Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 Review

The Topo MTN Racer has been a favourite trail running shoe since its launch, combining grip and cushioning to create a truly versatile option. It handles everything from road-to-trail transitions and hard-packed paths to softer ground and technical single track. Version 4 makes a few updates—nothing radical—but continues to refine the formula.

Like all Topo shoes, the MTN Racer 4 is designed to let your feet function naturally and support good posture, rather than trying to control or correct your gait. The broad, rounded toe box gives your feet space to spread on impact. This helps absorb shock, stabilise you, and generate propulsion into your next stride. If you’re not used to running shoes with a rounded, foot-shaped toe box, they may initially feel roomy. That’s partly due to the straight big toe line, which avoids forcing your big toe inward as happens in shoes with more pointed forefoots. When the toes are allowed to lie straight and free, they’re not under tension, and you’ll likely notice just how much more comfortable and “open” the toe box feels.

In a trail shoe, this freedom is a real asset. It helps improve balance and makes it easier to move across broken or uneven terrain. But while the forefoot is roomy, the fit through the heel and midfoot is snug and secure. Your foot is held firmly in place, which prevents sliding on steep descents or twisting on off-camber terrain.

The heel cup is firm, and your foot sits slightly inside the midsole, which enhances stability. The heel tab curves away from the Achilles to reduce pressure, particularly when running up or down hills. This change felt slightly different at first, but the heel remained just as secure and comfortable as in the previous version. Padding around the collar and tongue strikes a nice balance—enough to feel plush but not so much that the shoe becomes waterlogged in wet conditions or stream crossings.

BROWSE TOPO ATHLETIC MTN RACER 4

The tongue is gusseted to keep debris out and features two outer tabs that the laces loop through, helping keep it centred. There’s also an extra eyelet at the top of the lacing for runners who want to fine-tune heel lockdown or use a runner’s loop.

Topo has changed the gaiter attachment system on the MTN Racer 4. Previous versions used two plastic eyelets at the rear, which only worked with Topo’s own gaiters. That’s been replaced with a Velcro tab, making the shoe compatible with a wider range of trail gaiters, including Topo’s updated version. There’s still a D-ring at the base of the laces for front attachment.

The insole has also been updated. The new FKT insole is sealed to prevent water and grit from soaking in and is surprisingly cushioned for how thin it is. Because it’s sealed, it also traps air inside—giving it a slightly bouncy feel that doesn’t fade over time. It’s a small upgrade, but it makes the MTN Racer 4 feel more cushioned overall without affecting stability or ground feel.

The midsole and outsole remain unchanged from the previous version. You still get a 33mm heel, 28mm forefoot stack (5mm drop), and Topo’s ZipFoam—a durable EVA blend that adds a touch of bounce while staying firm enough to give you good ground contact. It’s not a super-soft foam, but that’s the point: your feet can still sense the terrain and react accordingly.

The outsole uses Vibram Megagrip rubber with well-spaced 5mm lugs. These bite well on soft ground but also roll smoothly over hard-packed trails and forest tracks. They’re not ideal for deep mud (the lugs aren’t long enough and don’t shed mud efficiently), but they strike a great balance for UK trail conditions—grippy, reliable, and not overly aggressive.

A men’s UK 8 weighs 295g, similar to the previous version. On foot, the MTN Racer 4 feels easy to forget about—which is a good sign. They’re comfortable, unobtrusive, and responsive.

On firm surfaces, a slightly stiffer shoe can help you maintain pace and cruise efficiently. On technical or uneven ground, that same stiffness can work against you. The MTN Racer 4 hits a nice middle ground—it’s stiff enough for speed on smooth trails, yet flexible enough to adapt to uneven surfaces, reducing the risk of ankle or knee issues.

To me, the MTN Racer 4 feels more cushioned than version 3, without losing any responsiveness. They also feel a bit more flexible—possibly due to the new insole. Whether it’s real or just the impression the insole gives, it works.

Topo shoes are similar in length to Altra, Brooks, Saucony, and 361. If you run in Hoka, New Balance, Inov-8, or La Sportiva, consider going half a UK size up for the same fit—for example, a UK 11 in Topo is about the same length as a UK 11.5 in Hoka.

In summary: The Topo MTN Racer 4 is a highly versatile trail running shoe that performs well in UK conditions. With a roomy, foot-shaped fit and the right balance of cushioning, grip, and flexibility, it’s a great choice for road-to-trail, forest paths, and technical single track.

Other Considerations

Altra Month Blanc Speed: A similar broad rounded toe box and zero drop which will appeal more to the midfoot strikers. Has a faster feel and creates a more natural running experience. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-mont-blanc-speed-review/

Ronhill Freedom Ultra: A slightly bouncier feel to the midsole but still with a good level of ground feel. Traction is good on wet surfaces but the 4mm flat lugs don’t provide the same level of traction on soft ground. The big toe line is straight and the toe box isn’t cramped so there is a good level of foot function promoted but they aren’t as roomy in the toe box as the MTN Racer 4. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/ronhill-freedom-ultra-review/

361 Futura 2: A very similar outsole pattern also made with Vibram mega grip provides a similar level of traction. However, the ride is very different. The midsole is much softer and has little ground feel although it does absorb the shape of the ground. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/361-futura-2-review/

Hoka Speedgoat 6: A stiffer shoe with a rocker provides a bit more propulsion on hard packed trails but, doesn’t absorb the lumps and bumps of the trails on more broken surfaces as well. Available in two width women’s and two width men’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-speedgoat-6-review/

Inov-8 TrailTalon Max: A similar shaped toe box available in two width fitting (Standard and wide). These offer a similar level of traction on soft ground with a 6mm lug. They don’t ride quite as well on hard packed ground but, the midsole does absorb more of the lumps and bumps of the trail on more broken surfaces. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-trailtalon-max-review/

Brooks Cascadia 19: A nitrogen infused midsole gives the Cascadia 19 a slightly bouncier ride. This makes them feel more cushioned on the tarmac but takes away more of the ground feel than the MTN Racer 4 midsole. Traction is of a similar level. Available in two width men’s and two widths women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-cascadia-19-review/