The Topo MTN Racer 4 might look similar to version 3, but it’s what’s under the hood and under your foot that makes all the difference. If the previous version left you wanting a more secure fit, this update might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. I’ve actually never run in the MTN Racer 3, but I’ve heard stories about the fit and ride.
If you’re new to Topo, the brand has always embraced its own lane: wide toe boxes, lower drops, and simple design choices that appeal to runners who want connection to the ground without sacrificing protection. The MTN Racer series fits neatly into that philosophy, but with version 3, it drifted a bit too far into “trail comfort” and lost some of its technical edge.
Now, version 4 brings back what worked while addressing past gripes, mainly around the fit and security through the heel and midfoot. It’s still the same MTN Racer DNA, just better.
Before trying the Topo MTN Racer 4, I had a few questions:
- Does the Topo MTN Racer 4 have a big update? I wouldn’t necessarily call it big, but it does have an update to really enhance performance.
- Does the Topo MTN Racer 4 fit true to size? Yes. Topo is generally a wider last, but it does fit true to size. And bonus, it doesn’t feel sloppy.
- What is the Topo MTN Racer 4 made for? It’s definitely a trail shoe that you can run fast in. You can use it for daily jogs too…but for the most benefit, it’s a faster trail running shoe.
Now let’s get into an honest Topo MTN Racer 4 shoe review.
Quick Facts
- Weight: 10.1 oz
- Drop: 5 mm
- Stack Height: 33 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
- Price: $155
- Best For: Long trail runs, daily mileage, and moderate technical terrain
Topo MTN Racer 4 Fit
If you ran in the previous versions, you’ll be delighted to know the fit is a lot better. The upper material is still an engineered mesh with a durable feel and decent airflow, but the shape and hold have been refined. The most noticeable difference is the improved lockdown. The heel counter is taller, curves away from the Achilles, and offers a better grip without digging in. Hooray as someone whose calcaneus stress fracture came from an inflamed achilles.
Through the midfoot, the shoe feels more precise. Topo removed some of the excess volume that made version 3 feel a little sloppy on off-camber trails. The update brings back the confidence you want when bombing down rocky singletrack. You still get Topo’s signature roomy toe box, so if you have high-volume feet or like space to splay, you’re in luck.
In running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. In the Topo MTN Racer 4, I found the women’s size 11 to fit well. I appreciate the update to make the Topo MTN Racer 4 fit more true to size and not feel like there was a ton of excess shoe for no reason.
On another note, they say not to buy a shoe by the color but I do love the purple color of the Topo MTN Racer 4. We haven’t seen a ton of running shoes this color, so it’s always fun when you get something like that.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Ride
The midsole is where the magic happens, and luckily Topo didn’t overhaul the foam. The familiar ZipFoam feels slightly firmer and more responsive in version 4. It’s not a max-cushion shoe, but the ride is protective and smooth across varied terrain. There’s no rock plate, but the firmer foam and thicker outsole help buffer sharp edges well.
The 5 mm drop is a sweet spot for runners who like a little assistance on descents but still want a more natural feel. The stack height balances ground feel with comfort: ideal for moderate to technical trails without being overkill.
The MTN Racer 4 does best on terrain where you need traction and control. It feels at home on dry, technical trails with rocks, roots, and moderate elevation changes. I run in the Mojave Desert, and I’ve found it great for daily runs on the sandy trails. I rarely have any issues. If you are living in a drier climate (hooray desert dwellers), you will find it to be a great choice for trails. That’s not to say it’s a bad choice for wet trails, and it can handle those fine, but it just performs a bit better on dry trails.
Where does the Topo MTN Racer 4 fit into my rotation? It’s a fast, daily trail shoe. As someone who lives in one of the driest areas in the world, I appreciate that it can handle any of the desert trails. I feel like I have control when I’m running, and I’m able to climb up and down trails as needed without any issues. I really enjoy the ride, and I’ve also used it on some hikes with no issues. It’s just been a fun trail shoe.
For my first experience in the shoe, I took it on a short hike. I knew immediately it would be an awesome trail running shoe. My first true to run was a few days later in the desert and it was so much fun. I climbed up a desert sand dunes with no issues and it felt good the entire time. Since then I’ve logged several runs in it from longer runs (10+ miles) to shorter faster work and it’s been fun each time. There hasn’t been a run I’ve thought: I wish I had something else.
Outsole
Vibram Megagrip is back with 5 mm lugs, and while the pattern hasn’t changed, performance is still solid. It bites into dirt, gravel, and technical terrain well. Occasionally I’ll run to/from my local trails (about half a mile one way), and I can say I don’t love running on pavement. If you’re doing much of that, I would probably steer clear.
Still, the outsole is protective and durable. The thicker rubber adds a bit of underfoot security that normally requires a rock plate, so there’s little to complain about unless you’re venturing into the muck frequently. I’ve already put about 100 miles on the Topo MTN Racer 4, and I expect it to last at least 400.
Topo MTN Racer 4 Shoe Review Conclusion
The Topo MTN Racer 4 doesn’t try to be flashy or overbuilt, but the improvements in fit and security make a noticeable difference where it counts. I always appreciate when brands take customer feedback into account. It holds its own on technical terrain, handles long miles without issue, and still offers that roomy toe box Topo fans expect. If you gave up on the MTN Racer after version 3, this one is worth another look.
Who Should Buy the Topo MTN Racer 4
- Trail runners who want a versatile shoe with grip and comfort
- Fans of a roomy toe box but need better midfoot and heel lockdown
- Runners who log big mileage on varied terrain
Who Should Not Buy the Topo MTN Racer 4
- Mud runners who need a shoe that sheds thick clay quickly
- Road-to-trail runners who want a hybrid tread pattern
- Minimalist runners looking for something lower and more stripped down
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: Topo MTN Racer 4,361 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
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Questions for you:
Have you tried the Topo MTN Racer 4?
What is your favorite trail running shoe?