The Topo Athletic Magnifly 5 is a unique running shoe. It’s made for those who want to feel natural with a 0 mm drop. High stack heights seem to rule the running industry, but Topo maintains true to its roots with a low stack height and 0 mm drop shoes.
What does all of that mean? Low stack height means there is less overall cushion under your feet. Zero zero-millimeter drop means the heel and forefoot are the same height. This allows you to run more naturally. There have been studies to show that the carbon plate era and high stack height has caused us to run differently. I had a few questions including: Is the Topo Magnifly 5 a good running shoe?
Topo Magnifly 5 Quick Facts:
- Weight: 7.2 oz
- Heel to Toe Drop: 0 mm
- Cost: $135
Topo Magnifly 5 Fit:
The Topo Magnifly 5 uses a new kind of fabric on the upper. Topo is really good at designing shoes that fit well. They are wider than average to allow more room. If you are someone who has bunions or just a wider foot, you’ll likely appreciate Topo.
Topo uses recycled mesh in the upper, and as always, I am appreciative of brands making an initiative to use recycled materials. I do wish we knew what and where the recycled mesh was. Is it the whole shoe? The tongue? The entire mesh upper?
The best running shoes disappear off your feet, and the Topo Magnifly 5 does just that. I don’t really have any complaints. The moment I stepped into the shoe, it felt good. You shouldn’t have to break in a shoe anyway, but the Topo Magnifly 5 has step-in comfort.
In running shoes, I wear between a size 10-11 wide and the Topo Magnifly 5 fits true to size. I found myself most comfortable in a women’s size 11.
Topo Magnifly 5 Ride:
The Topo Magnifly 5 is not a soft shoe by any means. In fact, if you are looking for a ground, natural feel this is one of the best bets. But unlike shoes of the past that had zero cushioning and zero drop, there is plenty of cushioning in the Topo Magnifly 5. It used to be you either choose a natural running shoe with minimal cushioning or a more cushioned trainer that you didn’t feel the ground. Topo said: why not have a natural running shoe with plenty of cushion?
The midsole uses the new “Zipfoam” formula, making it softer, lighter, and more responsive. In a world where many trainers have a stack height of 40 mm+, the Magnifly has a stack height of 17 mm. That’s why you feel the ground more. But the 17 millimeters of stack height provide cushion.
It rolls smoothly from heel to toe, making it easy to run fast. I thought it would likely become a daily trainer in my rotation, and that’s what happened. It’s a great option when I don’t really know where and what kind of run I’ll be doing. Maybe I just want something easy? Or maybe I want to pick up the pace for an impromptu tempo. The Topo Magnifly 5 can handle all of that and it feels natural to do so. In a world with high stack heights and carbon plates, it feels good to run in a shoe that lets you run how you run and doesn’t change anything.
Now, I feel as though I need to add this disclaimer. If you’ve never run in zero drop running shoes, it’s important to work slowly into them. Your calves and Achilles might be very sore for a little while. If you’re new to zero drop, the Topo Magnifly 5 shouldn’t be your only trainer. Get it as an additional trainer and slowly work into it. Your first run should be 1-2 miles, and it may take about a month or more for you to feel good in it.
Outsole:
I’ve used the Topo Magnifly 5 in various terrains, including on sand dunes and in inclement weather. It’s handled it all well, and I have no complaints. As always, with zero millimeter drop shoes, it’s important to work into them so you don’t find yourself injured immediately.
Durability wise, I suspect the Topo Magnifly 5 will last between 300-400 miles. I’ve always gotten great life out of other shoes from Topo, and I doubt this will be any different.
Topo Magnifly 5 Conclusion:
The Topo Magnifly 5 is a great daily trainer for those who want a natural shoe. It can handle most types of runs without issue, and I really don’t have any complaints. What is the closest running shoe to the Topo Magnifly 5? Likely the Altra Torin, although the Magnifly 5 does feel less chonky.
Who should buy the Topo Magnifly 5? If you are looking for a natural trainer that can handle the rigors of daily runs. If you are looking for a well cushioned shoe that you can still run naturally and not sacrifice your form.
Who should not buy the Topo Magnifly 5? If you have calf issues or your body doesn’t do well with zero drop. If you’ve never run in a zero drop shoe, this shouldn’t be your only trainer. Take time to work into it so you don’t find yourself injured (have I stressed that enough? Good.)
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Brooks Caldera 6, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried a zero drop shoe?
What is your favorite running shoe?
I’m seeing TOPO winning over the super high mileage camp at least in my areas of South and Central Jersey. Kinda cool to see them when you’re out and about on a run and pass some goof ball ultra runner going the opposite direction.