Topo Athletic Men's Traverse Comfortable Cushioned Durable 5MM Drop Hiking Running Shoes Review
The Topo Athletic Men's Traverse shoes represent a perfect blend of comfort and durability, making them an excellent choice for hiking enthusiasts and runners alike. Designed to withstand tough trails while providing optimal support, these shoes offer unparalleled performance for outdoor adventures. Available in Dark Green/Charcoal and size 13, they are tailored for the serious outdoorsman.
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Features
- Built to Last: Crafted to endure the toughest trails and extended hikes.
- Ventilated Comfort: Features a durable mesh upper for optimal ventilation, keeping your feet cool.
- Unmatched Traction: Equipped with a Vibram Megagrip outsole for rugged grip on various terrains.
- Enhanced Protection: Incorporates a forefoot rock plate for added safety against rugged terrain hazards.
- Thru-Hiker's Dream: Comes with a new FKT Insole that keeps water out and allows quick drainage.
Pros
- Exceptional cushioning for long hikes.
- Durable construction ensures longevity.
- Excellent traction on diverse surfaces.
- Optimal ventilation for hot weather conditions.
- Protective features safeguard against trail debris.
Cons
- May take some time to break in for optimal comfort.
- Larger sizing may not fit everyone perfectly.
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Product | Weight | Water Resistance | Traction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topo Athletic Men's Traverse | Lightweight | No | Excellent |
| Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator | Medium Weight | Somewhat | Good |
| Salomon X Ultra 3 GTX | Medium Weight | Yes | Very Good |
Detailed Review
When it comes to choosing the right footwear for hiking or running, the Topo Athletic Men's Traverse shoes stand out for several reasons. Let's break down their performance across various categories:
- Comfort: These shoes feature excellent cushioning, which is crucial for long hikes. The cushioned platform helps absorb impact, reducing foot fatigue over extended periods.
- Durability: Made with high-quality materials, including a robust mesh upper and a Vibram sole, these shoes are built to withstand rigorous use without compromising on performance.
- Traction: The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides outstanding grip, allowing you to tackle steep inclines and slippery descents with confidence. This is particularly beneficial when traversing rocky or uneven terrain.
- Protection: The inclusion of a forefoot rock plate adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring your feet are safe from sharp rocks and other trail debris.
- Ventilation: The mesh upper promotes airflow, which is essential for keeping your feet dry and comfortable during hot weather hikes.
In summary, if you're looking for a pair of versatile hiking and running shoes that can handle varied environments, the Topo Athletic Men's Traverse should be at the top of your list.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 4.5/5 | Exceptional cushioning, especially over long distances. |
| Durability | 4.7/5 | High-quality materials ensure longevity and resilience. |
| Traction | 4.8/5 | Superior grip on various terrains enhances stability. |
| Protection | 4.6/5 | Effective shielding against rough trail conditions. |
| Ventilation | 4.4/5 | Great airflow, helping keep feet cool in warm conditions. |
User Reviews
WOW!!!!Topos are awesome!!!!Altras on steroids!Zero drop with enough cushion!Thank you!!!!
I love how Topo’s feel and fit. For my narrow feet, Topo’s are superior in locking my foot into place. I hiked the John Muir Trail in 2020 wearing the Topo Ultraventure’s and they were so great and perfect feeling. I hate that I didn’t buy a few pairs of those for the future back when I had the chance. The new ultraventure 3’s are too overly stacked and cushioned for me so since I’m a long distance hiker, when I read about these new Traverse’s that are made specifically for thru-hiking which include some features I like like drainage holes and better stability, so it was a no brainer and worth giving them a feel. The initial fit was as expected but unfortunately they’re not quite what I’m looking for. It’s absolutely bonkers to me to design a long distance hiking shoe with the sole stacked as high as it is but with minimal cushioning. Without sufficient cushioning my feet start to ache a lot more so I was looking for a little of that plush cushiony feel like the original Ultraventure's, but unfortunately you don’t get that with the Traverse’s. Don’t get me wrong they are a great feeling shoe and I have no doubt they would be a 5 star shoe for someone else, but I’m just looking for that nice plush sweet spot
I was hearing about this shoe from various sources that are in the hiking community. Some are thru-hikers. I needed a new shoe. My recent purchases of other brands weren't great. So, I tried TOPO and I'm really happy with it. High quality. Great fit. Comfortable. Supportive. I'd highly recommend. Fit is spot on. I'm a 10 - 10.5 US. I bought a 10.5 US and it was spot on.