Summary
We spent 6.7 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:
5 reasons to buy
- Some runners commented that the shoe was flexible, breathable and grippy.
- A good number of reviewers mentioned that the Topo Athletic MT-2 was best for rod and rugged trail running sessions.
- According to some testers, the was comfortable and lightweight.
- A lot of consumers loved the roomy toe box of the shoe.
- Several buyers said that the shoe had an agreeable fit, especially for those who have narrow feet.
2 reasons not to buy
- Some runners experienced outsole durability issues. It easily tore apart after only several uses.
- A tester mentioned that the shoe retained water when soaked. It took a couple of days before it totally dried.
Bottom line
A lot of runners were impressed with the Topo Athletic MT-2’s breathability and flexibility. It was also lightweight and comfortable to use, according to them. The roomy toe box and the secure fit also gained praise. Although some users were disappointed with the ostensibly inconsistent durability of the outsole, this shoe was still able to gain recognition as a solid option for rugged trail running activities.
Facts
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Terrain
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
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Arch support
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who do not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with normal, high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who need mild to moderate arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a low arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overpronation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video. -
Price$100
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WeightMen: 9ozWomen: 7.3oz
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Heel to toe dropMen: 3mmWomen: 3mm
The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.
There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.
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Heel heightMen: 23mmWomen: 23mm
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Forefoot heightMen: 20mmWomen: 20mm
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WidthMen: normalWomen: normal
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Release dateNov 2015
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are runners, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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89 / 100 based on 10 expert reviews
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I also felt that MT-2 is little bit more responsive than version one.
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The MT-2 is a shoe that, with its additional cushioning, could take someone easily over the distance of a full marathon and possibly beyond and for only $100, it’s kind of a no-brainer!
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The MT-2 is a very simple and straightforward shoe that has been a pure joy to run in.
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I have run in wet, but not extremely muddy conditions and I found that they performed well. I also felt that there was a decent amount of protection under your foot so if you step on a sharp rock, it shouldn’t leave you with a bone bruise.
Updates to Topo Athletic MT-2
- Topo Athletic MT-2 is a low to zero-drop trail running shoe. It features multi-directional lugs that enhance traction in a wide variety of terrains. The Rubber Outsole protects the rest of the platform and provides traction. A Full-Length EVA Midsole provides cushioning and protection against impact.
- It also features an Ultra Light Mesh that promotes a plusher feeling. The Anatomical Toe Box allows the toes to spread naturally, essentially encouraging a more relaxed running experience. Lastly, it has a Printed Upper Pattern that provides a snugger midfoot lockdown.
Topo Athletic MT-2 size and fit
Topo Athletic MT-2 is a neutral running shoe and it is best for those who prefer more rugged trail activities. When it comes to sizing, it has a standard running shoe length. The available widths are D – Medium for the men’s version and B – Medium for the women’s version.
Outsole
Topo Athletic MT-2’s outsole is composed of multi-directional lugs that deliver traction and protection against the aggressive nature of the trails. They make sure to hold onto the surfaces, giving confidence and sure steps when tackling the great outdoors.
The Rubber Outsole adds to the shoe’s durability and tenacious traction. It helps runners to accelerate on low-friction and slippery conditions.
It has Flex Grooves around the metatarsal area to provide flexibility. They are designed to promote forefoot flexion, which is important when it comes to the toe-off phase of the gait cycle.
Midsole
The Full-Length EVA Midsole of the Topo Athletic MT-2 provides enough underfoot protection and cushioning. This helps the runner’s foot from feeling hard items that can be found on different trails. Even without the Rock Plate, the midsole is still protective and resilient.
Upper
The Topo Athletic MT-2 is made up of an Ultra Light Mesh that is lightweight in structure. This material enhances breathability and comfort. It keeps the foot cool and dry during the runner’s activities.
It has Polyurethane Overlays that provide structural support. They hug the entire midfoot, giving a steady and secure coverage.
It has an Anatomical Toe Box, which allows the toes to splay out naturally throughout the running session.