I Tried the Unreleased Superblast Competitor: Topo Specter 2 First Run Review

[@plain-bagel]

This is one of my most anticipated shows of the year, so glad to hear about it on this channel! And glad Topo is sending you shoes! 🎉

[@griffitts7]

Ah, here we go Here is my question: how is it, you have reviews out for the Balos, More v5 AND Specter 2 before ANYONE has any reviews out for ANY of those shoes? Puttin in that work. Incredible.

[@supwell]

i guess everyone else is on vacation this week

[@brandall101]

Surely Balos and More due to all the 1080 love.

[@salvadorboi]

@@supwell probably in the Poconos.

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

Been waiting for the Specter 2 since TRE. Lightweight, non-plated trainer/racer with a 5mm drop. All day long. Awesome colorway too.

[@scotthilton5406]

Very excited for this shoe. You are killing it on the reviews

[@Lukas-md8fp]

Easily the best Reviewer for shoes, the work you put in is much appreciated. Bought the Novablast 4 and Adidas supernova rise based on your recommendations, loving them both! 💪🏼

[@supwell]

Ayy glad you like them both - those are two awesome shoes. And those for the kind words man much appreciated 🙌🏽

[@kcire5006]

Bro is using black magic to get these shoes out EARLY! Keep ‘em coming!

[@jeffhicks8428]

the black magic of marketing and promotion.

[@ericreynolds469]

Dropping all the shoes I want to see!! Been super excited about this one. Was hoping it would be in that bouncy sweet spot, not stiff but not mushy soft either. Sounds like that’s what they delivered. Thanks for the banging review!

[@supwell]

Thanks! And yes it's definitely in that sweet spot - they did a great job with the midsole 👌🏽

[@remmurd89]

Great review and hilarious!! You had me rolling when you threw the microdosing question in the air! 😂

[@pepijnandes3127]

Got the NB 860v14, great shoe! Great reviews

[@supwell]

ayyy i'm glad you like it! that's one of my favorite daily trainers this year

[@guybeaver]

"I'm out here lookin' like a Ruby Tuesday's menu." 🤣 Yowana-ism of the day (YOTD)

[@justinmarchack446]

Bro I just know you got that Superblast 2 waiting on the sidelines! You’re my go to shoe reviewer bruh

[@jaceskid]

I think he mentioned in another video that he hasn’t gotten them yet because he’s not part of Asics first batch of reviewers (yet)

[@brandall101]

Considering not a fan of the original, Asics may not see it as a priority.

[@kaseylawrence]

Great review. Love my Cyclone 2s but am apprehensive about long runs with it. Can't wait to give the Specter 2 a go

[@tjboyte]

Loving all the surprise bangers this year. 2024 is looking to be another amazing year for running shoes

[@Carlosediaz543]

What’s about crazy is my boss at fleet feet that I work at, had these sent to him on Tuesday and we are the same size so I got to try it on and the fit was absolutely amazing, usually for me topo has way to narrow of a midfoot for me especially bc I slightly pronate. But it felt really stable walking and running around the store. The 10.5 felt great which is what I usually wear as well. The fit was money at least for my foot. It did feel a little short size wise but I don’t think I would size up. Felt pretty saucy to be honest with u. It was hilarious that you uploaded the video as soon as I got home from my shift. Only now finishing the rest of the video. Been so busy but love the content. Usually watch these before bed. This shoe is the lil uzi vert of running shoes

[@supwell]

Ayyy glad you got to try it too! Also that's awesome that it sounds like you guys are gonna sell it at fleet feet? I'm hoping this shoe gets good distribution because it's pretty sweet. And good to know you found the fit dialed in 👌🏽

[@jaymueller2418]

I think I could for sure size up a half size in Topo. Soecter and Ultrafly 4 both bang my big toe in us9.5, no other brand does.

[@MojoShock]

I've been waiting for this shoe, can't wait!

[@RonnyC98]

Yowana literally getting the reviews first. Next thing you know the he will be the first for sc trainer V3 and endorphin elite 2

[@Carlosediaz543]

What’s crazy is my boss at fleet feet that I work at, had these sent to him on Tuesday and we are the same size so I got to try it on and the fit was absolutely amazing, usually for me topo has way to narrow of a midfoot for me especially bc I slightly pronate. But it felt really stable walking and running around the store. The 10.5 felt great which is what I usually wear as well. The fit was money at least for my foot. It did feel a little short size wise but I don’t think I would size up. Felt pretty saucy to be honest with u. It was hilarious that you uploaded the video as soon as I got home from my shift. Only now finishing the rest of the video. Been so busy but love the content. Usually watch these before bed

[@klipschs]

Great to see new brands! Saw a few top 10 runners in Berlin and other marathon wearing Lining shoes, really curious how good they are, eagerly waiting for reviews of them too

[@timedwards2066]

Love Topo shoes. I’m 230lb and wear the Amos which works really well. This one is def one I’m picking up.

