Topo MTN Racer 2 Trail Shoe - An Altra Alternative with Tons of Grip!

Рет қаралды 14,795

Күн бұрын

Topo MTN Racer 2
Amazon: geni.us/bhbO
Altra Lone Peak 5
Amazon: geni.us/Z6vAH
Altra Superior 5
Amazon: geni.us/snbNs
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Chapters
00:00 - Intro / Overview
01:13 - Design / Features
03:09 - Midsole / Ride / Stack Height
04:24 - Outsole / Grip
05:13 - Sizing
05:34 - Durability
05:52 - What I don't like
06:29 - Price / Final Thoughts

Пікірлер: 125

@traildawg4242 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to see you review TOPO Mtn racer… I’ve went through 2 pair of version 1. I really enjoy topo trail shoes, very durable and comfy. Enjoy your Vlog , keep em coming.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@tektonwooddesign3390 2 жыл бұрын

I bought a pair of the Red Racer 2 for my first trip to the Appalachian Trail. They were absolutely amazing! Great feel, went over everything and super grippy on the slick granite !!

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Nice!

@stanmakowski1985 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, love TOPO shoes. Great fit and quality build.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm liking them so far as well.

@DoseofDirt 2 жыл бұрын

Just ordered a pair of these earlier this week, so feeling good about my purchase after watching your review! I'm just tired of my Altras wearing out SUPER fast and hoping these last a little longer, but still give me that wide toebox feeling. Glad to hear you didn't feel like the 5mm offset was a big deal since that was my biggest hesitation (at this point I haven't run any trails in anything but Altra!). Interested to see if I have that same heel slip issue. Thanks for the awesome reviews, man! Truly appreciated!

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

That's really what made me start looking at Topo's. I love my Lone Peaks but it's frustrating to have to replace them after 200-300 miles. Thanks for watching!

@DoseofDirt 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit Glad I'm not the only one! 🤣 Also ordered some Innov8 G 270s since they are supposed to have a similar feel. We'll see!

@TDMiller 2 жыл бұрын

@@DoseofDirt you disappoint me, Jeff. ;-)

@DoseofDirt 2 жыл бұрын

@@TDMiller 🤣🤣🤣 I know! But seriously, my lone peaks only have 200 miles in them and they are totally trashed! And I don’t feel like that should happen. Altra and I may be taking a break, which breaks my heart… 💔💔💔

@TDMiller 2 жыл бұрын

@@DoseofDirt you probably treated them like trash! You don't deserve them! 😘

@brewlovinrunner Жыл бұрын

I love my Phantom 2’s. Currently for trails I use Altras superior 5’s which I love. I’m eager to try one of Topos trail offerings.

@JanSimmen-efolkeoplysning Жыл бұрын

Theese are the best I have ever has. I can even run mixed runs (normal road and then trails) with them with no issues even after fair long distances. Other trail runner shoes( like salomon) I tried usually killed my legs even after only 10 km on a normal road.

@lkopelov 2 жыл бұрын

I've had a couple of pairs of the first version, and love them. The mtn racer 2s unfortunately are on backorder until November - I wear size 14. The durability of the mtn racer 1s have been phenomenal. 4-500 miles instead of the 200 I get with Altras.

@i.p2088 2 жыл бұрын

I have Altra Rivera and Topo Ultrafly-3. Topo MUCH better quality and durability.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. 500 miles is pretty great!

@marklandsaat3696 2 жыл бұрын

Topo runventure threes here. I like them. Looks like it’s the same outsole. Only thing I don’t like is the rubber overlays on the upper. The way it’s molded on make the upper produce a rubber crinkly sound with every step. Pretty minor in the grand scheme of things. Got about 200 miles on them, holding up well.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Oh cool! I'll have to check those out.

@valdius85 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for the review. Very useful. BTW: I use my shoes/boots/wellies as well and you know what? It is possible to give them a quick clean and brush before the video. 🤪

@trailrunning7773 2 жыл бұрын

nice mountain shoe my friend and of course it looks very durable i have it in the list very nice video flawless altra forever 💪💪💪

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@movemorenowjames 2 жыл бұрын

Been looking at this one…. Will check back in at the end of the vid.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Nice!

