Article by Dominique Winebaum, Sam Winebaum, Alex Tilsley, and Sally Reiley
Topo Athletic Vista ($175) and Switchback Gaiter ($35)
Introduction
Sam: The Vista is Topo’s highest stack height trail shoe to date at 38mm heel / 33mm forefoot, which is 3mm higher than the Ultraventure 4. Its midsole is made of Topo’s usual ZipFoam, a EVA/TPU blend. Its outsole is a Vibram MegaGrip with 4mm lugs.
Not a light shoe at 10.9 oz / 309g US9 spec. I have found it runs lighter than its weight due to its foam, effective rocker and flex while providing plenty of protection and grip.
The upper is a tightly woven single layer non stretch rugged mesh and includes molded elements over the heel counter for support.
An FKT TPU beads insole, always a plus, is included. Of course, we have Topo’s anatomical toe box.
Described as for “technical mountain terrain” its smooth flowing geometry and some flex has proven it to be for far more than just technical terrain for me as it has been one of the best “gravel grinders” of 2025, for sure an ultra shoe, and in a surprise given the outsole is also fine on road.
Pros:
Runs lighter than its (considerable) weight: Sam/Sally/Alex/Dominique
Forgiving yet stable and protective cushioning: Sam/Sally/Alex/Dominique
Very effective rocker with some flex: Sam/Sally/Domiique
Very secure and comfortable upper, breathable too: Sam/Sally/Alex/Dominique
Far more terrain versatile than its “technical rugged terrain” description calls out, very fine as a door to trail shoe: Sam/Sally
Attractive looking with a wide toebox that is not overly shapely: Dominique
FKT beaded TPU insole (but is heavier than a standard insole): Dominique
Cons:
Weight: ZipFoam, while ideal for this application, makes Vista heavier than competitive 2025 supercritical foam midsole trail shoes: Sam/Dominique/Sally
Could use more flex on uphills: Alex/Sally
Hard to keep the tongue in place: Alex
Notch tongue is a tad short in the center under the lacing: Dominique
Vista shown with Topo's new Switchback gaiter also reviewed here
Stats
Spec Weight: men's 10.9 oz / 309 US9 // women’s 9 oz / 255g US7
Sample Weights:
men’s: 11 oz / 312g US8.5
women’’s: 9.9 oz / 280 g US W8
Stack Height: men’s 38 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot (5 mm drop)
Platform Width: 90 mm heel / 80 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot US men’s 8.5
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Sam: Big and bold in appearance with prominent Topo branding on the midsole sidewalls, the apparent heel height appears exaggerated as the foot sits down in the midsole at the rear.
My eye is drawn to the stiff (but not obtrusive) molded rear collar around the upper part of both the rigid heel counter and densely padded ankle collars. All of this calls out rear stability and hold and for sure it is there but surprisingly not overdone or over rigid in feel. The rear of the upper is very secure and supportive with the padding just right, not too soft not too firm. All of this support is needed as the midsole is relatively soft for a trail shoe.
The Vista includes a front gaiter hook and a new velcro type rear holder that will attach Topo’s new Switchback gaiter or others with velcro type tabs. There is also a front hook.
The upper mesh is thin, densely woven, single layer, and rugged. No issues so far but I will keep an eye on the lateral front flex point, an area of potential failure as there is a definite fold there when the shoe flexes.
The midfoot is well held with the no gusset tongue (as always with Topo) featuring not one but 2 sets of lace holding loops. No tongue side slip whatsoever and a comfortable never relace fit.
The tongue itself is very lightly padded with overlays in an “X” pattern for the lace holding loops and to provide some structure and protection from the laces. A really well done tongue here although Dominique notes and I tend to agree it is a bit short due to the center top notch.
Of course we have the famous Topo anatomical toe box with no overlays.
Beyond the moderately stiff toe bumper there are no other overlays. My narrow to medium foot is very well held without any pressures, tribute to the stout midfoot and rear hold. Wider, higher volume feet should be equally as comfortable here. The overall fit is true to size for me.
Bottom line: As always for me, Topo nails the upper fit, hold and comfort here in a high stack shoe for trail. They focused on rear and midfoot hold to allow the anatomical toe box to provide room but no sloppiness in fit for the trails purposes here.
Alex: The Vista showed up at the same time I was waiting for a fresh pair of MTN Racer 4s, and when I slipped it on, still unrealizing, I was convinced I had accidentally ordered the Ultraventure. The step-in feel is just as plush as the Ultraventure, and the stack height is visually as large. (The comparisons end there, though, as I will get to later.)
