Topo Specter 2

[@kmshultz]

Totally agree with your comparison to the Valkyrie Speedworks. I like the Speedworks for that snappy toe-off, but definitely prefer the Specter 2 for its stability! I am so much more confident running fast over undulating pavement in the Specter 2s because I never have the feeling that I might roll my ankle. Can't say the same of the Speedworks!

[@georgesoto5436]

I have 36 miles in the Cyclone 2 and I’ve been loving every mile! I love these shoes! I also bought the Specter 2, but have not used them yet. Thanks for the video and explanation of the shoe line. I love that you decided to incorporate this in your videos!

[@erlandekheden9588]

How helpfull that you review Topo as well, hope to see more Topo reviews from you in the future! My feet are a little on the wider side, and I've found that shoes that are a bit wider just are so more comfy.

[@GrungeAct]

Man Topo has been making some excellent shoes lately! They have become everything that I wanted Altra to be (Sorry Altra)

[@kofuzi]

I feel like Altra was too slow (and is currently not aggressive enough) to provide non-zero drop options

[@GrungeAct]

@@kofuzi I think it’s also time for them to start working with new midsole technologies, Rumour has it that they’re about to introduce a brand new supercritical foam.

[@SeeChadRun]

I also reviewed this shoe and think your comments are spot on. I found that I really enjoyed this shoe and it was one that I looked forward to running no matter what type of front I was doing. I think for most people, the Specter 2 will do well for both training runs and races. There certainly are "better" super trainers but they're all more expensive and may not provide that much of an advantage over this shoe for its price.

[@SeeChadRun]

The Puma Deviate NITRO 3 is also a solid offering in the same price range, and it includes a plate.

[@kofuzi]

you know it's a good time to be a runner when there's a shoe with a full pebax midsole and it's not considered one of the "better super trainers"

[@chrisbrandon833]

The one iv been waiting for 🙌🏼

[@bakedbeans198]

same :)

[@michaelcaricoo]

Have a good run next weekend Ko! Thanks for what you do, hope to meet you in Chicago

[@kofuzi]

I hope so too!

[@RobynAlexander]

Ditto!!

[@JimDuntz]

The Phantom 3 might not do it for a reviewer who's tried hundreds of shoes with all the latest technology, but it's a fantastic if unassuming workhorse that won't crush your toes. I'm about to buy a second pair after ~1000 km. Cyclone 2 is of course great for short workouts, but this looks like it'll be perfect for those longer efforts next marathon season.

[@tono1665]

Ordered yesterday when it got released in the uk👌. Nice Review👍

[@kofuzi]

Hope you enjoy!

[@garethevans2499]

Oooooooooh, the possible Superblast 2 stopgap is in for testing!

[@cheekster777]

Thank you Mike.

[@grimani]

This is one of my favorite shoes. I'd call it 95% of the way to a supertrainer at 75% of the cost.

[@snowwalker9999]

What is the 5% for? Just curious

[@grimani]

@@snowwalker9999 It just lacks a little something compared with the Superblast or the Prime X. Like, the pebax is just a little too firm. If it was a touch softer I'd enjoy it for slower miles more, and I don't think there would be any real loss on the top end.

[@snowwalker9999]

@@grimani Thank you. If you think Superblast is a bit softer that answers my question.

[@benbauer7866]

@@grimanithat something’s probably a plate

[@RobynAlexander]

A plate. If it had a thin and light plate, it would be tops!!

[@keancabigao1461]

I would love for you to review the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 since you have tested the first version before.

[@laalaa99stl]

That green ombré colorway immediately reminded me of the launch colorway for the NB4 (Illuminate Green/Lime Burst). Even the outsole looks similar. I don't have wide feet, but if I did, and if Topo were as widely available as ASICS, I might have considered this faster NB4 as my first Topo. But then again, I also have the ES4 so my quiver is full atm.

[@wylelias]

Love topo and so do my wide feet

[@emilybarry9410]

Cyclone 2 are my favorite shoes ever! unfortunately, the Spector 2 just did not do it for me. I ended up sending them back. thanks for another great review Kofuzi!

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for watching!

[@Deadbuck73]

YO! Best update for the Bondi would be to bring back the Bondi 5!

[@edwardcreighton2638]

Have Cyclone 2, bought in January. Cyclone 2 just gone on sale in Bangkok for about $90, maybe 3 coming soon. Like the extra space in the toe box. Specter 2 available in Bangkok, toss up whether I buy it or the Endorphin Speed 4 next.

[@timnewell5120]

I love these shoes. I keep reaching for them. My usual size is 10.5 for Saucony, Hoka....These are perfect at size 10.

