Article by Dominique Winebaum, Renee Krusemark, and Mike Postaski
Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 ($150)
Introduction
The MTN Racer is positioned as Topo Athletic's performance longer technical trail run shoe. While not at a towering stack height or plated, past editions have proven a reliable versatile option for any kind of trail run and hiking.
For this 4th edition, the fit is snugger along with upgrades in the shoelace system and heel counter while retaining Topo’s signature anatomical broad but secure and comfortable toe box and overall fit. There is touch more rebound with the inclusion of a new TPU beads FKT insole- which is also water resistant. The stout Vibram Megagrip outsole remains unchanged.
Pros:
True to size/Dominique, Mike P
Comfortable Topo fit with wide toebox/Dominique
Durable and protective upper/Dominique
Protective and responsive midsole with Zip Foam 2™/Dominique
Shoelace system has been upgraded for a more secure fit/Dominique
Firm and comfortable heel counter that is slightly higher than with MTN Racer 3/Dominique
Improved foothold and slightly snugger fit than for the MTN Racer 3/Dominique, Renee, Mike P
Vibram Megagrip Outsole provides great traction in both wet and dry conditions/Dominique,Mike P
New FKT insole that is water resistant and features high rebound TPU beads foam (same as for the Traverse)/Dominique, Renee, Mike P
New improved velcro heel gaiter system that is now compatible with other gaiter brands, such as Kahtoola/Dominique, Mike P
Color “Blue/Blue” is dirt resistant/Dominique
Reasonably priced at $150 for a technical trail shoe that can do double duty as a low top hiker/Dominique
Cons:
- Heavier than MTN Racer 3/Dominique, Renee, Mike P.
- Less flexible, stiffer under the midfoot/heel Mike P
- Upper elements (ex- tongue) seemingly overbuilt Mike P
- Upper lining seems to hold moisture Mike P
- Snug upper might be constricting for high volume feet: Renee
Please find the testers full run bios at the end of the article after Comparisons.
Stats
Sample Weights:
men’s 11.1 oz / 316g US M 9.5 (insole weight: 30g), 11.7oz/333g US M11 (insole:30g)
women’s 9.14 oz 258g (R) 8.85 oz / 251g (L) US7.5 insole weight .85oz, 9.7 oz/ 276 g / US W8.5
Total Stack Height: 33mm heel / 28mm forefoot (5 mm drop)
Platform Width: 80mm heel / 70mm midfoot / 105mm forefoot US W9
Available May 2025
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Dominique: Since my first pair of Topo in 2019 with the MTN Racer 1, I have gravitated toward both their trail and hiking collections; sometimes merging the two - trail and hike - with one pair of trail running shoes.
The MTN Racer 4 delivers just that, namely it is a technical trail shoe with a sturdy platform that doubles as a low top hiker. Mind you Topo launched the Traverse in 2023, a specifically designed low top “thru hiker,” yet the MTN Racer 4 with its improved foothold, remains a contender as both a trail trail shoe and low top hiker when the load on your back is manageable and the terrain not exceedingly rocky.
The fit is true to size and comfortable. Characteristic of the Topo fit is the wide toebox, which on this model appears to be a tad wider at the base of the pinky toe than the Traverse’s. I compared the width of the FTK insole between the two models and the one on the MTN Racer 4 is slightly wider below the pinky toe.
The width of the outsole is the same for both models, however, the midsole flares on the MTN Racer 4 in the forefoot in comparison to the Traverse. When bunions are a consideration for selecting a model over another, one might gravitate towards the wider of the toebox even it the MTN Racer 4 is not specifically designed as a low top hiker like the Traverse.
The heel counter is firm and comfortable heel counter and is slightly higher than with MTN Racer 3’s.
Notably, the foothold is very secure, something that was lacking with the MTN Racer 3. As per the specs description the fit is slightly snugger, which I would agree with and I am happy about.
Modifications in the shoelace system positively impact the fit and the foothold: punched holes versus sewn loops along with denser lacing over the midfoot.
