Topo MTN Racer 3 - Women's Review

The Topo MTN Racer 3 weighs in at 7.80 ounces (women's 6.5) and features a 6 mm heel-to-toe differential. Combined with its wide toe box and smooth protection body, this is a standout shoe for versatility and comfort.

Comfort and Fit

The Topo MTN Racer 3 is one of the rare kinds of trail shoes that turned up very few gripes in terms of comfort and fit. While its forefoot fit is wide and less suited for agility, its roominess is ultra comfy, making this shoe a solid long-distance contender.

The MTN Racer stands at a total stack height of 32 mm with a comfortable 6 mm drop. The midsole is packed with ZipFoam, a material that offers neither rebound nor energy absorption. So often, I find myself testing shoes that are well-cushioned and absorb the energy I put into my strides, or feel like a pillow. The ZipFoam midsole of the MTN Racer is reliable, gets the job done, and provides unending underfoot cushion without getting mushy or packing out. The Ortholite insole pairs well with the midsole comfort to help encourage movement without feeling like a true rocker.

The rear portion of the shoe sits rather low on the ankle, yet offers enough rear security. This lightweight build pairs nicely with the roomy forefoot since it helps you maintain precise strides as you run. The space in the toe box is one of this shoe's crowning glories — especially since the overall contour feels intuitive during movement. The tongue and lacebed are plush without feeling overbuilt, which is another attribute that helps the MTN Racer shine as a comfortable and functional trail shoe.

Traction

I have said it before, and I will say it again — Vibram outsoles are superior to all others when it comes to trail running.

The multidirectional lugs of the MTN Racer 3 are 4.3 mm deep. Some of the lugs are chevron-shaped, while others are rectangular, and others are still a cross between the two. With lugs distributed across the outsole, the Vibram base of this shoe helps runners skid-stop and steer on all terrain types (except snow, but very few trail shoes actively excel on snowy surfaces).

Traction Ratings on Difficult Surfaces

Product	Loose Trail	Mud	Slick Rock
Best	5	5	5
Topo MTN Racer 3	5	4	4
Average	4.1	3.6	3.9
Worst	4	2	2

The lugs are less spaciously distributed across the rear portion of the outsole, creating an almost brake-like system when used as a stomping mechanism. The MTN Racer is most certainly a shoe I'd recommend to runners who want to tackle a variety of trail types with comfort and legitimate traction underfoot.

Stability

Even though the MTN Racer boasts a 6 mm drop, the rest of its build makes it feel more like a zero-to-low drop runner.

The low-feeling profile helps this shoe feel stable while running. The wide forefoot and structured heel cup offer a sense of security when traversing unpredictable terrain. The MTN Racer doesn't contain any true lateral structures or stability-centered tech, but the ride it offers is stable and reliable. The body's stability and comfort pair with the shoe's superior traction, creating a confidence-boosting ride on the trails.

Foot Protection

The upper Ortholite mesh of the MTN Racer is so tightly woven that nary a grain of sand can infiltrate, though it is a bit on the thinner side. The breathable upper isn't the best when it comes to splashing through water crossings, but it ultimately performs well in most situations.

The underfoot cushion that offers the relaxed pep also provides a nice amount of underfoot cushion, adding protection. Even without a rock plate, it is clear that the engineers at Topo designed a shoe with protection in mind. The outsole materials extend slightly up the toe to create the base of the toe box protection. A portion of the upper is overlaid with a strong and pliable compound that offers further protection. Because the toe box is wide and well-designed, this style of toecap complements it without feeling overbuilt or flimsy. The MTN Racer might not have the sheer rugged power that some of the more protective shoes offer, but it provides the protection that most trail runners need. It prevents sharp rocks from damaging sore soles and stays strong even under duress. If a wide toe box is what you're after, the MTN Racer will show up for you.

Weight

The MTN Racer 3 clocks in at 7.80 oz for a women's size 6.5 — a sweet spot for runners who prioritize speed without sacrificing comfort.

Generally, any shoe under 8 ounces earns a “lightweight” label, and the MTN Racer 3 certainly delivers on that expectation. What's especially noteworthy is how well the weight is balanced throughout the shoe. There is no clunky heel or overly built-up elements here. It's a smart design for runners who want that roomy fit but still demand a nimble, responsive feel on the trail.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity that the Topo MTN Racer offers is above average, without allowing you to feel absolutely every trail feature beneath your feet.

The midsole is protective, but since it doesn't have a rock plate, you can feel some of the trail's undulations. If you are looking for an incredibly sensitive shoe, the MTN Racer won't be it. Similarly, if you are looking for the most protective running shoe on the market, the MTN Racer won't be it. In a true Goldilocks-esque twist, this shoe offers a sensitivity profile that is going to feel just right for most trail runners.

Should You Buy the Topo MTN Racer 3?

It isn't often that we test a trail running shoe that our testers unanimously chant, “Yes! You should buy this shoe!” over, but the MTN Racer 3 has earned this lauded praise. While there are certain elements that we can nitpick about this shoe, it ultimately delivers everything that most trail runners seek in their footwear. The Topo MTN Racer is comfortable, protective, stable, and somewhat sensitive, and its price tag won't inspire buyer's remorse. If you want a do-it-all trail shoe with a wide toe box, shoes made by Topo — especially the MTN Racer — come with our highest praise and recommendation.

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?

Altra shoes have long been the most popular choice for runners seeking wide toe boxes. This time around, the Topo options outscored the Altra models but that doesn't mean that runners should count Altra out just yet. One of the most minimal drop shoes on the market, the Altra Lone Peak 9 offers a spacious toe box and Altra's signature Footshape design. This Altra standby has undergone many changes, with some iterations scoring higher than others. Another Altra-made shoe that we recommend is the Altra Experience Wild. The Experience Wild is a 5 mm drop shoe that is built for easy, rolling trail runs. Even without a Vibram sole, the Experience Wild offers solid traction with a side of long-lasting comfort. Finally, the Topo Ultraventure 4 is a reliable trail shoe that offers a wide toe box, underfoot comfort, and serious durability. The Ultraventure is a true standby in the world of spaciously forefooted trail running shoes. Its traction isn't as bitey as some, but it holds up to the demands that more runners require.