Topo Athletic Tribute Running Shoe Review
|It’s been several months since I have posted any reviews on running shoes, or any shoes for that matter (I’m getting a little backed up!). I was looking for a new shoe to run the Akron Marathon in as I traditionally will test a new shoe for the race. I know. Sounds crazy that I would try a “new” shoe to run 26 miles in. Honestly, once you log about 80 -100 miles in a shoe, you’ll know if you like it. And as for the Tribute? I LOVED it!
Why? Let’s start with what I had been running in. I had done my several marathons in shoes that had a bit more cushion than I was accustomed to running in, and I really think they altered my gait a bit. Several of them also had a 4mm drop which I still think I can feel the difference in when compared to a zero drop shoe. The Tribute is built with a zero drop heel to forefoot difference on a 16mm total stack height sole. The sole offers some cushion provided from a 7mm midsole and 5mm footbed. It’s more of a firm or stiffer cushion which is what I like. When the cushion is “squishy” or soft it may feel great at first, but this can lead to overuse of the lower extremity muscles in attempt to stabilize the foot in response to the unstable base. Over time the shoe will compress (laterally most likely) and a wobbly shoe can result. You’re also less likely to rear foot strike in the Tribute.
The stiff sole is still soft enough to be rolled up making the shoe flexible. So it passes my roll up test. And to think at one point we used to teach that the shoe should only flex in the toe box. Motion is good- it allows the foot work the way it was designed!
As for weight, it’s pretty light at 7.05 oz. for my size 9 men’s. I think it could be lighter but then you may sacrifice the construct of the shoe possibly. I do know they did use a very lightweight material for the toe box and side fabric.
The heel counter is soft but firm with no excessive irritating padding.
The insoles are removable but I would advise leaving them in as the footbed is stitched and not really designed to be used without them.
Finally someone realizes that the laces do not need to be 50 feet long! It’s really annoying when I put on a new pair shoes and tie the laces to find the loops are so long they hit the ground. The Tributes (and other Topo Athletic shoes I have tried) have a prefect length to the laces. I know this is petty but I would think it’s not hard to accomplish.
Overall? This is a “fast” shoe. That’s the best way to describe it. They have categorized it as a “road” shoe built for speed training, racing or the true minimalist. If you want a lightweight shoe for a 5k as opposed to your more cushioned or heavier training shoes, I would recommend this. I prefer less of a shoe so for me this was an ideal marathoning shoe. It had more “shoe” than the super light weight flats I have ran marathons in before which I liked. I logged about 80 miles in them prior to the marathon and I haven’t taken them off since.
As a side note, they did well enough to allow me to PR! (The pink Garmin is my wife’s!!!)
They’re priced right as well at $100.00.
Any Questions? As always, please ask in the comments so others can read as well.
Thanks Topo Athletic!
Dr. Nick
Congrats on the PR! Anyone local sell the shoes? So hard for me to order shoes without trying them first. The Altra shoes seem to fall apart quickly. Tried Addias but they kill my feet afterwards. Back to my 4mm Brooks which are okay for now. Of course my longest run is 9 miles not 26! Thanks for your posts and product reviews. They are helpful.
I also tried the Tribute and like it–firm cushion, perfect for the road or track. I still like the softer upper on the Topo MT better than any of their more recent shoes. A MT upper + Tribute sole would be interesting. Hope you have a good time at the marathon!
Do these M-TRIBUTE shoes provide any support for a mildly pronating left foot?
Don’t focus on support for pronation. Focus on form and foot strike. If you mid foot strike you will use the pronation to absorb shock the the foot is designed to work. It will be a gradual transition but your efficiency will improve.
I hear that the tribute is “narrower” than some of their other shoes. I have the ST and am wondering / worried that it won’t fit a well. Do you know if the tribute is narrower in the midfoot or forefoot or both? From the look of your insole picture, it looks narrower in the forefoot which to me would be a step back.
Karla, Here is a response from Topo Athletic! Thanks!!
The Tribute fits slightly tighter than the Magnifly or Fli-Lyte. The differences are subtle, but by intention. We did this because the Tribute is designed as more of a speed shoe, that extra security can be important around turns or on uneven road surfaces. But you still want a shoe that engages the medial arch and offers a little extra room around the toes, we tried to do that in the Tribute.
If someone has a wider foot, I would recommend the Fli-Lyte, Magnifly, or if they are very wide, maybe the Runduro (our widest platform). As you know, there isn’t one shoe that works for everyone, that’s why we try to incorporate a few subtle differences across our line. That said, everything comes from one philosophy about fit and feel that’s been honed for over 10 years now.
I usually wear the merrell arc 4 trail runner. Very light but some issues with bunion. I like the zero drop and do not want to change. How does the topo compare? Thanks.
How would you compare these shoes to the Altra The One? Those were an excellent fit for me, but unfortunately are no longer produced. Thanks.
Hi Nick
John Eddington here.
You kindly contributed to The Natural Born Runner a few years ago for me. Hope all is well with you.
I’ve just read Kelly Starret Ready to Run so am rebuilding my body. Should I transition into this Tribute shoe in the same way I would into barefoot or more minimalist shoes? Cheers, John