The tongue is slightly padded with a rubbery overlay and features two cord lace loops anchoring the laces in place over the tongue as in most Topo footwear. Works great!
The upper is the same tightly woven mesh that is abrasion resistant.
Attractive looking in the “Blue/Blue” - and the two other colors, Grey/Purple, and Yellow/Green – though I prefer a darker color that is dirt resistant than a lighter one that can get easily stained.
This new edition features a new compatible rear velcro tab gaiter attachment system,expanding gaiter options beyond Topo’s Trail Gaiter.
Kahtoola has developed a new type of “minimalist” gaiter, The Instagaiter SL I am testing now which is just perfect for this Topo model.
The new improved gaiter attachment system in the MTN Racer 4 features a more universal front hook along with a velcro patch in the back of the shoe with hook-and-loop/Velcro® tape is included for footwear without built-in attachment.
Renee: Dominique has a great review of the upper. Like her, I’ve run in all versions of the MTN Racer, and v4 might be my favorite yet, although I do miss the quicker, lighter weight v2 that had better ground feel.
I can’t ignore the weight gain, however. This is not a lightweight shoe although the majority, if not all, of the weight gain is from the FKT insole. I’ll discuss more in the midsole and ride sections, but after my first runs with the v4, I think the weight gain from the insole is worth it, to a certain degree. The shoe is not a “racer” in comparison to other options.
Renee: The insole change is the most significant difference between v4 and v3. Aside from the insole, the next noted update is the snugger upper. I have a low volume, average width foot and the upper fits much better in v4.
In terms of ride, I think this helps the shoe feel less heavy as it stays tight on my feet. I do need to stress that snug and secure aren’t the same. Those with high volume feet will likely find the upper constricting. I hardly need to pull the laces tight to get a good fit.
Sizing is true to size, same sizing as any other Topo shoe. As someone between half sizes, I always prefer the half size lower for Topo.
Mike P: Details are covered above by both Dominique and Renee, so I’ll stick to my impressions here. Aside from the FKT insole, the upper is the major update here with V4. It’s definitely been tightened up a bit - especially in the forefoot area. V3 had an overly wide forefoot, almost on the level of the Ultraventure 3 which was quite roomy and also voluminous.
Given V3’s softer feel underfoot, that wide spacious forefoot did impact foothold and security at times. I liked the roomy comfortable fit in most terrain, and found it a very versatile shoe, but in more technical terrain the extra space was a hindrance. So here they’ve tightened up both the material and the width/volume in the forefoot. I’d say it’s back to being in line with the traditional Topo toebox now, where as V3 was borderline Altra territory.
Dominique points out the new lacing eyelets and that’s something I noticed as being perhaps a bit overbuilt here in V4. The tongue is another element that seems overly beefed up. These types of changes certainly add into the shoe’s overall weight gain. I’m not sure why they made these changes, as I’ve never had any issue with midfoot hold, and V3’s tongue was already improved enough over V2’s thin version.
The interior also gets a sort of brushed lining material, which is comfortable, but in my testing seemed to absorb and hold onto sweat noticeably. I returned from otherwise dry runs with the insides of the shoe feeling quite damp.
Midsole & Platform
Dominique: Same stack height as its predecessor, 33 mm / 28 mm, which is slightly higher than the Traverse along with Topo’s 5 mm signature drop.
The midsole is the same Zip Foam as in the MTN Racer 3, but according to a statement made by Topo product manager Russ, it is a bit softer on the periphery.
I am back in NH and left my MTN Racer 3 in Utah so I cannot judge the difference in the midsole.
The new FTK insole, which is made of TPU beads embedded in foam doesn't absorb water the way the prior Ortholite did, helping keep your feet drier and also absorbs less water weight while enhancing the overall feel of the midsole.
Overall, the MTN Racer has a protective and energetic midsole that is very pleasant underfoot without being plush.
Renee: The midsole might not feel different from the previous version, but the FKT insole makes a world of difference for me.
The v3 felt like too much shoe and a bit soft. The FKT insole provides a firmness underfoot and like most TPU beaded insoles, provides some responsiveness. I ran much better than expected in the shoe despite the weight. The total stack (coupled with the outsole) provides good protection underfoot and enough stack for all day or multi-day efforts.
