Women’s Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 Trail Runner Review

Bottom Line

The Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 is our top choice for trail running, and it’s easy to see why. Featuring an aggressive tread and an ultra-sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole, this shoe is built for serious performance on almost any trail. The thick cushioning and breathable upper provide comfort whether you’re racing or logging long training sessions in the mountains. The spacious toe box provides ample space, and the performance midfoot secures your foot, preventing any sloppiness.

Our team tested the MTN Racer 4 on various trails in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and across the Pyrenees Mountains. No matter the terrain, the MTN Racer 4 delivered exceptional performance. We loved the durable construction, which protected against sharp rocks, and appreciated the breathability on hot days. The cushioning kept our feet feeling fresh even at the end of really long days.

See our other favorites in our guide to the best trail running shoes for women.

How We Tested

We tested the Topo MTN Racer 4 during training runs and hikes in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, including several miles on the Appalachian Trail. Our testing concluded with a thru-hike of the Haute Randonee Pyrenees along the Spanish and French border.

Traction

The thing we love most about the Topo MTN Racer 4 is its incredible traction. Thanks to the sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole and the deep lugs, we never lost our footing, even on the notoriously rocky Pyrenees High Route and Appalachian Trail. Whether on dirt trails, muddy slopes, or slabby rock, these shoes gripped well.

The only drawback, if it can be called that, is that if your runs involve more compact surfaces like short stretches of pavement or gravel, the outsole might be overkill and feel a bit too sticky. We reserved these trail runners for our truly technical runs and hikes for that reason.

comfort

The Topo MTN Racer 4 hits that sweet spot between comfort and performance. While there are more slipper-like comfort trail shoes available, they often feel sloppy or don’t perform well on technical terrain. The MTN Racer 4 features Topo’s standard anatomical footbox combined with a more body-hugging midfoot. These design elements kept our feet feeling secure and offered ample space for our toes without excess lateral movement. 

The heel cup also provided a secure, snug fit. However, runners with higher volume or wide feet might find them a bit restrictive. Additionally, the high cushioning protected our feet from rocks, reduced fatigue, and kept us feeling fresh during long days in the mountains.

Weight

Coming in at 17 ounces per pair, the Topo MTN Racer 4 hits the mark. It has a similar weight to many other trail runners we tested, but offers significantly more cushioning than the Saucony Peregrine 14 or Topo Traverse.

This means you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for lightness; your feet won’t get tired from lifting heavy shoes repeatedly during long runs, and you’ll have the added protection of the cushion. It’s a win-win.

Durability

Nike has improved the durability of the Pegasus Trail 5 with several adjustments, including reinforcing the front of the shoe with a robust rubber rand. Additionally, they have integrated segments of a more tightly woven fabric into the single layer mesh upper at key high-wear points. This underscores their commitment to making a more durable trail runner that will perform for miles. 

Throughout the course of testing, we did not notice any obvious signs of wear and tear. However, we have some reservations about whether the Pegasus Trail 5 will hold up to prolonged exposure on high abrasion terrain or punctures from sticks. However, with care, they seem to be made to withstand many miles of light to moderate trail use.

Breathability

While the Topo MTN Racer 4 ranks highly for breathability, there is some trade-off for the added overlays and durability. Despite this, our feet remained cool even on hot weather days, and the shoe dispersed moisture well, lowering the risk of blisters.

Topo also uses their FKT insole, which is closed-cell and non-absorbent. This helped the MTN Racer 4 drain and dry faster after crossing creeks and during long stretches of rainy weather. However, those who regularly recreate or race in very hot, humid, or wet conditions might find that these don’t provide the level of breathability they need.

Responsiveness

With a thick 33×28 mm stack height, the Topo MTN Racer 4 doesn’t look like it would offer the level of responsiveness it does. However, the cushion felt springy and nimble, providing us with great energy return while protecting our feet from rocks, roots, and pounding.

The secure fit of the midfoot helped us feel in control on tight turns and more technical terrain since our feet never slid inside the shoe. While there is plenty of cushion, we still felt connected to the ground, which we prefer, especially on more technical terrain where we need to adapt to a wide variety of surfaces that change with every step. 

Should You Buy the Women’s Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4?

Runners looking for a high cushion, high-performance trail runner that combines aggressive traction with a roomy toe box will find a lot of value in the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4. Made for rugged, technical trails, this shoe is perfect for those training or racing in the mountains and isn’t as well-suited for gravel or compact dirt. While they offer enhanced durability and drainage, this might slightly reduce breathability, which is a consideration for runners in very hot and humid climates.

We loved the precise fit in the midfoot and heel that kept our feet from slipping, which is often an issue in wider toe box models, although some might find it a bit too restrictive in the midfoot and may want to size up half a size. Their incredible durability, combined with an average price point among trail runners, makes them an excellent value in terms of cost per mile. Overall, these shoes are a great choice for long, tough days in the mountains. 

What Other Women’s Trail Runners Should You Consider?

If the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 4 isn’t the shoe for you, check out these similar trail runners that combine performance cushioning with trail-approved traction.

Topo Traverse Review: Check out this Editor’s Pick if you want a highly responsive trail shoe with aggressive traction that performs well on technical terrain, offering less cushion and more ground feel.

Saucony Peregrine 15 Review: Check out this Editor’s Pick if you’re seeking a minimal drop trail shoe that provides room for your toes, maintains a traditional profile, and features highly breathable mesh.

New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro x v9 Review: Looking for a Vibram grip with maximum cushioning and greater versatility? These shoes will easily take you from dry trails to wet pavement.