Topo Traverse review

We enjoyed testing the Topo Traverse for its unique features and believe it's a solid choice for:

• Trail runners who need fantastic toe splay but still want a fit that works for average-width feet.
• Anyone who finds other Topo Athletic shoes too cushioned—this model sits lower to the ground while retaining top-tier features like the Vibram outsole.
• Hikers looking for a versatile trail shoe that doubles as a running option and performs exceptionally well in hot climates.

Some runners assume that a wide toebox means a zero-drop design, but that’s not the case with the Traverse. In our view, those seeking a zero-drop shoe with a spacious forefoot should consider the Altra Timp 5 or the Altra Olympus 6—both featuring the same Vibram Megagrip outsole for enhanced traction.

We also believe that runners looking for a top-cushioned feel underfoot might want to skip the Traverse. Instead, the Topo Ultraventure 3 provides a plusher experience, while the MTN Racer 3 strikes a middle ground with more cushioning than the Traverse but still maintains a more grounded ride.

With 30.8 mm in the rearfoot, the Topo Athletic Traverse feels lower than most trail shoes. It's a more grounded ride—similar to the Altra Lone Peak—making it the best Topo trail shoe for those who prefer less cushioning under the heel.

The front of the shoe sits at 26.0 mm, aligning closely with the average and delivering a well-balanced feel. Maybe that's slightly higher than expected, but since Topo sticks to low drops, this result makes sense given the height of the heel.

When it comes to drop, we measured 4.8 mm—remarkably close to Topo’s advertised 5 mm, which they consistently apply across most of their lineup. It also feels similar to the Altra Experience Wild at 4 mm, which moved Altra beyond its zero-drop exclusivity.

ZipFoam is an EVA-based compound designed to balance durability, performance, and comfort—though runners expecting a softer and bouncier ride like the Nike Zegama 2 might be disappointed. Instead, it delivers a firmer feel underfoot.

The Traverse measured 23.5 HA on our durometer. The trail-ready outsole amplify the firm sensation, making it feel less plush underfoot than road-oriented models with the same compound, such as the Topo Atmos.

A slight 11% decrease in softness is excellent for any running shoe, and we were pleased to see such a solid result with the Traverse!

Unlike most Topo Athletic shoes, the Traverse features a premium TPU insole that provides greater energy return and includes a water-repellent coating. Unlike a standard EVA insole, it doesn’t absorb moisture, making it a solid choice for mildly wet conditions like shallow river crossings or damp trails.

This feature doesn't make the Traverse waterproof like the Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX, but we think this addition is a nice upgrade. The insole is also notably thicker than the standard Ortholite model found in other Topo shoes—measuring 6.5 mm in our calipers instead of the usual 4–5 mm range—offering a slightly more cushioned feel.

Those seeking a traditional trail running shoe without a rockered sole will appreciate the Traverse. In our experience, its flatter profile promotes a more natural stride, making it a great option for both hiking and easy running on varied terrain.

Even the heel lacks a pronounced curvature—a rare feature in modern trail shoes. This results in a feel that caters to those who prefer a more natural foot movement rather than the rolling sensation of aggressively rockered designs.

We discovered a TPU rock plate in the forefoot, providing added protection and rigidity. Given the shoe’s lower stack height, this feature is a valuable addition for shielding against sharp rocks and rough terrain.

One of the main reasons runners choose a Topo shoe is its foot-shaped toebox. If that’s what brought you here, let's dive deep into it!

Our first reading always starts at the widest part of the forefoot, and we found it to be a nearly average 98.2 mm. This doesn’t suggest an ultra-spacious fit, but we still have two more measurements to take before making a final call on its overall roominess.

If you take a close look at our gel mold, you’ll notice it stands apart from an average shoe. Built on an anatomical last, it follows the natural shape of the foot. We measured 80.7 mm—making it a genuinely wide-foot-friendly trail shoe.

We found generous space both in our on-foot tests and with vernier calipers, measuring an impressive 29.6 mm of vertical clearance.

This places the Topo Traverse among the rare few that offer exceptional horizontal-and-vertical toe room—perfect for those seeking a natural, unrestricted fit.

Some might assume that the Traverse offers rock-solid stability since it sits lower to the ground than other Topo trail shoes—but that’s not the case. In our experience, Topo prioritized a nimble design, leading to a sleeker build that slightly sacrifices support.  

That said, while it’s far from unstable, we believe it’s better suited for neutral runners without high stability needs.

We put the Traverse through a serious torsion test, but no matter how hard we twisted, it barely budged—and trust us, we had a power-packed breakfast, so energy wasn’t the issue.

The main reason for this comes from the ultra-rigid TPU rock plate and firm outsole, as they work together to deliver an exceptionally stiff structure, earning a 5/5 in our manual assessment.

In our assessment, the heel counter delivers a usual blend of support and comfort, earning a 3/5 score.

This brings us back to what we mentioned at the start of the stability section. The shoe isn’t particularly wide, with the forefoot measuring just 109.0 mm—that's definitely on the narrower side, just look at our comparison chart below.