[@michellesoutrunning]

The length was my biggest issue with the Cyclone 2. Never actually ran in those because my normal size was too short, but with the half size up I couldn't get a good lockdown on the heel. Sounds like the Specter 2s might pose a similar issue. Dang. Happy to see your review of these though!

[@jefreywith1f924]

That's odd! Because most people including myself and people who reviewed them felt they ran a half size long. I went a half size down after my normal size was way to long and they fit perfectly. By the way tried on the Spector 1 in the store and they fit true to size.

[@KoIhara]

lol man, that snark about Topo’s logo…

[@erosennin4203]

I am pumped as heck for the topo specter 2!

[@abirdie4me]

How does this compare to TYR Speedworks?

[@SirGeorgeKakourides]

This shoe looks fantastic! Cant wait to try it on

[@guysmith9353]

I’m definitely gonna get a pair!

[@pete801]

Can I just point out.... I never really found the superblast that good. Now that I've taken it to 180 miles it's feeling incredible. I'm very light so maybe it took 180 miles to wear that foam in. Which is crazy. Love topo. Thanks for the review. These are on my hitlist

[@supwell]

that's wild ... makes sense how so many people take these to 400+ miles. keep me posted on how many miles you can put on those

[@kerry_runs]

28:03 😂 brooks feeling the burn for sure

[@rorydelapaz4083]

With my Topo Atmos and Topo Cyclone 2, I find that I do have to go with a runner's knot to secure the heel. I can't wait for these to be generally available!

[@fransera]

I tried the Cyclone 2 and found the midfoot (arch area) too narrow. Is the Atmos wider?

[@thomascunningham8234]

I love mine. We all love the logo

[@federicocosta6040]

just saw it.... It's a banger!!!! Man, I'm an Altra user, bored from Altra.... Topo is the way to go!!!

[@supwell]

You're gonna love this one if you get it! Such a fun ride

[@cottrellmcdonald8206]

Bro you keep dropping bangers you trying to go platinum 😂💪🏾

[@supwell]

🐺🏆

[@kovenant7]

This is the big one!

[@noeidee924]

I have a zero drop Topo (ST-5) that I use for strength training and I’m enjoying it so far. It’s very stable and doesn’t make you wobble while doing unilateral lower body exercises. Will definitely try this out once it’s ready for purchase.

[@risegrindrestrepeat3681]

Bro really making videos before the run, KZbin shoe reviews are his pre workout lowkey 🔥💪💯

[@davidg9120]

I like the cyclone 2 for speed days. I'm 200lbs here 10min hmp. But my 200 lbs lands on the heel so I eat through the rubber quickly. I wil say that cyclone bottom which is super thin has lasted more than some others I have eaten up.

[@allenisarunner]

Saw the new Ultraboost at the Peachtree Road Race expo in Atlanta today. Interesting update in my novice opinion. I think they are calling the 5X? Comes out by the end of the month or in August.

[@supwell]

I haven't seen that one yet - sounds super interesting. Thanks for sharing 🙌🏽 will have to add to list

[@matthiassventoest6800]

Revisiting this after I see running warehouse is talking about it. This might be a shoe for me.

[@mmss939]

How would you compare this w the cyclone for 5k efforts? I’m debating between the two shoes. Thanks!!

[@BradEinhorn]

Great review as usual. Been psyched about this one since they announced it. In my third pair of cyclone 2s so have a good feeling about these. Did you do the long run in them yet?

[@supwell]

If you like the cyclone 2 you'll love these! I have not done the long run in them yet so stay tuned for that

[@BradEinhorn]

@@supwell great - will you make a video after the long run?

