Customer Reviews Topo Athletic Phantom

Just as the headline says, I typically don't leave reviews. But I felt compelled to write about the Phantom because it's one of the sleekest, most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. I'm a runner who for years ran in Nike Air, then later in Brooks Ghost. However, Topo in my opinion is a cut about any of these brands. Extremely comfortable, they leave ample room in the toebox and enough sole cushion to be comfortable without feeling too "bouncy." And last...the shape. I love the aesthetics of these shoes, completely balanced and symmetrical, with clean lines and understated detailing. They looked just as good with a pair of jeans as they do with athletic shorts.

Love this brand for my problem feet. Wide toe boxes are a must for my surgical foot. I had a neuroma removed and have fat pad atrophy. There is enough padding that helps to relieve pressure on my surgical area. I really like the fit of Topos in general in comparison with Altras. The Altras fit is a bit sloppy where Topos fit like a regular running shoe with the right amount of snugness in the middle of my foot as well as the heel.

I need to wear a men's running shoe, so these are a little roomy in the toe box. My only complaint would be with the laces - they don't stay tied, so I started using laces from an older pair of ASICS that work well. I no longer get pain in the top of my foot once I started running with the Topos, so I will continue to buy these going forward!

As someone with a wide toe box who also wanted a shoe with some drop, Topo Athletic has been a lifesaver. I wear these as city and lifestyle shoes and would love for Topo to follow the lead of other brands like Hoka that prioritize style and performance. In fact, I would pay more for additional polish (more precise glue, better materials plus different color options). The fit is exceptional. After seeing the new Ultraventure 2, I can see the Topo team is heading in the right direction keep going!

Im an Ultra owner switched to Topo. I run trails on Ultradventure and road in Phantom..... Beat move Ive made.my feet love me

I used to run a lot more years ago and I just picked up running again due to this quarantine. I called the customer service to see which shoes would be the right fit for me since I have wide feet and had a bunion surgery on my right foot about 6 months ago. And I also told them I wear size 11 2E-4E in New Balance and never wore zero drop shoes before. They knew the answer right away. They recommended Phantom since these are the widest shoes they have and told me to go half size bigger since these shoes tend to run a little smaller in length. Phantom also has the heel drop of 5mm and they said that these would be good shoes to transition into the zero drop shoes. I truly appreciate how nice and helpful the customer service was. I looked at other brands and did research but ultimately decided to go with these shoes. I can't be happier. I already ran a few times in these shoes and they felt great! Enough cushioning but not too much, and toe box is roomy and they don't hurt my feet at all and the stability is great! I look forward to running with these shoes! Love them! Maybe when I start doing half's and marathons, I can be an ambassador? Thank you Topo!

I bought a pair of Ultraventures almost a year ago and love them. The Phantoms look and style appealed to me so tried a pair today. Be aware (at least for me) the cut of this model is much narrower and shorter. Regretfully I will return them.

More colors please

~40 mpw training, on roads/paved surfaces.

I can't run any more but these shoes give me the cushion without over cushion and toe room upfront. They are very comfortable and I have tried many different shoes do to crushed nerves in my feet. These are the best I've found for my issues and comfort! Please Do Not change these shoes!

I use my Topos for going out of the house. Errands or walking or whatever. They are the most comfortable sneakers I have ever owned. I'm sure this is because of the roomy toe box and narrow heel. Finally, a sneaker that really fits!

Love the big toe box and neutral cushiness. Ran a full IM in these (ok, I walked some :-)

Offer Lydiard lacing with lace locks

This is my second pair and I greatly enjoy the fit and style. Got a more flashy red pair this time to show them off. It feels like running on a soft cloud and I can't preach enough about the roomy toe box. If I had one comment it would be to provide a bit more grip. I alternate between the road and trail and during the steep sections it can slip on occasions. That is truly minor as I know this shoe is not intended for trail running.

I use them for walking and I love the way that they have lots of room and are very comfortable

I decided to give Topo a try after the other 0-drop shoe brand redesigned my favorite shoe and made it unwearable. I wish I hadn't waited so long. I cant remember ever having such a comfortable 1st run in new shoes. The toe box is roomy and the cushions is not too much or too little. I love them. My only complaint is why cant Topo give the shoe a full rubber sole like all the mainstream brands my wife uses. I can already see the mid-sole foam being worn.

I use these shoes for speed work and I love the fit and support!

I was a big fan of terraventure 2. But the terraventure 3 is amazing. As a disabled hiker I have had multiple brain surgeries, multiple spine fusions and refusions, to many knee operations. Topo has changed my life. I am doing more that I have in years from road walking to hiking. My feet feel good these really help my knees, back and whole spine. I always tell people if Altra and hoka one one had a baby topo is it. Great upgrade. Thanks as always topo.

Used this shoe for the first lap of an ultra (about 30 ish miles). Loved how responsive and comfortable it was! The fit is definitely true to size. I took these out on trails that were full of roots and rocks with 11k feet of elevation. Had zero issues with traction or fatigue. My only complaints were possible lateral stability and feeling some of the rocks. A rock plate may help here, but then that would add weight. Great job!

I have been running in the Ultraventure Pro for all of my trail runs and now that I have the MTN Racer 2, I reserve the UV Pro for my longest trail runs. The MTN Racer 2 is perfect for everything else. Its more nimble and runs well on buffed out trails but is rugged enough for the more technical stuff. I sized down to a 9 but could probably have stuck with a 9.5, even though the 9.5 in the UV Pro is a tad long. This shoes checks all the boxes: wide toe box, moderate drop, rugged and light.

Really nice shoe, didn't care for v1 as that shoe was too firm, ran short lengthwise, and didn't care for the warm upper material. Those issues have been addressed in this shoe. The cushioning is really nice, however at times I did feel some rocks with the loss of rock plate in this model. The tongue may be a bit thin for some. Periodically noticed some small debris entering the shoe right underneath the ankle area. Really nice update, upper is sooo much nicer than the original. Highly recommend.

Running outside

So an obvious draw to Topos is the toe box. Often over looked or not mentioned is they are extremely breathable. I am use to wearing Hokas so the Topos don't feel quite as cushy. Subsequently, they feel much much more nimble, especially with the vibram outsole. These are my go to shoes for short to mid mileage hikes or anything technical. I will be a returning customer.

Where them to relax in. Very comfortable. Luv the room in toe box.

The Phantom is a little more cushioned & heavier than the shoes I typically use (Newton Running), but have been a nice change of pace. As I get older (currently 63), I may transition to more cushioned shoes and this will be my first candidate. The overall design complements my natural running style.