Topo Athletic Vista: Classic Topo Shape + Hoka Cushion = Amazing!!!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Topo Athletic Vista is one of the newest trail-ready shoes to hit our shelves—and it’s already turning heads. Designed as a max-cushion hybrid for trail runners and light hikers alike, the Vista brings together a roomy anatomical toe box, dependable grip, and all-day comfort in a surprisingly nimble package. It’s built for versatility, whether you're hitting local Bishop trails, exploring the Sierra backcountry, or just looking for something that feels amazing out of the box.

But don’t just take our word for it—this review comes straight from Chris Iversen, former co-owner of Eastside Sports and someone who’s logged decades of mileage in hundreds of shoes from every major brand. If there’s anyone whose opinion we trust when it comes to hiking and trail footwear, it’s Chris.

In the review below, she breaks down what sets the Vista apart from the crowd, why it’s earned a place in her own gear rotation (no small feat!), and who this shoe might be a perfect fit for.

Spoiler: she’s impressed.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I’ve owned every model of Topo [trail] shoes at this point, minus their street running shoes. And I’ve tried more shoes from all brands than I care to list. I am not easy to impress with footwear.

These are hands down my favorite. I usually wear my La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Mids to hike in, but recently, I have been choosing to hike in the Vistas because they are just so good.

I’ve been very impressed with how supportive they are. I was concerned about the amount of cushioning they have. It’s a big ask for them to make a shoe that has that much cushioning and yet still gives that amount of support and control on trail. Most cushioned shoes just mush out when hiking and feel really unstable. My body will no longer let me wear just any shoe to hike in. These are my new faves. Light, super supportive, very cushioning they absorb impact very well and don’t just squish out, good tread and grip on trails, wide toe box without sacrificing the rest of the fit (not a sloppy fit), tighter mesh doesn’t let in a bunch of dust and sand. They also seem well made so hoping they hold up well for a running shoe.

Two thumbs up. I would sell these to almost anyone as an awesome light trail hiking shoe."