Topo Athletic ST-5

Name: Topo Athletic ST-5
Brand: Topo Athletic

Daily trainer · Neutral · Road · 5.7 oz · 0mm drop · 15/15mm stack

Discontinued — we no longer see this shoe in stock.

How it ranks

The Topo Athletic ST-5 rates in the 61st percentile overall among daily trainers. It rates highest on value.

Based on 4 runner reviews here plus retailer ratings.

Good

80/100

Overall

Good 80

Value

Value rating

We estimate how this shoe ranks by combining runner ratings, whether reviewers say they'd buy a shoe again, and direct comparisons to other shoes they've run in. We also consider related product-line performance and trusted external ratings. More review data helps narrow the likely rating range.

Better Shoes Rating

Excellent (90/100)

Compared To Other Shoes

Scores better than 87% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.

Excellent 90

Comfort

Comfort rating

Better Shoes Rating

Very good (80/100)

Compared To Other Shoes

Scores better than 62% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.

Very good 80

Appearance

Appearance rating

Better Shoes Rating

Very good (81/100)

Compared To Other Shoes

Scores better than 62% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.

Very good 81

Durability

Durability rating

Better Shoes Rating

Good (70/100)

Compared To Other Shoes

Scores better than 31% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.

Good 70

Cushioning

Cushioning rating

Better Shoes Rating

Average (62/100)

Compared To Other Shoes

Scores better than 15% of shoes

Compared with all shoes

The shaded band shows the rating range we think is most likely.

Average 62

What runners say

“Great fit for wide forefeet with narrow heel; toes spread out.”

4/5 Full review

“Minimal cushion can strain calf muscles, Achilles tendon, shin muscle.”

5/5 Full review

“Under 7 oz, feels light as a feather.”

4/5 Full review

“Wide toe box; no need to order a 2E.”

4/5 Full review

“Zero drop, very low stack height, wide toe box, and stiff sole.”

5/5 Full review

“Great zero-drop shoe with wide toe box and minimal bulk.”

4/5 Full review

“Best low/zero-drop Topo model.”

4/5 Full review

Prefer this shoe over another

100% 3/3

Where to buy

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No offers available

Reader Ratings

4 reader ratings

5/5

4/5

3/5

2/5

1/5

Runner reviews

Write a review

Comfortable Zero-Drop Lightweight Shoe

Anonymous runner · Dec 1, 2024

4/5

Overall

I am one of those runners who kind of missed the news that minimalist shoes are no longer in. Once most of the minimalist shoes disappeared from the market, I turned to Topos. I've been with them since the ST-2. I think the ST-5 is my favorite model yet. As someone with very wide forefeet but a narrow heel, these have a great fit and allow my toes to spread out. There is enough shoe there to feel supportive, especially as I get older, but not too much shoe that it feels in the way. They feel great to run in and the latest model comes in more neutral colors. They start to feel flat a little earlier than I would like for something that doesn't have much cushioning too start with, but I probably expect too much out of my shoes anyway. If you are looking for a zero-drop shoe with a wide toe box and not too much shoe, this is a great option.

Comfort: 5/5
Cushioning: 4/5
Durability: 3/5
Appearance: 5/5
Value: 5/5

Topo ST-5, The running shoe to replace both my Saucony Virratas and Altra Zero drop shoes.

Anonymous runner · Nov 21, 2024

5/5

Overall

This shoe is by no means a shoe for everyone. It has zero drop, very low stack height, wide toe box and the bottom of the shoe is stiff. This material is not very bouncy so it along with the minimal cushion can put a strain on your calf muscles, Achilles tendon, shin muscle, etc.... Also, it your ankles are stiff or weak like mine felt over the past couple months, these shoes will be hard to adjust to. With that being said, whenever I didn't have these problems, these were a blast to run in. They have what Altra does best, zero drop. But also have that minimalist look to it along with a wide toe box for your toes to expand. I made this purchase back in July I believe and was worried when I was having tension in the lower legs, it literally comes down to having healthy lower legs along with the hips; which I'm currently working on fixing. I will let you know after having put a lot of miles on these if they still hold up.

Comfort: 4/5
Cushioning: 5/5
Durability: 5/5
Appearance: 5/5
Value: 5/5

Topo ST-5's are low key reliable lightweight trainers and racers

Anonymous runner · Oct 31, 2024

4/5

Overall

Topo Athletic shoes are lighter weight, low/zero drop, and these are the best of all of the above. Under 7 oz, feel light as a feather, have a wide toe box so no need to order a 2E, look great in the office if you get the black/charcoal models, yet you feel a bit of support when running. This might be the best ST model they have made, which is saying something because the ST-4's were a fairly good upgrade of the prior ST's.

Comfort: 5/5
Cushioning: 2/5
Durability: 4/5
Appearance: 5/5
Value: 5/5