Topo Athletic Specter | FULL REVIEW | We Were Ex-spect-ing More

[@weuek]

If they dislike it so much, it means I should definitely give the Specter a try. I've finally figured it out I have the opposite "taste" in running shoes.

[@SteakmanTexas]

I bought Specter, I like it a lot. For wide foot folks, we can’t even consider Saucony endorphin, because they are too narrow. Thomas the narrow foot guy, I can promise won’t like it, but for me, it’s a nice fit, firm, but not too firm, lighter than most daily trainers. I’m putting lots of miles on mine. I’ll buy it again. Great job Topo!!

[@freeian2]

I’m with you. Enjoy NB Fuel Cell Rebel awaiting release-late summer and current pair were shot. 2E foot. Gave up on Altra some time ago. Tried ASICS Evo 2E but snug. Saucony Kinvara-the same. Too snug although this shoe kinda feels like a Kinvara with padding. First run was 19 miles and feet were an afterthought. First Topo purchase. Thumbs up here. Thanks to Believe in the Run for all the digestible running material.

[@slavasss2189]

Topo is more narrow than typical Atra?

[@freeian2]

@@slavasss2189 First Topo purchase but width reminiscent of the version 1 Escalante/Escalante Racer used to wear. Looking at Altra's website, they now have 3 versions of width which is one reason why search has led elsewhere. As indicated above, I've ordered other companies versions of 2E and they just don't have the space up front. Recently returned a pair of Speedgoat 5 due to same-I'll take a look at Topo's offroad options.

[@slavasss2189]

@@freeian2 oh yeah, hoka is narrow to me too even in 2e....torpedo toebox)

[@2klatte]

Topo wearer, not a fan of the Phantom 2 because it felt like running on a piece of mushy sponge/ marshmallow, etc. Bought the Endorphin Shift thinking I can make the narrower toe work but that was also a fail. Not loving the Specter’s price - still really on the fence on dropping cash for this…..

[@marcuslewis7140]

I bought this shoe local without watching any reviews. Love the wide toe box, breathable upper and the cushioning. I would use it as a daily trainer though, didn’t know they advertised it as a racer; not a wise choice with the level of competition out there..

[@00bitterness]

Really love the shoe. The fit, the pop, it just feels so lively. It has become my favorite tempo shoe.

[@Hope-cn1tm]

Love the Specter! This shoe is really great. Amazingly comfortable trainer.

[@iamjoshuamoran]

Just ordered mine. I have run in Topos for the last 3 years and I have even run marathons in their lighter shoes. My foot has a wide front and then thins out in the midfoot and heel. So Topo has been the perfect fit for each show I have run with. Training for a 50 miler and marathon training each year so this seems to be a perfect road trianer for me. Tried the Altra M Torin 6 and my midfoot started to feel some pain and my ankles were blistered by the tongue of the shoe on the front in 7 miles or less.

[@luceinbattaglia9425]

Same for me. I love long distance running and for my wide foot is a game changer!🔝🦾👏👍

[@nickleeder467]

which Topo shoe worked the best for marathon distance? thinking Specter or Phantom but not sure which one provides a softer ride. Cheers

[@i.p2088]

Thank you for your HONEST review 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@runhikebeer1811]

Thanks for the review yall. I would've gone in expecting that pebax feel too.

[@manuel_877]

Hi Believe in the run and all the runners. Good video and interesting information. Here is my like. A nice weekend for everyone. 🌞🏃‍♂️🌞

[@taylorsmith6143]

Hear me out - this sounds like a daily trainer. Sounds a lot like the og carbon x and zoom fly in that they were advertised as race/workout shoes but ended up being really solid, stable daily trainers you could pick up the pace in. Any chance you guys change your mind if you used it as a daily trainer ??

[@michite7435]

I have run in hoka, brooks, saucony, asics, New balance. And no matter what I run in I get numbness in my toes on my left foot. I'm thinking I need to try altras or topo with their foot shaped toe box.