@stanmakowski3370 2 жыл бұрын

Great review, thanks. I actually watched it for a second time. I have become a big TOPO fan, love the toe box room and their shoes seem to really last, I love the build quality. Just wondering since you have posted this review has your opinion/insight chanced at all? And have you used it on any races? Thanks for your work and your opinion.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it! I still wear the MTN Racer 2's in my rotation. They've held up great durability wise and still have lots of life left. I haven't used them in a race yet just because I'm nervous to "fix what aint broke" but I wouldn't hesitate to.

@UltraTrailSteven 2 жыл бұрын

Have you tried using the lace lock/runners knot for lockdown? My wife wears Topo’s and always has to do the lace lock.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

I tried a few different lacing methods but there's always a little bit of slip. It seems like the midsole is just a teeny bit too stiff.

@levi_athle 2 жыл бұрын

Here you go. I recently upped the difficulty of my mileage running a lot on very technical terrain. When I say technical, it is like very painfully technical. I need stiff, resistant and protective shoes. I also have a lot of downhills going on, so I definitely need a good space up front. If I keep my original size, I bang my toes, if I size up I get heel slippage and cannot feel the shoe properly to make it work on the flats. All shoes. You're right maybe some of these stiff babies might need like 150km break in time.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

That might be the case!

@TDMiller 2 жыл бұрын

If they can tackle the durability issues some Altra runners are facing, they'll be a strong competitor. Great review!

@movemorenowjames 2 жыл бұрын

Agree ! Tried a couple of topo in the past, didn’t like the midsole they used but the zip foam sounds good.

@i.p2088 2 жыл бұрын

@@movemorenowjames Zip foam is very hard compared to the Altra Ego.

@movemorenowjames 2 жыл бұрын

@@i.p2088 so not that different from the foam before … I see. Thanks

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

For sure, that's really what got me interested in Topo.

@gek1x Жыл бұрын

I've got the Topo Terraventure 3, and let me tell you, they've made almost 2000km in the span of 1 year and besides the sole starting to get worn out (which is normal) the rest of shoe is still in good condition

@rickymclain 2 жыл бұрын

Topo = Tony Post (To + Po) company founder. I loved the Mtn Racer 1, haven't tried the 2 but likely will at some point. Have been enjoying the Terraventure 3. Thanks for the video and thoughts!

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

OH! that makes sense lol! Thanks for watching.

@DaveIrish66 2 жыл бұрын

Can you compare the Terraventures 2 and 3? I love my version 2's. Is the traction that much better? Other noticeable differences in fit? Thanks

@rickymclain 2 жыл бұрын

@@DaveIrish66 I had the 2's but no longer do so these comparisons are based on memory. I think the 3 is a touch narrower, still plenty wide for me, and I need wide shoes, but a touch narrower than the 2. The outsole/grip feels the same to me. The biggest changes seem to be in the upper. The upper material in the 3 feels closer to (but not exactly the same) as the rip stop material in the MTN racer 1. From what I recall, the 2 upper had more of a knit feel. So I think the 3 will breathe and drain a little better. Overall, I really liked the 2 and really like the 3!

@TheOldUltraRunner 2 жыл бұрын

Nice review! Sounds like a good alternative to my Lone Peak's.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, they're as close as you can get to Altra without being an Altra!

@TheOldUltraRunner 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit, I think that I will just use my altra's for now. Very happy to know there is a good alternative.

@DustinHallUltraRunner 2 жыл бұрын

I have both and its a great alternative to LP's

@truthseeker7172 Жыл бұрын

Hi, wanted to know if the upper material is warm. I have the topo ultraflys but my feet get pretty cold in them

@dickdanforth4259 2 жыл бұрын

I've been running in the original topo ultraventure for a few yrs. Unfortunately, the ultraventure 2 hit my right lateral ankle and gave me an angry bone bruise 2 miles in. Got the new mtn racers and find them ok though not as cushy. Tread is great on mud and scree and I do have to size up 1/2 from Altras.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! It's odd that I found the Topos to feel a little longer than my Altras.

