[Review] Topo Athletic Traverse / Actual use seen from over 1000km of mountaineering

Introduction

Topo Athletic's hiking shoes, "Traverse," look like trail running shoes, but the design concept is focused on "walking."

I started using the Traverse in February 2024, and have walked a total of more than 1,000 km, from the mountain behind my house to Mt. Rokko, Mt. Yatsugatake, the Northern Alps, and even on paved roads. I also used my second pair to challenge the "Oshigaichi (Shiga Loop Trail)" and walked a long trail of 160 km.

In this article, I will review the advantages and disadvantages of the Traverse based on my long-term experience of using it. I hope this will help those who are considering purchasing the Traverse to understand the product.

About the TOPO ATHLETIC brand

TOPO ATHLETIC is a footwear brand founded by Tony Post, former president of Vibram USA. Based on the concept of "Move Better. Naturally," TOPO ATHLETIC continues to create shoes that encourage natural movement for runners and hikers.

Topo's biggest features are the wide toe box that supports the natural spread of the toes, and the low-profile structure with little drop (the difference in height between the toe and heel). It can be said that Topo is not just a brand for running, but a brand that pursues "how humans can move comfortably in nature."

About the Traverse shoe

The Traverse is a model developed by Topo as a "hybrid between a trail running shoe and a hiking shoe developed primarily for hiking." It is a shoe that is somewhere between a lightweight trail running shoe and a sturdy hiking shoe.

• Sole thickness: approx. 30mm
• Drop difference: 5mm
• Sole Material: Vibram® Megagrip + Rock Plate
• Upper: Engineered mesh

The outsole uses a very slip-resistant compound, and the midsole is set to be hard, so it maintains a firm grip on unpaved roads and rocky areas. It is also a well-balanced shoe that is easy to walk on paved roads and forest paths.

The author's feet and size selection

The author's actual foot size is 26.5 cm. The width is slightly wide and the instep is not high. I choose 27.5 cm for Traverse and wear thin socks in the summer.

Although medium to thick socks are often recommended for hiking shoes, I switched to thin socks to reduce the troubles caused by sweating and stuffiness in the shoes in the summer. As a result, the troubles on the soles of my feet (blisters, soggy feet, chafing, etc.) have decreased dramatically.

However, there is still a risk of blisters, so it is important to determine how to tie the shoelaces and how well they fit your feet. Also, depending on the time of year, medium-thick socks may be more comfortable. This depends not only on the season but also on the amount of activity. I tend to wear thin socks because I am active and spend a lot of time on my feet.

Field and conditions used

I have used Traverse in the following environments:

• Satoyama and low mountains with an altitude of 1500m or less. Used on general hiking trails. Terrain with a mixture of mud, rocks and volcanic gravel, such as Mt. Rokko, Mt. Ikoma, and the mountains of Shiga and Kyushu.
• Alpine zones above the tree line. For use on general hiking trails, such as in the Yatsugatake Mountains and the Northern Alps, from forest zones to rocky ridges and ridgelines. For use on traverse routes, including general hiking trails. For use on hiking trails, such as in the Yatsugatake Mountains and the Northern Alps, from forest zones to rocky ridges and ridgelines.

The moderate cushioning is effective on paved roads and forest roads, and on rough ground, the stability and grip are effective. I think the most important performance for long-term use is that it can be used in any situation and does not accumulate stress.

About the stability of the Traverse: Why it doesn't wobble even with a thick sole

The term "stability" is very vague, but here we define it as "your feet not shaking and not unintentionally losing balance on the soles of your feet."

A person is most stable when barefoot. There is nothing between the foot and the ground, and the absence of thickness or softness keeps the center of gravity steady and makes it difficult to tip over in any direction. On the other hand, the higher and softer the sole of the shoe is, the less stable it is when placed on the ground. This is because, like a balance ball, the structure of the foot moves, making it easier for the center of gravity and ankle to shift.

In recent years, a common design for trail running shoes is to compensate for this instability by expanding the contact area of ​​the sole outward and giving it a trapezoidal shape to prevent the shoe from tipping over to the left or right.

On the other hand, the Traverse has a slightly thicker sole of about 30mm, but the sole has a vertical drop shape. This is because the midsole is designed to be slightly harder, so there is no need to expand the sole outward. As a result, it has the necessary cushioning, but there is little shaking, and the sense of contact with the ground on the soles of the feet is relatively maintained.

Even in dynamic situations, the rigidity and structure of the sole support stability, achieving a state where the sole is "thick but not easily wobble." As mentioned above, this is because the instability that comes with the height and softness of the sole is controlled by the hardness of the midsole. Stability is not simply about whether it is hard or not, but rather the design concept of "how to suppress wobble," and I feel that the Traverse is a very rational and well-made shoe.

It is often thought that thick soles are unstable, but the Traverse has a sole that is 30mm thick but is relatively hard, and the sole shape is not trapezoidal but vertical, so there is no uncomfortable feeling when touching the ground.

While a trapezoid sole creates stability with a wide contact surface, it is prone to errors due to small unevenness, and stepping on an unintended obstacle can cause stress to the ankle or heel. The Traverse's sole shape is actually "less likely to cause mistakes in contact with the ground," and I think it will be preferred by users who value the sensation of the soles of their feet.

You can walk in them, but it's hard to run in them. They are just good hiking shoes.

It's not that the Traverse is unrideable, but there is a definite "discomfort" when the purpose is to ride.

• The sole is a little stiff, making it difficult to get the right tempo.
• The rocker structure is weak and provides little support for shifting the center of gravity.
• Slightly heavier than other trail running shoes

For this reason, they are not suitable for people who want to "speed hike" or "run in the mountains." On the other hand, for hiking, where you will be walking steadily, the perfect balance of not being too hard and not being too soft creates comfort.

