Topo Athletic, the leader in natural-fit innovation for performance footwear, has recently launched the first of two new Fall ’14 model, the Sante, which we just started wear testing. Topo Athletic is one of less than a dozen companies still making zero drop and low drop (<4mm), wide toe box, lightweight, and lightly cushioned natural running shoes. They are in it for the long run just like Altra Running, LEMs Shoes, Newton Running, Primal Professional, SKORA Running, VIVOBAREFOOT, and Xero Shoes – minimalism is alive and well and you’ll thank us decades into your running. Without minimalist shoes, I won’t be running, cycling, and competing in track & field for the past 5 years – I had 25+ years of running in cushioned and heeled shoes and stopped running 6 years ago due to lower back pains and knee pains…
Topo Athletic’s proprietary fit is defined by:
- Shape: Plenty of room for the toes to spread for healthy walking and running. A secure fit through the heel and midfoot allows the shoe to move with your body.
- Platform: A neutral platform with light cushioning for natural load support and normal foot motion during the gait cycle.
- Weight: Ultra-light materials and seam-reducing construction techniques to keep weight down and blisters at bay.
Here’s a sneak peek of all the upcoming models from Topo Athletic for Fall ’14 (Sante, Runduro) and Spring ’15 (Fli-lyte, Runventure, Halsa).
Runduro
Engineered for medium and long distance running.
- Category: Road
- Tech: Boa closure and 3D-printed upper
- Weight: 6.6 oz (size W7) / 8.2 oz (size M9)
- Total stack height: 22 mm x 19 mm (3 mm drop)
- Rubber outsole: 4 mm / midsole: 13 mm EVA (heel) and 10 mm EVA (ball)
- Footbed: 5 mm EVA antimicrobial footbed
- MSRP: $120
Fli-lyte
Inspired by the needs of long distance runners, the Fli-Lyte delivers a comfortable, neutral ride, designed to help with normal load and force distribution during the gait cycle. The foot-friendly shape allows toes to spread and splay and the lightest mesh and printing techniques are used to eliminate seams and reduce weight.
- Category: Road
- Weight: 6.8 oz (size W7) / 8.2 oz (size M9)
- Total stack height: 22mm X 19mm (3mm drop)
- Rubber outsole: 4 mm / midsole: 13 mm EVA (heel) and 10 mm EVA (ball)
- Footbed: 5 mm 2- layer EVA antimicrobial footbed
- MSRP: $100
Runventure
Building on their popular trail platform, the Runventure features abrasion resistant mesh and printing techniques to protect the upper and add structural integrity. A three density, 19 mm platform with TPU flex plate provides plating protection without sacrificing ground feel, and the 5 mm multi-directional lugged outsole offers traction over a variety of surfaces.
- Category: Trail
- Weight: 9.7 oz (size W7) / 10.2 oz (size M9)
- Total stack height: 19 mm x 17 mm (2 mm drop)
- Rubber outsole: 4.5 mm / midsole: 9.5 mm EVA (heel) and 7.5 mm EVA (ball)
- Footbed: 5 mm EVA antimicrobial footbed
- MSRP: $110
Santé
Perfect for functional fitness training – run, jump, climb, or lift, the feet stay secure with this shoe’s unique stabilizing technology.
- Category: Gym
- Tech: Boa closure (the first for a functional fitness shoe), mid-foot strap, lateral stabilizer, 3D-printed upper, co-molded rubber/EVA sole
- Weight: 6.9 oz (size W7) / 8.4 oz (size M9)
- Total stack height: 14 mm (zero drop)
- Rubber outsole: 4 mm / midsole: 7 mm EVA
- Footbed: 3 mm EVA antimicrobial footbed
- MSRP: $125
Halsa
Train for strength, speed, and power in the Halsa. Designed for functional fitness training, the upper construction combines abrasion-resistant mesh and PU printing for durability and flexibility. A broad, stable platform wraps the lateral side of the foot for additional support. A mid-foot strap and lace lock help the shoe stay connected to your body during every movement.
- Category: Gym
- Weight: 6.3 oz (size W7) / 7.6 oz (size M9)
- Total stack height: 14 mm (zero drop)
- Rubber outsole: 4 mm / midsole: 7 mm EVA
- Footbed: 3 mm EVA antimicrobial footbed
- MSRP: $110
Availability
The Fall ’14 Topo Athletic model, Sante, is available now whereas the Rundoro will be available in October. The Spring ’15 Topo Athletic model, Fli-lyte, will be available in November whereas the Runventure and Halsa models will be available in spring 2015.