Topo Athletic traverse 1

Learn more about the Topo Athletic traverse 1 male running shoes, including key features, performance, reviews, model updates, and more.

Topo Athletic traverse 1

Price

$290

Rating

Exceptional

Popularity

Low

The Topo Athletic Traverse 1 offers a versatile and grippy design ideal for dynamic trails, sitting between the lighter trail running models and the more robust hiking shoes in the Topo Athletic lineup.

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Summary

The Topo Athletic Traverse 1 is a versatile trail running shoe designed to provide a balance of comfort, durability, and performance for off-road adventures. It features a proprietary blend of Vibram outsoles for superior grip and traction on varied terrains. The shoe's construction emphasizes a natural fit, aligning with Topo Athletic's philosophy of encouraging natural movement through wider toe boxes and a snug midfoot. Compared to other models in Topo Athletic's lineup, the Traverse 1 offers a slightly more rugged build for trail runners, distinguishing itself from lighter road-centric models like the Ultrafly, while still maintaining agility and protection for uneven surfaces.

Surface

trail

Cushioning

MinLowMediumHighMax(27.5mm)

Breathability

LowMediumHigh(recycled rip-stop mesh upper)

Weight

300g

Heel-to-Toe Drop

5mm0mm14mm

Support

NeutralLightHigh

Width options

normal

Grip

LowMediumHighMax(medium density, 5mm lugs)

Suitability

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Pros & Cons

AI-powered

Fittir conducts a detailed analysis of the Topo Athletic traverse 1 to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the shoes features, pros, and cons based on 9 wear-tester reviews.

Summary: The Topo Athletic Traverse is a versatile hybrid shoe that excels in both trail running and hiking, offering a comfortable fit, excellent grip, and durability across various terrains. While it is praised for its performance and stability, some reviewers noted concerns about its weight and cushioning, which may affect long-distance comfort for certain users..

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

cushion
Cushion feeling: Soft

The most common points are that the shoe's cushioning adds comfort and bounce, but some users feel it lacks responsiveness and may not provide enough feedback or support for longer wear.

protection (2)

responsiveness (2)

bounce (1)

support (1)

comfort (1)

insole (1)

midsole (1)

softness (1)

Pros

"The cushioned insole adds a bouncy feel without sacrificing stability."

cushioned insole

stability

bounce

"The shoe's cushioning provides protection without sacrificing nimbleness during runs."

cushion

protection

nimbleness

"The cushioning and rock plate help protect against stone bruising during long trails."

cushioning

rock plate

stone bruising

"The Topo Traverse has top-notch cushioning features with dual-density midsole technology."

ZipFoam

dual-density

cushioning

"The shoe's E-TPU technology enhances comfort and energy return without adding extra weight."

E-TPU

energy return

lightweight

"The shoe features a highly cushioned insole that adds bounce and resilience."

bounce

comfort

"The shoe incorporates a protective midsole featuring ZipFoam, enhancing durability on rugged terrains."

ZipFoam

rugged

protection

Cons

"The ZipFoam midsole lacks responsiveness compared to other Topo models."

ZipFoam

midsole

responsiveness

"The shoe lacks responsiveness in its cushioning."

cushioning

protection

"The increased bounce from the insole may detract from ground feel for some runners."

bounce

ground feel

sensitivity

"The level of cushioning may not provide enough feedback for runners who prefer a firmer ride."

cushioning

feedback

firmness

"The shoe lacks sufficient cushioning for extended wear."

cushioning

comfort

long-distance

"The midsole feels a bit firm, which may not provide adequate cushioning."

cushion

comfort

softness

comfort
Breathability: More breathable

The most common points are that the shoes provide excellent comfort and cushioning, but some users find them too firm and potentially uncomfortable over time.

breathability (2)

toe protection (1)

padding (1)

foot shape (1)

insole (1)

heel support (1)

cushioned (1)

support (1)

Pros

"The toe protection is soft yet effective, allowing movement without discomfort."

toe guard

comfort

stability

"The plastic toe guard effectively protects the toes without hindering movement."

toe guard

flexibility

"The padded heel cup and cuff contribute to overall comfort."