Durability and wear: Still in good condition after over 1000km

After using the Traverse for a long time, I feel that its durability is generally good. There have been no major tears or peeling parts, and I am satisfied with the robustness of the upper.

The reason I used the second pair was because I needed to tackle the very long distance challenge of "Dai Shigaichi" in one go and wanted to avoid the risk of my shoes breaking along the way, not because there was a clear problem with the first pair. In fact, I am still using the first pair for mountain climbing without any problems.

The lugs on the outsole will wear down with use, but that is due to the nature of the rubber compound in the Megagrip sole and should not be judged solely on the lug pattern or height. Although wear is visible, I have no major complaints about the grip performance itself, and there are many situations where I can move around without slipping even on wet rocks or muddy roads, so I feel that it is a reliable compound.

However, it is important to note that if you use it on rocky ridges above the tree line, the upper material may wear out faster. Since the Traverse is designed to be lightweight, it does not use highly durable materials. It can be used in situations where three-point support is required, but while it is fast and comfortable, I feel that its lifespan is likely to be shortened.

On the other hand, on trails or forest roads with fewer rocks, these types of shoes are often much more comfortable to walk in, so it is important to choose shoes that suit your style of activity.

What conditions is the Traverse best suited for?

I think the Traverse is a shoe that is easy to walk in on almost any hiking trail. Of course, this is assuming that you are walking on regular hiking trails in the snow-free season.

Although expressions such as "for beginners" and "for intermediate climbers" are often used, it is difficult to simply classify the level of mountain climbing, and I feel that it is unrealistic to judge whether a trail is recommended or not based on such a classification. Rather, I think that evaluation should be determined by "what kind of terrain" and "what purpose" the trail is being hiked on.

Well-maintained hiking trails are ideal for this, as they are an easy walk and make the most of the Traverse's characteristics.
On the other hand, what they are not suitable for, and this is a common point for all trail running style shoes, is rocky areas where three points of contact are required. In such environments, they feel rather difficult to use for both climbing and descending. However, since general mountain trails are not so strict that the performance of the shoes determines whether you can climb or not, I think that climbing technique and basic movements are more important than the shoes.

In addition, shoes are more likely to be damaged on rocky ridges. Especially when climbing slowly without going fast, it is safer to wear sturdy climbing shoes (such as a Sportiva model), and in many cases this is more cost-effective.

However, when hiking on routes that include rocky ridges and where speed is important, I often choose the Traverse.

Suitable situation

• When you want to walk at a good pace on well-maintained mountain trails or traverse routes
• Long trails and fast packing for long periods of time
• When you are not carrying a lot of gear and want to prioritize comfort
  

Not suitable for

• This route has many rocky ridges and can cause severe damage to the upper body.
• Durability is paramount for heavy use and carrying heavy loads
• If you are planning on trail running at high speeds

Comparison with similar models: MERRELL Agility Peak 5

A model with a similar feel to the Traverse is the Merrell Agility Peak 5. I have run and walked several hundred kilometers in the Agility Peak 5, and I can see the similarities and differences between the two.

First of all, the Agility Peak 5 is a trail running shoe for long distances. However, its design includes many elements that emphasize stability over speed, and as a result, it is more of a shoe for running/walking steadily for long periods of time than a shoe for running fast.

The sole is soft but has a certain degree of rigidity, so you don't feel stress on your legs when you land on the ground, and it's designed to be less likely to shake even when you're moving for a long time. The outsole also uses Vibram Megagrip, and the lug protrusion structure called "traction lug" improves grip on wet trails and slippery terrain. When I actually compared it with the Traverse in similar conditions, there were times when the Agility Peak 5 felt less slippery.

As for the upper, it has thick reinforcement from the toe to the side, and the entire foot is wrapped in rubber. This design certainly makes it somewhat water resistant and increases the reliability of its durability. It can be said that the Agility Peak 5 is a little tougher than the Traverse.

I walked the last 280km of the Great Shigaichi in these shoes.

Although it is a shoe designed for running, it is also suitable for situations where you are walking and not too heavy, making it suitable for situations where you are between walking and running. The differences between the Traverse and the MX are as follows:

• The cushioning is similar, but the Agility Peak 5 is slightly softer and has a slightly thicker sole.
• Although it is designed for running, it is also stable enough for long distance walking.
• The outsole has excellent grip and durability, and there are times when it feels less slippery than the Traverse.
• The upper is reinforced for durability
• If the Traverse is a "running shoe specialized for walking," then the Agility Peak 5 is a "trail running shoe that's great for running but also walking."
  

Personally, I feel that the Traverse emphasizes stability and ground contact, while the Agility Peak 5 emphasizes a balance of comfort and durability, and I believe that you should choose these shoes depending on your purpose and mountain climbing style.

Conclusion

The Traverse is a shoe that has the lightness of a trail running shoe, but also provides a sense of stability when walking. It allows you to walk comfortably and easily on well-maintained mountain trails, and is also suitable for long-distance traverses.

On the other hand, in rocky ridges above the tree line, the upper material has weaknesses such as being prone to tearing and quick wear. When using in such environments, it is realistic to assume that the lifespan of the shoes will be shortened, but still use them in situations where speed and agility are important.

What's important is not the experience of the climber, but "what kind of mountain will you be climbing and for what purpose." I feel that the Traverse is a model that allows you to balance "comfort" and "durability" depending on that criteria.

They are not an all-purpose shoe that will cover everything, but they are shoes that will bring out their best qualities when designed to suit your feet and mountain climbing style.

What's important is what mountain you're hiking and for what purpose. If the Traverse is a good fit for your hiking style, it's sure to be a reliable companion.