This Item Ships For Free!
Shop All Topo Athletic
Topo Athletic Specter
Men's Shoes - White/Grey
4.6
The Topo Athletic Specter is a performance running shoe that offers high energy return with a stable and responsive ride.
Best useBest Use Learn More
All AroundAll Around
Fast RunsFast Runs
SurfaceSurface Learn More
Roads & PavementRoads & Pavement
StabilityStability Learn More
Neutral
Stable
CushioningCushioning Learn More
Barefoot
Minimal
Low
Medium
High
Maximal
Product Details:
The Specter is a trainer designed for road running that features a Pebax Powered core surrounded by an EVA frame. This delivers soft cushioning and high-energy return with a stable underfoot experience.
What You’ll Love
- Cushioned and responsive Pebax Powered core
- Innovative heel and forefoot rocker
- Lightweight and durable rubber outsole
The Topo Athletic Specter has a Pebax Powered core that gives the shoe lightweight and responsive cushioning. The aggressive heel and forefoot rocker aid in a quick transition, helping to propel you forward with each stride. The upper of the shoe is a lightweight single-layer mesh that is comfortable and supplies a solid lockdown. The Specter is a highly cushioned neutral trainer that provides ample protection for all types of road runs.
Model Number: M058-WHT/GRY
Specs & Fit
Shoe Specs (Men's Size 9)
| Weight | 7.9 oz 224 grams |
| Heel Stack | 36 mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 31 mm |
| Heel-Toe Offset: | 5 mm |
How It Fits (based on D Medium width)
| Heel Width: | Roomy |
| Midfoot Fit: | Roomy |
| Toe Box Fit: | Wide |
Technologies
MIDSOLE
- Pebax Powered Core with EVA Frame delivers soft cushioning and high energy return with a stable base
- Aggressive Rocker for efficiency and fast transitions
OUTSOLE
- Lightweight die-cut rubber provides traction and durability
UPPER
- Light Engineered Mesh keeps weight at a minimum while providing a breathable, foot-friendly wrap.
- Printed Upper Pattern provides a snug midfoot lockdown for a more anatomical fit.
- Anatomical Toe Box provides an extra wide toe box shape to promote a more natural toe splay.
Videos
Customer Reviews
Topo runnerLong time Topo runner, My favorite road shoe by far.
Sad it's not more like the Topo trail shoesI've been running for 35 years and worn many brands but never tried Topo until last fall. I bought some Topo Ultraventures and have really liked them. I hoped the Specter would be as good but road specific. I love the heel construction, the upper laces up well and is super breathable. The toe box is wide and the heel to toe drop and stack hieghts are the same as the Ultraventure, but the midsole is drastically different. The trail shoe is broad and feels supportive yet cushioned. While the Specter is extremely firm and gives my foot the feel of falling inward. I have tried putting different insoles into them and still doesn't help. Sadly I am returning them.
A Great TrainerFirst step seemed shockingly firm, but the foam softened up after just walking around the house. This is a firm, fast shoe so if you like cushion, look to the nimbus. This one fits perfectly, has a great rocker, with a perfect blend of firmness and rebound. Also, I really like the orange and snagged it on sale. I have this and the Cyclone 2. Both are great in rotation. (I also have the nimbus 25s, but those are now just walking around shoes).
Love 'emI'll admit I'm cheap and when I saw these shoes for a hundred bucks I jumped on them. First impressions were that I loved the fit and generous toe box but felt really slow in them. I did not like the ride at all, they just felt clunky. After about 25 miles that changed. They started feeling snappy while still feeling plush, even on long runs. Now I love them and wish I would have grabbed a couple pairs when they had my size available for the clearance price.
I'm in loveMy first run in these shoes was a half marathon and they are fantastic. Highly recommended.
I Love This Shoe!!I normally wear Saucony or Brooks, but I tried this shoe and love it! They feel like a part of my foot, and work well for the 5Ks as well as the 10 miles run! I sure hope they don't discontinue these!
