Topo Athletic

Running every day might sound repetitive to people who haven't tried it. Ask anyone who laces up their favorite running shoes daily, though, and you'll hear something different: each run carries its own momentum. Routine isn't the enemy of motivation. It's the foundation for it. A few small shifts in your approach can keep your daily miles feeling fresh and worth chasing. Try Low or Zero Drop Running Shoes One of the simplest ways to refresh your routine starts with what you wear on your feet. Low and zero drop shoes encourage a midfoot strike, which helps you move smoothly through the gait cycle rather than overstriding and landing on your heel. That shift can translate into better balance and more efficient form over the long run. You can build up to feeling more comfortable and confident during your runs with a shoe that promotes more natural movement.  Start Your Run at the Trailhead Swapping pavement for dirt is one of the fastest ways to make running f...

  Running solo offers many benefits, from meditative moments to increased resilience and confidence in your abilities. However, this doesn't mean you always have to go at it alone. Running clubs provide a great way to connect and hit your stride with others, even adding a bit of friendly competition to your usual routine. If you’ve been thinking about joining a running club, here are six reasons to try it. Form Habits Getting out the door and onto the road or trails is often the first motivational obstacle a runner faces. Joining a run club can help keep your routine consistent, since your fellow runners can inspire you to show up and be your best. Join a Welcoming Environment Most running clubs are open to runners of all experience levels, from the casual weekend jogger to the seasoned marathoner. With no performance requirements to join, it's a beginner-friendly way to prepare for an upcoming race, enjoy the company of other like-minded people, or just get outdoors. All ...

Maybe the thought of bundling up on a freezing cold day and going for a run doesn’t sound like your idea of a good time. But have you tried it? It could be just what you need to stay active over the winter and battle those cold weather blues. Here are a few benefits that may inspire you to give running a try this winter.  New Shoe Day: A Reason to Get Better Kicks Comfortable performance athletic shoes with wide toe box construction will give you fresh starts…and fresh tread. Think of your purchase as an investment in your health, as well as a mood booster. The key is choosing shoes with a modern design, a roomy toe box, and outsoles that grip the pavement when running outside or smoother outsoles when using the treadmill. Natural Light: Gives Back Energy What you put in usually gives back aces, and running is no exception. You may feel more energized after a morning run outside, or you may notice less of an afternoon slump if you go for a jog at lunchtime. Being fit overall ...

Are you ready to chase your running dreams this year? No matter what your goals are, there’s always room for improvement. It’s not too early to start building momentum for the year ahead. By focusing on a few key strategies and techniques, you can take your running practice to the next level. Spring will be here before you know it, so let the following tips help make this your strongest year yet. 1. Work on Strength Running well isn’t just about logging miles—it’s also about building running-related strength. Strength training is a piece of the pie that often gets overlooked by runners. If you want to become a more powerful runner, upper and lower body reps a few times a week will help you maintain form and improve posture and stability. These factors become especially beneficial during challenging workouts or long runs. Don’t forget your core, glutes, and hips as part of your strength training exercises. Key muscle groups like these play essential roles in every run. 2. ...

Yoga can loosen tight tendons and ligaments, strengthen weak muscle groups, and help you become a better, less injury-prone runner. Many runners enjoy yoga and intentional stretching to improve their flexibility, range of motion, and muscular strength. If you are a runner who’s new to yoga, here are five yoga poses and stretches to help you run more effectively in your favorite pair of wide toe box shoes . Downward Dog Downward dog is a full-body stretch that targets your hamstrings, calves, and foot arches. To try this pose, start on all fours in a table-top position. Keep your shoulders directly over your wrists and your knees under your hips. Spread your fingers and press into your palms while tucking your toes and lifting your knees off the floor. Gently raise your hips to bring your body into an inverted V and breathe deeply for 10 breaths as you try to sink your heels toward your mat. Low Lunge A low lunge stretches your hip flexor muscles while strengthening yo...

As the days grow shorter this fall and winter, you don’t have to give up your running routine. You can still lace up your zero drop shoes and run in low-light conditions. While running is best enjoyed when you’re alert and aware of your surroundings, running before sunrise or after sunset requires additional safety measures. Here are six tips to help you stay safe on your early morning or evening fall and winter runs. Wear Reflective Gear and Bright Colors One of the most essential safety tips when running in the dark is to stay visible to cars, cyclists, and other pedestrians from a distance. Wearing a reflective vest or a high-visibility armband can help others see you. Prioritize bright colors like yellow, orange, or green. As temperatures get colder, wear a jacket with reflective strips to stay visible on the road. Wear a Headlamp or Flashlight Wearing a headlamp or attaching a light to your running belt, shoes, or hat will also make you more visible to drivers. It ...

Did you start your running journey indoors on a treadmill or around an indoor track? Maybe you’ve since tried running outside on paved surfaces. If you’re interested in spending more time in nature or just want to try something new, trail running offers a different running experience with several benefits for your body and mind. Plus, pumping out the miles on local trails can help you explore your surroundings in new ways. Here are some of the top benefits trail running has to offer. Physiological Benefits of Trail Running Taking your low-drop or zero drop running shoes for a run on one of your favorite local trails has several physiological benefits. Compared to running on flat road surfaces, trail running can provide varying terrain to test your legs and lungs as you gain elevation. Plus, if you find a trail with a softer surface, when you lose elevation on the way down, it might feel easier on your joints than road running. Since trail running can be an intense physical challeng...

Are you among the millions of people worldwide who headed out for at least one run or jog within the past year? Running has always been a popular way to stay active and get fit, and that won’t change anytime soon. Whether you occasionally lace up for a lap around the block or sign up for every local race in your area, you know just how important a running shoe can be. With the awareness of comfort and performance comes the emergence of the wide toe box running shoes and foot shaped sneakers many people are sporting these days for running and beyond. Here’s why this style is gaining momentum and why you might want to try it for your next pair. 1. Increased Comfort One of the primary advantages of wide toe box running shoes is the simple fact that they are more comfortable to wear. Traditional running shoes often have narrow toe boxes that can squeeze your toes together, leading to possible discomfort, blisters, and even long-term issues like bunions. Athletic shoes with wi...