Tested and Reviewed: Topo Athletic MT-5 (2024)

The MT-5 is a user-friendly option. It has the simple essentials entry-level trail runners need with none of the bells and whistles they’ll have to fuss over. Topo Athletic increased the stack height from 25:22mm to 28:23mm, which means more cushioning and protection underfoot. The heel-toe offset was also increased from 3mm to 5mm to make the shoe more accessible for runners wary of low-drop shoes. Topo also shaved down the lugs, making the outsole less aggressive. The MT-5 now feels more like a hybrid model for both the roads and groomed trail.

• Who It’s For: Runners who are new to the trail and looking for a moderately cushioned trainer with on- and off-road versatility
• Preceded By: MT-4
• For Runners Who Like: Brooks Divide 4, Hoka Zinal 2
• Midsole Foam: Zipfoam (EVA and TPU blend)
• Key Tech: Updated Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole

I took the MT-5 out on a mixed cinder, dirt, and cement path for my last pre-marathon 10-miler. I was confident running over patches of icy snow, and felt swift as I threw in a few surges. The shoe makes you feel nimble and fast thanks to its light weight and the absence of a rock plate—I could feel more flex through my forefoot. Testers, such as John Parks, shared similar experiences running in the shoe.

“The MT-5 has ample cushioning and a smooth ride. You don’t even notice the tread when running on the road,” said Parks, who previously ran in the Altra Outroad 2. “With the snow we had, I found the MT-5 gave me more confidence when cornering and maintaining grip compared to the Outroad.”

More Tester Feedback

Tester: Ryan Werling
Arch: High | Pronation: Overpronator | Footstrike: Extreme Heel

“From the moment I put the shoe on, my main impression of the MT-5 is how comfortable the tongue and lacing system are. From my previous test of the Topo Mtn Racer 3, I was familiar with Topo’s larger toebox. However, I liked that the toebox of the MT-5 seems just slightly narrower than the Mtn Racer’s.

“I tested the shoe mostly on tough, rocky trails with steep inclines and declines. (I also wore it on roads—and the treadmill, due to the weather.) I had a couple of falls when descending those sharper downhills on the trail. My feet slid out from underneath me due to the lack of traction on the more aggressive trail surfaces. But other than that, the ride was amazing. It really supported my hard heel striking.”

Tester: Helene Horn
Arch: Medium | Pronation: Overpronator | Footstrike: Forefoot

“The MT-5 was soft yet supportive. On trails it protected my feet from the rocks, and on roads I felt equally comfortable. The trails this winter were especially wet and slippery, but I was able to navigate them well. I hopped wet curbs and ran on sidewalks, grass, and even parking garage steps with great ease. I also had no problems on slippery roads in the rain—I think the outsole is truly good for that scenario.”

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