Topo Athletic Specter 2 Multi Tester Review: 6 Comparisons

Article by Renee Krusemark and Sam Winebaum

Topo Specter 2 ($165)

Professionals:

Robust weight to cushion ratio: Renee/SamCushioned but responsive midsole: Renee/SamEnergetic, toes within the sport toe off: PEBAX foam, broad platform, efficient rocker.with flex: SamExtra relaxed match, softer driving,  and extra cushioned than v1: SamBroad, safe and cozy higher: Sam

Cons:

Rockered journey can impede pure foot flex: ReneeA  but wider toe field could problem narrower toes in lockdown to the entrance of the platforma at sooner paces: SamLoses a number of the fast steady response and snappiness of v1 because the firmer EVA service is eradicated. 

Introduction

Sam: The Topo Specter 2 is a every day highway working coach now solely powered by supercritical PEBAX foam. A rocker based mostly shoe with the identical geometry as its model 1, it beneficial properties 2 mm of stack peak back and front to  37mm heel / 32 mm forefoot and eliminates the prior outer EVA service foam and will get some flex. Whereas it beneficial properties 5g in weight, it’s nonetheless remarkably mild for its stack peak and broad platform checking in at 8.2 oz / 232g in my US8.5 pattern.

Topo is a quickly rising highway and path shoe model whose motto is “Transfer Higher”. All Topo sneakers have an anatomical higher with for my part the distinctive attribute of getting as stable a maintain (and luxury) for narrower toes (akin to mine) as for broader increased quantity toes, and that’s the case with the Specter 2. Topo heel to toe drops vary from 0mm to 5mm with a 5mm drop right here.

Positioned by Topo as “a excessive efficiency, max cushioned every day coach designed for up-tempo  lengthy distance working”. Let’s see if that’s what we discovered.  Please learn on for all the small print.

Most comparable sneakers ( full comparisons on the finish of the overview)

ASICS Noosa Tri 16

New Steadiness Insurgent v4

Craft Pacer

Stats

 Approx. Weight: males’s 8.3 oz / 235g US9

  Pattern Weight: males’s 8.2 oz / 232g US8.5 ( V1 : 8.0 oz / 227g US8.5)

                            ladies’s pattern  7.8 oz / 221 g US W8, 6.95 oz / 198g US 7.5

Stack Top: males’s  37mm heel /  32mm forefoot ( 5mm  drop spec) 

Earlier Model:  35mm heel /  30mm forefoot ( 5mm drop) 

Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 70  mm midfoot / 105 mm forefoot 

Earlier Model:  85 mm heel / 65 mm midfoot / 105 mm forefoot 

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Renee:

The Specter 2 made an excellent first impression with its light-weight, full Pebax midsole. I’m hoping those that aren’t aware of Topo will give it a glance because the shoe supplies a singular journey that some runners will get pleasure from, particularly in comparison with different sneakers in the marketplace which are increased drop and heavier for his or her stack of cushion.

I’m between half sizes, and like a 7.5 in Topo as in comparison with my regular dimension 8 in different manufacturers. I counsel your typical Topo sizing. These new to Topo would possibly need to half dimension down if already between half sizes and particularly when you’ve got a narrower decrease quantity foot.. 

The Specter 2 is the primary Topo I’ve worn the place my toes hit the entrance of the shoe. I don’t suppose I want a half dimension up, only a observe for runners who, like me, are between half sizes. I feel the distinct geometry/rocker underfoot makes the shoe really feel barely shorter. And I ought to point out I run gravel roads, and the size was solely a difficulty when working downhill over clumps of grime. The higher has nice safety within the heel and midfoot, as all Topo sneakers are for me. Breathability is okay. The higher doesn’t have tremendous skinny mesh, which is sweet for sturdiness in a every day coach.

Sam: As at all times with Topo, an excellent higher. Easy and efficient, the higher supplies stable heel maintain and luxury for a variety of foot widths and volumes together with my narrower decrease quantity toes. Not simple to do and Topo pulls it off in each shoe in my expertise

The match is but extra relaxed and the toe field broader than v1, as proven above. The midfoot is effectively held with the within of the higher having a extra intensive array of overlays than v1.

