Topo Athletic

If you’re an avid hiker, you’ve probably experienced sore toes after a long downhill stretch. And you’ll likely hear the same advice: buy shoes a half size bigger. That recommendation misses what’s likely happening inside the shoe. What you actually need is a shoe that lets your toes splay naturally in the toe box. If your goal is to avoid “runner’s toe” or “hiker’s toe,” here’s what features matter most.   Why a Roomy Toe Box Matters   When your toes have space to splay out, they’re better able to resist a forward slide instead of absorbing it at one small, cramped point. A pair of wide toe box hiking shoes gives your foot that room from the very first step, so a downhill section of your hike is more likely to spread that pressure across your whole forefoot instead of concentrating it on your big toe.   Let a Secure Heel Do the Work, Too   Ample toe room is a great problem-solver, but it’s also important to have a shoe that keeps your heel and midfoot secure. That ...

Fall brings long-awaited cooler weather and a final stretch of training before the upcoming races. Runners who fine-tune their approach in these last weeks, rather than adding volume for the sake of it, tend to arrive at the start line feeling sharp instead of spent. That fine-tuning covers everything from the pair of zero drop shoes you wear to how recovery fits into your schedule. Here's what to keep in mind before your big race. Build Upon a Solid Base Before Race Day The final six to eight weeks before a fall race should focus on consistency and skill-sharpening. Fatigue that builds too late in a cycle rarely shows up as fitness on race day. Stacking easy miles, keeping long runs steady, and resisting the urge to chase personal records all help your body absorb the work already done. Choose Footwear to Match Your Stride As mileage holds steady, footwear becomes one of the few variables still worth adjusting. Many runners find that zero drop shoes encourage a more nat...

Late summer seems to bring a sense of urgency to get as much accomplished athletically as possible before the weather turns. Trail running is no exception. Luckily for you, there’s still plenty of time to build momentum on the trail. Consistent weather, plenty of daylight, and a solid routine make it easier to add distance, improve endurance, or finally tackle the routes you’ve been eyeing all season.  Finish the season feeling stronger than you started with the right strategy, the right gear, and the following tips. Keep Moving Forward with a Main Purpose Instead of trying to improve everything at once, choose one clear goal before fall arrives. Maybe it’s completing a longer weekend run, climbing more elevation, or running your favorite trail faster than you have all season. A focused objective makes training feel more rewarding and gives every run a purpose. Lace up your extra wide toe box shoes and get one run closer to your goals.  Prioritize Comfort From the Gr...

A great run starts long before your feet hit the pavement. A few minutes of prep the night before can turn a rushed start into a steady, confident routine with your favorite zero drop running shoes . Whether you're training for your first 5K or just looking for an easygoing jog, these four habits make it easier to get out the door and enjoy every step. Plan Your Route Decide where you're running even before you decide what to wear. A neighborhood loop, a gravel trail, and a hilly park path each put different demands on your feet, so knowing your terrain helps you choose shoes suited for the surface ahead. Mapping your route the night before also means one less decision to make after your alarm goes off. Set Out Your Running Clothes Laying out your clothes ahead of time keeps your momentum going in the morning. Set out a moisture-wicking top and shorts, and any extra gear you'll want along the way, including a waist bag to hold your phone and keys. Planning a tr...

Whether you consider yourself a runner or you’re someone who does cardio just for a well-balanced workout routine, you probably have a consistent running schedule. Want to learn more about running frequency and how often you should head out in women’s or mens zero drop shoes ? Here’s everything you need to know. Why Did You Specify Zero Drop Shoes? Low and zero drop shoes offer some unique benefits compared to conventional running shoes. They have no heel to toe drop to encourage smooth movement through the gait cycle. Your running frequency doesn’t necessarily have to change when you wear zero drop shoes. But if you’re just transitioning to a new approach after finding men’s and womens zero drop shoes online , it’s important to give your body time to adjust. How Often Should You Run in Zero Drop Shoes? There are many reasons you might run. Your frequency depends on your goals and the time you make for running in your busy schedule. No matter where you’re starting from, ...

