Topo Traverse: A Great Trail Hiker & Runner in Any Terrain

Is the Topo Traverse (Men's / Women's) for You? We Think So!

In advance of PCT season and summer backpacking, I took the Topo Traverse trail runner for a hike out to the Druid Stones here in Bishop. Marked by steep elevation gain and rocky terrain, the trail proved an excellent testing ground for the shoes. I’d previously worn trail runners when backpacking, but immediately found the Traverse a sturdy, yet comfortable fit.

Designed specifically with thru-hikers in mind, the Traverse has a spacious toe box, whose roominess accommodates swelling feet and changes in foot size, particularly after hundreds of miles on the trail. Topos are known for catering to wider foot shapes, but my narrower frame and high arch feet fit comfortably in the Traverse. I’ve typically worn La Sportiva approach shoes and trail runners, which often have a thinner frame, but found myself liking the space provided by the Topo for my toes to stretch and splay, while still finding the heel a perfectly snug fit.

The shoe’s upper is made with a durable mesh that offers excellent ventilation. With the
breathability of the Topo, even after a few hours of hiking, my feet never felt too hot. The mesh material also helps to keep the shoes lightweight and quick to drain and dry. With the sharpness of the rock here in the Sierra, I would anticipate the mesh to sustain a bit of wear and tear, but it’s still durable to hold its own for miles of use.

To meet the needs of thru-hikers, Topo altered the insole of the Traverse, installing it with their FKT insole, whose closed-cell design doesn’t hold water and provides maximum drainage when encountering wet conditions or river crossings. I usually swap my insoles for ones designed for high arch support, but I loved the textured FKT insole, finding it to nicely cradle my foot and have excellent breathability.

The Traverse is equipped with a Vibram Megagrip sole, whose lugs are designed and positioned to provide traction and easily release mud and snow. Scrambling up rocky terrain in the Druids area, the shoes stuck to the rock, offering stability on both the ascent and descent.

Whether hoofing it over boulders or headed uphill on kitty litter gravel, the Traverse kept me from slipping and sliding and offered reliable support over a range of conditions. The shoe also has a built-in rock plate to give additional support when hiking with a pack and for protection against rocky terrain. Additional cushion in the heel is not only comfortable, but softens the impact of hiking on harder surfaces.

The low cut of the Traverse might be a deterrent to some (for those seeking more protected ankle support, the Trailventure 2 is a great higher-cut option from Topo), but I loved the stability provided by the Traverse in such a lightweight build. Breathable, sturdy, and all-around comfortable, the Topo Traverse is an excellent choice for thru-hikers to weekend warriors hitting the trail and looking for a shoe designed for both lightness and full support.

Topo Traverse Specs:
Stack Height - 30mm (heel) / 25mm (forefoot)
Heel to Toe Drop - 5mm
Weight - 10.6oz (men’s size 9) / 8.7oz (women’s size 7)
Rock Plate - Yes
Gaiter Compatible - Yes

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If the Topo Traverse has caught your attention for its versatility and comfort on varied terrain, you might also want to check out the Merrell Moab Speed 2. It delivers a similarly smooth ride with added cushioning and support—perfect if you're looking to go just a bit farther or faster. Shop now and see how it compares!

As always, don't hesitate to call us at store (760-873-7520) if you have questions about the right footwear for you!

(And if you need any gear to prepare for your own Eastern Sierra adventure, we got you covered with free shipping! All you have to do is join our email list and place your order with us online.)