The Topo Fli-Lyte is one of Topo Athletics most popular road shoes. I haven’t tried previous versions but tried the Topo Magnifly 2. Topo Athletic is a newer brand to me, and I’ve only started running in them recently. I was lucky enough to be sent a pair of Topo Fli-Lyte 3s to try.
Quick Stats:
Weight 7 oz
Drop: (3mm drop)
Fit:
The Topo Fli-Lyte 3 uses engineered mesh. There are no printed overlays or seams, which makes it great for someone with a wider forefront or bunions. While it doesn’t come in wide, the standard width is much wider than several brands.
The mesh has much larger holes, so it’s more breathable than previous versions. Typically I wear between a women’s size 10 and 11 wide, and the 10.5 fit well.
Like the Altra Escalante, the Topo Fli-lyte 3 shoe has a naturally shaped but snug fit. I appreciate the roomy toe box with enough room for your toes to splay (You never want a running shoe to be too tight).
Ride:
The Topo Fli-Lyte 3 is extremely light. At just 7 ounces for women and 8 for men, it’s one of the lighter trainers out there. If you prefer minimalist or lighter shoes, it works as a trainer. Topo Athletic wants you to have a “natural running experience” and that ground feel. For me, it fits well as a speedwork or long run shoe. It’s not a trail run shoe, but can be used on groomed trails. I prefer them as road running shoes. I’ve done a few longer runs in them and I appreciate the cushion while still being light weight.
To reduce weight, Topo has removed rubber from the bottom. Removing rubber also removes overall traction. There is still rubber in critical areas such as the toes, forefront, and heel. That allows for traction upon contact. Many brands have removed most, if not all rubber to reduce weight. That, in turn, makes the shoe much less durable and it won’t have good traction on a rainy day.
Summary:
In all, I like the Topo Fli-Lyte 3, and I will continue to use it as a speedwork or faster long run shoe. The more roomy toe box and lower heel to toe drop make Topo Athletic a great brand for anyone running in Altra as well.
Current Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6, Topo Magnifly 2, Hoka Mach 2,
Speed Work: Topo Fli-Lyte 3, Reebok Float Ride Runfast Pro, Nike Streak Lt,
Long Runs: Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2
Races: Nike Fly, Reebok Run fast Pro
You can see all current shoe reviews here.
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Questions for you:
Have you tried Topo?
What is your favorite shoe?
I’m in the market for a new pair of running shoes right now so I love all of your reviews! Lately I’ve been loving Brooks but I may need to change it up!