For beginning runners, running at night opens up all kinds of possibilities. This can be particularly helpful for anyone who wants to develop a new running routine around their busy schedule. Although running at night can be a very peaceful experience, it does come with its share of challenges. Before you lace up your   zero drop shoes   and head out into the night, you’ll want to prepare in these three ways. Get Your Running Clothes Ready   Laying out your clothes ahead of time is a practical way to stay motivated to run. It creates a visual reminder of sticking to your routine when you get home from work. Although it's a small step, it goes a long way to reducing the decision fatigue you might feel when it comes time to lace up your   zero drop wide toe box running shoes   and head out the door.   Invest in Night-Running Gear Running gear, like reflective tape and a headlamp, helps make you more visible after the sun goes down. The reflective tape can go ...

You’ve heard of Sunday Fun Day. What about the Sunday Run Day? For runners, this is their sacred time. It’s outside. It’s aerobic. What else does it entail? If you’re ready to enjoy this day of the week as one of your favorites, summer is the perfect time to do so, especially with a lightweight sneaker with a wide toe box fit . Here are some tips for focusing on “Sunday Run Day.” Embrace a Long, Slow Effort The fun of the long run is that the effort should feel extremely sustainable. You can sing tunes in your head or have a full conversation with friends; that’s how effortless it should feel. On a scale of 1 to 10, the exertion should be below a 5. You aren’t maxing out your heart rate. You’re just cruising along. If it starts to feel challenging, bring in a run/walk interval that seems sustainable for your goal. Learning to pace yourself over a long run is a fine art. Wear Comfortale Wide Toe Box Running Shoes A long run calls for your most comfortable running shoe, whether you’re a ...

When you want to optimize your gym workouts, invest in a pair of zero drop shoes with wide toe box . You’ve probably heard that they’re a great running shoe that helps you enjoy more natural movement with every stride. Did you know that they also make a great indoor training shoe? Here are four exercises that prove it. Treadmill Jog: Warm Up for Your Workout  Treadmills are a classic cardio option, providing gym-goers with a great way to quickly warm up the body for the rest of their workout or cool down with a walk afterward. Road running shoes with wide toe box make great indoor shoes for your cardio sessions. You can even get a dedicated pair that you use exclusively for indoor training. Low and zero drop shoes offer a more natural experience so you can stride for more. Lunges: Maintain Your Balance While You Move  Doing a lunge with proper form requires balance and stability. Wide toe box zero drop shoes give your feet the room they need to act as a solid foundation with...

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...

Runners, gear up for the Atmos 2 from Topo Athletic! As the latest max-cushion shoe in their Road Collection, the Atmos 2 delivers game-changing cushioning for comfort that keeps up. By leaning into the features fans already love, this improved model is an ideal choice for both daily walks and long-distance adventures. If you’re interested in the Atmos 2, here’s how this max-cushion trainer is leading the way in comfort, fit, and color. Learn more about the Atmos 2 at https://www.topoathletic.com/ Questions? Reach out to the Topo Athletic team at info@topoathletic.com Max Cushion Made for Max Movement Maximize your miles with the max-cushion support of the Topo Athletic Atmos 2. These second-generation running shoes with wide toe box have innovated on the best features of the brand’s original max-cushion trainer to deliver an even more comfortable ride. Featuring an upgraded ZipFoam™ midsole, this iteration offers a lighter, softer, and more responsive underfoot experien...

The brisk air and the colorful glow of trails in the autumn light call to many runners at this time of year. Are you among them? Instead of hunkering down in preparation for a long winter, let the momentum of fall motivate you to enjoy fall running to the fullest. And don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of time to relax on the couch by the fire as it gets colder. Slow Down, Savor the Season At this time of year, you might be ready to slow your pace because your next big goal or race is months away. Fall is a great time to enjoy the change of seasons without any specific goal in mind. Opt for more of a sensory experience than you usually get on training runs. Maybe the goal is to just keep moving and be consistent. Plus, if you’re a skier, running will help keep your fitness up! Check Your Footwear Slippery leaves and frost can make running on trails or roads tricky and sometimes treacherous. If you’ve been running consistently throughout the warm months, now is likely a g...

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 ...