My Go-To Trail Runners: Durable, Comfy, and Stylish!
I’m a huge fan of Topo Athletic, having owned both the red and yellow pairs of the MTN Racer, and the MTN Racer 3 does not disappoint! After scouring YouTube for reviews from pro hikers who rigorously tested these shoes, I was sold—they called them their favorite pair, and I can see why. These are hands-down my top choice for trail running, gym sessions, and casual walks.The MTN Racer 3 nails it with a durable toe construction, killer grip, and fantastic flexibility. The wide toe box, a Topo signature I’ve loved since discovering the brand, gives my feet room to breathe and move naturally—nobody does it better. With a low 5mm drop, these shoes keep you grounded without feeling bulky, offering a natural feel that connects you to the terrain. The vibrant color pops, making them as stylish as they are functional. The laces are another standout—Topo’s laces are top-notch, and my red pair with yellow laces (a slightly different material) still look brand new after 3-4 years of heavy climbing, hiking, and walking. The tread eventually wore down, but that’s expected with rubber after such intense use.Compared to hyped-up competitors like HOKA or Vivobarefoot, these are a better value. Those brands are overpriced for what you get and don’t hold up nearly as well, especially for serious outdoor use. The MTN Racer 3 is perfect for trails, not just grocery store runs to look cool. If you want a lightweight, durable, and comfortable trail shoe that outperforms the rest, these are it. Highly recommend!
✔ Verified Purchase
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Customer
February 07, 2025
Best shoe in decades!
These are the best shoes I have found in decades! They are so comfortable and have a natural walking, running, hiking stance. For me, the best part is the large toe box. I have long toes and prone to Morton’s neuroma and my toes have plenty of room to move. The arch support is excellent and they are lightweight. I love these shoes and now have two pairs of Topos.
✔ Verified Purchase
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Amazon Customer
April 24, 2025
Great Topo fit with more cushion for aging feet
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.
✔ Verified Purchase
Best shoes-
These are my husband's but I have two pair myself and I will never go back. I was a Brooks girl for 7 years and these have a wide two box for better grip with lifting and running. This is so important for our toes to have movement. Love them!! They are super comfy- look great- and work great. I work out 6 days a week and put about 70 miles more on my shoes every week.
✔ Verified Purchase
Run small
These run small compared to my other topos. But other than being snug wow they are comfortable. Great lugs for traction. Super lightweight but still sturdy. Offered support even though light weight. Good balance between stability and cushion. They are NOT waterproof but are super breathable. The color was vibrant teal and very fun for a trail shoe
✔ Verified Purchase
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Barbara Rose
September 02, 2025
Amazing wide toe moderate cushioned trail shoe.
My current favorite trail running and hiking shoe. The wide toe box allows my foot to lay naturally and I no longer loose toenails or have toe pain. The heel is more narrow than other wide toe shoes which is how my feet are shaped. These have a great grip and work on technical trails. The cushioning is medium so I don’t feel rocks or anything but don’t have excessive cushion that for me leads to poor proprioception. The heel cushioning is just right. Managed a backpacking trip and a 14er right out of the box. I didn’t need any break in! I love the color but I’m the person that does wish they had a pink color still. Oh well, it’s a great shoe.
✔ Verified Purchase
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T. Alli
September 11, 2024
Some things are so great and yet one HUGE problem!
I am super bummed to be returning this shoe as there are many great things about it: tread is beefy with lots of traction; love the beautiful sage green color; awesome space in the toe box with plenty of room to utilize those digits; comfortable heel cup. The only reason I am returning these is a giant, important one for foot biomechanics: they were manufactured in such a way that the shoe is significantly pronated (see picture and how the shoes drop inward). What the heck TOPO? I've got to believe that this was not your intent but a manufacturing error. Standing in place with both shoes on-- my feet collapsed inward and caused internal rotation of the tibia and femur. NOT a good starting place for any shoe, but especially a running shoe. Please fix this because other than that, this is a solidly awesome shoe!
✔ Verified Purchase