heel cup

cuff

tongue

"The breathable inner sole ensures comfort and quick-drying."

water drainage

quick-drying

comfort

"The breathable upper design provides excellent airflow, making it suitable for hot climates."

airflow

lightweight

hot weather

"The classic Topo Athletic foot-shaped last improves comfort for extended usage."

foot-shaped last

extended use

comfort

"The shoe's innovative PU insole provides comfort and absorbs less water than standard options."

comfort

insole

water-resistant

"The shoe features a well-padded, secure heel cup ensuring comfort and stability during runs."

padded

stable

foot lock

"The Ultraventure 3 is remarkably comfortable with a cushioned feel."

cushioning

comfort

trail shoe

"The Traverse offers comforting support while maintaining a wide fit."

supportive

comfortable

wide fit

"The anatomical footbed design provides a natural and comfortable fit for the wearer."

anatomical

toe box

fit

"The shoe incorporates a well-protected toe box for added safety."

toe bumper

protection

comfort

"This shoe provides all-day comfort due to its cushioning."

comfort

midsole

cushion

Cons

"The ride quality could be too firm for some runners, possibly leading to discomfort over time."

ride

firmness

comfort

"The tongue design can cause discomfort during use."

tongue

discomfort

sankle

"The Terraventure 4 feels stiffer than the Ultraventure 3, potentially leading to discomfort on long runs."

comfort

stiffness

running

"The Traverse, while comfortable, may become stiffer and hard on the feet over longer distances."

long distance

comfort

stiffness

"There is noticeable discomfort in the ball of the foot after walking on pavement."

foot pain

road running

uncomfortable

"The shoes feel too firm and not forgiving enough during runs."

firm

uncomfortable

lack of cushioning

"The Traverse lacks sufficient protection around the forefoot and sides leading to potential injuries."

forefoot

sides

injury risk

"The shoe may not provide enough toe protection, increasing the risk of stubbing toes on rough terrain."

toe stubbing

rough terrain

minimal protection

durability

The main points to note are that durability is frequently highlighted as a strong feature of the shoes, but there are also significant concerns about the upper's durability and the water-resistant insole breaking down quickly.

protection (1)

upper (1)

outsole (1)

endurance (1)

construction (1)

drying (1)

longevity (1)

comfort (1)

Pros

"The rock plate enhances protection against sharp objects on trails without compromising flexibility."

rock plate

flexibility

trail protection

"The Traverse features a robust upper made of tightly woven mesh, ensuring durability."

durability

upper

mesh

"The shoe features a durable and comfortable upper crafted from engineered mesh."

mesh

durability

comfort

"The Topo Traverse boasts excellent durability features, especially with its robust outsole."

Vibram Megagrip

wear-resistant

weatherproof

"The Ultraventure 3 proves to be durable even under challenging conditions."

durability

long-lasting

trail use

"The uppers of the Traverse appear to be constructed for great durability."

durable

material quality

longevity

"The shoes dry more efficiently than previous models, providing better performance in wet conditions."

drying

performance

water resistance

"The Traverse offers outstanding durability for a lightweight shoe."

durability

lightweight

endurance

Cons

"The Ultraventure 3 lacks durability compared to expectations for its comfort level."

comfort

durability

expectations

"The Traverse shows potential durability, but exact expectations can't be established without more miles."

durability

uncertainty

expectations

"The water-resistant insole breaks down quickly after exposure to wet conditions, potentially leading to discomfort."

water resistance

insole breakdown

wet conditions

"The upper lacks durability and may wear down quickly."

durability

upper

wear

"The toebox durability scored below expectations for a trail shoe."

durability

toebox

performance

performance
Distance suited: Medium (10-20km)
Rocker: Less rocker

The main points to note are that the shoe is lightweight and versatile, but some users feel it may not perform well for faster running or provide enough ground feel.

weight (1)

ruggedness (1)

versatility (1)

trail running (1)

ground feel (1)

responsiveness (1)

springiness (1)

Pros

"The lightweight design makes it suitable for all-day wear."

lightweight

all-day wear

performance

"The Terraventure 4 has a sturdy rock plate that increases its ruggedness."

rock plate

stability

sturdy

"The shoe's design allows for versatility in both running and hiking activities."

