Topo Atmos: A Shoe Worth Taking a Chance On

It’s been an extended period since I last delved into any Topo product reviews, excluding this past summer’s foray into their recovery collection. To clarify, my hiatus from Topo doesn’t stem from any dissatisfaction with their overall footwear quality. Rather, it’s a reflection of my experience as an individual with a standard shoe size—neither too narrow nor too wide.

Perhaps more notably, I am a runner who prefers/needs a little stack and something other than zero-drop shoes. Over time, I simply hadn’t found Topo’s offerings aligning with my footwear preferences.

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However, while Topo hasn’t abandoned their zero-drop philosophy entirely, there is some expansion going on. Enter the Topo Atmos—a departure from their traditional, offering a blend of enhanced cushioning and increased stack height.

Intrigued by this evolution in their design approach, I felt compelled to give the Topo Atmos a thorough examination. The prospect of a Topo shoe that catered more closely to my preferences in terms of size and drop configuration piqued my curiosity, prompting a closer look at this new addition to their lineup.

Looks:

While Topo probably doesn’t push the envelope in terms of cutting edge looks, the Atmos offers a splash of variety with its availability in three distinct colorways. However, let me be candid—the Green/Teal version is the one that truly captures my attention. While opting for a primarily off-white shoe may seem unconventional, especially considering the Pacific Northwest’s propensity for less forgiving weather conditions (i.e. immediate dirt stains on the upper), there’s something about this colorway that stands out.

In comparison to the more subdued black-on-black and navy/white options, the reviewed colorway exudes a vibrancy that’s hard to ignore. Despite the potential challenges of keeping white shoes pristine in a region known for its rain and mud, the aesthetic appeal of this particular colorway is, in my opinion, unparalleled. Sometimes, style prevails over practicality, and the allure of the Green/Teal Atmos is, without a doubt, too compelling to resist.

In person, I’ve noticed that the Atmos doesn’t exude the same level of “robustness” that I’ve come to associate with their other offerings. While it maintains a rounded profile, it doesn’t quite mimic the pronounced curvature reminiscent of a duck, which is a departure from what I’ve observed in their other models.

Fit & Construction:

Fit:

For individuals with wider feet, the Topo Atmos is a delight, providing ample room without sacrificing comfort. It’s essential to emphasize that these shoes aren’t specifically tailored for narrow feet, but do a really good job on even a standard-sized foot (see more below). However, if a roomier fit is preferred, the Atmos delivers.

Despite not being designed as ultralight shoes, they feel surprisingly lightweight in action. The cushioning is substantial, offering a responsive and bouncy feel without the sensation of being bogged down.

Upper:

The wider design of the Atmos is evident, but what surprised me was the lockdown achieved in my usual size, even with the generously-sized toe box. I would chalk that up to the support around the heel. The collar seems to keep the foot locked in – making more standard feet still feel snug and in place.

The simple recycled engineered mesh upper ensures a soft and comfortable fit with excellent ventilation. Despite lacking overlays, the single-layer upper holds up well with lock down and stability – again sharing that responsibility with the supportive structure around the heel. The collar contributes to a snug and comfortable ride, preventing any discomfort or hot spots.

While the non-gusseted tongue has stayed in place, its length could be improved, especially for those lacing through the top eyelet. Small lace loops aid in keeping the tongue secured though, so I haven’t experienced issues with it falling out of place.

Midsole

With a 5mm drop, the Topo Atmos deviates from Topo’s typical zero-drop design. It offers a solid ride with the max cushion midsole made from Topo’s ZipFoam formula. The soft step-in feel, lightweight responsiveness, and neutral stability make for an enjoyable experience. It’s not PEBA, but it’s nice nonetheless.

Despite expecting a potentially flimsy ride due to the departure from zero-drop, the cushioning was supportive without feeling mushy. Some gentle rolling through the stride, unexpected but appreciated, adds to the overall positive experience. It’s not the most cushy ride you will experience, but it’s not bad either.

Outsole:

The outsole design is thoughtful, featuring strategically placed rubber for durability. The forefoot rubber is curved, resembling a horseshoe, while the heel exhibits two parallel strips. The heel rubber is perhaps a tad bit thicker than the forefoot. Despite its seemingly uncomplicated structure, the outsole holds up well on wet roads, providing reliable traction.

Overall

In summary, the Topo Atmos stands out as a top-notch shoe. It feels like a must-try for those who may have hesitated with Topo before. Ideal for everyday training and capable of handling miles or slower recovery runs, the Atmos impresses with its solid performance.

The only notable “complaint” is the tongue length, but this minor issue doesn’t overshadow the overall excellence of the shoe. Unless you have exceptionally narrow feet or a strict preference for a next-to-skin fit, taking a chance on the Topo Atmos seems well worth it based on its remarkable features and performance.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!