In our view, it best suits runners who prioritize an agile trail shoe for quick cornering or exhilarating downhill running.

The heel mirrors the forefoot’s streamlined design, which comes as no surprise. Measuring just 85.0 mm in width, it’s definitely not a great choice for heel strikers who require extra stability.

While the shoe is nearly impossible to twist, we were surprised by its low resistance in our signature 90-degree bend test—requiring just 20.8N of force to flex, thanks to some clever cutouts in the outsole.

This remarkably low value reinforces its suitability for day-long hiking adventures!

With such a low stack height and a noticeably narrow build, we were genuinely surprised to find the Traverse weighing 10.85 oz or 308g—an unexpectedly high result. In our view, this weight feels excessive and could be significantly reduced in future versions.

We think its heavier-than-expected build works against its nimble design, making it feel a bit heavier on the trails than it should for its intended purpose. For reference, the HOKA Speedgoat 6 tipped our scale at 9.8 oz or 278g.

One of the first things that caught our attention when unboxing the Traverse was its upper. In our experience, the base layer feels much closer to a road shoe than a rugged, trail-ready design. The engineered mesh is incredibly thin, which was quite surprising!

Thanks to this lightweight construction, the Traverse scored an impressive 4/5 in breathability—an excellent result for a trail running shoe. It allows ample airflow while still offering some protection against the cold. However, for extremely frigid conditions, we recommend pairing it with thick wool socks to maintain warmth.

A simple light test immediately highlighted just how airy the upper is. The material is exceptionally thin, though Topo did incorporate a few structured reinforcements in key areas. We found that while the design prioritizes breathability, it raises questions about long-term durability for rugged trail use.

To get a closer look, we placed the material under our digital microscope.

The crisscrossed pattern enables efficient airflow despite the absence of large ventilation holes.

The heel padding is plush and generous, providing comfort for long runs. However, this upper is definitely a riskier choice. It’s ideal for those who value breathability and flexibility, but in our opinion, its long-term durability remains questionable despite the big toe bumper.

As expected, toebox durability fell short. After lifting the tool, we rated the Topo Athletic Traverse at a mere 2/5—well below what we expect in a trail shoe.

On a brighter note, the heel counter held up much better, providing a welcome relief and earning an impressive 4/5 in this demanding Dremel test.

The partnership between Topo and Vibram is a win-win for everyone, as the Italian company rarely disappoints in trail running. From our perspective, that alone suggested awesome traction, but of course, we were eager to verify it through testing.

After testing it, we found that the Vibram Megagrip outsole performed exceptionally well across a variety of terrains. Its mid-firm formulation—measuring 86.5 HC in our durometer—provided consistently reliable grip despite not being a softer compound.

We also noted excellent rubber coverage, with only a few exposed sections revealing the rock plate, ensuring the midsole remains well-protected.

We discovered only a minimal 0.5 mm dent when the Dremel finished working—an impressively result that eliminates any doubts about the Traverse’s outsole durability.

The outsole measures a slightly slimmer-than-average 1.9 mm, which isn’t surprising for a shoe featuring a rock plate and ultra-durable rubber. In fact, we think it might even lean toward being a bit too thick.

The Traverse features moderately deep 4.1 mm lugs, striking a good balance for easy and moderate terrain. However, in our experience, they aren’t the best for highly technical trails—except for occasional, short ventures into rougher conditions.

Although they lack Vibram’s Traction Lug technology, we found that uphill and downhill movement, even at higher speeds, is great. Thanks to the well-spaced lugs, the shoe provides reliable traction even on slightly muddy conditions too.

In our view, the Traverse is fairly priced for a trail shoe that delivers impressive breathability and a Vibram outsole. However, the midsole falls slightly short compared to similarly priced models, lacking the plush responsiveness found in some competitors. That said, given the current market landscape, we don’t expect Topo to price it any lower.

Like all Topo shoes, the Traverse lacks reflective elements—a detail we believe the brand should reconsider in future iterations to enhance visibility and safety for low-light conditions.

The Traverse features a dual-lace loop at the top of the tongue, securing it far better than the single-loop design found in most shoes. This addition keeps the tongue from shifting during runs.

We also found the tongue padding design quite unique. At 5.0 mm thick, it avoids a solid foam layer in favor of an undulated structure—reducing weight while maintaining comfort. However, this design requires careful lace placement to ensure optimal pressure distribution, so attention to detail is key when tying them up.

We found that the Traverse comes with a fully-gusseted tongue—an element we think it's essential in trail shoes. This design forms a debris-blocking seal in the toebox, keeping dirt, small rocks, and trail grit out. No more stopping to shake out unwanted intruders!

We were genuinely surprised to find a horizontal finger-loop heel tab on the Traverse, as Topo shoes almost never include one!

The insole is removable, but taking it out means sacrificing both the water-repelling properties and extra cushioning. Swap it only if you truly need to insert custom orthotics!