[@supwell]

@@BradEinhorn yes for sure - stay tuned for that likely later in the summer

[@VinodJacob181]

Topo Logo lookin like the Death Star....bringin Imperial Empire vibes...duh duh duh duh na na

[@griffitts7]

Shout-out to the empire puttin in that work

[@brokenfreddy1262]

Been looking for this review..I have 2 prs of the V-1 specter and can say that the durability is very good on mine..for me it's much better in hot weather cos the foam is pretty stiff in cold weather..it takes a while to break in..breathability is great..will try them when they are available

[@RunnerdJK]

Can’t wait for this one

[@kmshultz]

Gonna pick these babies up the moment they release-thanks for the early review brother! Sounds like the Specter 2 is as great as we were all expecting it to be. Agreed that the WiFi-ATT logo has to go. And the 'Topo' text by the heel looks straight outta TJ Maxx. Or,Tuesday Morning, if you like. (I actually dig your Ruby Tuesday sock/shoe combo. 😄)

[@supwell]

Can't unsee the WiFi ATT now 😂

[@kmshultz]

@@supwell Especially on this colorway with the blue logo! You're welcome. 😛 How would you say it compares to the TYR Valkyrie Speedworks? Do you wish the Specter 2 had a nylon plate, or is it just as spiffy without it?

[@prettyneatperformance]

"Topo is like the Tyler the Creator of running shoes. A weirdo doing numbers" Lmao.

[@crzyscorp]

Any idea if Topo has a racer in the works? It seems like they have two fantastic training companions

[@jefreywith1f924]

Both the Topo Cyclone 2 and the Specter 2 are vesatile enough where they can be used for both racing or training. Cyclone 2 works great for 5k to 10k races. Where the Spector 2 would work for half and full marathons. Not all of us run faster or feel more comfortable running in plated shoes. I'm not sure Topo will ever have a plated shoe because they seem to be more committed to the benefits of running more naturaly at least more than Altra does.

[@supwell]

i heard a wild rumor that they're developing a race shoe with some sort of a flax/plant-based plate. i think i saw this on one of the forums or a comment section. no idea if that's legit or not but i'll try to get some confirmation at TRE/we might see them debut something new there

[@jefreywith1f924]

@@supwell " Fascinating"!🤔 I think Pebax is bio based and is made up of 65% castor beans.

[@MrDermo95]

Heyoo the Endorphin Speed 3 is just a touch too soft and Boston 12 a touch too firm for my ideal tempo/long run shoe. Is there a goldilocks zone shoe I’m missing here?

[@supwell]

the topo specter 2 here definitely fits into that zone. also the puma deviate nitro 2 is a good pick for that - plus it's on sale right now. i'm hoping to test the deviate nitro 3 soon which may check that box as well - so stay tuned for that one

[@MrDermo95]

@@supwell thanks man 🤘

[@iakona23]

How does the Specter 2 compare in terms of stability with the Triumph 20 and Superblast? I like the Triumph 20 but the heel is a bit wobbly. I got the New Balance 860v14 on your recommendation and it is very stable and versatile. It feels good and stable even doing intervals and speed work.

[@tieloo8842]

bruh, thanks for calling me out for asking for the Balos’ fit 💀 i’m always here to support ya dont ya worry 🤣

[@The_Why_Pod]

The T-Pain of running shoes. Gonna remember that one.

[@jaceskid]

Have you tested any Altra shoes? Wide toe box. Zero drop (now they have the FWD experience with a small drop). Seems like Topo has really progressed with the shoe technology and Altra has stalled

[@guybeaver]

Yeah--Curious how Yowana would rate zero drop Altra's since it's obviously not his forte. I'm digging Endorphin4 after years of Altra One/Escalante, but still love rotating through Altra's to keep my achilles flexible.

[@LakeMinnetonka]

I have the Altra Experience Flow and it’s a great daily. Runs like a minimalist 0 drop shoe but with cushion.

[@definit1on119]

After altra got baught out their quality has shifted.

[@nlhatley914]

My bro! hollering at your from Boston! Would love to see your opinion on the ASICS Magic Speed 4. It looks like it could compete in this same category of trainer

[@supwell]

Ayyy shoutout to Boston! Mass is my birth state 🙌🏽 stay tuned for the magic speed 4 - coming later this summer

[@dhoang75]

Please compare the midsole softness of specter 2 vs the superblast 2

[@Gae_w]

Hi Yowana, I do really enjoy your unique format of videos. I'm following you every day from Rome (Italy). I've had a great experience with Topo Specter1: peba core wrapped into a more traditional foam (as the SL2). What is for you the difference feeling between this type of construction and a double foam (only 2 layers:peba on the top, eva on the bottom) shoe?

[@federicocosta6040]

Ooooooooh!!! Was expecting this one!!! Writing this before looking at the video...... What will happen?