@paddywiggle 2 жыл бұрын

Hey there. Lone peak and Timp wearer here. I tried on the Mtn Racer compared to the Superior, and two things threw me off with the Racer. 1. Crinkly Upper 2. A weird defined arch. Most altra shoes feel totally flat throughout. These shoes, you can feel the material wraps around the arch a lot more, which I did not like.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting observations. I think the crinkly upper breaks in a bit with use. The arch difference you're feeling might be due to the 5mm offset. I didn't really notice it myself. Thanks for sharing!

@chairtotrail6539 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! How did you find the volume of the Topo Mtn Racer 2s compared to the Lone Peak 5 regular widths? I find the regular Altra widths work fine for me but the volume feels too low (too snug) right where the laces end at the forefoot area. Thanks.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Very similar to the Altra LP's. I'd say if the LP's didn't work for you these might not either.

@chrisl3856 2 жыл бұрын

Great review! Couple questions, maybe I missed. Good protection underfoot from rocks?

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Decent protection. There's not rock plate in these shoes but the midsole has a dual density that adds some protection.

@skribs101 2 жыл бұрын

I have noticeable heel slip on these same models too.

@mirceaandreighinea Жыл бұрын

hello, Chase The Summit! regarding the width of the forefoot, please, any possibility so that you can measure the insole's forefoot width of the 10.5 size? i have very wide forefoot... thank you & best regards, Mircea

@DaveIrish66 2 жыл бұрын

Love my Topos! 3 pair of Ultraventures 1 pair Terraventures. Really interested in this updated version of the MNT racer. How do they drain? I also wear Altras but Topo seems to be built to last in comparison. Thanks for the review and hope to get an update after more miles!

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

In terms of drainage they could be a bit better but they dry out about as quick as my Altras. I'd like to see more intentional positioning of drain holes but those can be easily "customized". Thanks for watching!

@giovanbattistafichera8439 2 жыл бұрын

really? My original Topo Ultraventure ripped holes at the arch in both shoes in less than 200 miles of use, not to mention the horrible fit with my toes getting jammed going downhill and the grip being barely passable in muddy conditions.

@toddboucher3302 8 ай бұрын

Might try , I’ve given up on Altra they’re not the same as they used to be they still last forever home with me. They don’t Center, Laster I’m getting bad once I switched over, and I said it alone peaks or even the superiors am using Inov-8 terra-ultra g270 or now called trail -fly. Zero drop about 22mm and a real long time. The rubber grip is unbelievable but I guess it’s mixed with graffiti and pretty good real good but I just realize this is an old video so probably nobody’s gonna check this but rambling on.

@Alistair_Spence 2 жыл бұрын

I have a pair of the first version Mntn Racers and find that they have held up really well. Only downside for me is that I found them to run a touch on the small side. I wear a size 13 in Altra's and those fit me perfectly. I find that the Topo's in a 13 are touch snug, not only in terms of length, but also in terms of width/volume. I'm interested in trying this new version of the shoe though. Sounds like they might be a bit roomier than version 1?

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

That's interesting because I found the MTN Racer 2's to feel a little big compared to my altras!

@Alistair_Spence 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit Hmmm, interesting. Maybe they've made some changes to the last used to make the Racer 2's. I know I wasn't the only one that found the first version to be snug. The Racer 1's were not as "Foot Shaped" as Altra's imo, which is to say, not as broad in the forefoot. If they've changed that for the new version that would be a most welcome improvement, for my use anyway.

@movemorenowjames 2 жыл бұрын

Great review … similar foot shape so sounds like it will work although the heel slippage is a little concerning.

@i.p2088 2 жыл бұрын

Had heel slippage in the Topo Ultrafly-3. Went down half a size. Problem solved. My Topo Ultrafly-3 are a full size smaller than the Altra Rivera.

