Every runner is different when it comes to running shoe preferences. Some prefer a grounded, minimalist feel. Others prefer a plush, max cushion feel that absorbs as much impact as possible.
Many running shoes tend to land in one of these two extremes. But in 2013, long-time runner Tony Post set out to create a brand that blends elements of barefoot running with more traditional, structured running shoes. With that goal in mind, Topo Athletic was born.
This New England-based company has delivered natural comfort and cushioning among a vast lineup of road and trail shoes. Now, the brand is incorporating a more performance-oriented approach with its new Pro Series.
The Topo Specter 3 is the debut shoe in the Pro Series. While it’s the third iteration of the Specter, the newest version leans even more into a speedy, high-performance design. With a redesigned midsole, increased stack height, and bouncier-than-ever foam, the Specter 3 is built for uptempo days, race days, and all the miles in between.
Our Review Process
Our Marathon Sports team is dedicated to providing you with the best possible insight into every new running shoe model. To achieve this goal, we have a comprehensive testing process that helps us truly understand how a shoe feels and performs.
So when the Topo Specter 3 arrived in stores, it was time to put it to the test. After diving into all the specs and features, we laced up the shoes and headed out for a variety of different runs.
Throughout speed workouts, long runs, and more, we took a closer look at the cushioning, underfoot feel, upper, fit, and overall ride. And with a better understanding of every element of this shoe, we’re ready to walk you through all of our findings, who might benefit from adding the Specter 3 to their rotation, and how the model stacks up to other comparable shoes on the market.
Topo Specter 3: Fast Facts and Highlights
Throughout this review, we’re going to take a thorough look at every element and all the innovative technology that goes into the new Specter 3. But first, here’s a rundown of what you can expect.
- Debut shoe in Topo’s Pro Series – an uptempo race-day or speed shoe
- Stack height: 39/34 mm
- 5 mm drop
- Weight: 7.7 oz (M), 6.3 oz (W)
- Midsole made of new RevFoam ATPU cushioning for enhanced energy return and responsiveness
- Redesigned midsole construction and rocker geometry aid in propulsion and speed
- Breathable and engineered mesh upper securely hugs the feet
- Wide, anatomical toe box enables natural toe splay
- Low 5 mm drop design helps maintain natural alignment and foot positioning
- New rubber outsole improves grip and durability
- Reflective elements built into the upper for more visibility and safety in low-light conditions
- Price: $170
Specter 3: A Closer Look
Researching the specs and highlights gave our team a better understanding of what Topo was aiming for with this new high-performance trainer. However, it can be hard to know exactly what to expect and how a shoe will feel without a deeper dive.
Here’s how all these features and elements come together in the newest Specter.
New ATPU Midsole
One of the biggest upgrades from the Specter 2 to the Specter 3 is the midsole foam. The Specter 2 used a Pebax midsole, giving the shoe a firm and responsive feel. The Specter 3 takes the ride to the next level with a new RevFoam ATPU midsole foam.
This new foam is significantly softer and bouncier than Topo’s previous performance foam, offering more immediate step-in comfort. And while it delivers a soft, spongy ride, this foam doesn’t sacrifice energy return, spring, and responsiveness.
The Specter 3 also ups the stack height for more shock absorption and comfort during distance races or long, uptempo runs. There’s now 39 mm of this responsive foam in the heel and 35 mm in the forefoot, giving you additional protection through every step.
Redesigned Midsole Geometry
The Specter 3 is geared to help you move faster and more efficiently, and the new midsole geometry reflects this goal. The entire construction and geometric design helps propel you forward and keep you moving with more momentum during faster efforts.
This propulsion is, in part, due to the more pronounced rocker geometry. The enhanced curve in the midsole guides you through every stride with smooth, quick transitions, so you can focus on the road ahead during races or everyday miles.
Topo is also dedicated to promoting natural alignment and groundfeel in its running shoes. All models feature either a low or zero drop design to keep your feet in a more natural position and improve foot strength and alignment.
The Specter 3 aligns with this goal with a low 5 mm drop. This low drop helps you stay grounded and stable with each step, even with the raised stack height and soft foam.
Engineered Mesh Upper
The upper on the newest Specter was updated to increase airflow and maintain an ultra-light, minimal feel around the foot. The mesh material is incredibly lightweight and breathable, helping maintain coolness and comfort in any weather.
And while the mesh around the top of the foot has a light, no-frills design, the added cushioning around the ankle and tongue helps you stay locked in place and reduce any excess movement or hot spots.
The upper is finished with some reflective overlays for added safety and security during early morning or evening runs.
Overall Fit
Topo shoes typically have two distinct features – a low drop construction and a wide foot-shaped toe box. We already touched on the 5mm heel-to-toe offset. But it’s also important to note that the Topo Specter 3 has a wide, roomy toe box that can accommodate a huge range of foot shapes and sizes.
The shoe is snug around the heel and midfoot, with a raised arch that hugs the feet and prevents any excess movement. But up front, the spacious toe box ensures your feet can splay out for maximum comfort during any race or workout.
Versatility & Value for Your Money
If you’re looking for a single do-it-all trainer you can add to your rotation, the Topo Specter 3 is one of the best options out there. The model offers exceptional versatility and adaptability. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a shoe that can handle all your workouts as well as the Specter 3, especially in the $170 price range.