Like all Topos, the Vista fits well around my wider foot. I have begun sizing up a half size in Topos – from my usual 6.5 to a 7 – after struggling some with blisters and a jammed small toe. The 7 so far has fit well, providing more space for the pinky toe without feeling too much like a clown shoe. I am not sure that sizing up is universally advised for Topo; my feet just seem to be between sizes, and for a shoe meant for long distances, I’d rather have a little more space.
Overall, the foot hold on this shoe is nice – secure without being tight – but I have struggled to get the tongue to stay in place. With the X-pattern loops, I’m not sure why this is an issue, but in every run so far I have found the tongue shifting toward the outside of my foot, enough that I’ve stopped to adjust it. But as usual in Topos, the midfoot and heel are secure, while the toes have room to splay, making for a comfortable but locked-in fit.
The mesh upper has been nice for spring runs through mud, as it sheds water easily. I will be interested to see how it holds up in the long term.
Dominique: In early April I tested the MTN Racer 4 and its increased weight over the 3 was a non issue for me as I run gentle trails at a slow pace and wear them for hiking. I have not run in the Ultraventure (like Alex), but have in several MTN Racer iterations, the MT-5, along with the Traverse and Trailventure 2 for hiking.
The Vista is a welcome addition to Topo’s impressive trail running collection, namely for its high stack height. Yet, all the added foam adds weight, especially as the ZipFoam is heavier than super critical foam, as Sam pointed below.
The Vista is roomier than the MTN Racer 4 in my regular size 9, but is still true to size.
The wide toebox is not as wide looking as in other Topo models as the midfoot has a wider platform resulting in a more attractive look, and is not as “clownish” looking.
The foothold is secure and extremely comfortable. Sam has highlighted the design of the shoelace system, which features 2 sets of lace holding loops, helping create a strong foothold, along with the reinforced padding around the collar. The extra loop for the rear’s runner loop eyelet was how they were laced out of the box.
The Vista features Topo new velcro based gaiter attachment system. At the end of the Vista review you will find my review of Topo compatible new Switchback gaiter.
I do like the lavender color of my Vista although I prefer a more stain resistant color in a trail shoe.
Sally: I do much more road running than trail but am determined to do a lot more trails this summer. These marathon training blocks beg for some diversification of activity, and I have always been a bigtime lover of the outdoors and have done a lot of hiking in the mountains in the past. Trail running is a logical extension of my road running and will let me enjoy the natural beauty of other locales.
I have really enjoyed and been very impressed with all the Topos I have run in, from the Phantom to the Specter to the Cyclone to the Atmos. I have done some hiking in Colorado and in the White Mountains of NH in the Topo Mountain Racer, and it has worked great for me. I was excited to try this new offering and have been thrilled with it.
The Vista is definitely more shoe than the Mountain Racer with a higher stack and a much heftier feel. It fits my narrow foot surprisingly well and holds it securely and comfortably without the need for adjustments.
I have had no issue with tongue slippage, and the marginal shortness of the tongue is no problem for me as it is just long enough to protect my foot under the lace knot. Heel hold is excellent, even on steep inclines.
The trademark Topo wide toe-box gives my toes room to spread out and breathe comfortably, a welcome fit right now in particular because I lost some big toe nails running the recent Boston Marathon. As a matter of fact, I have been reaching for the Vistas (and the newest Phantom) often just for everyday wear because they feel so good on my feet.
Like all Topos, these fit me well true to size. The attractive pale lilac upper won’t stay pretty for long, as there are some muddy trails in my near future, but the upper sheds moisture well and has stayed surprisingly pristine for too long. Let’s get them dirty!
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The Vista is Topo’s highest stack shoe to date at 38mm heel / 33mm forefoot matching their road Atmos (RTR Review). The platform at 90 mm heel / 80 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot is quite broad at the heel and midfoot for a trail shoe providing good stability to what is a relatively soft for a trail shoe.
Zip Foam is an EVA TPU blend here somewhat softer and bouncier than Topo’s lower stack 33mm heel / 28mm forefoot MTN Racer 4 (RTR Review) which weighs about the same but has a 5mm lug outsole vs 4mm here (rubber being the heaviest material in a shoe).
ZipFoam is not a supercritical foam and thus is heavier than what we are increasingly seeing in 2025 trail shoes. At 11 oz in my US8.5 I was worried that the Vista would be a lumbering heavy feeling shoe on smoother terrain. That is not the case at all as the midsole is on the soft side (softer than the Topo MTN Racer), energetic and lively and the shoe runs for sure lighter than its weight with plenty of deep cushion that is truly pleasing to run with the toe offs smooth from its flex and rocker. The secure upper and big outsole for sure assist in keeping this softer foam stable and under control.
