Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Shoe Review

I was excited for the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 to release. It brings a smaller update to a shoe that’s already built a loyal following, especially among runners who value a roomy toe box and comfortable fit. The Phantom is Topo’s most popular shoe, and I’ve had such positive experiences with it throughout the years.

While much of the running shoe world is fixated on max stack heights and carbon plates, the Phantom 4 does things differently. It features a moderate stack (35 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot), a soft and lively ZipFoam midsole, and a surprisingly dialed fit for such a wide platform.

The newest version, the Phantom 4, adds 2 mm of cushion, slightly softens the ride, and retools the outsole for better response…without adding weight. If you’re looking for a do-it-all neutral trainer that’s forgiving on recovery days but not sluggish, this is one to keep on your radar.

Before trying the Topo Athletic Phantom 4, I had a few questions:

• Does the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 fit true to size? It does. If you’re new to Topo, the brand features a wider toe box to allow your toes to splay.

• Is the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 a big update? No, they just updated a few minor things to make it the best version yet.

• Is the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 good? Yes, if you are looking for a daily trainer consider the Phantom 4.

Now let’s get into an honest review of the Topo Athletic Phantom 4.

Quick Facts

• Price: $145

• Weight: 9.2 oz

• Stack Height: 35 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot

• Drop: 5 mm

Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Fit

The fit is classic Topo…anatomical and foot-shaped but secure. If you are looking for a wider toe box, Topo is a great brand to check out. The Phantom 4 continues Topo’s trend of offering one of the best-fitting uppers on the market for a wide range of foot shapes. The mesh is soft, pliable, and breathable without feeling fragile. It’s not ultralight, but it feels premium.

Despite lacking a gusseted tongue, the Phantom 4 keeps everything in place thanks to Topo’s dual lace loop system, which locks the tongue down without adding bulk. The heel counter is semi-rigid, paired with a molded external piece that offers extra structure from the laces all the way around the ankle collar.

One of the highlights here is how the shoe manages to offer plenty of room in the forefoot without sacrificing lockdown. The toe bumper is tall and firm enough to provide structure but flexible enough not to cause pressure. The result? A shoe that hugs the heel and midfoot and lets your toes splay naturally.

The best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 does just that. I really haven’t had any issues with hot spots or blisters. One may think the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 upper isn’t glamorous or fun, but it doesn’t really need to be. It does exactly what you need a running upper to do: be comfortable and fit well. You really don’t need anything more in a daily trainer.

In running shoes, I tend to wear between a women’s size 10–11 wide, and the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 size 11 fits perfectly. I put it on and was immediately able to go for a run with no issues. I’m a fan.

Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Ride

The midsole is where the magic happens, right? Topo uses its proprietary ZipFoam, an EVA/TPU blend that offers a nice mix of cushion and bounce. The Phantom 4’s ZipFoam feels slightly softer than the v3, but not mushy or unstable. You don’t feel like you are sinking into a mushy abyss. It’s not supercritical foam, so you’re not going to get that trampoline-like pop, but it’s a comfortable, smooth, and consistent ride. It’s a great option for daily runs where you want some bounce but don’t need anything super responsive.

Even with the 2 mm increase in stack height, the weight hasn’t changed. I’m actually shocked! When I heard of the increase, I expected the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 to feel bulky, but it doesn’t at all. Unlike some foams that feel dead or overly springy, ZipFoam hits a nice middle ground.

At 35 mm in the heel, it has enough underfoot protection for long runs without venturing into max-cushion territory. The 5 mm drop is executed perfectly…it doesn’t feel flat or like you’re sinking in the heel.

Where does the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 fit into my rotation? As expected, it’s a daily run shoe. While you can pick up the pace, it shines as the daily trainer here to do the majority of your training. My first run in the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 was an easy run in the desert and I felt great. My feet felt like they recovered well and it was just comfortable. I’ve since taken it out on all sorts of runs, including some faster long runs, but it really shines as a daily trainer. I prefer the Topo Specter 2 for faster runs.

Outsole

The outsole sees the biggest change from v3. It now features a more linear forefoot rubber pattern and a decoupled heel for better landings. The result is a smoother transition and slightly snappier toe-off. The forefoot rubber also introduces a mild rocker sensation that wasn’t as noticeable in previous versions.

While the outsole rubber seems slightly thinner, durability should still be solid. I’ve put about 100 miles on the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 with no signs of slowing down. I think like most Topo shoes, I’ll get between 300–400 miles out of it.

As far as traction, I haven’t had any issues in inclement weather or light trails. It’s not a trail running shoe, so I would be cautious of taking it on extreme trails, but it can handle some light trails.

Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Conclusion

The Topo Phantom 4 is an awesome daily trainer. It doesn’t chase trends but focuses on being a solid, well-executed shoe. That alone makes it stand out in today’s crowded market of gimmicks and carbon everything. Seriously, I appreciate that. It’s definitely one of my favorite trainers for 2025.

Who Should Buy the Topo Phantom 4

• Runners who want a roomy toe box

• Those looking for a comfortable daily trainer with moderate cushion

• Fans of flexible, softer midsoles for easy days or recovery runs

• Walkers or people on their feet all day who need a balanced and stable shoe

• Runners who find most “super soft” shoes too unstable or squishy

Who Should Not Buy the Topo Phantom 4

• Runners looking for max cushion or carbon-plated performance

• Athletes who want a super light tempo or race-day shoe

• Those needing aggressive stability features

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2

Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review

Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura,  Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3 

Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4

Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here.

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 running shoe?

Have you tried the brand Topo before?