Topo Athletic may be a newcomer to the performance footwear game, but the brand founded by former Vibram CEO Tony Post is wasting no time expanding its running shoe offerings.
Today, Topo announces the launch of two new models: the Speed Trainer (ST) and the Mountain Trainer (MT). As their respective names may suggest, the Speed Trainer is a speed racing shoe designed for use on the tarmac, while the Mountain Trainer is a trail shoe. Unlike Topo’s initial running footwear offerings (which feature a split-toe design, the ST and MT feature a traditional toe box design to cater to a wider range of consumers.
“Athletes train in both urban and natural environments so it’s important for us to offer lightweight versatile footwear that is rugged enough to be worn on the trail and the road,” said Post. “Although we are encouraged by the positive reception our split-toe line received, we look forward to launching shoes like the ST and MT while still delivering on our core product values in shape, platform and lightweight construction.”
In terms of technical specs, the Speed Trainer is extremely lightweight at 5.8 ounces (men’s size 8), making it the ideal shoe for speed training, tempo runs and racing. It features a breathable mesh upper with 3-D polyurethane print detailing for flexibility and support. The shoe has a detachable 3mm EVA antimicrobial footbed, paired with a co-molded 3 mm rubber outsole and 7 mm EVA midsole, for a 13 mm total stack height.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Mountain Trainer is a versatile shoe designed for trail running and light hiking. It comes with a rugged high-traction with multidirectional lugs for stability and grip on a variety of terrain. The MT features the same mesh and 3-D polyurethane printed upper as the ST, but has a slightly higher stack height for more cushioning underfoot.
The Speed Trainer is immediately available for pre-order. The shoe will ship out on December 1, 2013. The Mountain Trainer is set for a January 2014 release, and will be sold exclusively at REI for the first month. The shoe will see its global release on February 1.
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