This shoe thrives on easy runs, long runs, and recovery miles. The Phantom Is Topo Athletics Most Cushioned ShoeYet. I felt the midfoot and toe cushioning while running and the comfort in the heel while walking. Blister Brand Guides: Running Shoe Lineups, Ski Quivers for Garden Gnomes, 1-Year-Olds, & Heli Guides (Ep.125). This makes them a good option for runners who love Altras wide toe boxes but want a tighter fit throughout the rest of the shoe, or dont want a zero-drop platform. If you like the cushioning of the Terraventure 2 but think that its more trail-oriented outsole and protective features are overkill for the type of running you usually do, the MT-3 may be a good option. All Rights Reserved. Its got an aggressive outsole with fairly large, widely spaced lugs for traction on variable terrain and a triple-density midsole to provide extra support during long runs. The Zephyr also follows the recent road running industry trend of including some kind of fairly rigid plate in the midsole to increase energy return. I like the large toe box but wonder if it would affect me on a faster race, like a 5K, said a tester. Copyright Believe In The Run / Big Run Media 2018, On paper, not a lot has changed between the Topo Athletic Phantom 2 and its. Topos shoes also tend to have a slightly narrower fit through the midfoot and heel than Altra shoes. Leave fast days for speedier shoes. It was a comfortable ride but not artificial, said a tester. I could still feel the surface under my feet. With Zipfoam you get the best of both worlds: Youre not running on a mushy marshmallow midsole that zaps energy return or puncturing the pads of your feet on a rocky stretch. If youre looking for a durable, comfortable shoe with ample room in the toe box, this is the one for you. They are still comfortable but, I felt I had to work a little harder as the amount of cushioning underfoot reduces the feedback that you get from the shoes. This is thinner and more flexible than the previous upper and even without any increase in width would make the shoes feel more roomy. According to Topo, these features provide more guidance, pronation control, and support through the gait cycle. The Topo Athletic Phantom 2 price bumped up to $140, but thats not a deal-breaker. The On Cloudstratus was designed to be an all-inclusive running shoe that can accommodate a wide variety of running types and foot shapes. I used this shoe primarily for easy and long runs, but the Phantom 2 is capable of quick turnover for faster efforts. HOLLIE: If Im nitpicking here, I cant say its my favorite looking shoe but hey, when you wear a womens size 11, what does look good? JEREMY: On paper, not a lot has changed between the Topo Athletic Phantom 2 and its original 2020 version. Some of Topos higher-cushion shoes might also be a good alternative for people who enjoy the cushioning of Hokas shoes but find Hokas fit too narrow and / or their heel-to-toe drops too high. Narrower but, available in 3 widths Mens, 2 Widths Womens. Some runners on the line between standard and wide sizing might also benefit from lacing their shoes differently to get a more comfortable fit. Its low weight and low stack height make the ST-3 well suited to shorter, faster runs, but it wont offer the more plush feel of the higher-cushioned shoes above during long runs. I never had any foot discomfort or toe irritation. The Topo Phantom 2 packs the most cushioning of any Topo road shoe. [This article is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2022. Here is our review: https://www.northernrunner.com/search/bondi, https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-torin-4-5-plush-review-cushioned-zero-drop-road-running-shoes, https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-1080v10-review, https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/karhu-fusion-ortix-2021-review-by-northernrunner-com. