Customer Reviews Topo Athletic Specter

Im in my late 60's and these shoes have allowed me to run more frequently. I wore Brooks forever and when they narrowed the toe box last year I had to search for a new shoe. I literally tried on hundreds and nothing gave me support, cushion, narrow enough with room in toe box,etc. As I've aged my feet got flatter, developed a bunion and I lost the fatty cushion on the ball of my feet...this shoe takes care of all of those issues. I do not run long distances, but I can now run consecutive days with out foot or joint pain. Now TOPO please offer the specter with a vibram sole for trail and I'll be even happier (although I own and wear the ultraventure pro and just ordered Trailventure)

These are amazing!!! Seriously if Altra and Hoka had a baby!!!

I'll preface this by saying I'm not a big fan of foam (really dislike Hokas) I use Topo trail shoes for hiking and absolutely love them. So I figured I'd give these new shoes a try for road running, not expecting to like them. I was really surprised at the comfort and nice cushion without losing the "snap" and responsiveness of a lower shoe. These are super light and fast. The typical wide toe box adds comfort. I usually go up a full size for running shoes and these fit TTS. Good job Topo!

First the good. These shoes are very comfortable right out of the box. The wide toe box is amazing and I can only hope other shoe companies catch on. Additionally, they are nice and snug in the heel, so no slipping. Why only 2 stars then? Because I have less than 150 miles on them and the soles are completely worn down, the overlay rubber has separated from bottom in 4 places and their former "cushy" comfort has compressed and now offers no spring whatsoever. For the price, this is highway robbery. Less than 150 miles of walking...I'm not even running in them. My Topo hiking shoes are fantastic. nearly 400 miles and still going strong solid traction and predictable support. But for my money, the Specter amounts to flushing my hard-earned cash down the toilet. Big swing and miss on durability. If you don't heed my warning and take the plunge anyway, order 1-1 1/2 sizes up. Topos run very small.

I am on my feet from 6:30am to 6pm daily and longer on some days. These shoes are so comfortable and I love the room for my toes!

Love the responsiveness of this shoe! My first run in them was a PR! Great wide toe box shoe with relatively stiff responsive cushioning. No energy lost with these!

I've loved my Phantom 2s for a long time. The shoe guy at my local shop encouraged me to try these on and they won me over for the springy feel and cushion. Did a short brick workout in them today and they felt great looking forward to getting out for a longer run in them later this week! Topo shoes fit my foot so well. The toe box is dreamy yet the heel is nice and snug.

I use my Topos for everyday use. I was having significant pain in my feet that was waking me up at night while I was sleeping, and I was having difficulty walking. I was directed to a shoe store by a friend. The salesperson looked at my feet, measured for size, and told me what he thought was going on. He brought out several brands of shoes, and the last pair I tried on was the Topo. The minute I stepped into them, I had instant relief of pain. These shoes have changed the quality of my life.

I'm a casual runner and run through my neighborhood 5-6 days a week. I've always worn Phantoms, but I was excited when the Specters came out because they seem to be a slightly revised version of the Phantom line. I could tell from the first run in the Specters that I was going to love them. They are lighter than the Phantoms, and more responsive. And while I don't buy shoes based on appearance, I think the Specters are also more visually appealing.

I've been having an extremely hard time finding running shoes for my very wide, square shaped toe box with a narrow heel, shaped feet. I have a pair of Topos Phantom 2s that I use for my every day shoe and while they're a little loose width wise, they're perfect in the toe box. So, trying to find a new running shoe, I gravitate towards the Specters. The color choices are iffy at best. Like they finally gave the color blind guy in the office a chance to pick the colors this time. Brown? Yeesh. But I'm a grown up and comfort trumps style, or probably something like that, but I still don't want the kids to point and laugh. When these came, I thought they were pretty good length wise. I'm an 8.5 and that's the size I got. I just felt like this entire shoe was narrower than I'd expect from this brand. Even the toe box didn't seem as wide. I went on a treadmill run and I knew they wouldn't work. They're stiff and the mid foot is too narrow. My feet started to cramp. Also, they're on kind of narrow platform, so I didn't feel like my foot was very stable. My foot was starting to turn in when it landed. I'm sad these didn't work, because I like this brand. I just hope they don't go the way of Altras and start making every shoe narrow and defeating the purpose of the foot shape.

Loved the fit, loved the feel, and transitioned slowly; but when I ran in them for over 6 miles, I developed plantar fasciitis in both feet at the same time. This is clearly a shoe issue. I was in the first half of my marathon training and doing relatively low mileage per week, and was hoping they'd be a better marathon distance shoe for me. I believe it's due to their max cushioning and/or the minimal/no heel counter or some combo of both. Perhaps these will work for someone who is more biomechanically perfect than I. I have run successfully in the Fli-Lyte 2s (still my favorite ever) and in the Magnifly 3s (with a 3 mm heel lift), so I was excited to try these; sadly they are being returned.

Love these shoes. The Topo fit is great as always and the upper fits like a glove. It's light but with good arch support for my high arches. The awesome rocker and responsiveness propel me forward and encourage a nice mid foot landing with plenty of cushion. Fantastic shoe!

I wear them mostly for walking and hiking. The first shoes I ever bought that don't make my toes go numb. Wish more shoes were designed with better toe box for a better fit.

When I first tried these on I didn't think I'd like them, but I went for a run and loved them! They're responsive and cushioned. The laces do come untied a lot which is super annoying so I always have to double know them. I wish the 12s came in more colors. I do with the heels were thicker as I feel like they'll wear out fast

Why aren't these shoes more ubiquitous? They're way better than Hokas. IMO. I'm taking these shoes (I have two pairs) to Madrid and I have faith in them to make it possible for me to walk all day long!

I use my Topos as a daily trainer. I do my weekly long run in them as I'm training for the Boston Marathon. The feel and shape of the footbed is perfect. I really like the 5mm offset. The foam provides a soft comfortable step but also gives good springiness. The narrowness at the heel makes my foot feel very secure even with the wonderful roomy toe box. These shoes just hit the sweet spot in so many ways. Please make a marathon racing shoe!!

I love the support and extra room in my the toe area!

The Specter is my favorite road running shoe from Topo so far! I am on my 4th pair, and I go thorugh them every 4-6 months. I've tried almost every model of road shoe Topo offers, including the new Atmos and Specter is my favorite. I'll keep ordering them without a doubt. #sweepstakes

Responsive road shoe with a roomy toe box for my toes to splay. The foam infused isn't too cushy, but definitely provides a springy, cushioned ride that propels me forward.

I use my Topos for both city walking and gym activities.

They are so light I swear Im faster in them! also love the big toebox and airy upper. Returning to running after a few years of knee problems. Hoka Bondi 8 and Nimbus 25 have been kind to my beat up knees but did not realize how heavy they were until i stepped into these babies! I'm normally 7 1/2 in all running shoes, and almost questioning if they are a smidge small but not enough to go up a half size. Specter works better for me than phantom 3 because second toe is longer than the big toe

I love the wide tie box