When Topo introduced the Topo Phantom 4 WP, I used to be intrigued. The common Phantom 4 is already one in every of my favourite day by day trainers for its roomy toe field and cushioning. However now there’s a model constructed for actual climate. The Topo Athletic Phantom 4 WP retains every thing runners love in regards to the Phantom…gentle ZipFoam cushioning, 5 mm drop, and pure match…and provides full waterproof safety due to eVent stormST know-how.
Usually when a model makes a water-resistant model, it isn’t breathable and your toes get toasty. My toes have sweat up a storm and blistered from a number of the “waterproof variations” of different manufacturers.
If you happen to’ve ever slogged by means of rain, puddles, or winter slush, you know the way a lot a water-resistant shoe can change your run. This one does it with out feeling clunky, sizzling, or heavy. It’s the identical Phantom consolation, simply weather-proofed. I’m grateful to not deal quite a bit with snow and ice nowadays however waterproof variations of trainers had been important in blustery upstate New York climate.
Additionally I dont know the place to place this however Topo continues to make progress in sustainability, and this mannequin displays that. The Phantom 4 WP makes use of 30% recycled supplies within the higher and stays absolutely vegan. Regardless of the eco-friendly design, it feels premium and sturdy, with tight stitching and well-placed overlays that resist fraying or breakdown. I’ve had points with sustainable sneakers not respiratory effectively however that’s not the case right here.
Earlier than making an attempt the Topo Phantom 4 WP, I had a number of questions.
Is the Topo Phantom 4 WP waterproof?Sure. The Topo Phantom 4 WP makes use of an eVent stormST waterproof bootie that retains your toes utterly dry. It’s designed to dam out rain, puddles, and slush whereas staying breathable, so your toes don’t overheat or get clammy throughout longer runs however consider, for those who go swimming within the shoe your toes will get moist.
How does the Topo Phantom 4 WP match?The Phantom 4 WP matches true to dimension and follows Topo’s signature anatomical form…large within the toe field and safe by means of the heel and midfoot. The additional waterproof layer doesn’t make it tighter or stiffer, and most runners will discover it runs in keeping with different Topo Athletic sneakers.
What’s the distinction between the Topo Phantom 4 and the Topo Phantom 4 WP?Each sneakers share the identical ZipFoam midsole, geometry, and 5 mm drop, however the Phantom 4 WP provides a water-resistant eVent higher for moist situations. The trip feels practically equivalent, however the WP model is barely hotter and extra weather-resistant, making it higher for wet or cold-weather working.
Are you able to run within the Topo Phantom 4 WP throughout summer season?You may, however it’s designed primarily for cool or moist climates. The waterproof layer retains a bit extra heat than the usual Phantom 4, so it’s superb for fall, winter, or spring situations somewhat than sizzling summer season runs.
Is the Topo Phantom 4 WP good for lengthy runs?Sure. With a 35 mm heel and 30 mm forefoot, the Phantom 4 WP supplies loads of cushioning for lengthy distances. The ZipFoam midsole delivers a clean and secure trip that helps scale back fatigue over prolonged efforts, even in chilly or wet situations.
How heavy is the Topo Phantom 4 WP?The shoe weighs about 8.7 ounces for a ladies’s dimension 11. That’s impressively gentle for a water-resistant coach, particularly one with this a lot cushioning and safety.
Does the Topo Phantom 4 WP have good traction?Sure. The rubber outsole grips effectively on moist pavement and damp paths. It’s not constructed as a path shoe, however the traction is superb for street working within the rain or by means of gentle mud and puddles.
Is the Topo Phantom 4 WP good for strolling or all-day put on?Undoubtedly. The OrthoLite insole and gentle ZipFoam cushioning make it an amazing selection for strolling, errands, or commuting in moist climate. It’s cushioned sufficient for lengthy hours in your toes whereas preserving them dry and cozy.
How lengthy does the Topo Phantom 4 WP final?Most runners can anticipate round 350–400 miles from the Phantom 4 WP. The waterproof supplies, ZipFoam midsole, and sturdy outsole all maintain up effectively below constant coaching or on a regular basis use.
Is the Topo Phantom 4 WP value it?Sure…particularly for those who reside someplace wet or practice outdoor year-round. At round $145, it provides premium waterproofing, consolation, and sturdiness for lower than many Gore-Tex fashions, making it among the finest waterproof trainers in its class.
Now, let’s get into an sincere Topo Phantom 4 WP overview.
Fast Details
Worth: $145Weight: 8.7 oz Stack Peak: 35 mm heel / 30 mm forefootDrop: 5 mmCategory: Impartial Cushioned / Waterproof Every day Coach
Topo Phantom 4 WP Match and Higher: Waterproof however Nonetheless Breathable
First, I simply respect the black/gray model. Since this shoe is made to get soiled in inclement climate, I do respect a shoe that may at the very least cover the filth a bit higher. Ought to we care about seems of a working shoe? No, however will we…typically. The Topo Phantom 4 WP delivers the identical anatomical, foot-shaped match that makes the model stand out. If you happen to’ve by no means tried Topo Athletic, be ready for loads of room to your toes to splay. There’s beneficiant house within the toe field so your toes can splay naturally, however the heel and midfoot stay locked down for stability.