Topo continues its glorious twine loops on the tongue to carry it  in place and and not using a gusset strap. The highest fringe of the tongue has a softer mesh edge.

There isn’t a inflexible or semi inflexible heel counter but the rear of the foot may be very effectively. I feel the key is a reasonably stiff overlay extending from the rear of the shoe to the lace. In v1 the overlay was located decrease on the higher.with the realm above it extra pliable than right here.

The overlay is located down beneath the collar edges which, together with the ankle and achilles collar are actually significantly extra padded than in v1. The midsole now extends additional up over the far middle rear to stabilize landings.

Throughout an A/B run with v1 on one foot and v2 on the opposite what I observed most was the broader not fairly as effectively held v2 toe field. I additionally famous much less upward stress on the arch in v2, doubtless due partly to a 5mm wider midfoot platform.

Whereas not the thinnest higher mesh, the Specter 2 has been greater than adequately  breathable because of the many grey slots which are literally areas the place the outer lime mesh knit just isn’t current.

The match is true to dimension for me however extra relaxed and luxury oriented than the thinner mesh of the V1 on what seems to be and appears like a barely narrower v1 higher final. Slim decrease quantity toes ought to strive a half dimension down paying shut consideration that there’s sufficient size.

Midsole & Platform

Renee: The complete Pebax midsole is incredible. The shoe has loads of stack at 37mm heel / 32 mm forefoot for lengthy runs whereas remaining light-weight at  7.8 oz / 221 g in my US ladies’s 8.

The midsole is dense, however not agency, with a consolation/responsiveness ratio that’s anticipated from a Pebax midsole. 

The shoe is firmer underfoot than say, FuelCell within the New Steadiness Insurgent v4 and I feel that gives extra help beneath the foot. The Specter has a definite geometry underfoot in my view. There’s nice help beneath the arch, partly because of the versatile Ortholite insole, with a slight rocker within the forefoot. If you happen to undergo from underfoot ache, the Topo appears like a hug beneath the foot.

Sam: Nothing like a pure unadulterated (unplated and no service outer foam) all supercritical foam midsole. Topo beforehand gave us a full style of the smooth but very energetic full PEBAX midsole of their Cyclone 2 (RTR Assessment). Significantly decrease stack peak at 28mm heel / 23mm forefoot and consequently lighter it’s a tremendous enjoyable plateless racer to hurry shoe.

Right here now we have the identical arrange however significantly extra PEBAX at 37mm heel 32mm forefoot which ends up in a extra pronounced rocker kind shoe vs. flex based mostly as within the Cyclone 2. Specter 1 was additionally rocker based mostly however as a result of its outer EVA service is kind of a bit stiffer than the Cyclone 2 so but extra rocker based mostly than v2 is.

By eliminating the EVA service and regardless of 2mm extra stack peak than model 1 now we have extra flex and a softer journey than earlier than. 

One would possibly fear about stability, particularly on the heel with all PEBAX foam and never plate,  however I discovered that the brand new wrap up the heel extension of the midsole and cantilever rear of the shoe was steady sufficient and  even at slower paces.

Upfront there’s a distinct sensation of a broad platform to push off from, a sinking of the toes into the froth after which a pleasant clean if not as responsive snappy toe off as in v1. The distinction was clearly felt in my A/B check. 

Renee describes the froth effectively and I agree together with her comparability to New Steadiness’s FuelCell which feels airier, much less dense and fewer steady within the plateless Insurgent v4. The PEBAX is an expanded bead foam not like the FuelCell and feels nearer to foams akin to PWRRUN Pb from Saucony in its new softer 2023-2024 type, so a foam with extra squish and deflection beneath load however with a fast return. It additionally reminds of Craft’s TPE based mostly Px foam within the Pacer (RTR Assessment) a shoe with a really related stack peak and weight however a significantly broader and considerably unwieldy heel platform.