Mike P: I find quite a difference in feel underfoot between V3 and V4. Stack is still listed at 33/28mm, but I measured my V4 at 37/33mm which tracks with what I’m feeling. It just feels like there’s a lot “more” underfoot in this new version. I’d say it also tends to feel firmer underfoot as well. The new beaded TPU insole certainly has something to do with that, but not entirely.
I also have the Pursuit 2 which also has the FKT insole - that shoe is zero drop and closer to the ground at 28mm, but it overall doesn’t feel as firm and its midsole feels a lot more flexible on the run.
MTN Racer 4’s heel feels way more noticeable than V3 - and not in a good way. It just has a blocky feel and it really seems to hinder that flexibility which was such a hallmark of V3. V3 was also listed at 5mm drop, but that felt less noticeable to me - V4’s 5mm drop does feel like it’s there.
Outsole
Dominique: Same Vibram Megagrip with as with prior editions of the MTN Racer and other Topo hikers. Protective with great traction on dry and wet conditions.
Renee: The outsole is the same as previous versions. I found the grip good on wet surfaces and the traction is great on debris covered trails. The insole gives a better ground feel than v3 because of its firmness, and I felt much more connected to my landings in this version than v3. The protection is also better. With a soft midsole in v3 I could feel the lugs underfoot, which is not an issue with the FKT insole. Perhaps I’m giving too much credit to the insole, but given my experience in other shoes with some type of TPU insole, I’m confident it makes this a better shoe.
Mike P: No changes here with the outsole - it’s the same as many other Topo models. The rubber performs well and is relatively long lasting. I tend to find that the lug edges tend to wear down and round out gradually, so you do end up losing some “bite” over time. I do agree somewhat with Renee here - the FKT insole does transmit a bit more feeling through the shoe, so I also tend to notice the firmness of the outsole a bit more on the run.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Dominique:I tend to give my trail shoes a harder workout when hiking than when running as I opt for gentler trails when trail running but when it comes to hiking I hit the White Mountains trails, which are seldom gentle. Yes, the ride is very pleasant, stable, and energetic when running trails. I plan to hike in my MTN Racer 4 as I did in my MTN Racer 1.
Though on the surface there appears to be only a few upgrades to this edition, in my opinion, they are major improvements. In comparison to its predecessor, the foothold is very secure and my foot does not slide inside my shoe. Improvements to the shoelace system and heel counter are contributing to a more secure foothold and snugger fit. I am also pleased about the new FTK insole, which is the same insole as for the Traverse, as it adds another layer of bounce and will help keep your feet drier as the water won’t collect, but drain.
A versatile option, the MTN Racer 4 can easily double as a low top hiker when not carrying a heavy load. Well priced at $150, I think it is worth getting the improved model when contemplating the MTN Racer.
Dominique: 9.53/ 10 😊😊😊😊1/2'
Renee: The MTN Racer 4 is heavy. I had other shoes ready during my first run in case I needed to switch. However, I enjoyed the ride. I ran well in these shoes.
I found them best for moderate paces. Even when running easy, the insole helps with turnover. There are no slow and sluggish landings for me given the underfoot feel.
I mixed in good efforts uphill and strides on flat terrain. Getting 50 miles for review in this shoe was easy, which is a testament to its diverse uses. That said, this is not a speed “racer” shoe but rather a protective option for long efforts or ultras with the ability to run fast/faster as a runner's ability allows.
I don’t think I would hike with it because of the weight, and at walking paces I’m not getting the benefit of the FKT insole like I am when running. I’d love to see the next version magically lose weight without changing anything else.
