Article by Beto Hughes, Peter Stuart, Joost de Raeymaeker, Jana Herzgova and Michael Postaski
Topo Athletic Magnifly 4 ($125)
Introduction
Joost: This is the fourth pair of Topo shoes I’ve reviewed over the period of a year and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed them all, albeit some for different reasons than others. The Cyclone was an instant hit with my feet and even though the Fli-Lyte 4 didn’t fill all the running shoe boxes for me, it is still a great all-round workout shoe and looks great too. Both of those had a 3mm drop. Then I received the more minimalist ST-4, a 0 drop, 16mm stack height road running shoe which I liked a lot. So, I was looking forward to receiving another 0 drop shoe from Topo, this time a more traditionally cushioned one.
Before reviewing the Magnifly 4, I think it’s important to distinguish 0 drop from minimalism or shoes to supposedly make you run with a more “natural” running form. The Magnifly is a perfect example of this. It is in no way a minimalist or more natural running form inducing shoe. It is a fairly traditionally cushioned medium stack height running shoe which happens to have 0 drop. Too much has been made of the high vs low drop issue. Drop is a matter of personal preference and less won’t make you run faster or become less injury-prone. You also won’t miraculously develop a stride that would make Cheptegei jealous. I always raise my eyebrows when I hear someone say they simply can’t run in anything with more than 4mm drop or others in less than 8mm.
The one thing I’ve enjoyed the most in all the Topo shoes I’ve reviewed is the wide forefoot, foot hold and mild arch support. Let’s see if the Magnifly 4 ticks all my Topo boxes.
Pros:
Beto, Peter, Jana, Joost: Soft and bouncy with great response for a 0mm drop shoe and very stable platform.
Beto, Peter, Mike P, Jana, Joost: Great lock down on midfoot with plenty of space on the front.
Beto, Peter, Mike P: The heel counter locks the heel securely and midfoot lockdown works great together when picking up the pace.
Beto, Peter, Mike P, Jana: Zipfoam midsole’s response is great at different paces moderate or easy, with a very comfortable ride.
Mike P, Joost: Surprising flexibility, especially up front for its stack height at 0 drop
Cons:
Beto, Jana, Joost: No cons for the Magnifly 4, considering this shoe is designed also for newcomers to the sport.
Mike P: Agree with Beto, so reaching here- but possibly too much room up front?
Peter: Not as bouncy as I’d like
Peter: Zero drop kind of bums my calves out.
