*Watch out Altra!* Topo Pursuit 2 Review // Engaging Zero Drop Hero

[@SeeChadRun]

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[@FixItFish]

It's been an outstanding shoe for me.. a lot of miles, backpacking, hiking, and even a 14'ner this season. Superior to my altra olympus in all categories. Bravo Topo.

[@SeeChadRun]

Love the feedback! Thanks for checking out the video as well!

[@jonathanschick376]

I am new to Trail Running and I am currently in the process of switching from traditional Hiking Boots, to Trail Runners for non-Winter hikes as well. I have been looking for a solid Trail Runner that would function well for both hiking and running. I've landed with the Persuit 2 and this review reinforces my decision. My new shoes arrive tomorrow and I cant wait to try them out! Thanks for the great video and I will definitely check out the rest of the channel!

[@SeeChadRun]

Thank you so much! This is definitely one of those shoes that I would use for trail running and hiking!

[@chad.haggerty]

That’s a good looking shoe! Thanks for the review, Chad. Seems like Topo is really coming into their own and starting to creep into the mainstream market (as opposed to the pure zero drop). Also: on that climb, your calves and quads looked beastly!! The work pays off in so many ways. Have a fantastic weekend!

[@SeeChadRun]

I joke that my legs are all genetic but I'm sure a lot of it's training as well. 😆

[@johningham1880]

I took the previous version of these on the UTS 100K this year (got timed out at the 80km point though). They were pretty much ideal for me, although they had the ubiquitous, permeable Ortholite insole, which left the soles of my feet quite macerated from the unavoidable water/mud. I am signed up for next year, as it is personal now. I had considered trying third party insoles, but I think I will just be getting a pair of these.

[@SeeChadRun]

The insoles in this shoe are very good!

[@zhuochen8092]

Great review video! Not sure if you compare this pair with other topo shoes. Most negative reviews mentioned disappointing narrower toe boxes. Wonder what's your take on it.

[@SeeChadRun]

Compared to all other shoes that I've reviewed, the Pursuit 2 or other Topo's have a wider toe box. That said, they are not a wide fit in the midfoot and heel area. For me, I quite enjoy the overall fit and comfort of the Topo line up (Pursuit 2, MTN Racer 3, etc). Thanks for checking out the video!

[@zhuochen8092]

@@SeeChadRun Thanks!

[@afewmominutes]

Great review Chad. I'm not going back to zero drop, but these will outlast Altras durability for sure. Good for Topo, I'll keep rocking the Mtn Racer 3s!

[@SeeChadRun]

Thanks for watching the video! The MTN Racer 3 is a solid choice to stick with. Hope you're doing well my friend!

[@BenNotley]

I have been loving the ultraventure 3 I would like to see what you make of them if you can get yourself a pair for review. Great video as always Chad. 😎🤘

[@SeeChadRun]

Thank you my friend! I'll look into the Ultraventure shoes.

[@FredCastenschiold]

Love my new pair! Lighter in weight than my Oboz SawtoothX.

[@T0pCa7]

Thanks for the review! How would you compare them to Lone Peaks, comfort wise and stability on rocky terrain? How is grip when it's raining on the rocks?

[@SeeChadRun]

I haven't ran in the Lone Peaks yet, but I have ran in the comparable Altra Timp 5 shoes. Compared to those, the Pursuit 2 is more comfortable all around IMO. It may have a softer midsole but I never felt unstable on rocky train. And in wet conditions they will both do great as they have the Vibram rubber outsole. I ran on the trails when both shoes were soaking wet after a stream crossing and never felt insecure.

[@u4eahhh455]

What water bottle/strap are you using? I have an 18oz collapsible Nathan’s handheld that I like but the way that strap is designed on yours looks to be pretty comfortable. Also, looking to finally make the switch from the lone peaks to pursuits for some more durability. Cheers!

[@SeeChadRun]

I think you'll enjoy the Pursuit 2 trail shoes! I've used the Nathan 18oz handheld in the past and like it, but the one that I'm using in this video (and my go-to when not using a hydration vest) is the HydraPak SkyFlask 350ml (they also have a 500 ml version). Use my discount code in the affiliate links if you want to order one for yourself.

[@u4eahhh455]

Awesome! Thanks for the reply. I’ll check it out. Keep crushing the trails man!

[@TelosBudo]

Just ordered a pair. I was looking at the Traverse or MTN Racers 3 at first because I am planning on backcountry backpacking, but the quick-drying features compared to the Racers 3 are a big feature, and the Traverse are out-of-stock! We'll see if the comfyness and quick-dry features are enough. They appear to be from these reviews!

[@SeeChadRun]

Let me know how they work out for you! I do also like the MTN Racer 3 shoes and think they would be just fine for water crossings. I'll be using these (MTN Racer 3) for my up-and-coming 100 mile trail race. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@TelosBudo]

@SeeChadRun most reviews I've seen say the MTN Racers 3 are great EXCEPT for the very poor drying. The sole and the fabric become water-logged, and they take longer to dry, like 1+ days.

[@SeeChadRun]

@TelosBudo the Pursuit 2 insole is much better with water (it doesn't hold on to water at all). The uppers on both drain water very well.