[@jefreywith1f924]

It would seem to me when you put the Superblast and the Spector 2 side by side that the Spector 2 would be considerably lighter than have similar weights. At TRE the Topo rep. said the Spector 2 in a size 9 is 7.6 oz. Maybe it was a prototype so maybe the production weight changed. The Superblast is listed at 8.4 oz. in the same size. I hope their's a follow up because you had none with the Cyclone 2 but can you please talk about how stable the Spector 2 is. 100% peba midsole with a 37 mm heel has me worried about stability especially with no plate. Not so much a problem with the Cyclone 2 because of its much lower stack. Also can you talk about how much ground feel it has. That keeps my biomechanics in check.

[@supwell]

My pair is a size 10.5 so that explains the weight difference from the sample they referenced! And in equivalent sizes the weight between this and superblast would be very similar - my superblast is a size 11. Also anecdotally the specter 2 felt very lightweight on foot. In terms of stability - it felt a lot more stable than anticipated due to the firmer foam. For comparison, I decided to use the balos for my second run of the day yesterday and it was noticeably a lot more unstable than the specter 2. I'll definitely be running more in the specter 2 as well so stay tuned. Cyclone didn't have a place in my training so I didn't go back to it - but higher stack of this is great. Not a ton of ground feel out of the box

[@jefreywith1f924]

@@supwell Thank You very much for answering my questions. They look more nimble than the Superblast and if their as much fun as the Cyclone 2 are, then I'll be buying these in August instead of waiting for the new colors of the Superblast 2 to come out in September.

[@Arki2019]

Looking forward to this shoe really rated the cyclone, clue monster hyper is in place of my retired super blast and can’t decide on this the Superblast 2 or maybe the peg plus when it arrives…

[@myersa31]

How’s the arch on this? Most of Topos have been really high for me which has been really off putting. Otherwise on paper this things a winner.

[@supwell]

I didn't have any issue with the arch - at least it wasn't noticeable at all for me! I'll make sure to check for this again on the next run though so stay tuned for that

[@filoIII]

Triumph 22 is "very firm"?

[@joannemarkov]

So one pet peeve I have with the Topos is the lack of color options. Also, the fact that the men's colorways are generally cooler than the women's. Like, I would buy this Specter 2, but the women's equivalent is so much darker.

[@mikailgallegos7676]

Ok my current dilemma: topo specter 2 vs on cloudmonster hyper? Looking for a faster trainer that i can also use for the yearly 5K, 10K, and maybe half

[@supwell]

Hoka Mach x2 is my current pick! It's smooth, comfortable and has great bounce. I prefer it over both the hyper and the Topo specter 2

[@scotthilton5406]

How does the Specter 2 compare to the Mach 6? they look to have the same stack/drop. Just wondering if the specter is 25 bucks better than the Mach?

[@supwell]

Mach 6 is a lot softer, lighter and feels bouncier at slower paces. Specter 2 is firmer and better for long runs - also has more stability. Mach 6 has the stack on paper but in practice rides lower and more like a lightweight speed shoe. Specter feels a lot more robust

[@scotthilton5406]

@@supwell Thanks, much appreciated!

[@CorGP]

Question as these just hit the market, do you think wide feet work well with these?

[@supwell]

The toebox has a lot of room but the midfoot and heel are snug, so it depends on where you need the extra space. I would suggest trying a half size up as well since the length is a little short

[@jeroen1989]

Didn't the first one have a carbon plate differentiating it from the cyclone? Why did they drop the plate?

[@plain-bagel]

No, it did not have a plate

[@marer402]

No, but the Topo Zephyr (the predecessor to the Cyclone) had a plastic plate. It was a pretty rough ride though, way too firm, which is why people didn’t get along with it and which might be why Topo haven’t developed another plated shoe since.

[@jeroen1989]

@marer402 oh dammit, might have switched those up! Should've sworn there was one before the cyclone 2 rage...

[@bobgibson1303]

Shoes with 100% PEBA never feel good at slow paces for me. Like the TYR shoes they really perform at fast efforts and are speed day shoes in my opinion. @Yowana you should compare this with the TYR speed works though the TYR has a nylon plate

[@supwell]

Yeah that's a great comparison - that also felt stiffer and firmer at slower paces. The endorphin pro 4 is one of the few 100% race foam shoes that works well for me at more relaxed paces

[@Majide10]

How are you gonna say “put some respect on Topo’s name” and then proceed to throw back-handed-compliment-shade on them the whole video😂. I actually like the logo, especially on the Cyclone 2… very clean. But, I agree about the colorway. There is a blue and white colorway of the Specter 2 that looks much better. I just hope we can get these in the UK. The rep over here said they’ll release here at the same time, but we’ll see. I think you’re the first reviewer of these with actual time on foot, so thank you! I’ll be getting these to replace my Novablast 4’s in my marathon block.

