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Topo Athletic Pursuit 2 Trail Runner Review
I won’t sugarcoat it: I’m a big fan of Topo Athletic footwear. My admiration began during my 2018 Appalachian Trail thru-hike, when I urgently sought a shoe with a wide toebox that could endure not only my wide foot, but also more than a couple hundred miles of use without falling apart like the Altras I was wearing.
The original Terraventure model caught my eye, and I was hooked. Since then, I’ve worn Topos almost exclusively, logging thousands of miles hiking and running in their shoes. Typically, I can put 750 – 1,000 miles on a pair before needing to replace them, and they often look barely used even then.
However, not every pair has been flawless. After Designer Brands Inc. acquired the company in late 2022, I began to notice some inconsistencies in quality, even though original CEO Tony Post remained with the company. For instance, I was disappointed when the original Pursuit model’s soles delaminated after just a 3-day trek through Maine’s 100-mile Wilderness last summer.
Despite these occasional issues, Topo’s overall quality remains high overall. So when the new Topo Athletic Pursuit 2 was announced, I was eager to give them another try — and I’m glad I did.
Topo Athletic Pursuit 2 At-a-Glance
MSRP: $145
Weight: 298g / 10.5oz (each)
Stack height: 28mm
Drop: 0 mm
Women’s Topo Athletic Pursuit 2 here.
Circumstances of Review
The Pursuit 2s became my immediate daily drivers for trail runs, hikes, and guiding as soon as they arrived. Over about three months, I put them through the wringer on the rooty, rocky, and wet trails of Maine, including guided hikes of Katahdin. All told I put at least 350 miles on this pair.
Pursuit 2 Features
Lightweight and Breathable: Designed with a lightweight construction and breathable upper mesh to keep feet cool and comfortable during long runs.
Wide Toe Box: The Putsuit 2 features a spacious toe box that allows for natural toe splay, enhancing stability and comfort as with other brands such as Altra.
High Traction Outsole: Equipped with a high-traction Vibram outsole, the Pursuit 2 has excellent grip and durability on a variety of surfaces, including wet, rocky, and rooty trails.
Cushioned Midsole: The Pursuit 2 uses a cushioned midsole made of Topo’s updated ZipFoam formula for a softer, more responsive, and lighter ride. With a stack height of 28mm, this adds comfort and shock absorption for longer days on trail.
Secure Fit: Like all Topo Athletic models, the Pursuit 2 utilizes a lace-up closure system that ensures a secure and customizable fit in the midfoot and heel, preventing slippage and improving comfort.
FKT Insole: A newer feature being added to the latest Topo models is the FKT insole — an insole with a specially beaded foam design that helps shunt water away to keep it from absorbing into the material and staying saturated for longer. 
Topo’s new FKT insole.
Topo Pursuit 2 Pros
Pursuit 2s after more than 350 miles of beatdowns on Maine trails.
Extremely Durable
What I hoped for with the Pursuit 2s was that their quality and durability would match those of Topo’s other models, and I’m pleased to say they deliver. After hundreds of miles of running and hiking, I’ve encountered no issues with sole delamination, midsole sloppiness, or blowouts in the uppers—common problems with other brands. The photo above, taken after crossing the 350-mile mark, shows the shoes still looking almost new, aside from minor scuffing on the tread and a bit of dirt. I’m extremely impressed and relieved by their durability.
Wide Toe Box & Zero Drop
Though not universally accepted, the purported benefits of a wide toebox and zero drop (the same height difference between the heel and toe) in a trail shoe are well-known.
A wide toebox allows for natural toe splay, offering a roomier fit and enhancing toe movement, which can improve stability and balance. Zero drop promotes more natural foot alignment and encourages a midfoot or forefoot strike when walking or running, potentially reducing strain on the feet and lower limbs for a more comfortable and efficient stride.
Despite the popularity of zero drop among runners and hikers, few brands offer shoes that combine a wide toebox with zero drop. In a recent episode of Backpacker Radio, Dr. Courtney Conley, a foot and gait specialist, specifically recommended these features and this shoe model for maintaining foot health during long-distance activities.
Outsole Grip
For hiking and running in the northeast, exceptional outsole grip and durability are essential. The Pursuit 2s feature the Vibram Megagrip outsole, which excels at gripping wet, tough surfaces like granite slabs. Typically, there’s a trade-off between grip and durability: the grippier the outsole, the less durable it tends to be, and vice versa.
However, the Vibram Megagrip compound seems to defy this trade-off, offering a solution that is both grippy and durable. While the best outsole I’ve ever used is Inov-8’s Graphene Grip, the Vibram Megagrip comes close, particularly in wet conditions.
Topo Pursuit 2 Cons
Quality Control Concerns
As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I’ve been running and hiking in Topos almost exclusively for six years. Since the company was bought out, I’ve noticed some quality control issues. I go through about four pairs of Topos per year and have only had problems with two pairs in the past two years. While this isn’t a major issue, it does make me somewhat cautious.
Topo has always been excellent about replacing pairs that fail prematurely, and I hope they can resolve these issues and return to the consistent, high quality we’re accustomed to. I believe they will — it’s just a matter of time.
Not for Extreme Conditions
Although the Pursuit 2s perform well in many conditions, they aren’t ideal for all environments. While the Vibram Megagrip outsole offers superior traction, it’s not my top choice for heavy snow or mud, as the lugs aren’t aggressive or deep enough to grip well.
Additionally, these shoes might not be the best option for desert environments as the breathable mesh uppers may allow sand to penetrate, which could lead to irritation and discomfort.
Final Thoughts
Taking a break at treeline on Katahdin’s Hunt Trail.
Overall, the Pursuit 2 lives up to Topo Athletic’s reputation for quality and durability, delivering impressive performance even after extensive use. The wide toebox and zero-drop design enhance comfort and foot alignment, while the Vibram Megagrip outsole provides excellent traction on all the rugged surfaces I could throw at it.
Despite some recent quality control concerns and limitations in extreme conditions, the Pursuit 2 remains a solid choice for hikers and runners seeking a dependable, high-performing shoe. I highly recommend them, but as with any zero-drop shoe, it’s wise to ease into them if you’re not already accustomed to the transition.
Shop the Men’s Topo Athletic Pursuit 2
Shop the Women’s Topo Athletic Pursuit 2
Comparable Trail Runners
Altra Lone Peak 8 (Women’s)
MSRP: $140
Weight: 10.7 ounces
Drop: 0 mm
Read our review of the Lone Peak 8 here.
Inov-8 TrailFly G 270 V2 (Women’s)
MSRP: $170
Weight: 9.5 ounces
Drop: 0 mm
Read our review of the TrailFly G 270 V2 here.
MSRP: $125
Weight: 11.2 ounces
Drop: 0 mm
Read our review of the Astral TR1 Scuffler here.
The Topo Athletic Pursuit 2 was donated for purpose of review.
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