Topo Athletic Aura Review
The Topo Athletic Aura is a highly cushioned road running shoe that also provides some pronation support. Designed for everyday road running, it’s a suitable option for easy and recovery runs as well as longer efforts. Within Topo’s road running range, the Aura sits as a more cushioned version of the Topo Ultrafly 5—an everyday stability shoe—and a more stable counterpart to the Topo Atmos, which is a high-stack neutral shoe.
If you have a strong, neutral foot, your foot naturally spreads on impact to absorb shock, stabilize the body, and recoil to propel you into your next stride. However, if your foot is weaker or more flexible, the arch may not reform quickly enough after compression. Instead of pushing off from the end of the big toe—with the ankle, knee, and hip aligned—you may push off from the inside of the big toe, causing the knee to roll inwards. This puts strain on a smaller area of the leg, and because running is repetitive, this can lead to persistent issues.
Such strain can result in discomfort along the inner shin, under the kneecap (patellar tendon), and on the outside of the thigh, among other areas. Running shoes with pronation support aim to guide the foot through the gait cycle, encouraging a more biomechanically efficient toe-off from the end of the big toe and helping reduce pronation-related issues. The Topo Aura is designed to provide this kind of support for overpronation.
The stack height is 38mm in the heel and 33mm in the forefoot, giving it a 5mm heel-to-toe drop. This lower drop encourages a midfoot landing under the center of gravity, which helps load the foot and allows it to function naturally within the shoe. To further support natural foot function, Topo shoes are known for their broad, rounded toe boxes, giving the toes room to spread. This design promotes foot strength over time and can reduce overpronation.
All Topo shoes feature a snug-fitting heel. In the Aura, the heel cup is slightly stiffer to help reduce twisting of the heel bone on impact and minimize pronation. It feels secure and stable on the foot. The midfoot also fits snugly, preventing the foot from twisting inside the shoe, while the upper opens out into the forefoot to allow for natural toe splay.
The interior of the heel cup, collar, and tongue is well-padded—comfortable but not overly cushioned—making the Aura a solid option for daily training. The tongue isn’t gusseted but features two tongue stays to keep it in place during runs. This double tongue stay, which Topo has used for several years, significantly improves the fit by securing the tongue in the right position and locking the foot down without lace pressure or discomfort. An extra eyelet is available for those who want to customize the heel fit. It can also be used for a runner’s loop (butterfly lacing) to improve heel hold further.
The midsole is constructed from Topo’s ZipFoam, an EVA-based material that strikes a balance between cushioning and responsiveness. It’s not overly soft and doesn’t compress excessively, which allows the feet to sense contact with the ground and respond accordingly—helping them spread and function within the shoe.
Pronation control in the Aura starts with a stable heel platform. Embedded within the midsole is a firm, Y-shaped structure that resists collapse on impact, offering additional stability. The midsole is also rocker-shaped to help roll the foot smoothly through toe-off and encourage a quicker cadence. All of this promotes a toe-off from under the big toe, which reduces pronation symptoms.
The result is a road shoe that delivers a smooth and cushioned ride. For neutral runners, the ride may feel slightly controlling as the shoe guides the foot through the gait cycle. However, since the shoe doesn’t use aggressive stability elements or devices that interfere with natural foot motion, it can still work for neutral runners who prefer a supportive feel.
For overpronators, the ride feels less restrictive. These runners may experience longer stride lengths, improved push-off, and reduced aches and pains.
Although the Aura is primarily designed for easy and long runs, it’s also capable of handling steady runs or long runs with pickups. Once moving, the ride remains smooth and surprisingly nimble for a high-stack, firmer midsole shoe.
Topo shoes tend to fit true to size for those who wear Brooks, Saucony, 361, or Altra. If you typically wear Hoka, Karhu, New Balance, Inov-8, or La Sportiva, you may want to try half a UK size smaller in Topo to achieve a similar fit (e.g., Hoka UK 11.5 = Topo UK 11).
In summary, the Topo Aura is a road running shoe that combines high cushioning with moderate pronation support. Best suited for easy and long runs, it still offers a smooth, stable ride for steady efforts or tempo work.
Other Considerations
Hoka Gaviota 5: A more pointed toe box and softer feel to the cushioning doesn’t stimulate foot function as much. The rocker isn’t quite as noticeable which makes them easier to plod in but not as smooth at slightly quicker paces. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-gaviota-5-review/
Altra Paradigm 7: A zero drop shoe designed to encourage foot function while offering some pronation support. The foam is a similar level of responsiveness the feeling when running is different. As there is no rocker you have to lift your feet up and run in the shoes rather than riding the rocker. Which gives the Altra paradigm a more natural feel. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-paradigm-7-review/
Brooks Glycerin GTS 22: A feel to the cushioning that is softer than the Topo Aura but, firmer than the Hoka Gaviota. The heel to forefoot drop is 10mm which suits more of a heel striker. The midsole is nitrogen infused which gives it a bouncy feel. They takes away from the smoothness giving the Glycerin GTS 22 a different ride. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-glycerin-22-review/
Saucony Hurricane 24: The ride is soft and pillow like taking away a lot of the ground feel. The rocker is as effective as the one in the Aura but, less noticeable as the foam is softer. They are less responsive and more suited to easy runs and long runs. https://www.northernrunner.com/search/saucony-hurricane-24
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