Article by Nico Wagner
Topo Athletic Aura ($170//180 €)
Introduction
With the Aura, Topo Athletics presents a new stability shoe with maximum cushioning. The anatomical toe box, in particular a Topo trademark, promises more space in the forefoot area compared to other stability shoes. Will the shoe deliver what Topo confidently announces - "Meet the stability shoe you've been waiting for"?
Pros
- wide toe box / good fit
- comfortable and breathable upper material
- reliable and comfortable cushioning
- stability
Cons
- Weight
- Grip in wet conditions
Stats
Weight:
Spec Weight: 308 g (men's EU 42 / US 9)
Sample: 322 g (men's EU 45 / US 11)
Drop and Stack Height: 5 mm ( 38 mm / 33 mm)
Available now. $170//180 €
Link zu allen RTR-Testberichten: HIER
First impressions, Fit and Upper
The upper material of the Aura is functional and comes pretty close to the ideal as we know it from Topo! The upper consists of a classic engineered mesh with a comfortably padded tongue. The additional loops that prevent the tongue from slipping are a clever solution:
The shoe is slightly narrower in the midfoot and heel area, but not so narrow that it is restrictive. However, runners with wider feet in the midfoot area should bear this in mind. Particularly noteworthy is the anatomical toe box, which is a relief after long kilometers in conventionally fitting shoes and offers plenty of space for the toes. The cut of the upper feels great on my foot: I have a secure hold and my toes still have enough room.
The fit is true to size.
Midsole
The midsole of the Aura is made from Topo's own ZipFoam, an EVA/TPU blend.
The midsole is made up of two layers: A softer layer directly under the foot provides comfort, while a firmer layer towards the ground provides stability.
Another important feature is the Y-Frame Guidance System. This modern support system, designed to keep the foot and ankle in position, is definitely noticeable. It includes a denser foam component in a Y-shape placed under the medial heel, medial midfoot and lateral heel for added stability. I find this works well: the shoe feels stable without being too rigid. However, runners with flat feet might find this support a little too dominant, but I didn't find it annoying.
The drop of the Aura is 5 mm, with a stack height of 38 mm at the heel and 33 mm at the forefoot. This makes the shoe one of the most cushioned models, but thanks to the low drop, it offers a more natural running feel than shoes with a higher drop. Compared to other max cushion shoes on the market, the cushioning of the Aura is rather firm.
If you're looking for a super soft, squishy feel, you won't find it here. But for long runs, the midsole offers more than enough cushioning and protection. I find the shoe balanced: it is comfortable enough for long distances, but at the same time offers enough feedback from the ground and a good rolling motion.
Outsole
The outsole of the Topo Aura offers solid grip on dry surfaces. On asphalt and paved paths, there is nothing to complain about. However, as soon as it gets wet, the traction decreases significantly. The shoe then tends to slip, which can be particularly unpleasant on slippery surfaces. Anyone who regularly runs in changing or wet conditions should be aware of this and possibly consider an alternative.
Running Feel, Conclusions and Recommendations
All in all, the Topo Aura is a good choice for anyone looking for a shoe with maximum cushioning and additional stability. Runners with wider feet and/or the need for more support will find what they are looking for here. The combination of Topo's anatomical fit, ample cushioning and well-dosed stability makes the Aura a reliable partner for long runs and daily use. It offers a stable and comfortable ride that is particularly suitable for relaxed runs.
If you're looking for a shoe for fast units, you've come to the wrong place. The Aura is a cruiser designed for comfort and stability. So if you are looking for a stable, maximally cushioned shoe that is also suitable for slightly heavier runners, you should definitely consider the Topo Aura.
Nico´s Score: 8.5/10
(-0.5 Weight, -1 Wet Grip)
2 Comparisons
Altra Via Olympus 2 (RTR Review)
Compared to the Altra Via Olympus 2, the difference in drop is immediately noticeable: The Altra relies on zero drop, i.e. 0 mm drop, while the Topo Aura has a drop of 5 mm. With their wide fit, both shoes offer plenty of room for the toes, although the Altra Via Olympus tends to be softer and less stable than the Aura. In terms of weight, the Topo Aura has a slight advantage. Both shoes in US 11. The Altra is 10 euros less.
Hoka Gaviota 5
The Hoka Gaviota 5 differs from the Topo Aura with its 6 mm drop and a stack height of 36 mm at the heel and 30 mm at the forefoot. Both shoes are designed for comfort and cushioning, with the Hoka Gaviota 5 feeling even softer than the Topo Aura. The Hoka Gaviota 5 is lighter and more dynamic, while the Topo Aura offers more stability. Both shoes in US 11. The Hoka is 10 euros less.
Shopping at our partners below for the Aura is much appreciated and helps support RoadTrailRun
Tester
Nico Wagner (Innsbruck, ~70kg, middle and forefoot runner). My running career began in the classic way with road running. To make my training more varied, I have occasionally explored the trails around the Kahlenberg north of Vienna. After moving to Innsbruck in 2020 and my enthusiasm for the mountains, I now mainly run on the trails of the Innsbruck Nordkette and have taken part in various events such as the Grossglockner Ultra Trail and the Innsbruck Alpine at different distances (20-85 km). In the off-season and in winter, I also like to spend my time ski touring, mountaineering or climbing.
Link to all RTR Reviews: HERE
Translated from Nico's original German review with the assistance of Deepl.com
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