Topo Athletic MT2

This new MTMountain Trainer) 2 model is a different Trail shoe , based on lightness, great comfort due to its particular ergonomic design and versatility. It offers the improved performance of its predecessor in terms of lightness and ergonomics, but extends the thickness of its midsole 3 mm. more than the initial model, improving the absorption of impacts and irregularities of the terrain.

An ideal shoe to get started in Trail running in a comfortable and natural way with which besides being safe in terms of absorption and protection against impacts and irregularities, its design allows you to enjoy and "feel more the mountain" thanks to its lightweight structure and the natural concept of reduced drop.

Last year we introduced you to this new American running shoe company"Topo Atheltic", based in Boston and directed by Tony Post (To-Po), former CEO (Chief executive officer) of Vibram. The CEO is usually the highest position in a company. I remind you that Vibram was the pioneer of minimalism in the USA and the brand that came up with the "five fingers" concept and created the minimal trend and the controversy about minimal vs maximum soles that is still going on...

The first models of the Topo collection with a clear "Vibram " reminiscence in which they separated the big toe from the other four. But the new 2016 models that we tested this MT 2 move away from the clear downward trend of minimalism and maintain the traditional last but with more protection (cushioning) while maintaining some particularity learned from natural running. Among the concepts they maintain is the reduced drop, in this model it is 3 mm, but providing enough cushioning and protection for the foot to be able to run safely in the mountains. The narrow heel and a particular rounded toe box that offers a generous toe box and allows to feel the position of the foot on the ground in each of the strides.

Tony Post recently said he was pleased with the acceptance that the anatomical design of his models is having among American athletes. They are now available in Spain from http://www.vertical.es/ .

The common values of the different models of his collection for asphalt, trail and gym are the anatomical last, very light and neutral midsole, and a design that tries to favor the natural movement of the foot.

"The runner knows that getting better, stronger or faster is not a matter of chance, but that you have to make things happen.... According to Topo there are a number of choices that allow you to be better than you were yesterday, including choosing your running shoes, a smart decision that will allow you to train harder and do it again every morning."

Midsole and Cushioning

It features a lightweight EVA midsole that offers decent cushioning at heel level at 23mm and good in the forefoot at 20mm, with the drop being only 3.

Around the main grey EVA chassis there is a black profile or trim that serves as upper support and in the heel it is raised to provide a better containment of the rearfoot at anteroposterior level, a wise move.

A reduced drop allows for easier midfoot support and in certain terrains facilitates forefoot support, especially in areas with positive slope and rocky terrain, where 20 mm of rubber, 3 mm more than the previous model under the metatarsals, is appreciated.

The absorption capacity of this EVA meets expectations, but if we compare it with the one used by its most direct competition in natural concept with cushioning, it remains "discreet". In my opinion Topo should work on its R&D and design a rubber with more technologically advanced features.

Upper and heel support

It is composed of a fine and compact nylon mesh with numerous circles that are less dense and facilitate breathability. The toe is reinforced with thin, flexible rubber from which the thermo-sealed reinforcements on both sides of the toe and instep extend, giving consistency to the upper and joining with the lace fastening system. This rubber toe cap reinforcement extends backwards and laterally on both sides, avoiding the typical breakage points in these upper flex zones at forefoot level.

The external and internal side is by means of light and exquisitely finished thermo-sealing in diagonal arrangement joining the lace eyelet fastening system with the midsole. The Tongue is simple and very light as the rest of the collar that hugs the ankle, little padding but comfortable enough. I have used these shoes without socks and its inner lining is a single piece very well made. It has a very flexible plastic heel counter and the heat-sealed material overlap is larger at the base to provide some containment to the rearfoot.

The upper is designed around the shape of the foot, with plenty of toe room and a narrow heel. For a better fit depending on the wearer's foot type they allow for a traditional lacing, an instep release lacing depending on whether you are high or low, or if you are looking for a tighter heel fit or have a narrow ankle you can use the third eyelet closer to the back of the ankle. Running the lace through this eyelet allows for greater rearfoot support.

