Perfect combination of cushioning and ground feel
Tom M. · Jul 3, 2026
4/5
Overall
I've run in Topo Phantoms for a few years. Average run is 4 to 7 miles. They're not fashion items, they're running shoes so I don't care that they look a bit odd because of the anatomical toe box. The Phantom 4 has a bit more stack than the Phantom 3, but doesn't look like the wedding cakes that other brands are turning out. In fact, the extra cushioning has been added without losing the ground feel, which is what's great about this shoe. What's not so great about this shoe is the outsole durability, although I need to qualify that. I know people who've run in these for hundreds of miles with very little outsole wear; however, I am 180 pounds, a heel striker and run primarily on older local roads which can be rough on shoes, and I have to start using Shoe Goo to shore them up before I reach 100 miles. I should point out that many in the industry believe that low-drop shoes are only for mid- or forefoot strikers and that heel-strikers either prefer or need higher-drop shoes. That's crap. If these shoes had more/better rubber in the heel area, they'd be perfect.
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Cushioning
- 3/5
- Durability
- 2/5
- Appearance
- 3/5
- Value
- 4/5