Very nice shoeWas able to get this shoe at a great price and I'm always looking for opportunity in lower drop shoes. Fit was very good and felt great running. I live in a very hot climate and wear thin socks, on my first 4 mile run had no blisters, didn't feel any hot spots, and my feet felt great. Anxious to use them for longer runs to see how the foam holds up. Was my first experience with Topo shoes and definitely looking at their other models. I would have given the shoe 5 stars if the regular price was more like $140 instead of $160. I doubt I would have tried my first pair had I needed to pay $160.
Heel too wide for me, otherwise loved it!I liked the colors, the stack, the toebox, the tongue, but could not lock my heel. Went tried a half size smaller than normal, no luck. Different lacing did not help. Reluctantly exchanged.
I would encourage anyone to try these. A 5mm drop, wide toebox, and I used my previous Topo's for every kind of run, including races. Will continue to check Topo's in the future.
SpecterVery comfortable, great shoe for long distances.
Most underrated shoe in the history of shoesI ordered all “the best” everyday shoes for putting in the miles as a marathon junkie, and run a mile in each rotating through lots of shoes over a two day period. At first these barely made the cut because they did not have the immediate feel of an all around trainer that I could run in every day. Initially the novablast was the head of the pack, but then I started to compare how I felt after each run and those just rose to the top. I had been having some foot pain, and form issues and for some reason these shoes made it easier to run with good form. I really expected to pick another shoe, but after all my testing this shoe just stood out, so I went with it. Two weeks of running in this shoe every other day and my foot pain was basically gone. Then something happened. I just wanted to run in this shoe every day. Other shoes in my rotation just cannot compare with the amazing balance of comfort, light weight, and the fact that I just run better in these shoes. I used these to do all the easy every day miles for a first place marathon finish, training was injury free and I credit it to these shoes. If I could give any shoe an award this shoes would get it. If you have not given this shoe a serious try, you are missing out.
Topo Always excellent quality and fits a nichI did not know what to expect from this shoe, I only owned one pair in my life and immediately knew I would be ordering more models. Being that I signed for many running events this summer and fall, I thought this model was in order.
Pro:s:
- Excellent detail to quality. I believe the way they build shoes I would be surprised if the tongue ripped, a tag, massive hole after 10 miles (yes this happened and will, shoes 190 and up),
- Fills a definite market niche. Altra has a lot of foot shaped shoes but few hybrids to choose from. This shoe is an excellent fit that is not like a harrow or like a paddle.
- Solid ride, lots of cushion but a solid ride. This obviously does not mean its a bad choice, its an excellent choice for people that want a lot if mid-sole but not as springy as others. Thats the only reason why I rated this a four star, I like a little bit more spring in my mid-sole
Looks - fantastic looking she running or with a pair of jeans
Great Shoe!Very comfortable. Wide Toe Box which is really nice. Have been a big fan of Hoka Rincon 3 and these are right up there with comfort, durability, and style, and functionality.
Best YetI have several TOPO’s. Love the wide toe box. I waited awhile before I tried the Specter. I didn’t think it would be much different from the other TOPO’s. Wrong. Much better. I’ve had the first pair three months. I liked them so much I bought this second pair so I will have them for this fall’s marathon. I don’t even realize they are on my feet. IMO, just the right amount of cushion. Light weight. Appear to be wearing well. These are and will be the first shoe I reach for when I go for a run whether it be short for long.
Daily trainerThe topo spector is a relatively comfortable training shoe..it doesn't really have enough cushioning to race but I find it makes a decent training shoe..most "normal" training shoes go flat under the forefoot..this shoe has enough cushioning it protect your forefoot for more than a spin around the block..there's an art to make a shoe that doesn't beat you up but not be so mushy your feet get tired..the spector would be better if just a little softer but still not go flat..
as a forefoot runner with high arches , getting a shoe just right is my biggest challenge..after 15mi on it I do feel it breaking in some..really wish the entire industry would publish durometer stats on all their shoes so a customer can pick a product that works for them..a 20yr old that weighs 120# probably needs a different shoe than a 60yr old that weighs 170#..anyway the spector is a durable trainer that is well above the average out there..
