Topo Athletic

If you’re craving blue skies, fresh air, and the serenity of nature, it may be time for a hike! Whether you plan to crush some miles at a quick pace or slowly enjoy the sights and sounds, day hikes are beginner-friendly and easily adaptable to your goals. Although day hikes tend to be simple, shorter trips, packing a few essentials is key to ensuring you enjoy a safe outdoor adventure. So, lace up your shoes with wide toe box for running and get exploring with these six essentials. Day Pack A small pack is a grab-and-go essential that’s ideal for hikes. Reach for a low-profile, lightweight pack large enough to carry essentials but small enough not to slow you down. Depending on the terrain and length, a running vest may be a good option if you want to move faster. Sun Protection Skip the sunburn with sun protection. Think long sleeves, hats, buffs, and sunglasses to shield skin from the sun. For exposed areas of the body, choose a broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen that prot...

If you’ve decided the singletrack life is for you, a great spring and summer season on the trails awaits. But before charging out to the hills on foot, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially if you’re just starting out. Let your motivation to go off-road lead to happy trails ahead with these three tips. Less Is More at First Building endurance takes time, so a gradual increase in distance week over week will help get you in shape without overtaxing your body. The season is long, so take it slow with shorter runs or hikes at first, even if it’s just 20-30 minutes two times a week. More frequent short sessions are better than one big effort in the beginning. Plus, springtime is a great season for taking in new sights and sounds as everything comes to life, too. Stability and Balance Exercises One way to strengthen your lower leg muscles and feet is to try zero drop shoes with wide toe box . As you slowly build endurance, you can ease into the comfort of cushio...

Whether you’re logging trail miles or tackling rugged terrain, you want footwear that’s built for your kind of adventure. If you’re comparing trail runners and hiking boots with wide toe box , here’s how these outdoor companions stack up. What Are Hiking Shoes? Built to withstand rugged terrain, hiking shoes and boots are crafted with heavy-duty materials and feature durable design elements. Their tough construction provides protection, durability, and security on everything from gravel and dirt paths to muddy, slick rocks. Features typically include weatherproof construction, a fortified outsole with deep lug patterns, and a rock plate for added protection. Best for: Moderate to rugged terrain that requires long-haul performance and comfort. What Are Trail Running Shoes? As their name implies, trail runners are designed for off-road running. Lightweight and flexible, they come in clutch when you’re looking for a responsive, faster ride. From light trail runs to ultraru...

There may be a misconception that all zero drop shoes are also minimalist shoes, but in reality, not all of them are. Zero drop simply means there’s no difference in how high your heel and your toes are off the ground. This puts your foot on level ground, so to speak. People love them for trail running because when the ground is uneven, they find they have better control and balance. Here’s a look at some features you might like about zero drop trail running shoes , and you can decide whether they could be your new favorite pair. Reliable Cushioning A soft, protective midsole with a moderate amount of cushioning could be perfect for your trail runs. It’s neither too thin nor too thick, and it’s built for versatile performance. Just the right amount of medium cushioning does a great job of absorbing the impact of more unpredictable surfaces, like rocks and roots. High-performance zero drop shoes designed for tougher trail conditions are ideal for hikers and runners. Roomy...

The birds are chirping, the weather is getting nicer, and more runners and hikers are emerging from hibernation. With the transition to spring, one of your most important pieces of gear is your footwear. As an active, outdoorsy person, you want a shoe you can trust completely. A high-performance trail running shoe or hiking boot will keep you comfortable and confident all season long. Here are a few features to prioritize. Good Traction: Expect Wet Trails Whether or not your local trails had snow this winter, they’ll likely be muddy because spring is often rainy. The traction on your footwear will help you navigate the slippery conditions. Different types of technical Vibram® outsoles shine at this time of year, offering unbeatable traction on slippery terrain. The best outsoles combine grip and durability, giving you the confidence you need on unpredictable trails. Breathable & Waterproof: You Can Have Both If you spend a lot of time in wet conditions and want to ...

Are you the type of runner who’s tried every shoe out there, or do you just stick with what you know? Either way, when it comes to running shoes, comfort matters most, and you may not realize how comfortable a zero drop shoe can be, especially zero drop wide toe running shoes . Here’s why you should consider the features of modern zero drop styles and why they belong at the top of your spring running shoe wish list. Cushioned Zero Drop Shoes Feel Amazing There’s no height difference between the front and back of a zero drop shoe, which means this even-height platform encourages a natural feeling run and better ground feel. However, that doesn’t mean all zero drop shoes lack cushioning! Performance zero drop shoes offer various levels of cushioning so you can enjoy a comfy run without feeling every pebble beneath your feet. Wide Toe Box Styles Rock Whether you’re a trail runner or pavement pounder, you can find zero drop shoes for your preferred terrain. Newer zero drop...