replace my beloved Zumba (which was more than just an exercise class, but a community of friends). I stumbled upon a gym offering High Fitness which is “old school aerobics made modern.”
I loved my first class but left discouraged. The instructor and attendees were so welcoming, and the workout was fun and intense, but my feet were killing me. I’m delaying bunion and tailor’s bunion surgery until later in the year, so in the meantime need a fitness/walking shoe that has a wide enough toe box to accommodate the painful bumps on BOTH sides of my feet! A tall order. Enter Topo Athletic shoes…
These two details caught my attention when the Topo Ultrafly 3 entered my Zappos search:
- Wide and “foot-shaped” without looking clown-like.
- Narrows at the mid-foot below the bunion area.
Next I noticed that 72% of Zappos customers left a 5-star review for the Topo Ultrafly 3. I started reading why and added them to my cart. I’m so glad I did. After wearing my new Topo shoes for a few weeks now to High Fitness, for walks and short jogs on the treadmill and around the neighborhood, here’s why they’re my new wonder shoes:
- While the toe box is roomy, the midfoot and heel remain nice and snug to (as Topo says it best, “reduce the sloppy, disconnected feel often associated with wider-fitting footwear).
- The arch support is noticeable–perfect for my moderately high arches.
- Zipfoam™ midsole provides better cushioning and resilience than typical EVA.
- Low-drop not zero-drop. HTT (or heel-to-toe drop) is a hotly debated discussion in the running world. Read more here. I like the feel of the 5mm drop of the Topo Ultrafly 3 (as opposed to Altra zero drop).
- Soft, breathable mesh uppers with no noticeable seams to irritate toes.
- My size 10 feet don’t look ridiculously huge despite the wide toe box.
- When I jog (albeit for very short stints), the dense, yet firm cushioning keeps heels and knees from aching.
- My toes don’t go numb in High Fitness class and I can still pivot well (good traction, but not “sticky”).
Overall, I’m thrilled with my new Zappos purchase and highly recommend Topo Athletic shoes to anyone who needs a supportive fitness shoe with a roomy toe box without a sloppy fit. Find the Topo Ultrafly 3 in sizes 6-12 for $130 from Zappos. Check out the whole collection of Topo Athletic shoes for women and men here. I’ve got my eye on the new Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 4–check it out here! Check out the entire collection of Topo Athletic women’s shoes here.
Need more convincing? Read a few reviews from others with severe problem feet who LOVE their Topo Athletic shoes.
Disclosure: This site receives compensation for this article as well as for purchases made when you click on a link and make a purchase.
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9 Responses to Topo Athletic Shoes Review: Roomy Toe Box with Great Support
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How is the sole? Like you I have RA with bunions and bunionettes. I’ve been told to wear shoes with a firm rocker sole.
It’s not necessarily a rocker sole, but it does not flex easily when I try to bend the forefoot back–sturdy and thick.
It sounds like these are running shoes. For Zumba and other classes, I need athletic shoes that can support lateral motion where my feet won’t get stuck. Does ToPo make a cross-trainer or only running shoes? For walking, how do these compare to Hoka’s, which I love for my bunion & big toe arthritis. Do the ToPo have removable soles? I have prescription orthotics. Thanks.
Bought these and returned them. They were great for my toe box and heels so amazing to find a shoe that could accommodate my narrow heel and wide toes!!! However they pinched my instep. I wore them around the house and on one short walk. so i dont know if i could “break’ them in or not. I actually think they are a cool shoe just not for me. (sadly) but happy for the zappos return…
How do these compare to Hoka Bondi 7 for cushioning? I too have RA and need a good cushioning shoe when walking.
Not quite as thick as the Hoka Bondi, but good cushioning from Ortholite footbed and zipfoam midsole (which is springier than EVA). I like the cushioning of the Bondi, but get a better fit in toe box and mid foot w the TOPO and find it easier for workouts w lateral movement. I haven’t really worn it as a walking shoe.
I bought a pair of these Topos & absolutely love them! Great support, comfortable toe box, secure fit. They check off all the boxes for me! I got them in the black, with blue trim. Sharp look too!
Based on your review, I bought a pair of Topos. Due to a bunion, I need a wide toe box, high arch and narrower heel. Usually I have to wear a sneaker made for men due to the foot size.
These shoes fit the bill. Plus there was no logo on the top to irritate my higher arched foot. I put in an Aetrex memory foam insert designed for high arches. This is the best sneaker for me to date. Thank you!
I’m so glad they work for you! I wear my custom orthotics with them recently and they feel so good on my bad feet.