Kit Review

Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4

The Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 sits firmly in the “do-it-all trail shoe” category — a versatile option designed for runners who want comfort, grip, stability, and natural foot movement across a wide variety of terrain. It balances cushioning and responsiveness really well, making it equally capable on hard-packed trails, technical mountain sections, softer ground, and ultra distances.

Stack Height: 33mm Heel / 28mm Forefoot
Weight: 295g (Men’s UK 8)
Drop: 5mm
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
Best For: Mixed terrain, long trail runs, ultras, mountain trails

Topo Men's MTN Racer 4 in Navy/Orange

Navy £140.00

I’ve used a lot of trail shoes over the years, but the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 has become one of those shoes I keep reaching for whenever I’ve got long miles, mixed terrain, or a big day in the hills ahead.

What stands out immediately with the MTN Racer 4 is the foot-shaped toe box. If you’re someone who struggles with narrow-fitting trail shoes or likes your toes to spread naturally on longer runs, these feel fantastic straight away. There’s loads of room up front without the shoe feeling sloppy or unstable through the midfoot and heel.

For me, it really hits a sweet spot between cushioning, responsiveness, grip, and stability.

I used the MTN Racer 4 during GB Ultras Wales 50 2025, and it handled everything brilliantly. The cushioning was ideal on the harder packed trails and woodland sections, while the shoe still felt responsive enough across rocky sections and the more technical terrain through the Rhinogs. On softer ground and muddy sections, the grip gave plenty of confidence without feeling overly aggressive on firmer surfaces.

That versatility is probably the biggest strength of this shoe.

Some trail shoes feel amazing on one type of terrain but struggle elsewhere. The MTN Racer 4 feels capable across pretty much everything most UK trail runners are likely to encounter — from compact trails and rocky paths to softer woodland and mountain terrain.

The cushioning is protective without becoming overly soft or unstable, and the slightly firmer feel actually works well over longer distances because the shoe still feels supportive after hours on your feet. It’s also flexible enough to move naturally over uneven ground rather than forcing your foot into a rigid platform.

The 5mm drop feels spot on for me too. Low enough to feel natural and stable, but without being so minimal that it becomes fatiguing late into longer races or training runs.

Benefits:

Excellent foot-shaped toe box with loads of room for toe splay
Great balance between cushioning and responsiveness
Versatile across mixed terrain
Reliable grip in typical UK trail conditions
Stable without feeling stiff
Comfortable over ultra distances
Lower 5mm drop feels natural and controlled

Limitations:

Probably not ideal if you prefer a narrow, locked-in race fit
Not the softest/max-cushioned option out there
Deep mud specialists may want more aggressive lugs
The roomy forefoot can feel unusual at first if you’re used to traditional trail shoes

Final Thoughts

If you like a wider toe box, lower drop shoes, and want something that can handle a mix of terrain without sacrificing comfort or responsiveness, this is definitely a shoe worth trying.

If, however, you prefer ultra-soft cushioning or a very narrow, aggressive fit, it may not be the perfect match for you.

For the kind of trail running I do though — long days out, mixed terrain, technical sections, and ultra distances — it’s one of the best all-round trail shoes out there.