[@erictech201]

I’m from Omaha Nebraska like you’re content. Keep it up guys!

[@wilfredo-teyrosalesfotos]

Great review guys but those graphic tees y’all are wearing 🔥🔥🔥

[@dark-k3u]

Probably a decent long run shoe.

[@Jon-nk5rv]

Exactly what I will be using them for

[@HecsBox]

After snagging a pair of these on clearance and trying them on, walking in them so far has been super plush... very pillowy under foot, light, airy, and all-around great-feeling (not as bouncy as my Triumph 20, but cushy nonetheless). I'm looking forward to lots of easy running (forefoot-striking) & brisk walking in them, which is all I ever need them for. Maybe these were simply mis-marketed.

[@hordboy]

Quit dissin’ my clown shoes. As a daily trainer, I really like mine.

[@COYSMike]

Looks to me like some good ideas and philosophies as usual with TOPO, but let down by a limited R&D budget.

[@i.p2088]

Exactly. They don't have the budget to complete.

[@luceinbattaglia9425]

This is what I expect from Topo! ..not like the MT4 which was quite delusional.

[@Acejustforalaugh]

What you described is the way I feel about the Ride 15. Peace.

[@colincundy9757]

Theyre comparing the weight to a vapor fly? Its a performance daily trainer, not a race day shoe. Is it not?

[@dagconst1]

Love my Topo Specters

[@paulcarlson4230]

Vaporfly no way,i jave the ultra venture in orange and i think its a great trail shoe

[@Carlosediaz543]

How does this compare to the endorphin shift they both seem wanna accomplish the same thing

[@pipsaengplong]

how do you compare Specter with Mach 5?

[@GriffRunning]

It’s not a hype brand. Of course they’ll say it’s mid at best

[@i.p2088]

I have a few Topo shoes. The problem with the fit is that the midfoot is narrow! The toebox is very wide but without the wider midfoot it does not work. The only model which has good fit but bad midsole (zip foam is hard) is the Ultrafly 3 / 4.

[@jarrettw7753]

Agreed. I’ve tried some topo and my take is the toebox is super wide and the midfoot is standard width. Doesn’t work for us chunky midfooters.

[@jarrettw7753]

@@wokebird possibly. 😎

[@magnushammarsal281]

I agree about them being a wide forefoot with a narrower midfoot. That's why they are just the perfect fit for me! Haven't tried any other shoe that fits as well as Topo!

[@weuek]

I've done 300+ km in my Ultrafly 3 shoes and I love the fit. I don't even have wide feet, but my toes just like the comfort of the spacious toebox (long runs!). It's an acquired taste (most people think that toes just need to be cramped, because that's what they've always had). But the midsole (zipfoam) is just bad - I sort of fixed it with the Boomerang insoles from Inov8. :-)

[@truman3.0]

“Ultrafly” which brand/model shoe is this?

[@TheJoelys86]

People if you love this channel and these guys, spread the word! Like this video! At the time of this comment there are 475 views and only 63 likes. We can do better to support this awesome channel. Keep up the great work guys!

[@Believeintherun]

Thanks Joel!

[@TheJoelys86]

@@Believeintherun 👍

[@nickatnite16]

@@Believeintherun you have a reply above from the Topo people. They're saying it's a trainer, not a racer

[@ThatKidOfMusic]

Maybe the Salomon Spectur will be better than the spectre!

[@gosekinz]

"PeBax" perk!! hmmm!!! must give it a try ...

[@JojoePlays]

to be honest with myself it kind of feels like a Nike vapor fly.

[@christopherwilliams2]

Random thought "If Meaghan and Thomas are 'fighting'...will we know?" 😲🤭

[@Believeintherun]

All business in the HQ

[@christopherwilliams2]

@@Believeintherun just the way it should be!

[@matthiassventoest6800]

headed pass ..