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-1080v10-review, Karhu Fusion I would say that the Phantom is set up for the slower runs. The upper is now an engineered mesh. Although the cushioning isnt soft and bouncy it does feel very cushioned. The shoes have quite a pronounced rocker designed to help increase your cadence and maintain good posture: 2022 Northern Runner. What is amazing is that once your feet have got used to spreading in your shoes and you go back to shoes with a more pointed toe box that you previously found comfortable. That said there is a range of cushioning firmnesss within the Topo range of shoes and shoes designed for everyday running and longer runs like the Phantom 2 or Ultrafly 3 have cushioning that is far from hard. A lot of runners didnt enjoy the lack of breathability in the Phantom 1and we see that problem addressed in the update. Like all Altra running shoes, the Torin 6 toe box is shaped to let your foot and toes expand and contract naturally with each step, making it an ideal shoe for runners with wide feet. While the Ultraventure has the same stack height and drop as the Mtn Racer, its a bit heavier, more supportive, and more protective. The Magnifly 3 caters to runners who want a shoe that promotes a forefoot-striking stride while still providing fairly high cushioning. The strategically placed outsole rubber pods add durability and traction without too much additional weight. If you want a really cushioned, plush feeling shoe like the Phantom 2 then you have to except that its not going to be versatile enough for Tuesdays track session or Thursdays tempo run. It also cradles your foot to minimize any asymmetrical behavior in your feet. Hoka Bondi 7: 5mm heel to forefoot. Also, in the words of one tester, It looks silly., The Phantoms Zipfoam midsole provides full-length cushioning with adequate bounce. Kind of a bland aesthetic. Privacy Policy As for the Altra, I was a big fan of the trail shoes but also found some of the road shoes you mentioned too clunky. AUSTIN: The Phantom 2 doesnt feel quite as snappy as the original, which is the kind of ride I prefer in a shoe. My first impression of the Phantom 2 was how soft and comfortable the upper felt. Runners who need wide running shoes have a couple options: find a pair that comes in wide sizing (typically identified as D for women or 2E for men) or try out standard running shoes with more room in the toe box. He loves Christopher Nolan films, NBC sitcoms, peanut M&MS, and a good playlist for long runs. The latest version has a new mesh upper thats lighter and more breathable than previous iterations of the shoe. 2022 Fleet Feet. It is a shoe for someone who likes a wide toe box and lots of cushioning, and doesnt care so much about running fast. How we test gear. The external heel counter provided a firm hold on downhills and turns, but there was less support on runs where we tried to push the pace. Our Running Warehouse Picks of The Week (7/29/2022), Asics Novablast 3 Review: Watch the Throne, Hoka Bondi 8 Review: The Thiccest Boi is Back, Article One Drops Five Classic Sunglasses For Runners, Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next% 2 Review: Give Us Back Our Bounce, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Review: Yeah, Its Even Better, Mizuno Wave Horizon 6 Review: Wavy to the (Enerzy) Core, Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 | Video Review. If you havent used shoes with a broad rounded toe box before then they will feel big as you will be used to feeling the sides of the shoes with your toes. New Balances Fresh Foam X makes up the foundation of the midsole and is softer than ever. One other negative is that these shoes are definitely not for picking up the pace. Find a Fleet Feet location near you. The new midsole and upper make the Ultrafly 3 a few grams lighter than the previous version of the shoe. Along with being one of the best cushioned running shoes you can find, the HOKA Bondi 8 has a stable base and roomy toe box that makes it a great option for runners and walkers with wide feet. This is the same with all shoes of this type. Unlike Altra, however, Topo makes shoes with a variety of heel-to-toe drops, ranging from 05 mm (though thats still on the lower end compared to the market as a whole). Site by NMC. The waterproof upper should keep your feet drier in wet, cold weather, but wont be as breathable as the rip-stop mesh upper on the standard version of the shoe. Our testers loved the accommodating fit and wider toe box in our New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 review. In this brand guide, well go through the road and trail models separately, with each category ordered from highest to lowest stack height. Plus, HOKAs early-stage Meta-Rocker shape and extended heel geometry give your stride a smooth and stable roll to carry you through long runs, recovery days or long shifts on your feet. The Torin 6 comes with a thick stack of Altra EgoMax cushioning, which provides both cushion and response. Do Not Sell My Info , Want to get scanned? Topo offers shoes with a range of