Renee’s Score: 9.4/10
Ride 9/10 (solid ride thanks to the insole but not fast)
Fit 9.5 (secure for low volume feet; maybe too snug for some high volume feet)
Value 9/10 (well priced for a diverse trail shoe; heavier than some comparables)
Traction 10/10
Rock Protection 10/10
Style 9/10
😊😊😊1/2
Mike P: On the run, the weight increase of the shoe cannot be ignored. In my US 9.5 (not even sized up for me) it runs 11.1 oz, whereas both V2 and V3 in the same size came in at 10.2 oz. I believe I had V3 as one of my top shoe picks last year, not for performance, but for pure versatility, and the fact that I enjoyed its flexible, no fuss ride over many different types of trails. Yes, they were a bit soft underfoot, and some did complain they felt a bit mushy, but I liked them for training, although I never did consider them a “Racer”.
V4 still cannot be considered a “Racer”, but now I also don’t find them enjoyable as an everyday runner. 11.1 oz for me, in this setup, is just too heavy. Some shoes can work reasonably at a higher weight, but this one now has a firm-ish feel, and does feel noticeably stiffer especially in the rear of the shoe. The loss of flex from V3 is highly noticeable.
After testing the Pursuit 2 (still in my rotation), I had high hopes for this version of the MTN Racer. I was expecting the improved FKT insole, plus some accommodations to the rest of the shoe to retain the fun, flexible/versatile ride. But they seemed to have added the new insole, and for some reason the shoe beyond just the insole feels stiffer and duller on the run.
I’m not sure where Topo was going with this model, but it does feel like a step back to me. Especially given the fact that they have the upcoming max stack/gravel Vista, plus the big cruiser Ultraventure. Seems like they should be going the other direction with the MTN Racer, i.e. lighter, flexible, more agile. This was more or less an update to an existing platform, so perhaps they have bigger plans for V5. I would hope for some more separation between this model and the Ultraventure/Vista.
Mike P’s Score: 8.48 / 10
Ride: 7 - Very solid, and more protective underfoot, but loses a lot of flexibility
Fit: 9.5 - Forefoot tightened up, but extraneous additions probably add weight
Value: 8 - The firmer, less fun run makes them less versatile
Style: 7 - The blues in this review are a bit dull, although bright yellow we saw at TRE was cool
Traction: 9.5 - Unchanged from previous versions
Rock Protection: 9.5 - Unchanged from previous versions
Smiles 😊😊😊
Renee: The newest version is heavier and it’s mostly (or completely) because of the insole. I like the FKT insole as it firms the midsole and adds some responsiveness but I do wish the shoe was lighter weight. The other main change is the snug upper, which has less volume than v3. If you need volume, go with the previous version and switch out the insole. Sizing is the same.
Mike P (9.5): Big changes from V3 to V4 - lots of weight gained, and I find a more protective and somewhat stiffer ride underfoot. As described throughout the review, V3 was much more flexible, with an overall softer feel (too soft for some). I preferred the flexibility and versatility of V3. With V4’s weight gain, it now seems like there’s not much to differentiate it from other competitive models.
Topo Ultraventure 4 (RTR Review)
Renee: The UV 4 does not feel like a higher stack shoe and I find it more forgiving and smoother on moderate terrain. For technical terrain, the MTN Racer is more protective and has a more aggressive and firmer outsole. For midfoot flex and more moderate terrain, the UV 4. For technical terrain or a need for protection, the MTN Racer 4. Sizing is comparable.
Mike P (9.5): My UV3 in US 9.5 was 10.3 oz compared to the MTN Racer 4 at 11.1 oz. What gives? The MTN Racer does have a burlier outsole and also now the FKT insole, but I always thought of the UV model as the cruiser model. I haven’t tested V4 which was just an upper update, but I prefer the ride of the UV3 over the MTN Racer 3. The midsole feels softer, more flexible, and just overall a better, smoother ride, with a lower weight.
Topo Ultraventure v4 (RTR Review)
Renee: The UV v4 does not feel like a higher stack shoe and I find it more forgiving and smoother on moderate terrain. For technical terrain, the MTN Racer is more protective and it has a more aggressive and firmer outsole. For midfoot flex and more moderate terrain, the UV v4. For technical terrain or a need for protection, the MTN Racer. Sizing is comparable.
