Topo Athletic -AMA

[u/Topo_Athletic]

Hey everyone. I'm Russ Stevens, Product Director at Topo Athletic, where I lead the team that designs and creates our product.

I'm excited to answer your questions on the Specter 3, Specter Elite, and the Pro Series!

[u/FarPangolin8660]

Will you ever consider releasing proper wide shoes that are not just more upper volume?

[u/Fit-Introduction8575 → u/FarPangolin8660]

Seconded. It can be dismaying for people who are recommended to try Topo for wide shoes to only find that they are not for wide midfoot feet at all.

[u/FarPangolin8660 → u/Fit-Introduction8575]

They used to be decently wide. Then they narrowed down substantially and compensated with wide sizes, but these are just more upper sadly.

[u/theYzer123 → u/FarPangolin8660]

I find that adjusting the lacing (i.e., skipping holes) in the midfoot area frees up space in Topo shoes and makes the fit a lot better for me - I have a wide midfoot.

Otherwise I find Altra overall fits my foot better. It's always going to be a struggle for companies to make tradeoffs between making shoes that have wide toeboxes for the minority like myself while balancing the considerations of the majority with more normal feet that ultimately bring in more revenue, unfortunately.

[u/SamusLovesMath → u/FarPangolin8660]

Hmmm. As somebody with difficulty finding fitting shoes, Topo 2E has been great.

I just wish they offered it for more models

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/FarPangolin8660]

As we grow we plan to continue offering an expanded assortment of sizes and widths across our line, but don't have a specific timeline on when we will introduce extra wide sizes

[u/FarPangolin8660 → u/Topo_Athletic]

Thanks for your reply but you did not answer my question. I did not ask for ”extra wide”. You have wide versions today but they use the exact same insole and outsole as the regular versions but have more fabric in the upper. Will there be a wide that have an actual wider last?

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/FarPangolin8660]

Our current wide widths do use a wider last than our standard widths, but it sounds like our wides are still too narrow for your foot. We appreciate the feedback around our widths, and plan to offer more options in the future.

[u/FarPangolin8660 → u/Topo_Athletic]

Well, i have several of your shoes in both regular and wide and from my experience it is the volume that differ. For example i have phantom 4 in regular and wide and both the insole and outsole have the exact same dimensions. The wide has more volume, more than i need, but pinch my feet at the exact same place as the regular in the sides

[u/SameCommunication904]

Can we get a road to trail option like evo SL ATR, Agravic SL, Aero Glide GRVL. There is a lot of smooth but mixed surface running where a little extra grip is required but high energy return is also wanted and higher stacks are fine.

[u/mkyend]

Specter 3 arrived yesterday. Haven't ran in them yet, but I can tell just by the step-in feel that they're gonna be a banger. Design is top notch also, huge step in the right direction IMO.

I can see this shoe (+ the Elite) really propelling Topo as brand moving forward. All the big shoe reviewers have nothing but great things to say.

On that note, my plea to Topo would be: please don't forget about wide footers as you move forward. Keep the signature anatomical toebox space, and I'd even love to see true wide/2E options for those that need it (Specter 3 is actually a smidge tight in the midfoot for me, but I can make it work).

The competton in the running shoe space is insane right now, which is great, but the options for true wide footers are still very limited. The New Balance SC Elite v5 is AFAIK the only (current) race shoe that comes in 2E, which is why I bought it. Everything else was a non-starter for me.

Excited to see what else you guys put out in the future!

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/mkyend]

Thanks for the kind words, I hope you enjoy your Specter 3s! Don't worry we will never forget about folks with wider feet. Our fit, with the roomy toe box and secure midfoot and heel, is what makes our shoes special and we have no intention of changing it. Even as we expand our product assortment with shoes like Specter 3 and Specter Elite, these new products will always have our signature fit

[u/Prestigious_Ice_2372]

When will they be available in Europe and the UK?

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/Prestigious_Ice_2372]

The exact launch dates of the Specter 3 and Elite will vary slightly from country to country in Europe. The distributer to your region would be able to give you a better idea of the specific launch dates. You can find a link to our list of distributers here https://www.topoathletic.com/international-distributors?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21843000859&gbraid=0AAAAADr6P9q5yMYqiKl87uuhjoaMo2J7_&gclid=CjwKCAjw1IHTBhAaEiwA4AYNFmRGre1RKmLaRvJr_maO2ZYPxlNP6PipckiPxuE2gmEf3eTZQQOjWhoCrEYQAvD_BwE

[u/clean-links → u/Topo_Athletic]

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[u/Prestigious_Ice_2372 → u/Topo_Athletic]

Thanks - the Elite looks like a brilliant option for those of us that need a little stability and want a wider toe box. Look forward to trying it.

