Customer Reviews Topo Athletic Zephyr

I've been an avid Brooks consumer for years but was drawn to the lower drop and wide toe box (I tried Altra but they didn't work for me). Out of the box these were great - roomy in all the right places and gave me that feel of the road I like (more minimalist). And, they look great! However, these positives couldn't hold up to the fact that the shoes broke down very fast! I'm talking super fast. I was forced to head out and buy another pair of running shoes. For me that holds weight. Make these last longer and I'd be a repeat customer!

I've been training for a marathon so bought this shoe for some of the longer distances. Due to the plate, it definitely has a snap to it when running, but I thought it felt natural. I also have Morton's neuroma in one of my feet, and I love the fact that I can run in the Topo's without pain and without any special insoles.

I really, really love these shoes. So much so, that I had to write this review. I am like Goldilocks with shoes --- I always feel in-between sizes, I like "pop" in the midsole, and cushion. I can tell when a shoe affects my gait and contributes to hip or knee pain. I've worn so many different kinds of shoes in the last few years -- max cushion low drop, minimally cushioned low drop, zero drop, big brand max cushion high drop. The crazy thing about THIS shoe, is that I really feel that I'm running more efficiently. Sure, it doesn't have a pillow-y cushion, but I have found that I LOVE that about this shoe. I can feel the road (it is responsive), but my joints and hips don't hurt because I am running more naturally. My feet and ankles feel like they are gaining strength in this shoe. (I am a midfoot striker by nature). I cannot wait to wear this shoe for my next marathon training cycle (and subsequent marathon). The "rocker" and plate really help me complete my gait cycle, while the wide toe box help me with toe off (I can feel my toes land, rotate, and help me push off). I am so picky with shoes, even though I don't want to be. I can only hope that they do not change this shoe too much! This shoe feels great at 5k pace, marathon pace, and even on basic trails. If you are in-between sizes, I would size up.

These shoes are a total game changer. I bought them in both colors! I'd been looking for a new go to shoe since Brooks switched to the guide rails and threw off their fit for me. A friend of mine, who swears by Topos, let me try on a pair of her magnifly2's and I was impressed by the lightness, roomy toe box, and secure fit through the heel. I did some research and decided to give the Zephyrs a try. I liked the stability and all that I was hearing about the plate sounded really exciting. Who doesn't want to run like the wind?! I can't get over how they conform to my feet. They are so breathable and light. Superficially, the colors are so exciting! I honestly forget that I'm wearing shoes sometimes, which I think is probably the highest compliment I can give. I definitely look forward to trying other, more cushioned trainers for when half marathon time rolls around. The only minor note I have is the tongue is so minimal that it sometimes makes them a little bit of a pain to lace, especially since I use a runners loop. Other than that, I couldn't be more pleased. I absolutely love them!

I was getting over plantar fasciitis and realized my prior shoes with a 12 mm rise and narrow toe box we're doing me no favors. I had to work up to these gradually and I LOVE THEM! I highly recommend.

The roomy toe box was the main reason I decided to try these shoes out. The zero drop Altra's I was running in were causing calf and heel pain. I came across this brand in a local running store and immediately noticed the same roomy style toe box. These are very comfy, have just the right amount of cushion - not too much or too little. Calf pain is gone. Drop is still low but not zero. My runs are easier and pace is faster. Cons - the shoe isn't pretty and colors are loud with only two color options. That's about it. Sizing is accurate but I will say I wished I ordered half a size up.

These shoes are perfect comfort for someone like myself who is overcoming a foot injury. I normally have to wear men's shoes since women's shoes don't make half sizes in what I need. These fit great, though AND my podiatrist recommended them! Only thing is the heel is a tad too loose, the shoe laces are always coming untied, and I haven't even had them 2 months and the soles are falling apart (I have run in them maybe 5 times at 1 mile or less). I wish they were more sturdy, especially since they make my feel happy. Not sure if I want to invest in another pair if they fall apart this easily.

