Friday, July 29, 2016

Topo Athletic Ultrafly Review



If you have been following my blog for a while, you know that I really like Topo Athletic shoes.  They offer shoes with a low heel drop and wide toe box.  This allows your toes to spread out instead of feeling claustrophobic like in most shoes.  The durability of the materials that they use is excellent as well.  The MT are one of the first shoes that I reviewed on my blog.  It is still one of my favorite trail shoes because it is so light, comfortable, and really flexes with your foot.  The Hydroventure is an amazing trail shoe with a waterproof eVent material that keeps the water out but is still breathable.  Topo Athletic also has some amazing road shoes.  My favorites are the Runduro and the Magnifly.

If you are not familiar with Topo Athletic shoes, they fit snug in the heel and midfoot, while it they are loose in the toebox.  The wide toe box allows your toes to spread out, which has several benefits.  This will not only help you be more stable, but will also reduce foot injuries commonly caused by shoes that compress your toes. 

I have tested 9 shoes from Topo Athletic and have been impressed with every one.  Here are some of my past reviews.

Topo Athletic just released their most cushioned shoe to date.  The Ultrafly is the perfect shoe for runners who are looking for a little support with some cushioning.  The shoe features a 5 mm heel drop, which is still low enough to put your body in an ideal alignment, but is perfect for those runners who aren’t used to a lower heel drop shoe like some of the other shoes in the Topo Athletic and Altra lineups. 

The upper material is a light weight mesh that allows some ventilation so your feet don’t overheat.  There are strategically placed printed overlays keep the outer material strong while cutting weight and a molded foam heal to make sure the shoe will keep your feet where they are supposed to be. 

The Ultrafly has a 3-piece midsole that is made out of EVA and provides a little guidance and feedback while your feet are going through the gait cycle from heel strike (or midfoot) to toe-off.  It has a total stack height of 28mm in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot.  Even with a decent amount of cushion, it still weighs in at an incredibly light 9.2 ounces (for a men’s size 9).

I am a huge fan of Topo Athletic shoes, which you would know if you have been reading my blog for a while.  Topo Athletic has only been around since 2013, but they have made some incredible shoes.  The Ultrafly is my favorite shoe to date.  It is so comfortable and while it has a decent amount of cushion, it still feels light and flexible.  I have tested this shoe on long and short runs, easy and fast paced ones as well.  The Ultrafly performed great in every run.  Way to go Topo!

Pros:
Light weight (9.2 ounces)
Wide toe box allows toes to spread out
5mm drop allows for better form and posture
Great price ($120 at the Topo Athletic website)
Light weight mesh provides excellent breathability

Topo Athletic’s Social Media Links:

Topo Athletic continues to step up its game with the Ultrafly.  This light weight shoe comes with a low heel drop, breathable mesh upper, flexible outsole, and provides a little guidance through the gait cycle.  This list of features makes the Ultrafly a great deal at $120.  You can get a pair at the Topo Athletic website, or check the Topo Athletic Store Locator for a store near you.  Give them a try today and let me know what you think.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

4 comments:

  1. I liked your review and I have a pair ordered, but according to Topo there is no rock plate in the Ultrafly. You mention it has a flexible rock plate in the "Pros."

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  2. I just received my first pair of Topo Ultraflies. For the last two years when I'd go over 10 mile runs my toe would hurt and the bottom of the foot under it would eventually go numb. I found only one shoe that did not do that but it was a racing shoe so it lacked cushion for the everyday long runs. I looked and looked. They do not sell Topo anywhere near me (well 100+ miles). After several emails and a picture of my food in a device to measure feet I ordered a pair. I have only 20 miles on them but ZERO toe issues. I'd could do an entire review. Arch support, soft but not squishy and did I say toe room. If this keeps up I will need another pair as I train for my first marathon.

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    1. I am thrilled you like the Ultrafly. It is one of my favorites too. I love that it is a low drop shoe and is perfect for people who are not used to some of the no drop shoes that Topo offers. Please keep me updated. I would love to learn how they work for you in your marathon pursuit. Good luck!

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  3. My ultraflys should arrive in a couple of days. I've been running in the Newton Motion and love them. My right foot does overpronate. Does not seem to be an issue with the Newton motion. However, I need more cushioning in the fore foot. With age, the ball of my foot started to ache. I hope the ultrafly is the fix.

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