running

hiking

performance

Cons

"The shoe's weight may hinder faster running performance."

weight

performance

slow paces

"The shoe's performance does not fully meet the expectations for trail running."

performance

trail running

comparison

"The combination of features may reduce ground feel and speed for some runners."

ground feel

speed

cushioning

"The rock plate may hinder ground feel, reducing responsiveness."

rock plate

responsiveness

ground feel

"The shoe may not provide enough spring for faster-paced runs."

performance

running

fit
True to size: Runs small
Toebox width: Average
Heel width: Narrower
Orthotic friendly: No

The main points to note are that over 25% of the pros highlight a secure and comfortable fit, while more than 25% of the cons mention issues with narrowness and lack of stretch, which could affect comfort for some users.

width (3)

narrowness (2)

snugness (1)

secure (1)

wide (1)

midfoot (1)

design (1)

toebox (1)

Pros

"The fit of the upper has improved, holding the foot securely in place during activities."

upper fit

midfoot

snug

"The Traverse has a well-designed fit that offers a secure feel around the midfoot and heel."

fit

midfoot

heel

"The roomy toebox and heel provide excellent fit for wide feet."

wide toebox

roomy heel

fit

"The shoe provides a more fitted upper that secures the foot effectively during inclines."

secure fit

enhanced stability

problem resolution

"The shoe's fit allows for comfort with a wide toe box and snug middle and heel."

fit

comfort

design

"The Topo Traverse features a spacious toebox that allows for natural foot movement."

spacious

natural fit

forefoot

Cons

"The shoe's upper lacks sufficient stretch, potentially restricting foot movement."

upper design

stretch

snug fit

"The shoe feels less wide compared to previous models, which may affect comfort."

width

snug fit

comparison

"The Traverse has a narrower toebox which may not be suitable for everyone."

narrow

toebox

concern

"The snug fit at the midfoot reduces the feeling of spaciousness compared to the previous model."

snug fit

narrower

comparison

"The collar around the ankle is challenging to secure properly."

collar

ankle

tightness

"There is a slippery inner liner, affecting grip."

slippery

inner liner

grip

"The Terraventure 4 has a narrower fit compared to the previous model, which may affect comfort."

fit

narrow

comfort

"Some users may find the heel and midfoot areas to be narrow, which can affect overall comfort during long hikes."

narrow

heel

midfoot

"The upper is constructed with a tougher material that lacks stretch, which could be uncomfortable for some."

lack of stretch

discomfort

secure fit

"The shoe might not cater well to runners who prefer a more minimalist feel."

stack height

comfort

"Some might find the fit too snug for their liking."

tightness

comfort

"The narrow heel and water-resistant insole may feel uncomfortable initially, requiring an adjustment period."

narrow

initial discomfort

adjustment

"The shoe's fit may not suit those requiring extra stability."

fit

stability

support

stability
Stability level: Average

The pros that appear more than 25% of the time highlight that the 5mm heel drop improves posture and running gait.

support (2)

protection (2)

posture (1)

heel drop (1)

lateral (1)

overconfidence (1)

general (1)

Pros

"The 5mm heel drop enhances posture during walking."

heel drop

walking

upright

"The structure and support help maintain functionality during long durations of activity."

structure

long wear

functionality

"The stability of the shoes is likened to wearing supportive boots."

stability

support

"The protective features, including a robust toe box and drainage holes, enhance the overall performance."

toe protection

rubber fortification

drainage holes

"The soft yet protective TPU rock plate adds a good level of protection against rough terrains."

rock plate

forefoot

stability

"The 5mm heel drop improves posture and encourages a more natural running gait."

posture improvement

natural gait

"It provides good lateral stability despite being flexible, which is ideal for technical terrain."

stability

flexibility

technical terrain

Cons

"The shoes may cause overconfidence due to their stability and grip in tough conditions."

stability

grip

caution

"The shoe lacks sufficient stability for runners needing high support."

stability

support

runners

grip

The main advantages of the shoe's grip, such as excellent traction and performance on various terrains, are mentioned frequently, while the drawbacks highlight that it may not perform well on all surfaces or in extreme conditions.

outsole (3)

traction (1)

mud shedding (1)

performance (1)

Pros

"The outsole provides excellent traction for various terrains."