I have searched and searched for shoes to fit and feel like these do!! I can't do the zero drop, but the 5mm is perfect. I love the wide toe box, and I have never gotten a blister in them. I'm devastated that the shoe fabric near the ball of my feet is starting to split after only 200 miles. The shoes aren't too narrow and my toes don't rub as I run, so I don't know what else I could have done to make them last longer. One really minor thing was that I think they are a bit loud when running, probably related to the hollowed part of the sole. I'm just so sad they didn't last longer.

After four months of walking, my right toe's adhesive at the tip came loose, so I emailed and sent pictures. Although they did not "considered this defective," I returned and was able to get another pair. Now 4 months later, this pair is okay with the toe adhesive but the rubberized coating along the toe, started to crack, which has allowed the mesh to pull away. Now I have a "hole" looking at me, which is an embarrassment. The sole of the shoe looks brand new. The upper shoe workmanship is poor.

I love these shoes. I started using them for hiking instead of my hiking shoes. They are so comfortable I forget they are on my feet.

I love these shoes. They are so comfortable, no break-in needed. Lightweight. As nurse I treasure good shoes and this pair is certainly that! Toe box is perfect. No slipping and sliding.

I rotate 3 pairs of Topos regularly (Zephyr, Cyclone and Ultrafly 3) and occasionally use MT-3 for trail and Flylite 3 for 5K or gym. Total mileage 45-55/week. Zephyrs are my marathon shoes - I've run 3 in them. They keep my feet peppy and I finish with no black toenails! Note that I do wear running shoes two full sizes larger than my street shoes (not just in Topos). And I have custom orthotics.

I wear these shoes everyday. In fact they're the only shoes I have that don't hurt my feet. I can't tell how much I love these shoes.

I've tried probably 20+ brands of shoes from ultra minimalist to super cushioned and I've never found shoes more comfortable and better for running (and everything else honestly) than Topos. I recommend them to everyone! I own probably 5 pairs and will definitely be buying more. If you're looking for a bit of stability and structure under the forefoot, these are your shoebut all their other options are great too!

Please don't change a thing. I love all my Topo's shoes. I don't wear any other brand because of my toe problems. I am able to run on the road and hike/run on trails because of Topo. The zephyr helps me land on the balls of my feet when I am running and I have no toe pain after running 5 to 6 miles. THANK YOU TOPO. I found my size in REI and I hope you continue to sell everywhere!

I wore Brooks for literally 10yrs and decided to try Topo for running after using the Terraventure 2 for hiking and holy cow, the Zephyr are my ALL TIME favorite running shoe. They are so perfect. The fit is spot on and the toe box is just roomy enough. I wear them road running, on the treadmill and on the rower. They feel so stable on any surface. I will be very sad when they get discontinued.

I use them daily for work. I am a fitness instructor.

I bought the trail/hiking style for when we go on moderate hikes in the mountains or to wear on long walks with different terrain. I love the roomy toe box and how the laces can be tightened to hold my foot in place. I tried other brands for hiking and my feet were very uncomfortable. There is no need to "break" these shoes in, they feel great from the start!

I love my new topos. The size I got is perfect with no socks. I think I will go up a 1/2 size and buy another pair to have some to wear in the winter with socks.

First time I wore these shoes on a 6 miles arduous hike my feet felt amazing! Great grip! Highly recommend! .

I struggled in the past w shoes that quickly became too wide in the last (midfoot), that I couldn't lace them well. These fit perfect as soon as I put them on and have remained a great fit ever since. Thanks So sad that the other pair I was waiting to add to my cart, didn't go up to a 10.5

I love the wide toe box. It allows my feet room to swell when it's hot and humid, and space to stay warm when it's cold!

They are super comfy. I love them so much that I have three pairs!

I love the toe width. It could use a little narrower heel. I probably sent back 50 pairs of sneakers till I found Topo sneakers. My feet hurt. All sneakers have narrow toes no matter what they say. Finally a company that didn't lie. And, you need sandals that accommodate orthotics, like fisherman sandals. Most sandals are not orthotic friendly.

Use these daily. Love the space for my forefoot.