Article by Renee Krusemark, Jeff Beck and Sam Winebaum
Topo Cyclone 3 ($150)
Pros:
Modern “Race Flat” that can also be a trainer: Sam
Very light at 6.9 oz / 196g US9: Sam/Renee/Jeff
Super energetic low slung speed ride: Sam/Renee/Jeff
As usual with Topo, and nobody else does it better, a buttery soft upper with anatomical toe box that holds both wider and narrower feet well: Sam/Jeff
Solid short to mid distance racer for those who want to go unplated and lower stack: Sam/Renee/Jeff
Cons:
Heel can feel low unless speeding: would trade some weight for a higher heel to toe ratio : Sam/Jeff
Might feel narrow in the midsole when not striking fast from the forefoot: Renee
Most comparable shoes
Topo Cyclone 2
Nike Zoom Streakfly
Saucony Sinister
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 6.9 oz / 196g US9
Sample Weights: men’s 6.7oz / 189g US8.5 7.4 oz / 210g US10.5,
women’s 6.29oz / 178g US7.5 (Prior version :6.3 oz / 179 g US8)
Stack Height: men’s 28 mm heel / 23mm forefoot ( 5mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 85mm heel / 75mm midfoot / 105mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Sam: All white, sleek and fast looking!
And of course the anatomical Topo toe box jumps out as a defining feature.
.
The toe bumper is short, vertical and stiff, an essential feature of what is otherwise a wide toe box with minimal structure and a broad fit.
Renee: Low stack, non-plated shoes are becoming a rarity, and the Cyclone is fighting the norm. As Sam wrote, the upper is sleek and simple. The breathability is great, and with a quality pair of wool socks, I ran in morning temperatures in the mid-30s°F. For truly frigid temps, it’s probably a bit too breathable. Despite the lack of overlays, the upper fit is great for my low volume feet. As usual, Topo provides a secure midfoot with a spacious toe box. As a shoe meant for fast paces, I found the toe box to be a good balance of having enough room without being sloppy. I suggest true to size. As someone between half sizes, I always wear the half size down in Topo.
Jeff: As RTR’s resident toebox snob, I always appreciate what Topo is doing up front, but it's the rest of the shoe that can be hard to get right - and they nailed it. Not many uppers can be this breathable and minimal while also holding the foot so well. No overlays to speak off, and a very flexible heel counter, yet there’s plenty of support.
As Sam mentioned, the toe bumper is very stiff, but with a proper fit it’s not noticeable in any way. I agree with Renee, stick true-to-size for length, and the width works well for my relatively high volume foot - so opposite foot type to Renee’s, but it orks just as well. Topo really got the upper right.
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The midsole foam is a single lab of expanded beads supercritical PEBAX foam. There are no plates, shanks, or firmer foams in the mix. The 85mm heel / 75mm midfoot / 105mm forefoot platform is moderately broad while the stack by today’s standards low at 28mm heel / 23mm forefoot.
The PEBAX foam is soft and highly energetic. With the soft foam, lowish stack and 5mm drop here the Cyclone 3 is not a shoe for slow paced heel striking.
The full coverage rear rubber does a decent job stabilizing the heel on landings and preventing an excessive bottoming out if you do land back there with the front coverage providing response and stability on toe off but there is no mistaking it, the platform is designed for fast shorter runs rather than longer ones for most. The 7mm higher stack Specter 2 (RTR Review )also with a full PEBAX midsole and otherwise similar geometry and is the Topo for longer runs and somewhat more moderate paces.
Renee: Sam has the details. The midsole is lightweight and responsive. My first run was 12 miles, and I think the shoe has enough comfort for mid distances for runners who don’t need a lot underfoot. Of note, I run on dirt and gravel most often, which provides a more forgiving landing than pavement, albeit a much more uneven surface. I agree the Cyclone might not be great for slow paces and heel strikers, but it’s comfortable at moderate paces for those midfoot to forefoot striking.
The geometry is similar to the Specter 2, but because of its lower stack, I found it more comfortable. The Specter 2 felt controlling under my midfoot for uneven terrain, while the lighter Cyclone is more nimble. The geometry has a bit of a rocker, which is mostly felt when striking at the midfoot.
