Topo Athletic Ultrafly 3 test & review - A light and responsive stability running shoe

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With Topo shoes being a relatively newer brand of athletic shoes on the market I wasn’t really expecting much, but running in the Topo Ultrafly 3 was a pleasant surprise.
The immediate feel of comfort, the light, and responsive quality, a heel-box to put others to shame, and enough cushion to go the distance all added up to deliver a shoe worth mentioning.
The simple and unassuming Topo Ultrafly 3 has a lot of notable features. The superstar of all of these was the heel-box. The heel-box of the Topo Ultrafly 3 is so ergonomically well designed that it struck me straight away. It hugs the shape of your heel so snuggly that you almost could get away without lacing them.
The anatomic toe box is another great feature. The foot-shaped design, much like Altra, allows for the toes to splay and spread out comfortably.
The upper is very comfortable and nonrestrictive with a supple and airy weave. The cushioning around the heel collar and on the tongue are adequate and not over the top like some brands.
The 3-piece EVA midsole of the Ultrafly 3 delivers an adequate amount of cushion for the intended use of the shoe, just enough for longer runs but not so much as to feel unresponsive. The slight 5mm drop encourages a natural foot turnover.
The Topo Ultrafly 3 has a responsive feel to it and the sole encourages a natural gait with good energy return. While far from a racing flat, the Topo Ultrafly 3 does have a quick feel to it. With a zippy bounce and the balanced cushioning of the ZIPFOAM material, this is a shoe that feels comfortable for miles.
The wide foundation of the Topo Ultrafly 3 gives it a very stable ride. Coupled with the ample grip of the sole, even on wet surfaces, the Topo Ultrafly 3 is a forgiving running shoe.
While the traction of the sole is great, the durability of the Topo rubber compound is yet to be proven to this tester. With 60 miles in it appears to be doing great, with no signs of premature wear evident yet. Time will tell.
Overall, as a mid-distance trainer, I’m loving this shoe. After 60 miles of running in the Topo Ultrafly 3, it has been my go-to for 7-10 mile runs on roads and paved pedestrian trails.
- Sean Kiffe
RunRepeat Expert

[@TristWallace]

Did you find the midsole on these shoes to be soft like a Hoka, or more on the firm responsive side?

[@RunRepeatcom]

responsive for me