stack heights and heel-to-toe drops for both road and trail running. This is the ultrarunners dream, said the tester. While the Ultraventure Pro has the same stack height as the Ultraventure, the Pro also has a three-piece midsole and rigid external heel counter similar to the Trailventure. Ive been running in these but dont quite love either of them the Paradigm feels a bit clunky and tends to stiffen in the midsole after 200-or-so miles, whereas the Torin Plush is nimbler but I feel the zero drop too much and thus get pretty sore calves. But thats a very minor criticism, as this is a killer trainer. . Topo with their 3 and 5mm drops and wide forefoot that lets your toes spread out like Altras do is the perfect solution for me. This shoe thrives on easy runs, long runs, and recovery miles. How would you say the Phantom 2 compares to Altras more cushioned road shoes (Paradigm 4.5/5.0 and Torin 4.0/4.5 Plush)? The shoes wide and stable bed of Blushield foam technology soaks up shock and delivers energy back to you. All Rights Reserved. HOLLIE: The Topo Athletic Phantom 2 excels as a cushioned daily trainer. The Phantom 2 is 33mm at the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot. The ST-3 is Topos most minimal road shoe. I wouldnt describe it as offering a feel for the floor even though I can feel my feet function in the shoes and I am aware that I have touched the floor which isnt the case in very soft shoes. The Magnifly 3s dual-density midsole is designed to provide a cushioned yet efficient ride, which should make the Magnifly 3 feel a little faster than the Phantom. Like a running shoe glass slipper. Asics Gel-Kayano 29 Review: No, Really, Stability is Sexy. These changes aside, the Ultrafly 3 is still a bit less flexible and slightly less cushioned than the Phantom but it still has plenty of cushioning for long runs. Which gives the Phantom 2 a very stable ride. The engineered mesh upper does an excellent job balancing comfort and avoiding unnecessary weight. I found that I quickly forgot the shoes where on my feet and enjoyed my run. To achieve this all Topo shoes have a broad rounded toe box so that your feet can spread on impact and the cushioning underfoot isnt too soft. The Trailventure WP has the same construction as the Trailventure, but with a waterproof / breathable eVent upper. A blend of comfort and performance makes it the perfect running shoe for going the distance or resting the legs on easy runs. Rather than landing on your heel bone. Maratn, Corto Its slightly lower stack height and forefoot rock plate might also make it feel a bit more stable and protective on technical, rocky trails than the Mtn Racer. Joining the ranks of the Brooks Glycerin, Altras Paradigm, and every other Hoka One One shoe is Topo Athletics Phantom, the brands most cushioned road shoe yet. Although the toe box is broad and roomy the fit at the heel and through the midfoot is snug. JEREMY: It may just be the specific colorway I received (Grey/Clay), but the Phantom 2 isnt a banger by any means. In our review of the On Cloudstratus, testers from Fleet Feet loved the bouncy ride and spacious fit thanks to a wider toe box. This loads the foot and allows it to cushion. You will find them narrow and restrictive. The Fli-Lyte 3 is more minimal, lightweight, and flexible than Topos higher-cushion shoes. If youre in the market for a moderately cushioned shoe that offers some extra support and pronation control, the Ultrafly 3 could be worth checking out. It hugs the midfoot, yet allows room for wider feet. Our Brand Guides andfull reviews are designed to complement each other provide a broad overview of entire company lineups, and then also very detailed reviews of individual products. The Runventure 3 is still Topos most minimal trail shoe, though the newest version does have slightly more (1 mm, to be precise) cushioning. The Runventure 3s lower stack height should improve ground feel, but the forefoot rock plate and fairly aggressive Vibram XS Trek outsole should still offer enough protection for moderate to technical terrain. A lot of runners didnt enjoy the lack of breathability in the Phantom 1and we see that problem addressed in the update. Fuerte, Bajo You can shop with confidence at Fleet Feet: We offer free shipping on all orders over $99, and you have 60 days to return any gear if you dont like the way it looks, fits or feels. This discourages the feet from spreading on impact and in a lot of cases once your feet have the space to function