[@noobworker]

The toebox feels like 1/2 inch narrower than the previous version, I wish they have kept it the same as the Pursuit 1, these were not for me

[@SeeChadRun]

Interesting feedback, but much appreciated!

[@toddboucher3302]

I was going to order these, but rei had the MTN racer 3, but didn’t like the aggressive arch and toe spring. The person at the store says that the pursuit is a much better shoe than the racer but of course I couldn’t try one on so I was just curious if the arch and the front end feels about the same.

[@SeeChadRun]

The arch and the toe area do feel very similar, although from what I recall, it seems that the Pursuit 2 had a slightly more aggressive arch but it's marginal. The insoles are slightly different and in the Pursuit 2 the insole is higher quality and doesn't retain water helping it to release water better.

[@toddboucher3302]

Do you know how they measure the stack height? Is that from the bottom of the lugs all the way to the Inso or is that just a cushioning I’m trying to see because sometimes they say one thing and I get it and it’s too high and I don’t feel right in itother times it’s include everything so just curious if you happen to know I guess that’s some 28 mm so that includes everything that’s not bad with a 6 mm low then that brings it down to 22 for ground field would be decent. just curious if you know.

[@SeeChadRun]

I don't know for certain, but I would assume based on how it feels that the stack height does not include the outsole lugs in this case.

[@curtiswarnett]

Got a pair of these after returning my timp 5s. Great shoe, definitely timp killers.

[@SeeChadRun]

I enjoyed my Timp 5's and there's a lot to like about that shoe, but the Topo Pursuit 2 is the better shoe in my opinion. Thanks for your feedback!

[@curtiswarnett]

Timps were good but too tight in the forefoot

[@wking8]

Absolutely loving my timp 5, but also wondered how topo compares. No stores have them for me to try before I buy

[@RalphDixon-rz5pm]

What durability have you found with Topo in general?

[@SeeChadRun]

I haven't been able to run in it a ton after this review (had to transition to other shoes for review) but, you shouldn't have any problems from what I've encountered and what others have shared with me.

[@daniel.konecny]

I was hoping they fixed the super obtrusive tongue stitching point in the shoe that rubs into the forefoot. But it seems this doesn't affect many people. Most Topos unfortunately are suffering from this.

[@SeeChadRun]

Appreciate you checking out the video! That tongue stitching never affected me so I never thought to mention it. Thank you for the feedback!

[@rschreck876]

The only pair of Topo’s I’ve ever tried weren’t very breathable. The shoes were still damp inside even hours after my runs.

[@SeeChadRun]

I think you'll find quite the opposite in their newer lineup/these shoes.

[@curtelverd4008]

How is the sizing compared to the Mtn. Racers?

[@SeeChadRun]

It's exactly the same as in the MTN Racer 3.

[@curtelverd4008]

@@SeeChadRun Awesome! I’ve been an Altra Lone Peak and Olympus guy for years. But after feeling the security of the heel and forefoot of the Topo Mtn. Racers in store, I’m going to convert. Strange though how I’m a half size larger in Topo Mtn. Racers than any of my Altras.

[@SeeChadRun]

@curtelverd4008 that is kind of strange. I'm my usual US 9.5 in almost every single pair of shoes unless the manufacturer specifies to size up or down. Are you planning to use these for any races coming up?

[@curtelverd4008]

@@SeeChadRun Not sure. My tri coach got me hooked on trail running years ago instead of pavement and sidewalks that kept causing me injuries. Now I seem to put more miles on my trail runners for hiking and backpacking.

[@bryanmorgan8306]

I really wanted to like these, but they were so bad that I just made my first ever return of an online purchase. Unless you have medium to high arches and use these exclusively for running then they are very uncomfortable and unstable. The arch support is very high and hurts and yet still caves under weight, providing no aid to over pronation. I believe most people seeking foot shaped footwear don't want much if any arch support. The excessive toe spring is the worst part as it prevents you from putting your toes down in a natural way to stabilize and distribute weight evenly. It rocks you back onto your heels, which coupled with the too soft foam actually makes this a negative drop shoe. It would need at least 3 mm in the heel to make this a true 0 drop because unlike barefoot shoes that use a harder rubber the higher stack and softer rubber of the topo causes more compression at the heel making it a negative drop. I can't recommend these for walking/ hiking. I hope Topo can address these two glaring issues because the rest of the shoe is spectacular.

[@SeeChadRun]

That's too bad you had a negative experience in these shoes. There's certainly a lot to like about them but shoes are interesting in that they don't offer the exact same experience for everyone. Appreciate your feedback and for checking out the video!

[@DaveIrish66]

Your feet don't work with these shoes. Did I get that right?

[@mmmmmlemons]

@@SeeChadRun Hi. I also, unfortunately, cannot run in Topos due to the pronounced arch support. Is the arch support something you don't notice? I wonder why it doesn't get mentioned in reviews, and specifically when comparing to Altra shoes?

[@SeeChadRun]

It was noticed particularly at first but not something that was concerning or problematic. It wasn't much different from many other shoes (outside of Altra's).

[@mmmmmlemons]

@@SeeChadRun Thank you for the reply. Wish it didn't bother me, as Topo shoes look like they would be perfect in every other way. Your trails look amazing. Keep on running, mate.