Topo Athletic ST Shoe Review
Shoe Name: Topo Athletic ST
Model: M-ST
Weight: 5.9 oz (mine came in at 5.5!!)
Price: $90.00
Drop: Zero Drop
Website: http://www.topoathletic.com
Forefoot: The forefoot has an excellent wide square toe-box that allows room for the toes to function. This shoe will definitely accommodate a bunion or wide forefoot and has a flexible upper fabric for toe flexionThe sole has a notch on the bottom allowing flexibility between the 1st and 2nd toe.
Cushion: There is not much cushion in the ST which makes it function more like a racing flat to me. There is a degree of thickness to the sole, most likely from the 7mm EVA, which does provide some cushion that is firm and not soft or squishy so you get good feedback from the ground. The heel is solid and not cushioned enough to heel strike. Not that you couldn’t because it is a solid and square heel that will absorb some shock, but it’s definitely not designed to be worn by someone who is a heel striker. The heel is rather unique in its squareness and in my opinion a new approach for running shoes.
Flexibility: Passes my roll up test. Not that there is anything scientific about the ability to role up a shoe, but odds are if you can’t, then it’s going to restrict motion and inhibit a natural ride.
Overall: This is a great new shoe for the minimalist shoe world. I really don’t like to continue the term “minimalist” as I would hope we see more shoes move away from motion control and support. The Topo ST is a well thought out shoe which encourages a more natural foot strike yet still look and feel like a shoe. The most unique feature of this shoe is the flat and square heel. It really minimizes any inversion or eversion (side to side rotation) of the heel because it is its on part of the sole. So there is a heel, but no stack height to the heel. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen this on a shoe before.
In regards to stack height, the ST (and all of the Topo Athletic Shoes) are low to the ground. This shoe has a total stack of 13mm so the foot is only 1.3cm off the ground. This is crucial when looking at muscle activation or the recruitment of more muscles to stabilize the foot. We know that the higher the foot is off the ground, the more more potential there is to have instability so the muscles work harder. 1,2
Another feature often ignored is the strap in the back is actually large enough to place your finger in to pull the shoe onto your foot. I know this doesn’t sound like a big deal, it I’ve tried on many shoes that have the strap and you can barely fit a pencil into the loop (Why spend the time placing it on right!!??) .
So the Topo split toe shoe has now evolved to a traditional looking running shoe with a mini also like feel and ride.
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About The Author
Dr. Nick Campitelli
Dr. Campitelli is a podiatrist in Akron, OH specializing in foot and ankle surgery with an interest and enthusiasm for running as well as helping runners with injuries. For the past several years he has been treating running injuries in patients by fixing their form and transitioning them to minimalist shoes. Having treated runners with all types of injuries through conservative measures with orthotics and shoe gear changes to reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, Dr. Campitelli has brought what works best and is most current to his practice as well as the Akron and Cleveland running communities.
I’ve never heard of this shoe before, but I have to check it out. Thanks for the review.
Your welcome! Thanks for reading!