Backside Line: The Specter 2 midsole supplies ample cushion, energetic rebound and has a powerful weight to cushion ratio. No plates, no gimmicks. It is extremely pleasing and protecting on the similar time. A close to splendid midsole for all however sooner paced tempo and intervals as a result of its considerably muted response and snap.

Outsole

Renee: The outsole has minimal arduous rubber protection, and with the thick Pebax midsole, it doesn’t want extra protection. I ran on gravel, and couldn’t really feel any rocks. I don’t suppose that is the most effective shoe for uneven gravel terrain (see my notes within the journey part), however it’s simple to regulate due to the safe higher and lightweight weight. There’s some convex shaping to the outsole beneath the forefoot, which contributes to the rocker/geometry I described within the midsole part. 

Even the uncovered sections of the outsole don’t have any put on (discolored from grime and working over mulberries). The Pebax is dense, so I anticipate the shoe to have above common sturdiness for many runners as in comparison with a number of the sneakers listed beneath within the comparisons.

Sam: Rubber is the place it’s wanted for traction and put on in a comparatively skinny however sturdy density single compound that in earlier Topo akin to Specter 1 proved lengthy lasting.

By eliminating rubber the place it isn’t in touch with both landings or take offs, Topo eliminates weight and in addition permits the shoe to be effectively decoupled on the rear permitting for clean transitions along with rear rocker. 

Upfront, the longitudinal grooves enable for extra flex than in v1 which had extra steady protection there and was stiffer. This new outsole association, together with the elimination of the outer EVA service results in a smoother simpler toe off, though one that’s not fairly as dynamic and snappy as earlier than, leaning the shoe considerably extra in the direction of simpler paces and throughout every day coaching 

Trip, Conclusions and Suggestions

Sam: The Specter 2 mellows out some and largely for the higher as now we have a softer energetic all PEBAX journey that’s protecting, nice and pleasant at any tempo. 

Topo’s “Transfer Higher” motto is definitely felt particularly on the forefoot and toe off with the broad platform and higher permitting the toes to splay, drive into the froth (and the person toes are literally kind of felt working) with push off clean and simple if not as  fast and up tempo in really feel. 

As mentioned above, the journey just isn’t fairly as snappy, fast rolling and responsive as in v1 at sooner paces and that’s OK as for quick Topo has the Cyclone 2.  I do miss that sooner reacting forefoot at sooner paces and surprise what a bit extra steady rubber upfront and extra securely held forefoot would possibly do to intensify the rocker and response a bit extra.

The higher is flexible with loads of room for broader toes and sufficient maintain for narrower ones. I do miss the considerably safer entrance maintain of v1 whereas appreciating the elevated collar padding and rear help.

Total, Topo has delivered one other hit in a string stretching again at the least 2 years. The Specter 2 is a contemporary and enjoyable tremendous foam and geometry coach  that’s polished, mild and foot pleasant making it a best choice as an throughout every day coach.

Sam’s Rating: 9.3  /10

Deductions for a bit extra forefoot maintain for my narrower toes and a extra snappy dynamic toe off for sooner paced days.

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Sam’s Preliminary Video Assessment

Renee: The journey is distinct. The Pebax midsole is nice, providing a light-weight, responsive but protecting journey. As an uptempo, mid or lengthy distance shoe, it’s an excellent possibility. 

The underfoot geometry hugs the midfoot/arch and has a rocker from the mid to the forefoot space. All of that makes sustaining a constant tempo simple and cozy, particularly for anybody with foot pains. I discovered the rocker/geometry to be overbearing at instances, after I’d favor a extra conventional underfoot journey with a pure flex. I’ll use the shoe for the 10-15 mile tempo runs and possibly the occasional/shorter simple run. 

The shoe works finest for me for the long term on even terrain (I do know, it’s a highway shoe!). For shorter, sooner efforts, I favor much less of a rocker, and I feel the flared heel contributes to that opinion. At no fault of the shoe’s goal, it’s higher on clean terrain than gravel, so take my ideas with a grain or two of sand  in case you run on paved roads. 

Renee’s Rating: 9.1/10 (-distinct underfoot geometry received’t be for everybody, -lack of flex underfoot for every day miles). 

