I used to be excited for the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 to launch. It brings a smaller replace to a shoe that’s already constructed a loyal following, particularly amongst runners who worth a roomy toe field and comfy match. The Phantom is Topo’s hottest shoe, and I’ve had such constructive experiences with it all through the years.
Whereas a lot of the operating shoe world is fixated on max stack heights and carbon plates, the Phantom 4 does issues in a different way. It contains a reasonable stack (35 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot), a delicate and full of life ZipFoam midsole, and a surprisingly dialed match for such a large platform.
The latest model, the Phantom 4, provides 2 mm of cushion, barely softens the trip, and retools the outsole for higher response…with out including weight. When you’re in search of a do-it-all impartial coach that’s forgiving on restoration days however not sluggish, that is one to maintain in your radar.
Earlier than attempting the Topo Athletic Phantom 4, I had just a few questions:
Does the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 match true to measurement? It does. When you’re new to Topo, the model contains a wider toe field to permit your toes to splay.
Is the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 an enormous replace? No, they only up to date just a few minor issues to make it the perfect model but.
Is the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 good? Sure, if you’re in search of a each day coach contemplate the Phantom 4.
Now let’s get into an sincere overview of the Topo Athletic Phantom 4.
Fast Info
Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Match
The match is traditional Topo…anatomical and foot-shaped however safe. In case you are in search of a wider toe field, Topo is a superb model to take a look at. The Phantom 4 continues Topo’s development of providing one of many best-fitting uppers in the marketplace for a variety of foot shapes. The mesh is delicate, pliable, and breathable with out feeling fragile. It’s not ultralight, however it feels premium.
Regardless of missing a gusseted tongue, the Phantom 4 retains every little thing in place due to Topo’s twin lace loop system, which locks the tongue down with out including bulk. The heel counter is semi-rigid, paired with a molded exterior piece that gives further construction from the laces all the way in which across the ankle collar.
One of many highlights right here is how the shoe manages to supply loads of room within the forefoot with out sacrificing lockdown. The toe bumper is tall and agency sufficient to supply construction however versatile sufficient to not trigger stress. The end result? A shoe that hugs the heel and midfoot and lets your toes splay naturally.
One of the best operating shoe uppers disappear off your ft, and the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 does simply that. I actually haven’t had any points with sizzling spots or blisters. One might imagine the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 higher isn’t glamorous or enjoyable, however it doesn’t actually have to be. It does precisely what you want a operating higher to do: be comfy and match properly. You actually don’t want something extra in a each day coach.
In trainers, I are inclined to put on between a ladies’s measurement 10–11 vast, and the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 measurement 11 matches completely. I put it on and was instantly in a position to go for a run with no points. I’m a fan.
Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Journey
The midsole is the place the magic occurs, proper? Topo makes use of its proprietary ZipFoam, an EVA/TPU mix that gives a pleasant mixture of cushion and bounce. The Phantom 4’s ZipFoam feels barely softer than the v3, however not mushy or unstable. You don’t really feel like you might be sinking right into a mushy abyss. It’s not supercritical foam, so that you’re not going to get that trampoline-like pop, however it’s a cushty, clean, and constant trip. It’s an amazing choice for each day runs the place you need some bounce however don’t want something tremendous responsive.
Even with the two mm enhance in stack peak, the load hasn’t modified. I’m truly shocked! Once I heard of the rise, I anticipated the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 to really feel cumbersome, however it doesn’t in any respect. Not like some foams that really feel lifeless or overly springy, ZipFoam hits a pleasant center floor.
At 35 mm within the heel, it has sufficient underfoot safety for lengthy runs with out venturing into max-cushion territory. The 5 mm drop is executed completely…it doesn’t really feel flat or such as you’re sinking within the heel.
The place does the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 match into my rotation? As anticipated, it’s a each day run shoe. When you can decide up the tempo, it shines because the each day coach right here to do nearly all of your coaching. My first run within the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 was a straightforward run within the desert and I felt nice. My ft felt like they recovered properly and it was simply comfy. I’ve since taken it out on all types of runs, together with some sooner lengthy runs, however it actually shines as a each day coach. I choose the Topo Specter 2 for sooner runs.
Outsole
The outsole sees the most important change from v3. It now contains a extra linear forefoot rubber sample and a decoupled heel for higher landings. The result’s a smoother transition and barely snappier toe-off. The forefoot rubber additionally introduces a gentle rocker sensation that wasn’t as noticeable in earlier variations.
Whereas the outsole rubber appears barely thinner, sturdiness ought to nonetheless be strong. I’ve put about 100 miles on the Topo Athletic Phantom 4 with no indicators of slowing down. I feel like most Topo sneakers, I’ll get between 300–400 miles out of it.
So far as traction, I haven’t had any points in inclement climate or mild trails. It’s not a path operating shoe, so I might be cautious of taking it on excessive trails, however it will probably deal with some mild trails.
Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Conclusion
The Topo Phantom 4 is an superior each day coach. It doesn’t chase tendencies however focuses on being a strong, well-executed shoe. That alone makes it stand out in in the present day’s crowded market of gimmicks and carbon every little thing. Severely, I admire that. It’s positively one among my favourite trainers for 2025.
Who Ought to Purchase the Topo Phantom 4
Runners who need a roomy toe field
These in search of a cushty each day coach with reasonable cushion
Followers of versatile, softer midsoles for simple days or restoration runs
Walkers or individuals on their ft all day who want a balanced and secure shoe
Runners who discover most “tremendous delicate” sneakers too unstable or squishy
Who Ought to Not Purchase the Topo Phantom 4
Runners in search of max cushion or carbon-plated efficiency
Athletes who need a tremendous mild tempo or race-day shoe
These needing aggressive stability options
My Present Shoe Rotation:
Straightforward/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 Assessment
Path Working/Mountaineering: 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
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Questions for you:
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Have you ever tried the model Topo earlier than?