As talked about, the higher makes use of an engineered mesh (30% recycled) materials layered with an eVent stormST waterproof bootie, which utterly seals out water whereas sustaining airflow. You lose a little bit of the ethereal air flow from the usual Phantom 4, however in return, your toes keep dry and heat even when the climate turns dangerous.
I’ve examined it by means of some rain (sure we’ve had a wet fall to this point for the desert…), and my socks had been nonetheless dry on the finish. That’s not one thing I can say about many waterproof sneakers. Plus I really simply crammed up my bathtub and determined to see how lengthy they’d keep waterproof and it was longer than I anticipated. The OrthoLite® Efficiency insole provides a gentle step-in really feel and doesn’t soak up moisture, so the inside stays comfy regardless of the space.
Like most Topo fashions, the heel collar is plush with out being cumbersome. The match feels dialed in proper out of the field…no break-in interval, no sizzling spots. I put on between a ladies’s 10–11 large, and the 11 matches effectively.
Topo Phantom 4 WP Midsole and Trip:
The Phantom 4 WP retains the identical ZipFoam™ midsole because the non-waterproof model. It’s an EVA/TPU mix that strikes a candy spot between cushion and response. You gained’t get the trampoline-like bounce of supercritical foams, however you additionally gained’t sink into one thing mushy. It’s the sort of cushioning that feels clean. It’s what I like in a day by day coach.
At 35 mm within the heel and 30 mm within the forefoot, the Phantom 4 WP sits within the “max-cushioned however nonetheless secure” zone. It has sufficient safety for lengthy runs whereas preserving floor really feel intact. The 5 mm drop retains your stride pure and is right for runners who need to really feel linked with out pounding their legs.
On the street, the shoe delivers a gentle but vigorous trip. It feels finest at simple to reasonable paces, the place the cushioning can actually shine. Throughout wet lengthy runs, I seen the froth stored its construction and by no means felt water-logged. The waterproof higher doesn’t alter the midsole really feel, which is an enormous win in comparison with many waterproof trainers that really feel stiff. Plus, this can be a bonus you didn’t know you wanted however the shoe doesn’t develop into tremendous heavy within the rain. Typically trainers really feel like cinderblocks once they get moist…not the case right here.
If you happen to already just like the Phantom 4, you’ll discover the WP model runs practically equivalent…simply drier. I actually don’t discover a distinction, which is nice as a result of I really simply wanted a brand new pair of the Topo Phantom.
The place does the Topo Phantom 4 WP match into my rotation? It’s an amazing “climate” shoe. When you have rain, snow, or ice that is one to make use of as a result of it may well deal with the weather. It’s additionally only a good simple and day by day run shoe. Usually if a shoe is labeled “waterproof” or “made for climate”, it’s not as breathable and the model sacrifices on cushion. That isn’t the case and the Topo Phantom 4 WP is made to run in climate however makes no sacrifices within the trip of the shoe. Hooray!
Outsole and Traction:
Topo didn’t reinvent the wheel right here. The outsole mirrors the Phantom 4’s with a extra linear rubber sample and decoupled heel. Topo is normally nice for traction and the Phantom 4 WP is not any completely different. The structure creates a clean transition and barely snappier toe-off.
On moist pavement, the traction is superb. I’ve taken it by means of puddles, slick asphalt, and damp sand with zero slippage. It’s not a path shoe, however it handles gentle trails, slush, and drizzle surprisingly effectively. I’m not afraid to take this in inclement climate or on some gentle desert trails.
Sturdiness seems strong, too. I’m round 100 miles in and there’s minimal put on on the rubber. Most runners ought to anticipate 400 miles earlier than the cushioning or outsole begin to fade. The waterproof higher can be simple to wipe clear…simply rinse and go and like I mentioned…it doesn’t present filth which I can respect.
Topo Phantom 4 WP Conclusion:
The Topo Athletic Phantom 4 WP is without doubt one of the few waterproof trainers that doesn’t really feel like a compromise. It’s gentle, secure, and pure underfoot…every thing the unique Phantom 4 does proper, with the bonus of true waterproof safety.
If you happen to love Topo’s large toe containers and balanced cushioning however need one thing that may deal with rain, puddles, and winter situations, that is it. It’s not flashy or fashionable—it’s only a well-made, reliable day by day coach that works.
Who Ought to Purchase the Topo Phantom 4 WP
Runners who desire a waterproof day by day coach that also feels light-weight and pure
Followers of the Topo Phantom 4 in search of all-weather versatility
Runners coaching by means of rain, snow, or any climate.
Walkers and commuters searching for sturdy, cushioned consolation
Who Ought to Not Purchase the Topo Phantom 4 WP
Runners in sizzling, dry climates who don’t want waterproofing
Athletes in search of a tempo or race-day shoe…the Specter 2 is superior!
Those that want an ultra-soft, supercritical midsole really feel
My Present Shoe Rotation:
Simple/Every day Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Lengthy Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Levels Eleos Shoe Evaluate
Path Operating/Mountain climbing: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios professional 4, 361 Levels Livid Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Quick-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
Interested in how I do gear evaluations? You may examine that right here.
You Can See All Present Shoe Opinions Right here.
Trying to study extra about trainers? In my e book, I discuss why you want a superb working shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, impartial vs. secure, and even myths of trainers.
Questions for you:
What’s your favourite working shoe?
Do you run in inclement climate?