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6 Comparisons

Index to all RTR critiques: HERE 

Topo Specter 1(RTR Assessment)

Sam: Lined within the overview. The Specter 2 mellows out its journey a bit whereas growing the enjoyable and power return issue with an all PEBAX midsole, eliminating the EVA service and including 2mm extra stack peak. It loses a number of the stiffer rocker of v1 whereas growing its flex. The higher is clearly roomier (and never fairly as effectively held up entrance ) as v1 however extra snug.

Craft Pacer (RTR Assessment)

Sam: Very related driving foams the Craft heel platform is an enormous 15mm wider so it’s extra rear steady however that broad heel is observed as in the best way at instances. Equally stacked and about the identical weight with a equally energetic foam,  it doesn’t fairly pull its platform collectively in addition to the Topo. Its mild higher is roomy and cozy in addition to true to dimension however doesn’t fairly have the maintain or polish of the Specter’s.

New Steadiness Insurgent v4 (RTR Assessment)

Renee: The Insurgent is a good lighter weight shoe, with simply as a lot stack for lengthy runs and a extra responsive journey for brief, quick paces. The shoe has a wider platform within the present model as in comparison with the previous Rebels, but it surely rides extra conventional than the Specter 2. I favor the Insurgent v4, however would suggest the Specter for individuals who like a rocker and who want/get pleasure from a supportive arch really feel. 

The midsole is extra dense within the Specter 2, so runners who really feel as if the Insurgent’s midsole would possibly pack  out shortly (not a difficulty for me) would possibly favor the firmer Pebax within the Specter. I put on a half dimension shorter within the Specter than my regular. The Insurgent’s higher is thinner and extra breathable, however the safety of the Specter higher is much better. 

Sam: The Insurgent v4 is certainly lighter and lighter in really feel from higher to its ethereal very smooth PEBA/EVA mix. Not almost as steady or tempo versatile in the direction of slower paces because the Topo , it focuses on sooner efforts. Its match is notably broad for a efficiency oriented shoe as a result of its mild weight supplies.

Saucony Trip 17 (RTR Assessment)

Renee: The Trip gained weight, stack, and platformwidth from its earlier model. The Specter is the lighter possibility with a extra dynamic midsole. The Trip has a conventional increased drop (8mm vs. 5mm for the Topo,, flex kind “journey” as in comparison with the Specter’s rocker geometry. I like light-weight sneakers, and the Specter has a transparent benefit. Each work nice for lengthy runs, it’s only a matter of desire for decrease or increased drop together with conventional or rocker. I wore a half dimension shorter inthe Specter. 

ASICS Noosa Tri 16 (RTR Assessment)

Sam: Considerably decrease stack peak, lighter by nearly 1 oz /28g, and extra fast responding, if firmer,  the Noosa Tri 16 leans sooner paces than the Specter from journey to its snugger extra efficiency targeted higher. 

adidas Adizero SL 2 (RTR Video Assessment)

Sam: The most recent SL has the identical heel peak however doubles the drop to 10mm. It weighs barely extra. Its mixture of a brand new smooth Lightstrike foam and interior Lightstrike Professional core ship the same softer energetic journey and one which depends on its drop and suppleness vs the extra rocker based mostly (and deeper forefoot cushion) of the Topo.  The SL higher just isn’t almost as polished because the Specter’s and doesn’t have nearly as good midfoot help or as a lot toe field room. It’s a tremendous enjoyable shorter distance sooner paces coach however for longer hauls I might select the Specter.

The Topo Specter 2 might be accessible August 2024

Tester Profiles

Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of working and writing began. She isn’t that superior of a runner, however she tries actually arduous. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles happen on rural nation roads in Nebraska, that means mud, gravel, grime, hills, and the occasional area. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and three:26:45 for the marathon.

Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Street Path Run. He’s in his 60’s  with 2024 Sam’s 52th yr of working roads and trails. He has a many years previous 2:28 marathon PR. Nowadays he runs halves within the simply sub 1:40 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week largely at average paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, mountaineering or on nordic skis. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he isn’t having fun with too many advantageous New England IPA’s