@movemorenowjames 2 жыл бұрын

@@i.p2088 interesting, cool thanks

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

The heel slip hasn't become a major problem yet but I haven't done any 20+ mile runs with the MTN Racer 2 so only time will tell.

@WayneCapacillo 2 жыл бұрын

Have you tried the Topo Runventure 3? I've had my eyes on those snice they are zero drop...I love Altras but I wish there was more competition in the zero drop game.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Haven't tried them but they look pretty slick. I agree, I wish there were more "footshaped" zero drop or at least low drop shoes out there.

@WayneCapacillo 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit Open market for a hungry entrepreneur lol!

@Bi0m3ga 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome, informative review! I wonder how these compare to the Hoka M Torrent 2?

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

In terms of ride they're pretty similar with the Torrent 2 feeling a bit less squishy. The fit is entirely different though. The Hokas have a more "traditional fit" while the Topo's have a wider toebox similar to an Altra.

@Bi0m3ga 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit Thank you so much for the reply. I’ll give the Topo’s a try! Btw, your videos have been a great resource for me. Keep up the good work. It's appreciated.

@DevelopingNL Жыл бұрын

How long is your longest foot in cm and which size did you get?

@howinghong18 2 жыл бұрын

I have one pair of MTN race 2 too and same as you i have a weird foot shape and had a hard time finding a good shoe that fits in well with Mega-grip (i tried Altra but can't do well in the zero drop). considering have another pair for rotation. How is it compare to Ultra Venture Pro or Ultra Venture 2? and several months since this video how durable you found it? thanks

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't tried the Ultra Venture's but they look great. These shoes are still holding up great but they're not my primary trail show in the rotation.

@scriptosaurusrex 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe a bit late now, but have you/did you try a good old 'runner's loop' on these, with regards to the heel slippage. It didn't look like you had adopted that in the video, but that obviously doesn't mean you haven't tried it. Looks like a great shoe otherwise!

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't but it would probably help with the heel slip. Thanks for watching!

@jeremiahmiller4167 2 жыл бұрын

Have you worn the Olympus 4? Wondering how these compare to that in terms of cushioning.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

I haven't tried the Olympus 4 but I would assume they're much more cushioned as they're marketed as a max cushion shoe. These Topo's are more in line with the Lone Peak.

@mirceaxvlad 2 жыл бұрын

Hey. Great timing for this review, as I was just thinking of buying these shoes for my rotation, as well. The only issue is that there is no local store selling them, so I have to buy them online, without previously trying them on to check fit/size. Since you also mentioned that you use the LP5s, could you please share on the size/fit differences? Personally I find LP5 a bit to wide in the mid foot and I can't get a good lockdown in them. I really like the fit of Timp/Torin/Superior, though. Thank you!

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! The sizing is pretty similar to LP5's but I found the topo's just to feel a tiny bit longer.

@DustinHallUltraRunner 2 жыл бұрын

The sizing is similar to LP's, I feel the mid foot is wide but I dont feel its as wide as LP's

@izirrduke9588 2 жыл бұрын

I have to go a half size down with the LP's. Should I go a half size down to with this midek?

@izirrduke9588 2 жыл бұрын

*model

@Showmetheevidence- Жыл бұрын

#internet bro

@rungsimonkongkaprasert5386 2 жыл бұрын

What do you think in hard pack condition and downhill terrain MTN2 vs. Sense ride 4 which one is better? I will use it in Thailand.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

The grip on the MTN Racer is hard to beat unfortunately I don’t have experience with the Sense ride 4 to compare with though.

@Bend-Oregon 2 жыл бұрын

Be curious to learn how this MTN Racer 2 compares with the new (July 2022) Altra Olympus 5. Appear to be very similar trail shoes after the same niche market.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

I've got a pair of Olympus 5's in the mail. Stay tuned!

@Bend-Oregon 2 жыл бұрын

Great, looking forward to the comparison!

@spotlight761 2 жыл бұрын

The upper is a single layer mesh? Can you see light passing through?

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

The upper is single layer but there is a backing to it. The shoes drain pretty well though.

