Ladies’s Topo Athletic Traverse Assessment

Backside Line

The addition of the Traverse to the Topo lineup is a big win for long-distance backpackers and FKTers. We’ve used the Topo Terraventure for a very long time, however the brand new Traverse is now our go-to as a result of it combines the perfect qualities of the Terraventure—akin to sturdiness and a roomy toe field—with a extra breathable higher, a closed-cell insole, and additional cushioning, making it the final word rugged path shoe.

On our backpacking journey in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the shoe carried out exceptionally nicely on all path varieties. It additionally drained rapidly and dried out quickly after river fords and boggy sections.

Regardless of being a lighter mesh, the sturdy higher resisted injury from rocky terrain, whereas holding our ft cool and dispersing moisture buildup. The Vibram Megagrip on the outsole supplied glorious traction on varied surfaces.

Our solely caveats are that the gaiter compatibility isn’t common and that, for the primary few miles, the toe field felt a bit of tight earlier than loosening up.

To see all of the path runners we examined, try our information to the perfect path trainers for girls.

How We Examined

We first encountered the Traverse on the Appalachian Path Days pageant in Damascus, VA, the place we had the possibility to strive it on for the primary time. The reps defined how the shoe was designed with thru-hikers and long-distance runners in thoughts.

We skilled this consideration to element firsthand throughout our part hike of the AT in New England, by New Hampshire and into Maine, in addition to on coaching runs for our upcoming backpacking journey within the Pyrenees.

Traction

The Topo Athletic Traverse options an aggressive lug sample with deep lugs and a sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole, making it a superb path shoe for nearly each sort of terrain. We examined it on a piece of the Appalachian Path, in addition to throughout a number of hikes and runs in Pennsylvania. Whether or not the path was muddy, slick, dust, or rocky, the Traverse by no means left us feeling not sure. 

The typical day on the Appalachian Path within the White Mountains contains some hands-on scrambling, steep slabby rock, muddy or boggy path, and slippery plank lavatory logs. The Traverse supplied us with glorious traction and stability on all of those surfaces.

In contrast to most different path sneakers, the Traverse was designed primarily for mountain climbing, which makes them extremely versatile. Those that spend lengthy days within the mountains will discover these to be the right companion, whether or not they’re navigating technical terrain or muddy trails.

consolation

Topo Athletic provides sneakers with an anatomical toe field for excellent consolation and room for toe splay and swelling throughout lengthy, sizzling efforts, together with the brand new Traverse. Our testers discovered the toe field on this mannequin to be barely extra restrictive than different Topo sneakers and seen a pinch level within the widest a part of their forefeet throughout the first few miles. That irritation ultimately subsided, however we suggest sizing up half a dimension out of your ordinary Topo dimension for additional room.

It’s price noting that whereas the toe field gives loads of wiggle room, the midfoot and heel match extra snugly. This provides a cushty house within the toes with out feeling sloppy, although these with high-volume ft in search of width all through may favor the Altra Lone Peak or Hoka Speedgoat.

Apart from that, the reasonable stack top and agency foam supplied nice cushioning with out shedding floor really feel. The rock plate within the forefoot prevented our ft from getting battered on the fixed rocks and roots of the Appalachian Path.

Weight

At simply over a pound per pair, the Topo Athletic Traverse falls proper throughout the common weight vary for path runners. They strike a steadiness between rugged sturdiness and aggressive traction, with reasonable cushioning and rock safety, all whereas holding the burden low—making them a terrific alternative for lengthy days.

The Traverse is constructed for thru-hikers and FKT setters, in addition to anybody placing in lengthy days within the mountains. That group wants sneakers that carry out with out additional weight, and these sneakers ship. Even after 20+ mile days on the Appalachian Path, our ft didn’t really feel heavy or slowed down. 

Sturdiness

One of many issues we love most about Topo Athletic sneakers is their unbelievable sturdiness. The Traverse continues this custom. Even after logging dozens of miles on rocky, root-filled trails, they present little or no put on.

We respect the sturdy mesh that mixes breathability with power, in addition to the beneficiant overlays in high-abrasion areas that add a second layer of safety. Regardless of the aspect abrasion from rocks, the Traverse didn’t blow out on the aspect or endure any tearing, in contrast to many comparable sneakers available on the market.

Moreover, the full-coverage Vibram Megagrip outsole protects the midsole from particles, and the toe rand and intensive bumper protect the foot and toebox from injury. We had been happy with the general safety the shoe supplied and its sturdiness after many miles of rugged terrain.

Breathability

Though not probably the most breathable mesh, the Topo Athletic Traverse successfully dispersed warmth and moisture sufficient to maintain our ft comfy, even on the most popular and most humid days. We discovered the marginally much less breathable mesh to be a worthwhile trade-off for its outstanding sturdiness; nonetheless, these not tackling very rugged trails or recreating in sizzling climates may wish to take into account different choices.

Moreover, we had been happy with how rapidly the Traverse drained after being submerged in river fords on the Appalachian Path and how briskly the shoe’s inside dried. Topo designed the insole with a closed-cell development to be much less absorbent, which we thought of a significant benefit on the constantly moist AT.

Responsiveness

Regardless of their hiking-forward development, runners will nonetheless discover the Traverse to be a flexible path shoe appropriate for practically any sort of terrain. This hybrid shoe provides loads of responsiveness with a agency but plush midsole that gives ample vitality return. Our testers discovered it to have simply the correct amount of cushion to maintain our ft recent with out sacrificing floor really feel.

The Traverse felt nimble, in contrast to a number of mountain climbing ahead designs, and our testers had been happy with its versatility for each lengthy part hikes on the Appalachian Path and each day path runs.

Whereas we did miss among the rocker movement that helps create a smoother gait, the Traverse didn’t really feel flat or clunky like different low-top hikers. Topo Athletic has completed a superb job of strengthening a path working shoe with out sacrificing responsiveness. Those that swap between path working and mountain climbing will discover a number of worth within the Traverse as a shoe that excels in each roles.

Ought to You Purchase the Ladies’s Topo Athletic Traverse?

Lengthy-distance path fanatics will discover the Topo Athletic Traverse to be a extremely versatile, sturdy path shoe. The Traverse is designed primarily for multi-day efforts like thru-hiking, FKTs, and multi-day races. It options improved parts for sooner drying, lowering moisture absorption within the insole, elevated sturdiness within the higher, and an aggressive set of lugs with a Vibram Megagrip outsole.

All these parts, mixed with Topo’s well-known broad toe field and minimal heel-to-toe drop, create a long-lasting, comfy path runner. Those that break up their time between path working and mountain climbing will uncover this to be a terrific all-around shoe and a strong worth for the miles it provides. 

Nonetheless, these in search of most cushioning, higher breathability, or general width and quantity (not simply within the toe field) might wish to take into account different choices. 

What Different Ladies’s Path Runners Ought to You Think about?

If the Topo Athletic Traverse doesn’t meet your wants, take into account these comparable path runners with trail-approved traction.

Topo MTN Racer Assessment: Take a look at this Editor’s Choose in case you’re on the lookout for a path shoe that gives aggressive traction and excels on extra technical terrain with extra cushioning.

Saucony Peregrine 15 Assessment: Take a look at this Editor’s Choose in case you’re on the lookout for a minimal drop path shoe that gives room in your toes whereas holding a extra conventional profile and extremely breathable mesh.

Brooks Cascadia 18 Assessment: If you would like loads of toe room, a extra conventional drop, and elevated sturdiness, these path runners is likely to be simply what you want. They arrive in two widths.