Monday, September 19, 2016

Topo Athletic ST-2 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 is one of the first pair of 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, Magnifly, and the UltraFly.

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

Topo Athletic just released one of their lightest, most flexible shoes to date.  The ST-2 is a very light weight, fast shoe that is perfect for speed work, tempo runs, and even cross training.  The shoe is extremely flexible and has an almost sock like fit.

The ST-2 features a zero heel drop, which will put your body in an ideal alignment.  If you aren’t used to a zero heel drop, you should ease into using them over a few weeks to get your calves and Achilles tendon use to the extra stretch.  I love my zero drop shoes and can’t recommend them enough though. 

The upper material is a light weight stretchy mesh that allows some ventilation so your feet don’t overheat.  It is also soft against your feet and packs down flat.  The heel is collapsible as well.  That makes these shoes perfect for traveling with.  There are strategically placed printed overlays keep the outer material strong while cutting weight.  Because of the ability to pack flat, these won’t provide as much support as some shoes out there, but this isn’t necessarily a long distance shoe, so that shouldn’t be a big issue.

The ST-2 has a total stack height of 16mm and breaks down to 4mm of rubber outsole, 7mm of midsole material, and a 5mm footbed.  There is definitely not as much cushion as some of their other shoes, but for speed workouts, tempo runs, and cross training, it should be sufficient.  Here is the crazy part, it weighs in at only 6.9 ounces (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 ST-2 is awesome in the right situations.  You need to know that most people won’t be running in these every day (especially on long runs), but if you are looking for a shoe for your speed and tempo runs, it’s a good choice.  The ST-2 is so comfortable, flexible, and folds flat.  It really feels fast.  Not too shabby Topo!

Pros:
Super lightweight (6.9 ounces)
Wide toe box allows toes to spread out
Zero heel drop allows for better form and posture
Great price ($90 at the Topo Athletic website)
Extremely flexible
Folds flat, perfect for traveling
Sock like fit with a flexible mesh upper

Topo Athletic’s Social Media Links:

Topo Athletic continues to step up its game with the ST-2.  This light weight speed shoe feels great and is amazingly light.  You can’t beat the price too at a mere $90.  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.

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