Since I began reviewing trainers for iRunFar, the Topo Pursuit ($140) has been by far one of the best out-of-the-box pure match for my operating model and general foot well being choice. I overtly welcome low-drop, foot-shaped design trainers. If there’s a shoe to check that hits these marks, I’m keen.

The primary weekend I had The Topo Pursuit, I ran a collection of technical mountain runs totaling 46 miles. They carried out each step of the best way — throughout buttery path, scree, and rocky terrain on the U.S. Pacific Crest Path. The after-impression of those runs in a zero-drop shoe was one among shock and overwhelming enthusiasm — that my 50-kilometer shoe and every day coach had lastly arrived. My pursuit was over as a result of the Topo Pursuit has arrived in all its modesty, a top quality I generally tend to respect in operating gear. It’s the shoe with out ostentation, but exhibits up and performs persistently.

The Topo Pursuit is exquisitely easy in design. It boasts a dialed-in heel lockdown with ample forefoot room. The shoe is unremarkable in its appears to be like, however it’s a exceptional performer. Topo designed the Pursuit to be balanced in cushion, impartial in assist, and average in pliability — specs which can be all true to suit and kind. These have an precise weight of 10.8 ounces in a males’s measurement 9 with a stack peak of 28 millimeters and a 0-millimeter drop platform. I welcome Topo’s zero-drop design and match with pleasure and splayed toes.

From my expertise in each the Topo Terraventure and Topo Ultraventure collection — learn iRunFar’s Topo Terraventure 3 evaluation and Topo Ultraventure 2 evaluation — I really feel that Topo is aware of a very good factor once they have designed one thing tried and true. They’ve made the trouble to keep it up, and any slight adjustments in development are so nuanced that it’s both a non-issue or a design aimed toward enhancing match, efficiency, goal, or one that’s merely aesthetic in nature.

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The Topo Pursuit. All images: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

Topo Pursuit Higher

The Topo Pursuit’s higher jogs my memory of the Terraventure 3 forefoot’s enhanced mesh design, which permits for higher mud and dust exclusion, whereas additionally rising the sturdiness of the footwear and sustaining ample airflow. This tightly woven mesh is bolstered with a welded inlay system on either side of the midfoot for additional assist, requiring much less want for exterior overlays and overly constructed uppers. The inlays are properly hidden and non-abrasive.

The runner has to search for them to know they’re there. Moreover, the mesh is properly stitched in a easy wave sample that offers method to a extra open weave above the mesh after which onward and as much as a easy, padded heel collar. On the backside of the instep, the tight mesh is changed by a small patch of drainage holes for these lengthy runs within the rain or stream crossings.

Since I instantly examined the Pursuit on among the most technical trails round my dwelling base, I notably welcomed the prolonged rubber bumper and exterior overlays on the forefoot above the toes. This added safety boosts the sturdiness and ruggedness of the path shoe and the enduring enchantment of the experience throughout all terrains. There are additionally delicate exterior overlays alongside the lateral and medial uppers for added anti-abrasion assist built-in into the design.

The marginally angled heel design and collar present comforting lock down, including substantial safety to the general experience. This is a perfect shoe to simply slip out and in of with out dropping the preliminary tie-down snugness of the entire higher. The padded collar swoops up and ahead to a low profile and delicate tongue that’s three-quarters gusseted.

I didn’t expertise any shifting or undesirable motion from both the tongue or higher. It’s easy and it really works. Topo has built-in a novel gaiter attachment design on their path footwear for their very own Efficiency Gaiters. Though I’ve not used this characteristic or their gaiters thus far, the 2 attachments on the rear of the shoe and the one on the base of the tongue are unobtrusive and supply a fast launch system.

A lateral view of the Topo Pursuit.

Topo Pursuit Midsole

The brand new Topo Pursuit supplied substantial cushion and luxury on each the paths and the street. I usually must run a few miles of street or arduous forest service roads earlier than discovering some prime Southern Oregon singletrack. The underfoot really feel was fairly good, with only a trace of spring to get me to my desired vacation spot. The Pursuit integrates a ZipFoam midsole that’s barely rockered beneath a compression and odor-resistant OrthoLite Efficiency Insole. This dynamic duo offers an opulent and delicate really feel with first rate resilience.

I by no means thought concerning the want for a rock plate on this shoe. It performs properly with out the added rigidity and weight. What the ZipFoam might lack in vitality return all through the gait cycle, it makes up for it with cushion and absorption. This mixture did enable for longer miles over rocky path with out the wear and tear and tear on the decrease physique that occurs when sporting different zero-drop footwear on massive days.

I might say any feeling of instability on the volcanic scree terrain was my dependence on earlier footwear with a considerable rocker. It took a slight shift in mindfulness to heed to my midfoot landings and foot placement to drive via a few of these extra technical sections. Any instability I felt on the ankle was extra runner-driven than shoe-driven.

Alas, it is very important bear in mind that in case you are new to a zero-drop platform with no substantial rocker, the technical trails might appear to be extra of a problem initially, however over time the runner will really feel extra linked to the ankle and foot energy such a shoe design offers for the wearer. Importantly, the Pursuit is definitely barely rockered, with a heel bevel and the ZipFoam helps softness and pliability at toe-off. Total, the midfoot is balanced, versatile, and safe from heel to toe. Assured landings are additionally aided by a well-designed outsole.

A medial view of the Topo Pursuit.

Topo Pursuit Outsole

The Topo Pursuit full contact outsole is nothing new, since I’ve been sporting the Terraventure 3 and Ultraventure 2 all through the 2021 and 2022 operating seasons. The Pursuit makes use of top-notch Vibram Megagrip, just like the Terraventure, which permits for distinctive grip and adaptability over technical terrain. The evenly aggressive and multi-directional lug design and spacing is just like each the Ultraventure 2 and Terraventure 3. It’s constructed with out an overbearing sense of heaviness or extreme stick throughout the number of trails. The outsole confidently exhibits up with excellent traction and first rate floor really feel.

The Topo Pursuit outsole.

Topo Pursuit Total Impressions

The arrival of the Topo Pursuit in Topo’s lineup is a boon for the corporate and all of the path runners ready for a well-constructed, zero-drop every day coach. It’s a minimalist path shoe that has been constructed to final and one which rises to the problem of technical trails. The Pursuit is a cushioned and reasonably pliable shoe with sturdiness to experience rocks and roots in inclement climate. It’s comparatively gentle and resilient as properly.

Your complete Pursuit package deal labored properly for me from day one, and I used to be capable of run for much longer in these footwear than anticipated. I didn’t expertise any undue stress on my calves and ankles post-training. I’m excited to proceed operating within the Pursuit as I put together for an upcoming 50k within the central Oregon Cascade Vary.

In my path operating arsenal, I now have a 5-millimeter drop Ultraventure 2, a 3-millimeter drop Terraventure 3, and the 0-millimeter drop Pursuit. Every shoe has its goal and praiseworthy qualities, and I’m past grateful for the vary of Topo alternative. I’m a loyal Topo buyer who appreciates the corporate’s mission to assist human motion, pure footwear for efficiency, and easy and enduring product design. The pursuit of pure motion is a every day act of mindfulness, and it’s good to expertise a part of that within the new Topo Pursuit.

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A high view of the Topo Pursuit.