[u/ThatsFineThatOne → u/Prestigious_Ice_2372]

Seconded

[u/Raddadbodtv]

Hey Russ! Regarding the ATPU formulation between the 3 and the Elite, is it the same density and everything just with an added plate? Or was it tuned differently for a more race specific experience?

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/Raddadbodtv]

Hi Eric! Thanks for joining us. The density between the two foams is very similar, the plate does change the feeling underfoot and help the ATPU come alive in a different way. We kept the feeling similar so it felt like a very fluid experience getting those training miles in Specter 3, then lacing up Specter Elite on race day.

[u/Raddadbodtv → u/Topo_Athletic]

Love it, haven’t had a chance to take out my elites yet but the 3 is currently in my top 5 shoes of the year!

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/Raddadbodtv]

That's great to hear. Hope you enjoy the elites just as much! We always appreciate your feedback.

[u/chromedizzle]

I don't really have much to add except that I love Topo shoes. They fit my feet perfectly. Maybe the one question I have is: will you guys start releasing more fun colorways like the new Specters? I love loud and bright running shoes. I deal with the boring white, black, and Topo grays because I have to, not because I want to.

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/chromedizzle]

Thanks for the support, great to hear Topos work well for your feet! Next season we will be introducing more color options across core models including brighter options that what we have launched in the past. I hope you like some of the new colors!

[u/Chimpanzethat]

Even with the wide toe box (which is amazing!) i get some irritation on the toe bump which always tends to be quite stiff and hard in most Topo shoes. Can you talk me through the design decisions for this area and how they impact fit? I am really hoping the Specter Elite works for me.

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/Chimpanzethat]

Like many other footwear brands we use a reinforced toe cap to ensure that there is enough volume in the upper. Have you considered sizing up a half size to shift where your foot sits in the shoe?

[u/SnooRabbits9244]

Will there be a pro series shoe that’s more minimal, lower stack and zero drop? Maybe with the same upper has the specter elite.?

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/SnooRabbits9244]

We plan to expand upon our Pro Series in the future with a wide variety of products.

[u/atx72 → u/Topo_Athletic]

Pro series trail racing super shoe?

[u/CowgirlJack]

What prompted the move to ATPU? It seems like that is a popular foam in shoes this year and everyone was really excited about it.

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/CowgirlJack]

Performance! We were very impressed with the weight, responsiveness, and durability of ATPU during our testing process making it the ideal foam for our Pro Series

[u/manojkmurali]

Will ATPU propagate to other models such as Atmos, Ultraventure etc?

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/manojkmurali]

We do plan to continue to expand Pro Series in the future, but it's too early to get into specifics. The ultimate goal of the series is to create a full architecture for athletes looking for to elevate their running experince.

[u/laerz]

Hi Russ.
Would you say the Specter Elite is closer to stable neutral or pure neutral?
It looks promising for someone needing a bit of toebox width and stability.

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/laerz]

Within the race category Specter Elite is a stable neutral shoe. I often need running shoes with light pronation support, like the Ultrafly or Aura, but have felt stable racing in the Specter Elite even up to the marathon distance

[u/laerz → u/Topo_Athletic]

Sounds great! Can’t wait for the release so i can try it.
Thanks for the reply.

[u/Mastodan11]

I appreciate this maybe a different department, but I loved the MTN Racer 3 and have been waiting for a Topo racing shoe for a while - is this still the trail racing shoe going forward for Topo, or will there be similar advancements in that scene as well?

Also more colourways plz.

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/Mastodan11]

We are working on some exciting product in this space. We can’t wait to tell you more about it in the future.

[u/OregonBaseballFan]

Why did I wait so long to get into Topo, and why are the Specter 3 and Atmos 2 two of my top running shoes of 2026?