Jeff: It’s been a few years since I tested anything designed to be run quickly in, and I couldn’t agree more with Sam’s assessment of the ideal use being short and fast rather than anything long. Maybe it’s the constant uptick in thicker and thicker midsoles, because they are very nicely cushioned, but there are so many other options that are so much more cushioned that would work better for the long runs - especially for heavier runners like myself. It is great for speedwork or 5K-10K races.
Outsole
Renee: The very thin rubber coverage keeps the Cyclone at a low weight, and because the midsole is responsive, I did not have issues with a “bottoming out” feel some shoes have because of a thin outsole. The outsole does not provide much traction, but as a road shoe, it works well. My first run was in light rain, but I can’t say much for grip because I was running on dirt and gravel.
Jeff: The thin and simple outsole reminded me of the Topo Atmos, but even more minimal. The rubber is plenty tacky, and clearly doesn’t hinder the shoe’s flexibility in any way. I haven’t had the opportunity to run in them in wet conditions so I can’t speak to the wet traction, but the dry traction is top notch.
Sam: Agreeing with Jeff and Renee, it’s a thin outsole with full contact and tacky rubber. It should prove durable as the previous Cyclone’s were. I would add that the full outsole provides essential structure and a rocker to the soft foam and also some response
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Renee: I enjoyed the Cyclone 3 as someone who prefers to run daily miles in a low drop, lower stack unplated shoe. The shoe will work best for moderate to fast paces from a mid to forefoot landing. When running dirt or gravel, the Cyclone 3 provided enough stack for a 12 mile run, and I think even more miles for those who don’t need much underfoot.
I was reviewing higher stack shoes before the Cyclone 3 arrived, and I clearly felt the difference. While high stack shoes are great for high mileage weeks, I know I strike harder than I should if I run continually in them.
Training in the Cyclone allowed me to engage my core while running, an important issue as a middle aged, female runner. For speed workouts, I was running stronger than I would in a plated shoe, so while it’s more effort, I’m ultimately getting a better workout.
The midfoot might be narrow for runners with wide feet, or for runners who aren’t taking off fast from a mid to forefoot landing. I don’t think that’s necessarily a negative when considering the shoe’s purpose. I don’t consider the shoe a true daily trainer, but will recommend it for speed and tempo workouts.
Renee’s Score: 9.4/10
(-.40 slightly narrow in the midfoot, -.20 limited to certain paces/foot strikes)
😊😊😊😊
Jeff: It’s been some time since I tested a quick non-plated shoe from any manufacturer; it’s primarily been massively cushioned easy day trainers or super stacked and plated super trainers, so this is quite the departure for me. And while my body type and typical runs are about as far away from Renee as you can get (I’m heavy, slow, and run about a third of the miles that she does), she’s almost 100% spot on.
Topo doesn’t do big drops, so heavy heel landing runners aren’t going to love them, and so many other options have ~10mm more cushioning and a plate, giving extra cushioning and support underfoot, better for those runs that take 3+ hours. But, not every run needs to be marathon length to be worthwhile, and the Cyclone 3 is one of those shoes that excels at those uptempo runs for 3-5 miles (at least for us heavy slow folks, as the pounds go down the distance can go up).
The only part I disagree with Renee is the midfoot fit, I have slightly wider-than-D feet and I didn’t have any width issues but that speaks more to slight differences in foot shape. The upper is one of the best out there, there aren’t many shoes that are this breathable while also locking the foot down for different foot types, and it’s a Topo - so you know the toebox is great.
Ultimately runners who want a lightweight shoe with wide toebox for short quick runs likely won’t find a better option out there.
Jeff’s Score 9.45 / 10
Ride (50%): 9.5 Fit (30%): 9 Value (15%): 10 Style (5%): 10
😊😊😊😊😊
Sam: The Cyclone 3 is true to Topo’s motto of “Move Better”.
It has an anatomical fit that is comfortable and works for my narrow to medium volume foot as well as it does for broader higher volume feet. The unique Topo last and fit is consistently great, few or no other shoe companies do it as well.
Underfoot we have a lower stack height and super energetic PEBAX foam. As the others have said, this more minimal level of cushion and lively ride is, I would say essential to mixing it up, working the feet differently and more naturally in this age of max and super max shoes and plates.
