I’ve run about 130 miles in these shoes, and I think I am in love. If you are looking for an everyday shoe with a low heel to toe drop, wide toe box, and some comfort you might love them too.
The materials on this shoe really make me happy. I love a mesh upper. I honestly don’t understand the knit upper trend. To me, that feels like a sweater for your feet. Knit is a problem when you run in the rain or in the heat. The mesh on these shoes is pretty forgiving, which helps with comfort. I think they did a great job balancing the amount of rubber on the sole to give traction without using so much it weighs it down. The shoelaces are long enough to use the heel lock lace pattern, but not so long they would be a hazard if you didn’t (I’m looking at you Altra Torin). Also, this color option puts a smile on my face. Does anyone else think these would blend in at a candy counter?
Feet come in a million shapes, and I think these shoes were made for my feet. I have worn shoes with the natural toe box before, and it really makes life easier for me. I run some longer miles in southern heat, and I have slightly wide feet. Extra room in the toe box means I can skip orthotics and still not end up with pain in the ball of my foot. I have found that other shoes with a wide enough toe box tend to be wide all over. Topo has given us a nice snug heel and midfoot.
The cushion in these shoes is also a Goldilocks just right amount. It’s not exactly soft, but I feel like I have plenty of separation off the road while still being able to push off. The stack height is 28mm in the heel and 23mm in the forefoot.
I appreciate that Topo has options in the low heel to toe drop. I have run in zero drop, even a couple of marathons, but I think my calves sometimes want a break. The Ultrafly has a 5mm drop and my ankles and calves appreciate the difference.
This shoe is advertised in the moderate support category. I usually run in neutral shoes. Most support shoes are designed to help out people who pronate (put their weight on the inside of their foot), and I supinate (put the weight on the outside of a foot). In this shoe most of the materials are symmetrical, so I get to benefit from the stiffer materials on the ankle collar. Nothing else about the stability is really noticeable to me.
The retail price on this shoe is $130. You can purchase this shoe directly from Topo, and if you sign up for their email list you will get 10% off. REI also sells this shoe, and if you are a member you would get 10% back in store credit.
Have you run in the Ultrafly? I would love to hear what you think!