I was excited to try the Topo Atmos because it’s different from any other Atmos shoe. Honestly, it’s different from almost any other brand out there. The Atmos is a max-cushioned daily trainer but also focuses on a lower drop, more natural running feel.
Topo Atmos Quick Facts:
Weight: Men’s 9.7 oz
Drop: 5mm drop.
Price: $160
Topo Atmos Fit:
The Atmos upper is made from recycled engineered mesh. Sometimes with recycled mesh, I found it doesn’t breathe well, but that isn’t the case with the Topo Atmos. Living in the Mojave Desert, breathability is imperative, but thankfully I don’t have to worry. I do wonder is the entire thing recycled mesh? Just the shoelaces? The tongue? I wish brands were more transparent about how much of their shoes are sustainable or recycled. Oh well, the recycled mesh feels good and breathes well, so I don’t have any issues with it.
If you’ve never tried a Topos running shoe, they tend to fit a bit wider with plenty of room to splay your feet. This is the case with the Topo Atmos, and I found that my foot felt comfortable the moment I put it on. There were no issues.
The one weird thing I found with the Topo Atmos was the shorter tongue. It wasn’t short enough to be annoying, but I did find it to be shorter than I would have expected. Other than that, the Topo Atmos fits well, and there were no hot spots.
In running shoes, I’ve found I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide, and the size 11 of the Topo Atmos fit perfectly with no issues. I appreciate there is also a wide version if you need that.
Topo Atmos Ride:
The Atmos is a max cushioned training shoe. It is unique from other natural running shoes because of all the cushion. The midsole foam is made from a proprietary blend called ZipFoam. The ZipFoam is unique to Topos and is designed to offer a balance of cushioning, bounce, and firmness.
As mentioned, the Atmos is the first shoe of its nature and has the most cushion of any Topo running shoe. I wondered if it would feel clunky because of the amount of cushion with a lower drop. Spoiler: it doesn’t. I’ve found the Topo Atmos to feel smooth underfoot, and honestly, I forget there is so much cushion. That’s the best kind of max cushioned shoe.
Durability and Traction:
While the outsole of the Atmos is a thin rubber, you don’t have to worry about sliding around because it provides great grip on slick surfaces. I’ve used the Topo Atmos in rain as well as on the sandy trails in the desert, with no issues of sliding around.
Topo always lasts a substantial time, and I expect the Topo Atmos to be no different. I’ve put around 100 miles on it with no signs of slowing down. I anticipate it will last between 400-500 miles.
Where does the Topo Atmos fit into my rotation? With the max cushion, it’s a great easy run/recovery run type of shoe. I appreciate the softness underfoot without it feeling too bulky or heavy. Honestly, it’s quickly become one of my favorite recovery run shoes for that reason!
Topo Atmos Conclusion:
If you are looking for a max cushioned running shoe, consider the Atmos. It’s a great option for more natural running and doesn’t feel “too bulky” or heavy underfoot. The Atmos met all the expectations I was hoping for! I’m already a huge fan and do a lot of my easy runs in it!
Who should purchase the Topo Atmos? Anyone looking for a max cushioned, durable trainer.
Who should not purchase the Topo Atmos? I don’t really have a reason not to purchase them, although if you are looking for a fast racing or workout shoe, you might prefer something else.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Atmos, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast ,
Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Hoka Cielo X1, 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:
What is your favorite max cushioned running shoe?
Have you tried Topos?