Alex: The Zipfoam midsole is plush, but combined with the rocker and the secure foot hold it does not feel at all sloppy. Often in such high stack-height trail shoes, I have the experience of sliding off the platform when I hit an off-camber root or rock, but that has been very rare in the Vista, despite it being one of the highest stack height shoes I’ve run in. I think the rocker is to thank for that, along with the relatively low drop and the small amount of extra structure provided by the overlays that run along the side of the foot, from heel to ball, right where the upper meets the midsole.
The sheer amount of Zipfoam dampens the feel of rocks and roots along the trail, and I never felt the Zipfoam bottom out. The rocker is mostly subtle – enough to give some structure to the midsole without feeling intrusive.
Dominique: The Zipfoam midsole and high stack height creates a plush and protective environment for my feet. I appreciate a rocker given the fairly low drop at 5 mm; indeed the feel of the rocker is subtle and effective as Alex has stated. This said, the high stack height of soft Zipfoam midsole feels a bit clunky and a bit weighty. I do like a trail shoe with a high stack height, however, the type of foam, as pointed out by Sam, is not a lighter supercritical foam.
This is my third Topo with the FKT beaded TPU insole. They are my favorite types of insole for trail running and hiking as the feel underfoot is more springy and they are less water absorbing, thus helping keep your feet dry and the shoe lighter when wet. On the downside, they add a bit more weight.
Outsole
Alex: The 4mm Vibram Megagrip lugs have, so far, performed as advertised. Whether in mud or on wet rocks (or in muddy shoes on wet rocks), the grip has been stellar.
There is a portion of the outsole – roughly near the arch of the foot – where the foam is exposed. The tread is separated, with two patches on the heel, and then a patch on the forefoot with 3 “fingers.” I imagine this saves weight and adds some flexibility, but I am interested to see how the exposed foam holds up over time.
Sam: Agreeing with Alex the grip is stellar as Vibram MegaGrip almost always is. The 3 fingered pattern upfront allows for plenty of flexibility while remaining decently quiet on firmer surfaces. I particularly noticed that the larger contact area lugs at the front of the midfoot provide a smooth consistent push off sensation with ahead of that area the smaller lugs toe off grip.
While I appreciate the 4mm lugs on rougher loose terrain, I wonder what lower Vibram 3.5 mm lugs with side “Traction Lug” would deliver lighter weight and likely equivalent or near traction.
Dominique: I could trust the Vibram Megagrip outsole hiking down on a muddy and snowy trail hike, the 4 mm lugs provides great traction.
It's outsole that is runnable on pavement and which also feels great on gravel.
I am not concerned by the exposed foam given that it helps generates a smooth ride by adding flexibility.
Weight is already an issue with the Vista, so decreasing the amount of rubber without compromising the performance of the outsole is a plus.
Sally: As the trail rookie/road runner of the group, I expected the lugs to feel awkward underfoot when doing anything but rough trail running or hiking. The outsole of the Vista is just flexible enough to roll with the terrain underfoot, and the Vibram MegaGrip provides plenty of excellent grip, even on the wet rock of a local trail. Of course the lugs feel different than the smoother outsole of a road shoe, but I was pleasantly surprised that they did not prevent me from enjoying a run on hard packed gravel.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Sam: The Vista balances lots of distance worthy soft and deep cushion with a secure any trail ready upper and grippy outsole very well.
Positioned as Topo’s “technical mountain terrain” option it for sure can go there, and especially if you have a broader higher volume forefoot and need the extra room. It can also serve as an excellent ultra choice, thru hiking to day hiking shoe, never mind neighborhood walker.
That said I was really surprised how well it performed on gravel and more moderate terrain, even pavement. It’s surprisingly fast for such a big plush and yes heavy shoe. The excellent front rocker and some flex, thanks to no rock plate and none needed and the outsole design, had me rolling along easily on smoother terrain with my feet splaying and engaging with the broad 115mm front of the platform.
They are also excellent for walking and hiking, both of which I tested for. For me, they are stronger as a longer runs cruiser for gravel and easy trails than a big mountain shoe although due to their upper support they do just fine on more technical at slower run paces or while hiking.
Not a light shoe at 11 oz in my US8.5, with a big 38/33 stack height. I did not find them “plodding” or lumbering. The soft, for a trail shoe and for Topo, EVA/TPU blend was energetic, protective and never harsh, reminding me of the supercritical foam in the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro and Max with the outsole and upper providing plenty of stability and support. I do wish Topo made the move to lighter supercritical foams to bring the weight down closer to 10 oz / 283g.