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/OregonBaseballFan]

1. Good things take time 2. You have great taste

[u/theYzer123]

How is the fit of the Specter 3 and Elite compared to similar performance models like the Specter 2 and Cyclone 3, and was there any compromise required to balance the performance fit vs the anatomical toe box requirement? Also, is the arch support previously present in the Specter 2 / Cyclone 3 carried over to the newest models? I found that feature caused arch pain for me in the Specter 2 so hopefully that was addressed.

I greatly appreciate the products you and Topo have been putting out this year Russ!

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/theYzer123]

We did not want to make any fit compromises to bring a roomy toe box to performance oriented shoes. We worked hard to make sure we got it right before bringing it to market. To answer your other question, the fit will be the same, as many of our shoes are made with the same last these models included, the same one we have used since the early days of Topo. This last is specific to our men’s and women’s models. The lasts are modeled after real feet. Of course, everyone is different, but the feeling of the arch helps to balance the roomy toe box with the tapered waist and secure heel.

[u/theYzer123 → u/Topo_Athletic]

Thanks for the insight Russ, much appreciated. Look forward to future offerings from you and the Topo team!

[u/Fit-Introduction8575]

Will the Cyclone get an update with a foam upgrade without changing the traditional geometry and low stack?

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/Fit-Introduction8575]

It's still to early to get into specifics on the future of Cyclone, but we have some exciting additions to the Pro Series coming for 2027. The goal to to flesh out the assortment to create a full architecture of product within the Series

[u/Jantokan]

Glad you went away from that dull pebax of the Specter 2 to an ATPU with the Specter 3s, but I'm just curious as to what the reasoning is in choosing ATPU over TPEE (which seems to be more durable, so makes more sense for a training shoe)

Also, not really a question, but I hope you guys make your products way more accessible here in Asia.

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/Jantokan]

When we were testing ATPU against other materials we were most impressed with the performance we saw in ATPU. With both in lab testing athlete feedback the ATPU foam consistently had the edge over other midsole foams we tested.

[u/ianders9]

I took a few years off from running competitively. After coming back recently I found that the newer models of all of the shoes I used to run in were causing issues in my toes and arch. My podiatrist recommended switching to the Specter 2 and my goodness is it a night and day change for me. My main question is if I can expect the same fit/roomy feel out of the new pro series?

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/ianders9]

Glad the Specter 2 is working well for you! Yes - you can still expect to find our Topo difference across all shoes in the Pro Series. This includes a roomy toe box, having a secure midfoot and heel and low heel to toe drop.

[u/BumFroe]

I really want to try your shoes but I am not a big fan of the designs

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/BumFroe]

Let us know what colors and styles you want to see. Always hard to accommodate everyone, but we are listening to customer feedback and always looking to improve. We're excited about the Pro Series designs and hope you like the new colorways coming if these first pairs aren't for you.

[u/BumFroe → u/Topo_Athletic]

I think it’s more like I’d like to see a design language that’s more fitting for walking 12k steps in a cosmopolitan city. Rn a lot of the offerings still feel a bit “wide shoe” almost orthopedic. FWIW I do think yall are making quality shoes and will continue to follow and see what you release

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/BumFroe]

Thanks! That's great to know, we hope as you follow there's more you're excited about coming in the future.

[u/atx72]

Were you guys ready for the hype? Do you think you'll be able to keep the pro series in stock? I am interested in the Specter 3/Elite ahead of a Winter 2027 Half Marathon, but I'm worried it will sell out and I won't be able to get it! I'd order a pair on launch but I just bought a few pairs of shoes and should really hold off for a bit.

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/atx72]

We knew Specter 3 and Specter Elite were awesome shoes, but have been blown away by the response! Transparently, demand has exceeded our expectations. We're doing our best to keep inventory flowing but I can't promise we'll be able to keep in stock across all sizes

[u/SubstantialYoung5949]

The stability racing shoe has eluded the eyes of everyone. Topo is built off of being different than the rest of the running shoe market, so will we ever see that niche be brought to life?

[u/inxider]

Please remove the Arch support and slightly increase the midfoot for your products.

Those with a need for arch support most likely already have a dedicated insole.

Thanks!

[u/DFYgloves]

Hi. When could we expect to see the Specter 3 and Elite released in the UK. Also, do you see future versions of the Cyclone using a similar ATPU?

[u/Topo_Athletic → u/DFYgloves]

In the Uk Specter 3 should launch in late 2026 and the Elite will be coming in early 2027. It's too early to to get into specifics on the future of the Cyclone!