As such it is for me a shoe for shorter faster “fun” runs although those who pine for the more minimal daily trainers of yore with a mid to forefoot strike and faster daily paces could certainly use it as a more general daily trainer. In addition to those fun runs, it makes for a fine 5K-10K racer as it is agile and nimble.
Not a huge update here, just the upper. Fans of the Cyclone 2 can confidently reach for a new pair and those who want a great fit and lower stack and drop (but not zero) unplated ride to include in their rotation, and especially if you have the need for a broader toe box, won’t find much better or as fun to run.
Sam's Score 9.1 /10
(for limits in uses at its pricing, slight gain in weight, wish for slightly thicker heel rubber for more pop on landings)
😊😊😊😊
Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Nike Zoom Streakfly (RTR Review)
Sam: Lighter yet at 6.0 oz / 170g (US9) with a higher 32mm heel / 26mm forefoot stack height of pure ZoomX as in Vaporfly and Alphafly, by the numbers the Nike is hard to beat if you want a super light lower stack racer trainer with no big carbon plate and a higher drop than the Cyclone. It even includes a small midfoot shank which the Topo lacks and could use. Even considering its incredibly lightweight I find the Streakfly to be a slightly better and more versatile trainer as the Streakfly’s rear of the shoe is more cushioned and a bit more firmly so. Topo wins the upper battle especially if you think you need more toe box room
Saucony Sinister (RTR Review)
Sam: Very similar in many respects with no plate and all supercritical foam on low platforms, the Sinister is significantly lighter at 5.45oz / 155 g (US9) and lower stack at men’s 25 mm heel / 19 mm forefoot ( 6 mm drop) . It is clearly a somewhat firmer riding shoe as a result of less foam but also due to its aggressive full coverage outsole which along with upper stabilizes beautifully, so well I even easily ran a non techical trail race in them. There isno comparison beyond both very breathable between the uppers. The Sinister is far more locked down due to its webbing straps and far lower in volume and width with a race flat or even track spike fit. It for sure leans more all out racing in fit than the Topo
Tester Profiles
Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.
Jeff Beck is the token slow runner of the RTR lineup, and as such his viewpoints on shoe and gear can differ from those who routinely finish marathons in three hours or less. Jeff runs 20 miles per week on roads and trails around Denver, CO (and sometimes on the treadmill when the weather gets too much for a Phoenix native). Jeff only got into running in his 30s, as a result his career PR's are 4:07 for the marathon and 5K at 23:39. Jeff has finished several ultra marathons, from 50K up to 50 miles, and is still debating if he wants to go down that road again.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
8 comments:
Would be helpful to compare to the Specter. I think it's a very similar shoe except more stiffness and cushion (based on the Cyclone 2, anyway).
would also be helpful to compare against the cyclone 2 instead of reiterating everything said about that shoe in this review. also, when is this coming out?
How does this actually compare to the Cyclone 2 then?
I have some notes in the review comparing to the Specter. The obvious is the difference in stack height, although underfoot the Cyclone is more flexible. The Specter felt too controlling with the rocker-like geometry. As you write, the Specter is stiffer than Cyclone 3. If you need that control, the Specter works well. If you don’t, the Cyclone is the better shoe.
Yeah the review seems like a copy paste from all the cyclone 2 reviews, so basically no new information here.
1. Is the midsole change from Cyclone 2? Or worth it to get the 2 on sale?
2. In the Topo line, what would be a good daily trainer to pair with the Cyclone?
Midsole is definitely the same. Still the beaded Pebax from the prior. The weight and stack are listed as the same. Maybe the upper changed? I'd wait for the 2 to hit the sale rack, unless you're *dying* for this new color.
For me it would be the Phantom or the Specter. The Specter 2 has the same midsole, just a lot more, plus a long "tail" on the heel which looks kind of clowny in my opinion. The Phantom is Topos regular zipfoam, so not as resilient, and a smidge heavier. But an absolute unit of a shoe, I've gotten insanely good durability out of the Phantom. The Atmos is another good high cushioned, fairly aggressive rockered Zipfoam shoe as well
I just got my fourth pair of cyclone 2 on poshmark for $29. I have probably 100mi left on my third pair and love this colorway enough (something i haven't said about topo in a while) that I will 100% get them when they come out.
Post a Comment