Much better than the reviewsI'm a big fan of Topo. I wasn't deterred by the lackluster reviews of the the Specter. I took the plunge with no regrets. Here's what I've found... They have what I love about all Topo; wide toe-box, much comfort, and 5mm drop. Unlike the Phantom, which I also like, the Specter is lighter, still cushioned, but with much better performance. They are easy on the joints but have the responsiveness from underneath. This is the best combination of performance and comfort that I have ever found.
Lots of popI wear size 11.5 W shoe, so I have to buy men's shoes most of the time. My feet expanded with my third pregnancy and I need long, wide shoes. This is my second pair of Topos. I wore the MtnRacer for a trail race, and the Specter shoe is perfect for road running. I wear it for speed work and feel that the rocker and cushion help make my faster runs feel smooth. This shoe will now stay a part of my top rotation selection.
Topo SpecterThis is my first pair of Topo Athletic running shoes. I've been an Altra fan for quite a while, but do to changes in their shoes, I decided to try Topo, and I'm glad I did. I've really been enjoying running in the Specter. The build quality is excellent. It has a wide toe box, minimal drop of 5mm and a responsive, cushioned but on the firmer side midsole. It doesn't have a plate but has a moderate rocker, which is what I was looking for. I've taken it to 15miles on a long run and done some tempo miles at 6:30 -7:00 pace. The Spector handled everything very well. It fit true to size for me. I have nothing but good things to say about the Specter. I expect to wear very well, probably 450-500 miles.
Great shoeEvery time I come back to Topo, I am reminded why I like them. The shoe transitions well and provides ample support while allowing good speed work. Only gripe is that they lack some traction on wet areas. Overall, a great shoe for a variety of paces/runs… highly recommend.
Best Topo road shoeGreat fitting upper (I have a wide mid and forefoot but a normal size heel) and breathable but with an unobtrusive underlay that really helps lock down the midfoot. The heel is unstructured but with the rest of the foot locked down, no issues with heel slip and no need for heel locking.
First run to 50k in, the shoe feels great from 9:30 to 5:30 mi pace. The high stack plus rigid rocker promotes that "30 sec / mi speedup without trying" super-shoe effect at easier paces, while the super-foam rebound comes into play at faster paces. It's not quite soft (good because there's no plate!) but comfort is great for the half marathon if not longer.
For me, Topo trail shoes have been largely excellent in the past, but their road shoes have never worked until now. Specter is a winner!
Super Cushioning & LightweightComfortable, light and great cushioning. I feel protected in every step, all the time. One of the best shoes I've ever worn. I can do everything in this shoe, perfect for long runs, tempos, and even long-distance races.
WOWI have been a former Hoka, then Altra runner for the past few years. Both have elements that I like, and Dislike. With the unpredictability of Altra's road shoes, I started running in Topo. I bought these on a whim.
Right out of the box, I run a 9.25 mile tempo run. These will make you feel fast. I feel like if the Rincon, and the Escalante had a baby, these would pop out.
The mid foot lockdown, and wide toe box takes from the "Escalante" side, and the slight rocker sole is the "Rincon" side.
Breathable upper, and a rocker, slightly firmer than a Rincon, forced me on my toes, and rolled me through my stride. Hyper fun to run in for an up tempo effort.
Why even put in Pebax?If you are expecting even a little pop from the Pebax core, you are going to be disappointed. You can't tell its there at all. The sock liner is thin and does nothing to cushion the rock hard strobel underneath. Midfoot arch is just a little narrow, but this is fairly common for me in all shoes. I do enjoy the rest of the upper and the early stage rocker. Ride is firm but not super unpleasant. Just not the shoe I though it would be.
