Topo Athletic

As a runner, you’ve probably wondered if a new pair of shoes can actually help you run faster or shave a couple seconds off your mile time. While there’s not a magic sneaker out there that guarantees a new personal record on your next run, a properly fitting shoe can influence your efficiency, comfort, and confidence. Certain aspects of a shoe are simply better when they’re fresh out of the box, so here are a few details you may notice. More Bounce in Your Step Fresh shoes instantly feel more responsive. This may feel like the shoe gives you better energy return, whether it’s zero drop running shoes for the trails or a max-cushioned road trainer. Shoes built with a springy foam midsole should offer excellent rebound over the life of the shoe. A running shoe with great energy return may help you run faster and decrease potential injury. If your shoe helps propel you forward and supports your feet, you can be well on your way to shaving off time. Better Running Form Form ...

Summer is winding down, and that’s when the trail running season starts to shift into another gear. The longer daylight hours, dusty singletrack, and post-run meetups of summer may be fading, but there’s still time to soak it all in and celebrate everything you’ve accomplished. Whether you’ve been training hard or simply embracing the journey, here are four feel-good ways to send off your summer trail season. 1. Enjoy the Social Side of Running Group trail runs, race festivals, and late summer running meetups are some of the best ways to end the summer season on a high note. Also, if you want to volunteer but haven’t, try to give back to your local running community. Do trail work or volunteer at local races. Trail running is as much about connection and giving back as it is about fitness for many runners. 2. Treat Yourself to New Gear You’ve put in tons of miles, and now it’s time to reap the gear rewards. Are your trail shoes still in good shape or are they worn down ...

If you’ve been looking to switch things up in your road or trail running routine this summer, zero drop running shoes might be just the refresh your feet need. Designed to help you maintain a smooth stride, this style of shoe promotes alignment, balance, and connection to the ground beneath you. But are they the right shoes for you? Here are a few compelling reasons to give them a try. You just might fall in love with them. 1. Maintain a More Natural Foot Position Zero drop shoes are built so that the heel and forefoot are the same height from the ground, creating a “zero drop” platform from back to front. This mimics how your foot would strike the ground if you were running without shoes and encourages a more natural foot position while running. Instead of relying on extra cushioning, your body adjusts to using its own efficiency and alignment, which you may find grounding during your warm-weather runs. 2. Improve Your Running Form By encouraging a midfoot strike (inste...

The dirt is good, and the days are long. Summer is an invitation to get out there, enjoy the prime weather, and experience everything the trails have to offer. Have you found your perfect pair of trail runners yet? A great pair of performance shoes will help you enjoy every adventure with a smile on your face. Here are some essential features to look for to make the most of every summer mile. Breathable Materials for All-Day Comfort Mesh uppers and quick-draining insoles are key for a breathable shoe. These features need to be durable too, so finding that balance between lightweight and well-constructed will make sure nothing slows you down. If you like to push yourself on the trail and want to enjoy smooth movement through the gait cycle, low drop and zero drop running shoes could be the performance trail runner you’ve been looking for. Cushioning That Protects Without Weighing You Down Like all running shoes, trail shoes offer various levels of cushioning. There’s a s...

If you love being outside, have a strong connection to your natural surroundings, and love the way the trail feels beneath your feet, you might just be a trail runner. Your journey starts with a single step in the perfect pair of men’s or womens trail running shoes . Watch as the worries fade away and the feeling of empowerment takes over. It’s not only about fitness. Trail running is moving meditation, a path back to yourself and your breath, and so much more. Let’s explore the benefits of trail running and how it can help you connect to nature. The Loads We Carry Between careers, caretaking, relationships, and constant phone pings, we often carry an invisible load, a “mental backpack,” so to speak. Even a typical run with music blasting or metrics tracking can feel like another task on your to-do list. On the trail, you have an opportunity to turn down the volume on the rest of life. Tune into the sounds of your heart, breath, and the birds. It’s a time when you can foc...

When you run alone, you are the only one pushing yourself to run faster, go farther, and make sure you stretch after your run. However, putting on a pair of low or zero drop running shoes and running alongside a partner can have several benefits that may surprise you. No matter your current abilities, here are four great reasons to run with a partner. A Running Partner Keeps You Accountable If you’ve ever had a day when you haven’t felt as excited as usual to get out of bed, a running partner can help keep you accountable. When you know someone else is relying on you, you have another reason to lace up your wide toe running shoes and get out the door. This can be especially beneficial if you are a beginner trying to build a consistent running habit. On top of that, when you run with a partner, you can make sure you don’t skip over essential pre- and post-run practices like stretching and foam rolling. You Can Share Strengths and Weaknesses Every runner has strengths a...

As a runner, you probably know the benefits of lacing up your wide toe running shoes and pumping out a few miles. Running is great for your physical health, it feels good, and it even helps you stay young at heart. However, you can maximize these benefits by running with your favorite four-legged friend: your dog. Here are a few pawsitive advantages of running alongside your pup. Running with Your Dog Provides Accountability Dogs are creatures of habit. Once they form a routine, they like to stick to it. That’s why your pup expects their meals at the same time each day. And if you love being active with your dog, they get excited when they see you putting on your zero drop running shoes . Your dog’s innate desire for structure and love of being by your side is excellent because it keeps you accountable. If you know how much your dog looks forward to your daily run and are prompted by a subtle tail wag or a not-so-subtle tug at the leash, you’ll be more motivated to stick to your r...

As this year comes to a close, it’s time to think about setting goals for the year ahead. For runners, it’s always fun to set goals or start the year by challenging yourself to break out of your comfort zone. If you haven’t thought of a realistic resolution for the upcoming year of running in your wide toe running shoes , here are six New Year’s resolutions to consider. Create a Consistent Running Plan If your goal is to improve your fitness, consistency is key. While you may still experience some fitness gains from running intermittently, you’ll experience lasting and even life-changing benefits from practicing the healthy habit of running regularly. This year, commit to a consistent running plan. Train with a Group If you’ve only gone on solo runs, consider joining a running group this year. Not only is working out in a group fun, but it can also be a motivating way to keep your training fresh and exciting. That way, you’re more likely to stick with it. Plus, a runnin...

Lacing up a new pair of running shoes is an incredible feeling. When your old pair reaches their last few miles, a new pair can be revitalizing—for your feet and your running experience. Of course, finding the right pair of running shoes can be a complex decision. There are several factors to consider. Even if you loved your last pair, you may want to try something new. Or the design may have changed since the previous model. You may be looking for shoes that give you more room for your toes to spread out naturally. Or you might prefer zero drop running shoes this time around to match your evolving running style and preferences. As you mull over the features you want in your new running shoes—whether they’re your first pair or your 50th—here are a few quick tips to help you make the most of your new shoes. Factor in Where You’ll Be Running Simply taking into account where you’ll be doing most of your running can be a crucial first step in buying a new pair of running sho...