@mathews0618 Жыл бұрын

Which shoe has a wider mid and fore foot? My left foot is wider than the foam on the altras lol.

@ChaseTheSummit Жыл бұрын

I'd say the Altras do. I have an oddly wide mid-foot or instep and find Altras to be the most forgiving.

@pablo_elizalde 2 жыл бұрын

I'm always intrigued by Topo because I want the foot-shaped design but with a bit of drop, which is something I can't get with Altra or Hoka, cause it's one thing or the other. I might give these a try.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

That's what got me interested in these shoes. That, and their durability as I've had some issues with Altras over the years.

@AZHighlandHomestead Жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit how is the durability after a year?

@giovanbattistafichera8439 2 жыл бұрын

I'm wary of this brand after a relatively bad experience with their original Ultraventure shoe. I can't go downhill as fast as I wish because my foot slides to the front and my toes get jammed. Have you experienced something similar in these MTN racer 2?

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Do you have narrow feet? These shoes run wide and may be a bit too wide for you.

@giovanbattistafichera8439 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit no, I'd say medium to wide

@scrubsr1304 2 жыл бұрын

The original Ultraventure is the best trail shoe I've ever owned. I actually prefer them over the new Mtn Racer 2 minus the outsole(Mega-Grip compound is superior). Regardless, your "foot slides" issue will not be going away with this model as the fit is very similar to the old Ultraventure.

@giovanbattistafichera8439 2 жыл бұрын

@@scrubsr1304 it's probably due to the ortholite insole being too smooth. I'd swap them but another big issue I had with this model is that the upper busted open right at the arch (both shoes) and at the ball of the foot.

@donaldrice1867 2 жыл бұрын

I had one pair of Topos, they weren't that style though, they were the MT2. They had a smaller drop, only 3mm. I loved them. They lasted years and I only had 2 issues with them. One of the lace loops (which are a different style than these) came loose. I sewed it back on. And the back portion of the rubber sole started flopping around, but this was after they reached the end of their life span. I still wear them for my training though because they are still the most comfortable pair I own. I have a foot that sounds similar in shape to yours. For me, the slippage did get better.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

That's great to hear! These are still going strong with little to no wear. Looking forward to seeing how long they last!

@donaldrice1867 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit I forgot to say, congratulations on the 40k subscribers.

@Showmetheevidence- Жыл бұрын

The first 60miles/100km is the “best” part of the soles/rubber/shoes. PLEASE try and do a review *after* the first 60 (& yes this is kinda backed by science. I read a study a while ago… some students took a ton of shoes and ran them on a robot+treadmill and ALL the brands they tested lost cushion in the first 60miles then tended to stabilise until you hit much higher mileage).

@ChaseTheSummit Жыл бұрын

I'll see what I can do!

@peakproofuk 2 жыл бұрын

I think the company was started by TOny POst. So the pronunciation is from that.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Makes sense!

@peakproofuk 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChaseTheSummit yeah. It’s the guy who came up with Five Fingers at Vibram.

@slavasss2189 2 жыл бұрын

Very difficult to buy them...not many shops sell topo

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah it seems like buying online might be the only option for a lot of people.

@iberiksoderblom 2 жыл бұрын

The heel-slip and that the tounge is just 1 cm to short, has been a problem for a long time for Topo. And the reson I stopped buying them.

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

Oh interesting! Thanks for sharing.

@tenor79 2 жыл бұрын

came for the review of MTN Racer 2s, stayed for the tattoo "μου λείπεισ". Are you comfortable explaining why you got the tattoo?

@ChaseTheSummit 2 жыл бұрын

I get asked about it a lot lol. So much in fact that I made a video about it you can find here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eraXZ8uJvLrWY2g.html Thanks for watching!

@philipwatkins-ow1is Жыл бұрын

I really don’t understand how anyone can choose Lone Peak’s over these. MTN Racers are better in every way IMO.

@ririemarilyn Жыл бұрын

5mm offset isn't an Altra alternative. Im a fan of Altra not because the brand but the drop. Never had any major injuries since switching to them back in 2014.