Topo Pursuit – First impressions

I’ve a zero drop shoe wearer for many years and for the past 8 years I’ve been running in shoes from Altra. However, recently I’ve been getting more and more frustrated with a run of terrible durability with my Altra shoes.

So I’m testing out new shoes from Topo Athletic, the Pursuit.

Drop: 0mm
Stack: 28mm
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip

I’ve been for several runs and one longer fastpacking mission in the shoe but it’s still way too early to call this a proper review. However, since my post about my frustrations with Altra shoes is getting some traction in search results, I thought I should update my experiences so far with my new shoes.

The fit and comfort

In a word, great. They have a nice wide toe box, similar in feel to Altra. Where they differ is the fit in the mid-foot. I feel like I can get a much better lock down across the mid foot and my sense is that I’m moving around in the shoe a lot less. This may also be related to the sizing issue I’ve had with Altras.

Also these fit true to size. For Altra’s I’ve had to be in a US 10.5 for as long as I can remember to get the length in the shoe and occasionally even size up to 11 for some earlier models (when my feet consistently measure US 10 if I get fitted in a shoe store). I have US 10 in the pursuit and they feel perfect. I haven’t yet run in them when wet.

I’ve taken them out on a super step technical ascent and descent of the section from Hackett hut up to Starvell Hut in the Richmond ranges with an 8kg fast-packing loadout. The shoes were excellent. I never felt any roots or rocks and the grip an control I had running down (slowly to be fair) up to 28% grades was really noticeable.

The upper materials feel comfortable and there’s been no noticeable break in period required. I’ve had no blistering issues with hiking and fast-packing (unlike the Olympus 5).

The ride

The Vibram Megagrip lives up to it’s reputation as super grippy. So far I’ve not had a wet run so again I’ll reserve judgement for a proper review.

The Zipfoam midsole seems to be responsive but to have some cushion to it. I would say it’s reasonably firm yet it’s comfortable for 5 and 6 hour days which I’ve put in on the fast-packing mission I took them on.

The price

They cost me $279 NZD which seems very reasonable compared to the Altra Timp which they are the most similar to in specs (especially the new Timp v5 with the Vibram outsole). In New Zealand, Timps retail for $309NZD. With hopefully better durability from the Pursuit (yet to be proven) that might add up to more value for money (pun intended 🙂 ).

Disclaimer: I bought the shoes with my own money, all opinions are my own.