it can take a few months before they remember how to do it. I love the original Phantom for longer road runs so Im sure the 2 will be even better with that extra cushioning. If your toes fall asleep in your running shoes or youre battling bunions, you might need shoes with a wider toe box. Kind of a bland aesthetic. The change lies in the details, such as the reinforcement of the uppers sides, altered outsole rubber patterns, and a bit more stack height at 33 mm vs the original 30 mm. Its lightweight and airy underfoot so your runs feel like a breeze. AUSTIN: I loved the cushioned, responsive midsole. Super tempted to try a pair of Topos they look great and a few mm drop is nice when running faster (compared to 0mm of my other shoes) The quicker shoes are nowhere near as comfortable and plush as your everyday training shoes. A lightweight mesh upper is flexible to accommodate a variety of foot shapes and uses plush cushioning around the heel collar and tongue of the shoe for soft and secure comfort. In fact it is quite soft but without the deep compression that you get with other soft shoes. The Phantom 2 looks and feels like it dropped a few ounces, but it still comes in at 10.2 oz in a mens nine. If thats a spot youre looking to fill in a rotation, go grab the Phantom 2. This pulls the upper into your foot. Ideal for those long runs when your body is getting tired and your posture isnt quite as good as it was at the start of your run. The Ultrafly 3 also has a new upper that Topo claims makes for a more comfortable fit. If youre in the market for a protective shoe for running on a variety of terrain, the Terraventure 2 may be a good fit. A new Zipfoam midsole provides firm cushioning and rebound. Its got the same stack height as the Ultraventure but is 30 grams lighter (mens version), making it Topos second lightest trail shoe. Rounded toe box but, not as broad as the Phantom 2 and less volume. The Mtn Racer is surprisingly light for how much cushion and protection it offers. , Its not a particularly light shoe, but it should be a comfortable option for those looking for a max-cushioned shoe for longer days on the road. It is also one of the few Altra running shoes that are currently available in a wide. Those who liked the toe box appreciated how the ample toe room resulted in no blisters. This site uses cookies to provide and improve your shopping experience. Thanks to the seamless engineered mesh upper, there were no hot spots to speak of. Jeremy is a Microbiology and Immunology PhD candidate working in a Baltimore-based lab. I love the upper on the Phantom 2. Find all the best running shoes from the top brands for all situations.]. We Tried The Asics Actibreeze 3D Sandal: Worth The Hype? Blushield tech employs what Diadora calls the Morpho Basea carved footbed that matches the curves of the foot to help it maintain its natural shape, which works well for wider feet. HOLLIE: The Topo Athletic Phantom 2 is my first Topo road shoe in a few years. Its also the only zero-drop model in Topos trail lineup. The Topo Phantom 2 has the greatest stack height of all of their road shoes. If you are running on pillows then your feet dont know they have touched the floor so they dont spread on impact. Austin, who lives north of Atlanta, is also a husband, father, and writer. Each scan better informs the way we fit all runners. N de licencia: SGAERRDD/1/1521/0322, Hombre You can pick up the Topo Athletic Phantom 2 for $140 in May 2021 from Running Warehouse (featuring free 2-day shipping and 90-day returns) by using the shops link below. The shoe is by no means heavy on the plush, however; the new Zipfoam midsole provides a supportive ride with just enough ground-feel. JEREMY: The Topo Athletic Phantom 2 is becoming a staple in my rotation, particularly the day after workouts when I just need a shoe with max cushioning to keep my legs and feet comfortable. Winner of the 2019 Baltimore Marathon, he is currently running way too many miles and road racing with a focus on the marathon. The Phantom 2 is the higher cushioned offering from Topo, which is just what I like in a shoe. On a lot of these runs, my legs actually felt better after the run than they did before. If youre struggling to find your Cinderella shoe, the Altra Paradigm 6 has a nice and, wide toe box ready to handle those flippers youve got for feet. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. When considering a new running shoe, there are so many similar-looking shoes on the market being made by so many different companies, it is virtually impossible to (1) know where to begin; (2) quickly figure out which one or two products from a given brand might work well for you; and (3) determine what products from other brands might be the most similar and also worth considering. With a lower 23 mm / 20 mm stack height and 3 mm drop, the Fli-Lyte 3 offers more ground feel than the Magnifly 3. This means that they dont get stronger the more you run as they are a passenger in the shoes. I scoff whenever brands talk about their big toe boxes as theyre never a match for my yeti feet. I really enjoyed longer runs with this shoe, he said. The width and volume inside Topo shoes also varies. Ive put in around 100 miles on the Phantom 2 so far (with no signs of external wear on the outsole), and my biggest compliment is that theyre an excellent shoe for easy mileage or long runs. But if you want a shoe that provides more support, better traction, and more protection (at the cost of a little extra weight), the Ultraventure Pro is worth a look. The Phantom provides a locked-down, secure fit around the ankle, while an external heel counter offers some stability. If youre looking for a minimal, lightweight, zero-drop road shoe, the ST-3 may be the shoe for you. Media maratn The RW Takeaway: This cushioned trainer isnt too heavy on the plush and has Topo Athletics spacious toe box to stop blisters from forming. The cushioning was wonderful; I ran for hours without any discomfort anywhere on my feet.. The New Balance Fresh Foam 880 v12 is delightfully cushioned and works well for people with wider feet. My knowledge of Topo isnt as in-depth as many other brands; the extent of my knowledge is that I know them for a natural running shoe with a lower heel-to-toe drop. The Zephyr is a new addition to the Topo road lineup for 2020. The Phantom 2 doesnt feel quite as snappy as the original, which is the kind of ride I prefer in a shoe. Recuerda aceptar los trminos y condiciones, Zapatillas running sobre las que los usuarios hablan, RUNNEA Copyright 2022 | SGAE. The Topo Athletic Phantom 2 is becoming a staple in my rotation, particularly the day after workouts when I just need a shoe with max cushioning to keep my legs and feet comfortable. JEREMY: The Phantom 2 sports a gusseted tongue (shoutout to Thomas, the #1 fan of gusseted tongues) and is well cushioned to lay nicely on top of the foot. It also has a harder Vibram XS Trek outsole, which should be a bit more durable, but might not provide quite as much traction on wet terrain. AUSTIN: The Topo Athletic Phantom 2 price bumped up to $140, but thats not a deal-breaker. Maratn, 42 km - 35 km - 20 km - 10.000 m - 5.000 m - 400 m - 110 m. The upper is made with engineered air mesh that gives you support and lockdown where you need it but allows for a bit more volume if you have wider feet. The Phantom 2 is wider and has more volume in the toe box than the original Phantom. The overlays from the first edition have been removed, making the mesh extra breathable. If you like the looks of the Trailventure but usually hike in particularly wet conditions, the Trailventure WP could be a good fit. The TPU heel counter locks in your foot and gives great support without any discomfort. Id recommend it for someone who is marathon or ultratraining, as well as for someone who does most running on roads.. Like Altra, Topo shoes accommodate more feet based on the wider platform. In spite of its low weight, the Mtn Racer offers an impressive feature set with an aggressive and sticky Vibram MegaGrip outsole, mild pronation control, and breathable rip-stop mesh upper. The Phantom 2 is slightly broader through the midfoot than the original Phantom. Characteristic of a Topo shoe is the wide toe box, which drew divisive comments from our testers. , The Altra Torin 6 gives you plush cushioning and a wide toe box for an accommodating and comfortable fit. Plus, the Phantom 2 has even more cushion than its predecessor. Runner's World participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Which helps the shoe guide you to toe off. The Terraventure 2 is designed as an all-round trail shoe that provides moderate cushion and protection for all types of terrain. The stickier MegaGrip outsole should provide better traction on wet terrain than the Ultraventures harder outsole compound, but it might not be quite as durable. Narrower but, available in 3 widths Mens, 2 Widths Womens. We may earn commission if you buy from a link.