Topo also made some improvements to deliver reliable grip and traction during any race or speed workout. The rubber coverage in high-wear areas delivers fantastic traction, with strategic cutaways to reduce bulk and weight. This revamped rubber outsole also gives the shoe more durability for longer-lasting wear.
Road Test Results
Our review team was very excited to see how Topo’s first model in the Topo Pro Series held up. We laced up the Specter 3 and headed outside to get a clearer image of how the shoe feels and performs during all types of runs.
The shoe’s step-in feel and geometry made an immediate first impression. Just putting the shoe on for the first time, it was evident that Topo had upped its cushioning game. The new RevFoam felt soft and springy underfoot, making us excited to hit the road and pick up the pace.
The shoe’s unique geometry was also immediately noticeable. The shoe is narrow in the heel with a wide, flared base in the forefoot. There’s also a very pronounced rocker geometry and a low 5mm heel-to-toe offset.
Many of our team members weren’t sold on this one-of-a-kind design upon our first few steps. Some found the narrow heel and wide forefoot, paired with the ultra springy foam, felt unnatural underfoot. But once we started running, we quickly changed our tune.
While this geometry didn’t feel ideal while walking, the propulsive design excelled during uptempo runs and any faster daily miles. Transitions were smooth and effortless, and due to the wide base and low drop, we could enjoy the soft, bouncy ride without sacrificing stability.
The Specter’s recycled engineered mesh upper is also a highlight. The material is lightweight and breathable, keeping the shoe feeling lighter and more streamlined than its predecessor. The mesh securely hugs the heel and midfoot, offering an effective lockdown with added cushioning in the heel and collar.
Up front, the wide toe box ensures plenty of extra wiggle room for your toes. The arch is also slightly raised for some additional support, although this prominent arch may not work for those with lower or more sensitive arches.
One of the best parts about the newest Specter is that as we moved from easy miles to uptempo days to race day, the shoe could handle whatever we threw at it. The high stack of soft cushioning felt great underfoot during long days, while the energetic ride and propulsive geometry made it easy to pick up the pace during shorter, faster efforts.
The Specter won’t be for everyone. The low drop, wide toe box, and updated geometry give it a unique feel that veers away from traditional running shoes and performance trainers. But with that in mind, the shoe is definitely worth a try if you’re looking for a fast, versatile shoe that can take you from all your faster training runs all the way through to the finish line on race day.
Topo Specter 3: Pros and Cons
The Specter isn’t a traditional training shoe. And with this unconventional approach to comfort comes its own unique set of pros and cons. Here are all the highlights, as well as some downsides, to consider when you’re debating whether the Specter 3 is right for you.
Pros
- New ATPU RevFoam is a major upgrade, delivering a ride with more softness, energy return, and spring than ever before
- Upgraded shoe geometry creates propulsion and speed ideal for race day or uptempo workouts
- Fast but cushiony design is incredibly versatile, so you can use the Specter as a do-it-all trainer across all your different runs
- Remarkably lightweight, especially considering the amount of soft foam. The shoes weigh only 7.7 oz and 6.3 oz for men’s and women’s shoes respectively
- Refined mesh upper with padded heel collar and tongue maximizes step-in comfort and breathability
Cons
- Innovative geometry is great for speedy runs but can feel unstable or unnatural while walking
- Raised arch profile may create pressure or discomfort for those with lower arches
Topo Specter 3: Comparisons & Other Options to Consider
Plateless trainers are becoming increasingly common in shoe rotations. Uptempo shoes, such as the Specter 3, offer some exceptional versatility with enough bounce, energy return, and cushioning to take on nearly any type of run.
If this sounds like the type of running shoe you’re looking for, you may enjoy the Topo Specter 3. However, there are also some other options to consider as well.
Asics has become a leading brand in the plateless super trainer category with beloved shoes such as the Superblast 3. Like the Specter, the Superblast relies on lightweight, springy foam for a responsive and energetic ride.
With a stack height of 47/39 mm, the Superblast has an even higher stack of foam than the Specter, making it ideal for someone who wants a long-run shoe that can also pick up the pace. However, this premium feel also comes with a more premium $210 price tag, making the Specter the more budget-friendly option.
Those who want a versatile, lightweight shoe but prefer a more snug, narrow fit should also try out the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro. The Deviate Pure Nitro also delivers a lightweight, performance-oriented ride that can span from training runs to race days. However, unlike the Specter, the shoe has a narrow, tapered toe box that hugs the front of the foot. If you prefer this security in your uptempo training shoe, this Puma shoe may be the better choice.
Ultimately, we don’t suggest buying running shoes without trying them out for yourself. While these are three great uptempo training shoe options, the best way to determine which shoe is best for you is with a visit to your nearest Marathon Sports to test them out in person.
The Finish Line: Final Thoughts on the Specter 3
For many years, running shoes tended to fit neatly into one of a few categories. There were high-cushion shoes meant for long runs, daily trainers built for daily miles, speed trainers for faster days, and dedicated carbon-plated shoes for racing.
But with the Specter 3, Topo successfully blurred the lines between these categories. The Specter 3 can do it all. The lightweight but cushioned shoe shines when it comes to race day, daily miles, long runs, and everything in between.
With refined geometry and Topo’s most advanced foam yet, the Specter 3 is setting the bar high for the brand’s all-new Pro Series, and our team at Marathon Sports is excited to see what comes next. And whether you like the Topo’s non-traditional running shoe feel or prefer a more standard daily trainer, we’re always here to help you take your running to the next level with the perfect pair of running shoes for you.
