Topo Athletic MTN Racer 2 Review
As the name suggests, the Topo MTN Racer 2 is designed for quicker off-road running. In reality though, the Topo MTN Racer 2 is a lot more versatile than the name would suggest!
Despite being thin, the tongue offers just enough protection from the laces and adds to the light and flexible feel of the shoes.
Although the MTN Racer 2 is roomy in the toe box, the upper does pull in around the midfoot and heel to give a secure feeling snug fit. This coupled with the flexibility of the shoes did mean that I didnt find that I was slipping around inside the shoes even on more broken ground or running on a camber.
The shoe gives a good level of stability at the heel by having an external heel cup. The medial side of the midsole is also a little firmer than the outside. This will give a little bit of pronation support but is really designed so that the shoe stays stable and doesnt collapse when a lot of force is put through it. This would happen when running downhill at speed. Essentially this stability guides the foot so you keep moving forward.
The heel to forefoot drop is 5mm so it doesnt promote a heavy heel strike. The midsole is 30mm in the heel and 25 mm in the forefoot. The midsole thickness is made up of a firm EVA at the bottom and a softer more durable Zip Foam at the top. This gives the MTN Racer 2 an initially much softer feel than the original MTN Racer. In fact it feels like a well cushioned trail shoe rather than a racing shoe! I found that the Topo MTN Racer 2 was equally comfortable on an easy trail run as it was during some faster sessions.
They weigh in very light at under 285 grams for the Mens and Womens at under 230 grams.
There is no rockplate in the MTN Racer 2 but I didnt find this an issue, even on the very rocky paths. The cushioning offered ample protection for my feet.
I enjoyed the MTN Racer 2 and found them flexible, nimble and responsive. I have used them on a variety of terrain, including on the Moors on single tracks through the heather. On this sort of terrain the rounded toe box shoes tend to struggle as there is too much shoe for the narrow, worn paths but I managed just fine. A lot of running on the Durham Dales involves hard stony bridleways with grass fields, muddy single tracks through small, wooded areas and single tracks across the heather. The MTN Racer 2 was enjoyable enough for me to enjoy all these different types of terrain. The cushioning level was good enough for my longer runs of three hours or so and responsive enough for shorter, faster sessions.
If you are looking for a versatile trail shoes these are definitely one to consider.
Charlie @ Northern Runner Newcastle
Other Considerations
Altra Superior 4.5: These are zero drop with a firmer more responsive ride. The grip isnt as good in the mud and the ride is a lot more geared to quick running. So, they arent as versatile as the MTN Racer 2. Here is our review:
//www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-superior-4-5-review-responsive-zero-drop-trail-running-shoes/
Scott Kinabalu RC: As with the Superior these arent as versatile as they dont have such a soft cushioned ride. Although they do have a quicker feel. Here is our review:
//www.northernrunner.com/blog/scott-kinabalu-rc-2-0-review/
VJ Maxx: A firmer ride. The rubber offer more traction in the wet but, not in the mud:
//www.northernrunner.com/blog/vj-sports-vj-maxx-review-cushioned-trail-running-shoes/
Hoka Speedgoat: Softer ride. Loose the feel for the ground and a much narrower fit. Here is our review:
//www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-one-one-speedgoat-evo-review/
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