[@Dewman881]

HYPERION MAX 2!!!!!!

[@supwell]

😉

[@saldinife]

How does it compare to the Hoka Mach 6?

[@supwell]

A little firmer and more supportive with just as much if not more bounce at faster paces. Really comes alive with some speed but feels a lot more substantial on foot than the Mach 6

[@saldinife]

@@supwell Thank you so much.

[@tonybrinkman7765]

i need your analysis and breakdown of the Asics Magic Speed 4. i know you said you aren't in the first batch of reviewers for Asics, but would love a review when you get your hands on them

[@onlineo2263]

sounds like a brooks hyperion max competitor?

[@supwell]

definitely. both are great shoes so far - i can't wait to put some more miles on them

[@philipcatagnus4850]

My man is hilarious 😂

[@iamremyAdventures]

Good Stuff

[@ThreadsandTreadsGreenwich]

I was one of the first to tell you about SUPERBLAST….. 😁😁😁😁😁

[@supwell]

Hahaha so true. You gonna stock this specter 2 in the shop?

[@ThreadsandTreadsGreenwich]

@@supwell SUPERBLAST PARIS Just arrived. I was able to get about 50 pairs so far was about another 40 coming in three weeks and then between September October November and February several hundred more pairs are on order.

[@LakeMinnetonka]

I tried the Spectre 1 and remember it felt great on foot but just felt CHEAP the more I ran in it. The sole was getting torn up and the upper felt wobbly. What bothered me the most was that they looked deadass goofy and I can see they didn’t fix that either 😂.

[@supwell]

Lmao your analysis is on point. Also you must be from New York 😂

[@Snowgod-i7m]

Dude trying to keep up with democracy week- as the anointed running shoe president of squeeze the grind republic, which of the following have the softer outsole and maximum 6mm drop Balos, Specter 2, or More V5, currently 240 miles on Topo Specter,

[@supwell]

they all fit in that 6mm drop and below category! i would go either balos or specter 2 though if you're replacing the OG specter. balos has ground contact eva so outsole is decently soft. it's overall super soft and bouncy. specter 2 also has great bounce but stability is a little better - so i'd choose based on how important stability vs fun is. balos is more fun but specter is more stable and a little more normal feeling

[@Asesoriaonlineajc]

Topo specter 1 lasts 1000 km for me and the sole is intact, these are better. They are my daily trainer now I will change to 2 when I reach 1000 km again

[@ethanlavoie4166]

They are 100 percent microdosing 😂 had me cracking up. Would the original specter be worth it on sale?

[@supwell]

Hahaha glad you appreciated that one - and i know a lot of runners like the first specter for long runs. V2 will probably be a little softer and bouncier but I've heard v1 was solid

[@ethanlavoie4166]

@@supwell thanks! My sister is a Topo fan trying to convince her to run in something more exciting then the ST-4 or her old pair of brooks ghost 14s

[@salvadorboi]

Here for the platypus vibes.

[@brandall101]

RE: the pizza shape, it looks like a Munson last which is not exactly the most aesthetic, but more optimal from an orthopedic perspective. Great for toe splay.

[@kuriosites]

35 minutes? You must have really been in a hurry :) Very helpful though as it sounds like it takes a little force to get the best out of this shoe, so I'll probably pass. It's still really useful to know which shoes might not be for me so I just put them out of my mind.

[@karatechop]

Lil Uzi Vert of running shoes 🤌🤌🤌

[@drone9082]

Support Yowana, Supwell on the Tim Grose video today.

[@jaceskid]

👍🏻

[@drone9082]

Support Yowana, Supwell on the Tim Gro se video today

[@georgesoto5436]

Very late here, is this cyclone or specter 2. He keeps saying cyclone

[@supwell]

This review is of the Specter. I also have the Cyclone 2 in all white

[@nicholas5396]

"Shoutout to Erdoğan" 😂😂😂😂

[@Sagradon]

The who? Topo?

[@djdustn]

"Shout out to Erdoğan"? Really bro?

[@giovanbattistafichera8439]

dude, just a heads up... don't review while running. This constant panting is gross and slightly annoying to listen to

[@Arki2019]

Looking forward to this shoe really rated the cyclone, clue monster hyper is in place of my retired super blast and can’t decide on this the Superblast 2 or maybe the peg plus when it arrives…