2017 Approach Shoe Review: Mad Rock Topo Teal
Ultra-Light Urban
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Weight
17 oz per pair; unisex.
Comfort
“The Topo is similar to a lightweight running shoe,” our tester commented, comparing fit and style to a pair of Nikes. This minimalist shoe wore comfortable and light, and was perfect for shorter hikes and kicking around town, with a more urban, stylized look than other shoes in this review.
Approach
Our tester wore the Topo on long, rugged approaches in Red Rock and up hiking in the Flatirons, and while she praised the shoe’s fleetness and agility, she noted that it didn’t have a lot of support for longer hikes or rough terrain—it’s a better front-country shoe.
Scrambling/Climbing
“The Science Friction rubber was very sticky,” said our tester. “Impressive on low-angle rock and smearing.” Because of the Topo’s build, she felt that while it was grippy on large footholds, it wasn’t stable enough for reliable edging or jamming (downsizing may help).
$89, madrockclimbing.com