The mesh is very breathable, but only in the central and forefoot area, in the rest of the shoe the high amount of lateral thermosealing compromises breathability a little.

The lacing is tubular, hard to the touch, not very flexible and too long.

The lacing system of these Topo MT2 allows a good fit of the upper thanks to having 2 textile loops as eyelets that pull the side structure of the shoe and 3 straps that pull the internal structure of the upper. This different traction of the structures that hold the upper, allow to achieve a good containment of the foot.

The entire upper and the buttresses are very soft and malleable, they do not compromise the foot at all but in certain situations where the terrain is difficult the ankle and heel are a little unprotected against bumps and scrapes.

The toe of the shoe is very flexible and is reinforced by means of a more resistant and impeccable rubber thermo-sealing, scratch-resistant mesh and reinforcements of the upper's lateral flex zones. Its inner lining is one-piece and its interior is very well made. Laterally it has a thermosealed rubber trim that reinforces the shoe and collaborates in the containment of the foot providing stability.

The lateral buttresses of the upper are very soft and malleable, allowing the natural mobility of the foot, but in certain situations where the terrain is compromised, something frequent in more technical sections of trail running, the ankle and heel are unprotected against impacts and compromised support. We have dispensed with the rear strap as a puller that facilitated the entry of the foot of the first model as we suggested in our test, but we could have perfectly well included a reflective detail.

Insole and last

The shape of this shoe is like a drop of water, very wide at the front and narrow at the back, an "anatomical" last that adapts to the anatomy of the foot, providing space for natural movements, stabilizing and propulsive toes.

The insole is 5mm. and also maintains the anatomical shape of the last and this model dispenses with the curious double foam rubber insole glued under the main one.
The heel is very narrow and made of a very soft material, this allows on the one hand a lot of mobility, and a feeling of great freedom but on the other hand penalizes the stability of the rearfoot.

A 6 mm insole would have improved the feeling of interior comfort and would help to cushion pressures a little more, which would improve the overall comfort perception, especially after long runs.

Outsole

The sole fulfills its function well in terms of traction in an initiation to trail, very well on non-technical trails, rocks and paths. Its versatility allows it to defend itself very well on mixed terrain and asphalt, as the flatter lugs allow it to bite well on asphalt. In areas of uneven terrain the higher forefoot and midfoot lugs are responsive, but it is in more technical terrain where a more aggressive lug pattern is lacking. In mud, it behaves phenomenally well, allowing for easy mud release, given that the lugs are well spaced.

In conclusion

Strengths:

• Ergonomic and functional design.
• Reinforced toe cap.
• Toes have full freedom of movement.
• Lightweight.
• Flexibility of the upper, the lateral buttresses are very soft and malleable, allowing the natural mobility of the foot.
• Overall flexibility that allows for more feel in the bush but with good protection in the midsole.

Opportunities for improvement:

• Absorption and reactivity performance of the eva used in the midsole.
• The amount of lateral thermo-sealing compromises breathability a bit.

Profile and type of user

This is a versatile shoe, ideal for beginners in trail running and can be used without limitations both in urban areas and in the mountains, as its mixed character makes it suitable for trails and urban areas as well as on trails in good condition.

Lightweight construction with exquisite thermosealing, without sacrificing comfort and with the necessary protection for runners with neutral or plantileros tread up to 80 kg. of weight.

Its low drop3 mm), facilitates midfoot entry and its good overall flexibility allows you to feel more of the mountain with good midfoot protection and a reinforced toe cap.

With their curious aesthetics and peculiar anatomical design, in addition to feeling and enjoying each of the strides through nature, they can also be worn during other daily activities.

With the Topo Athletics shoes it happens that: "if you try them you will never want to put your foot in a narrow and compromised last like the traditional ones".

Rating

• Lightweight 9
• Cushioning 8
• Flexibility 9
• Responsiveness 8
• Stability 7
• Grip 8