Sam’s Score: 9.0 / 10
My deductions are for weight and for softish foam which requires extensive rear upper support, also adding to weight.
😊😊😊 ½
Alex: I started by comparing the step-in feel of the Vista to the Ultraventure. On the trail, they’re an entirely different experience. I found the Ultraventure super comfortable, but quickly out of its depth on anything besides flat, smooth trails. The Vista, in contrast, is surprisingly versatile. I first took it out on some smooth, soft, pine needles trails – where, honestly, the ride was sublime – but then brought it on some rocky, rooty, technical mountain adventures. For its size and weight, the Vista is shockingly nimble. I never felt like I was sliding off the platform or at risk of twisting an ankle or catching a toe.
The one place I did not love the ride of the Vista was on extended uphills. Because of the rocker, I could not quite get enough flex in the forefoot while running (shuffling) uphill on my toes, and after a while my feet started to ache. I noticed this feeling diminished some as I ran in them more, though, so it is possible that there’s just a break-in period as they got more flexible with use.
After only a few runs, I find the Vista is the shoe I’m reaching for when I’m headed out on a recovery run. (My previous choice was the Saucony Xodus Ultra, which is equally cushioned but noticeably sloppier ) Paired with the MTN Racer (the pair I ordered did eventually show up), I think you could cover just about every kind of trail run you’d want to do, with the Vista taking recovery runs and runs longer than a couple hours. The Vista is probably not a race shoe given its weight, but when you want a little extra cushion without losing connection to the trail, it’s a great choice.
Overall score: 8.8/10
(minus points for my issues with the tongue, the less stellar uphill ride, the exposed foam on the midsole, and the fact that the lavender colorway of the women’s shoe is just not my style)
Fun score: 😊😊😊 ½
Sally: As a nut who runs many miles on the road (and plans on racing five major majors in a 13 month period), I admit to being the trail rookie in this group with much more familiarity with road running shoes. But it seems I am starting off my new resolution to do more trail running and hiking with a great new trail shoe!
The Topo Vista is a high stack well cushioned and relatively heavy shoe designed for technical mountain terrain, but I find much more versatile than that. It has a comfortable secure upper, a just soft enough EVA/TPU blend midsole, and a grippy Vibram MegaGrip outsole with 4 mm lugs, but it runs smoothly on hard packed gravel and rocky trail alike.
I plan to wear the Vista for some upcoming hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire as well as the Rockies near Aspen, Colorado. Trail running excites me because I can approach it with no time goals whatsoever (so unlike road racing), and the weight of the Vista won’t bother me. I also see this shoe as being a welcome option for winter running once the snow flies here in the Boston area. I look forward to many trail miles running and hiking in this shoe.
Sally’s score: 9.0 /10.0
😊😊😊😊
Dominique: I have been enjoying the ride whether running on gentle trails or hiking on rugged terrain. The Vista stands out for its higher stack height in comparison to other Topo models as an option for those who seek a plusher feel when trail running or hiking. It also stands out for its higher weight.
One muddy hike has slightly blemished the lavender color of my upper though I felt they cleaned up pretty well.
For that reason, I prefer a more dirt resistant color for my trail shoes.
In the Vista, Topo has added a new model to its impressive collection of trail runners, yet RTR contributors tend to find shoes such as the new MTN Racer 4 (RTR Review) too heavy for racing, The MT-5 is the lightest of “my collection of testers” yet it is more a hybrid than a full trail shoe.
As someone who tends to gravitate toward shoes with a high stack height, the Vista appeals to me as a trail running shoe and light hiker, though admittedly the Zipfoam feels a bit heavy and clunky. I have gone back and forth about whether the Vista is going to replace the MTN Racer for me in the future, and concluded that I am still going to enjoy trail running and hiking in both shoes.
Overall score: 9.1/10
(minus points for the weight, clunky feel of the foam, tongue a tad too short with an unusual center top notch, my lavender color is not dirt resistant)
Fun score: 😊😊😊😊
5 Comparisons
LaSportiva Prodigio Pro (RTR Review)
Sam: somewhat lower stack height at 34mm heel / 28 mm forefoot and a big 1.8 oz / 51g lighter, the Prodigo Pro has a similar soft and bouncy ride with a dual supercritical foams midsole delivering the weight savings and a yet more energetic ride.
Both are great on gravel and smooth trails for me with the Topo superior on more technical trails at slower run to hiking paces and the Prodigo a faster shoe when run on smoother terrain and even road . The Pro’s upper is more secure through the midfoot as it has a knit type tongue and more minimal heel counter but less rear stable.