Mike P (9.5): My UV3 in US 9.5 was 10.3 oz compared to the MTN Racer 4 at 11.1 oz. What gives? The MTN Racer does have a burlier outsole and also now the FKT insole, but I always thought of the UV model as the cruiser model. I haven’t tested V4 which was just an upper update, but I prefer the ride of the UV3 over the MTN Racer 3. The midsole feels softer, more flexible, and just overall a better, smoother ride, with a lower weight.
Topo Pursuit 2 (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): I really like the Pursuit 2 - perhaps my favorite zero drop shoe - it’s so supportive underfoot that to me it really doesn’t “feel” like a zero drop shoe. It has the same outsole as the MTN Racer 4, same FKT insole, but 5mm less under the heel (per spec). But it feels like a world of difference in terms of flexibility and agility on the run. I feel like I can go anywhere in the Pursuit 2, despite the fact that I’m not totally into zero drop shoes. The MTN Racer just feels a bit bulky and heavier on the run in comparison. I thought the 5mm drop in this model would really help, but turns out the zero drop Pursuit 2 is much more fun to run in.
Brooks Catamount 4 (RTR Review)
Mike P (10): The Cat 4 at $20 more is a steal in comparison and offers much more value and a way more performant shoe. Even if you’re not looking for a specific “racer” I find that the Cat 4’s plastic plate is still ok to handle in most terrain, especially in comparison to the now stiffer MTN Racer 4. I’d definitely take the lighter weight and lively ride of the Cat 4 in pretty much all scenarios.
La Sportiva Prodigio (RTR Review)
Mike P (10.5): This flavor of Prodigio slots in more as a mountain trainer and it’s only $5 more than the Topo. Stacks are very similar, but again the Prodigio comes in over a full ounce lighter in my equivalent sizing. Even with the MTN Racer 4’s more dialed in toebox, it still offers a bit more width than the Prodigio and definitely more volume over the top. The Prodigio’s toebox is one of their most accommodating, but it’s still not a Topo. The Prodigio has a somewhat similar stiff ride like the MTN Racer 4, but I feel a touch more flex and the lighter weight makes it feel more maneuverable.
TNF Vectiv Enduris 4 (RTR Review)
Mike P (10): Again similar stacks between these two, the Enduris being a touch higher, but with the Vectiv rocker the heel height doesn’t feel that apparent. The Enduris Vectiv ride has a smooth rolling aspect to it that is very comfortable for me and feels like it cruises easily. In comparison the Topo seems like work to turn it over.
Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2 (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): This is a very under the radar shoe from Scarpa and perhaps my favorite door-to-trail shoe that has definitely more trail range than most of those types of shoes. The fit is very secure, with a slightly more cramped toebox in my US 9.5. I did get to try on a 10 at TRE and that felt like the sizing I should have. The Scarpa is flexible and fun in a similar way to the MTN Racer 3. Cushion falls somewhere in between V3 and V4 of the Topos - not too soft, yet not as firm as V4, just right.
VJ MAXx2 (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.0): This one from VJ is a bit lower to the ground, offering way more ground feel and agility. The weight difference is extreme here with the VJ coming in at 8.6 oz vs 11.1 in the Topo. Yes, the VJ SuperFOAMance midsole seems to have packed down a bit after my initial testing, but for shorter outings, that much grip and ground feel is a lot of fun. They’re still in my rotation and I take them out for a short-medium spin once in a while.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
Dominique has run for over 45 years, consistently about 25 miles per week at paces between 11 and 12 minute miles and once a week down in the mid 9 minute miles. She races rarely, but always surprises more hard core runners in her age group when she does. She has a 1985 marathon PR of 3:16 in her second marathon which at the time put her on the top 10 Swiss women’s lists. An avid hiker and trekker, she has been around Mont Blanc 3 times, hiked Chamonix to Zermatt, and completed the 48 New Hampshire 4000 footers. She is the mother of two grown children, both runners post college, and also enjoys nordic and alpine skiing, tennis, and gardening.
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.