Vibram Megagrip

6mm lugs

trail

"The shoe provides excellent grip, making it highly suitable for various terrains."

grip

traction

performance

"The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides superior grip and performance on various terrains."

multi-directional

traction

flexibility

"The Vibram outsole offers impressive traction on wet and slippery surfaces."

Vibram

outsole

wet conditions

"The shoes feature impressive grip on various terrains, enhancing confidence during use."

grip

confidence

traction

"The Traverse has excellent traction, performing well on various surfaces."

traction

Vibram

outsole

"The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides excellent traction on various surfaces."

Vibram

traction

versatility

"The Vibram MegaGrip outsole provides excellent traction on various terrains."

traction

Vibram

rugged

"The shoe is equipped with an ultra-durable and grippy Vibram outsole for reliable traction."

grip

durability

traction

"The shoes perform well in muddy conditions, shedding dirt effectively."

mud

durability

performance

Cons

"The significant outer sole's grip may not perform well on all surfaces compared to other models."

traction

versatility

surface

"Although the shoe works well on varied terrain, it may not excel in extreme conditions compared to other specialized shoes."

traction

varied terrain

specialization

other

The pros highlight the shoe's versatile design and quality, while the cons frequently mention its weight and stack height, which may not suit all users.

versatility (2)

rock plate (1)

value (1)

water management (1)

quality (1)

breathability (1)

gusset (1)

stack height (1)

Pros

"The shoes have a versatile design that accommodates both walking and trail running."

trail running

walking

cushioning

"Its versatile design makes it suitable for both hiking and trail running activities."

hiking

running

multi-purpose

"The design includes a light rock plate that helps enhance protection on trails."

protection

rock plate

durability

"Excellent price for a high-quality trail shoe."

price

value

affordable

"The breathable and sealed inner sole prevents water retention, keeping the shoe comfortable."

drainage

quick drying

"The shoes are well-made and stylish, showcasing good build quality."

build quality

style

"The shoe has a breathable and quick-drying upper, which is beneficial on longer hikes."

breathability

drying

upkeep

"The fully-gusseted tongue design helps keep debris out of the shoe."

debris protection

tongue design

Cons

"The shoe's stack height may not appeal to runners who prefer lower profiles."

stack height

low profile

technical trails

"The waterproof feature of the Terraventure 4 is somewhat limited, as water can still enter the shoe."

waterproof

limitations

drying

"The heel drop may not suit all walking styles, particularly for those who prefer a higher drop."

heel drop

walking style

preference

"Not suitable for those who prefer a lighter running shoe with maximum cushioning."

weight

cushioning

trail running

"The weight of the shoe may feel heavier compared to other options."

heaviness

usability

"The shoes are heavier than anticipated which could hinder agility."

weight

agility

performance

"The shoe lacks reflective elements which can compromise visibility in low-light conditions."

safety

visibility

reflective

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Model Updates

The Scott Supertrac 3 introduces an advanced traction system with strategic lug configurations for superior grip in all directions, enhancing off-road stability and maneuverability. Additionally, it features an updated upper design with engineered mesh for improved breathability and comfort, offering a more adaptive fit compared to its predecessor.

Older Models

Newer Models

Reviews

Read reviews about the Topo Athletic traverse 1 from across the internet, including reviews from other runners on Fittir, wear testers from google & youtube, and more.

Reviews on Fittir (-)

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Wear-tester reviews (9)

4.5/5

Prices

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Topo Athletic traverse 1

Topo Athletic traverse 1

Surface

Cushioning

Category

Breathability

Weight

Heel-to-Toe Drop

Support

Width options

Grip

Suitability

Based on your running style and needs

Want to know if the Topo Athletic traverse 1 is right for you?

Pros & Cons

Most Mentioned Pros

Most Mentioned Cons

cushion

Pros

Cons

comfort

Pros

Cons

durability

Pros

Cons

performance

Pros

Cons

fit

Pros

Cons

stability

Pros

Cons

grip

Pros

Cons

other

Pros

Cons

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Older Models

Newer Models

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4.5/5

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