The Topo clearly has a wider toe box and more overall volume. I was true to size in the Vista and a half size up in the Prodigio.
If faster running on a variety of terrain is your focus at $20 more the LaSportiva is a clear choice and better value as it can also be a fine trail race shoe, even ultra shoe. If hiking and slower paces and a wider fit are what you are seeking, the Vista is a better choice.
While we can’t say too much about it yet, this summer’s releasing Prodigo Max is a much closer match with about equivalent stack to the Vista, a softer yet than either and energetic dual supercritical foam midsole and great stability and support. At 10.5 oz it is a half ounce lighter than the Vista and has for me been a yet more versatile shoe than either as it has been a star on both gravel at faster pace and more technical trails and is so far my top choice for as for our summer Alps trek
Salomon S/Lab Ultra Glide (RTR Review)
Sam: LIghter at 10.05 oz / 285g US8 with a far higher 41 mm heel / 35mm forefoot stack height, the Ultra Glide was one of my favorite gravel to smooth trail cruiser shoes of 2024 for its energetic ride, road friendly outsole and comfortable upper. Unlike the Vista, the Salomon has a dual foam construction with an inner supercritical foam core and outer denser EVA based carrier with a more dynamic ride on smooth and a bit less stable ride on more technical terrain.
The Vista clearly wins in the outsole department as while the Salomon’s provides lots of trail contouring feel its outsole coverage is more sparse and less effective. While the Salomon upper is roomy for the brand and comfortable, the Vista’s is yet roomier and more secure.
At $175 for the Topo and $250 for the S/Lab in most cases if weight is not a key consideration the Topo is a better value for its slower paces and hiking versatility.
Topo Ultraventure 4 (RTR Review)
Alex: The Vista is the Ultraventure’s rugged, outdoorsy cousin. Both are plush, but the Vista is more dialed and can handle a wider variety of terrain. If you primarily run gravel roads, I might take the Ultraventure, otherwise, the Vista is going to be way more versatile.
Altra Lone Peak 9 (RTR Review)
Sam: About 0.5 oz lighter but on a far lower 25mm zero drop platform the LP wins for yet more massive toe box room but loses out to the Vista in other respects for me. Quite firm and lower stack, I like the LP for hiking but not much else as it neither has the cushion or a running geometry (zero drop) I prefer. I have not tested the more comparable Olympus
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Topo Switchback Gaiter ($35)
Dominique” I received a pair of Topo Switchback Gaiter with my Vista. They feature a newer gaiter system attachment, namely the two hooks in the back of the gaiter have been replaced with a velcro tab.
This is a transition phase as older Topo models are compatible with the “Performance Gaiter” versus the “Switchback Gaiter.” The Performance Gaiter features a 3-hook fastening system to securely attach the gaiter to Topo’s running shoes specially designed to hold the hook in the back of the shoe.
The 2 hooks in the back of the shoe have been replaced with a Velcro attachment, which is more universal. I can now also attach the Switchback Gaiter to my Merrell Agility Peak 5 via the Velcro attachment. Likewise, I can use other types of gaiters, such as the Kahtoola SL Minimalist Gaiter, which comes in 4 color options, and which is slightly lighter than the Topo’s.
Be mindful when purchasing a pair of Topo gaiter that your Topo shoe is “compatible” with the type of gaiter, namely the Vista and MTN Racer so far have switched to the Switchback gaiter, with velcro versus 2 hooks in the back.
The Topo Switchback gaiter is extremely easy to put on and wraps around the top of the shoe via a large piece of velcro. It does a great job of keeping dirt, rocks, and twigs out of my shoes.
They come in “basic black” and along with the big Velcro pieces tend to retain warmth around your feet and thus are not the best option for hot weather conditions but they will come in handy in cooler weather.
The Topo Vista will release mid to late June 2025
TOPO ATHLETIC
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.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th 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.
Alex Tilsley Alex discovered running in college and was a happy 3-miles-a-day hobby jogger until her mom tricked her into running a 10k and it was all downhill from there. She has since run several marathons (PR 3:38) and dabbled in triathlons, but her true love is the trails, whether running, mountain biking, orienteering, or long-distance backpacking. When she’s not running or riding, Alex works full-time in education policy.
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
4 comments:
Any ideas on the exact release date?
Regarding the toe box width, is it on par with Ultraventure 4? Or is UV4 still the width king of Topo trail shoes?
What about MTN racer - same stack as Prodigio Pro and more technical than UV4.
The much-awaited trail Atmos, well, well.
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