Mike Postaski currently focuses on long mountainous ultras - anywhere from 50K up to his favorite - 100M. 5'10", 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker - he typically averages 70 mpw (mostly on trails), ramping up to 100+ mpw during race buildups. A recent 2:39 road marathoner, his easy running pace ranges from 7:30 - 9:00/mi. From 2022-23 Mike has won the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M trail ultras, winning the Scout 50M in 2024. He also set a CR of 123.74M at the Pulse Endurance Runs 24H and completed the Boise Trails Challenge on foot in 3 days 13 hours, besting the previous record by 7 hours. Mike's shoe preferences lean towards firmer, dense cushioning, and shoes with narrower profiles. He prefers extra forefoot space, especially for long ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe boxes.
The MTN Racer 4 releases May 2025
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
How is the forefoot hold / and underfoot protection? I have the MTN Racer 3 and can't use them on technical (rooty & rocky) trails for anything longer than 10k as it is basically a blister guarantee. The forefoot is soft and twists when contacting the ground at an angle resulting in rubbing against the outside of the big toe and ball of the foot just behind the big toe. Same on both left and right foot so clearly a "design issue". Never had any issues like that with any other trail shoe (Olympuses, Timps, Saucony Endorphin Edge / Rift, Innov8 Trailfly .etc).
ReplyDeleteSuch a shame as it is a great shoe otherwise.....
Forefoot hold is great, better than v3 because of the upper change (less volume). The FKT insole provides firmness, so the protection is improved underfoot for that reason and the underfoot ride is firmer. All from the insole, which adds a good amount of weight. Might feel tight for high volume, wide feet.
DeleteThey should switch to lightbase and add a pebax core to the midsole.
ReplyDeleteAgree. The midsole needs to change, if anything just to reduce weight. The insole does improve the ride imo as compared to v3, but at the cost of a weight gain.
DeleteAnother year, another topo trail release with 1990's foam. Is it laziness? Is the company doing badly? Is their strategy head convinced that they just aren't competitive in a the market for shoes for runners rather than thru hikers? They have a contract for good PEBAX midsoles for their road shoes that are stable.
ReplyDeleteI’m hoping one of their more performance trail shoes implements a midsole similar to the Cyclone. If not the MTN Racer, then maybe the Ultraventure?
DeleteYeah, old midsole and old upper that retains water and is not that durable. Matryx upper would be nice. Sadly I will not buy this year's Topo. Hope next year they will catch the competiton
DeleteI have this shoe in for test currently. Will be jumping onto this review shortly..
ReplyDeleteFar too heavy for the name. Agree with the suggestions re Pebax…replicate the Cyclone + litebase megagrip outsole + modern upper = kick a— “mtn racer”
ReplyDeleteI like the shoe and the changes but I’d be using it as a hiking shoe and not a running shoe. At almost 68YO for running I want more plush even in the technical terrain I love the White Mountains.
ReplyDeleteI agree this should have gotten their Pebax foam (does it degrade faster in an off road shoe?) and I’d like to actually see the same stack height as the Ultraventure which is a few mm more.
Weight gain for me is a non issue.
I will mention 2 things. The change from lace loops to solid lace holes is a great change. These lace loops on so many trail shoes can and do break. Seen multiple reports of this happening including the Mtn. Racer. No off road trail shoe should use these kinds of loop IMHO.
2nd thing the reference that the insole adds any significant weight is really ridiculous. I weighed a size 12.5 Mtn Racer 3 Ortholite insole and a size 12.5 Traverse with the new FKT insole (I’ll put money on the Traverse and new Mtn Racer 4 will have the same insole)
The difference was .3oz or 8.51grams
Mtn Racer .9oz or 25.52 grams
Traverse 1.2oz or 34.02 grams
That’s in a mens 12.5. I’m sure the woman’s smaller size those numbers would be less and closer together.
If you can feel that difference your God and maybe should be pursuing bigger thing 😆
I think with all the testing you people do you start to see things through coke bottle glasses and really over nit pick for the smallest things that would ever be noticed by the majority.
How about doing your full tests and reviews BEFORE ever throwing the shoes on a scale. It obviously distorts your view of reality. My opinion.