[@KoIhara]

I never thought I’d say this for foot-shaped shoes, but I wish they’d made the tippy toes more round. It was bit flat and I found myself jamming my index toe sometimes

[@jahelton246]

Totally agree

[@brewlovinrunner]

I like Topo. I had these on preorder and then they went to back order so I got impatient and got the Brooks Hyperion Max 2. I may revisit getting these

[@karatechop]

Nice review! I love the Cyclone 2 so was hoping this would be more of a daily trainer version of that. The step-in in the Specter 2 (like the Cyclone 2) is super nice, the upper's comfy, and the foot-shaped toe box is something I appreciate (and wish more brands would offer!). Unfortunately, it just felt flat and boring to run in. Maybe I'm not compressing the foam much being on the lighter side, but there was no pop. It probably doesn't help that most of my miles are in Superblasts, which makes a lot of other shoes feel dull in comparison. I really wanted to love the Specter 2, but ended up exchanging them for the Mach 6🤷‍♂ I do think people will enjoy this shoe though, just not for me unfortunately.

[@BosGaurus05]

Why didn't you touch about the strobel of the shoe?

[@MatchaMakesThings]

Kofuzi says good I buy

[@franklehouillier8865]

I'd actually like to hear what you had to say about the phantom. I hated the phantom 2. Like running in cinder blocks.

[@champganjah5944]

Hi Kofuzi. Can you review the Anta PG7 travel shoes. They say it's a good cushioned shoes but there is not enough review for it. Thanks

[@MilipTichaelPhomas]

Phantom 3 Wide wasn't wide enough Torin Wide not wide enough Is there a road shoe shaped like LP6-Wide? Race, daily, recovery? Yes, please

[@griffitts7]

This or magic speed 4?

[@Manuel_712]

Good morning. Another comparison: Topo specter 2- nb rebel v4. What do you think, please??. Like to Kofuzi. Happy saturday.

[@kofuzi]

the shoes feel incredibly different and I would use them quite differently

[@Manuel_712]

@@kofuzi .👍

[@plain-bagel]

After loving the Cyclone 2 and Atmos, the Spectre 2 was my most anticipated shoe of the year. Strangely, it gave me horrible foot pain when I took it on a 10-miler and I returned it. I also found it too short vs the same size in the Cyclone (and the .5 size up was too big for me). Unlucky.

[@kofuzi]

Hmmm. Sorry to hear that

[@kmshultz]

I had the same experience in my first jog with the Specter 2: why are my toes grazing the end of the shoe? For the second run, the same thing was happening during warmup. Then I realize I hadn't laced up tight enough. Once I really locked my foot all the way back in the heel-which angles forward a lot-problem solved. No more grazing and I'm a happy camper with this shoe.

[@plain-bagel]

@@kmshultz Hmm I wonder if I had the same issue? I usually lace my shoes up fairly tight, but it's certainly possible I didn't do a good enough job. Maybe I'll try again in the future. I ordered a Superblast 2 instead so we'll see how that goes...

[@kmshultz]

@@plain-bagel I agree it's annoying for the toes to always feel they're almost grazing the end of the shoe, even when they really aren't much. The sizing feels different from the Cyclone 2. You have to get the Specter laced down pretty tight to prevent it. Hope the Superblast 2 treats you well.

[@DarkPa1adin]

1080v13 or v14 a better alternative?

[@kofuzi]

nope

[@gigijust10k25]

What action cam you use?

[@kofuzi]

see description

[@LuisBecerra79]

Yo, what’s going on!!

[@אודיצברי]

Do u know who is the artist behind this song?

[@LuisBecerra79]

@@אודיצברי Jim Yosef - Checkered

[@kofuzi]

Yo Luis!

[@אודיצברי]

@@LuisBecerra79 Thanks!

[@stuarthys9879]

Looks similar to the Superblast, how do they compare?

[@kofuzi]

similar use case but very different sensation under foot. the Topo is more firm

[@jeff9643]

Hi Kofuzi, which one is best for me, I just want a shoe for morning walks/jog (45mins) and good for doing errands, Im looking at Ultraboost 5x, Asics Nimbus 26. Thanks for your input!

[@laalaa99stl]

Nimbus is a great walking shoe. That's how I use my 25. Too heavy for running (for my taste).

[@derringera]

I'll second the previous comment. At my size and force when running, my Nimbus 26 was a little too squishy for any running BUT at a walk they are pretty dreamy.

[@garethevans2499]

Definitely 'Toe-po' and not "Top-o" as in "top o'the morning to you" as the Irish stereotype would say?

[@kofuzi]

the name of the brand comes from the founder, Tony Post

[@paulcarlson4230]

Their customer service personnel is way off base to bad

[@gatordonttakenoshiat]

Would love to try a Topo shoe but they are just so damn ugly

[@tacticalcenter8658]

I remember everyone switched to topo after altra quality was reduced. Now topo quality has reduced. So i cant bother with either brands anymore.