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There aren't a lot of shoes like the Topo Athletic Magnifly 5. If you've never tried Topo running shoes, the brands have 0 drop so the forefoot and heel are the same height. There are only a few brands in the running world that do that including Topo and the well known Altra.
The Topo Magnifly 5 is tailored for runners who seek a natural feel running feel with a 0 mm drop. Despite the trend of high stack heights in the industry, Topo stays committed to its original design philosophy with a lower stack height and 0 mm drop shoes.
So, what does that all of that mean? A low stack height means less cushioning under your feet. A 0 mm drop means the heel and forefoot are level, promoting a more natural running style. We saw a lot more running shoes of this nature in the early 2010s. Studies suggest that the era of carbon plates and high stack heights has altered our running gait. High stack heights are not for everyone, and brands like Topo and Altra stay in business because many people do need a 0 mm drop. But enough about that, let's get into the Altra Magnifly 5 review.
Topo Magnifly 5 Quick Facts:
The Topo Magnifly 5 introduces a brand new fabric for the upper. Topo has always made well fitting shoes, especially for those with wider feet. The Topo Magnifly 5 is now on the wider side which is great if you do have wider feet or bunions.
I love when brands use sustainable materials but at least tell me how much and where. Topo states the Magnifly 5 uses recycled mesh in the upper. It's unclear, though, which parts of the shoe use this recycled mesh – is it the entire shoe, just the tongue, or the complete mesh upper?
The ideal running shoes disapaer off your feet, and the Topo Magnifly 5 achieves that. From the moment I stepped into these shoes, they felt just right,. There was no period of "break in", although you never need to break in a running shoe that fits well.
For running shoes, I alternate between sizes 10-11 wide. The Topo Magnifly 5 fits true to size, with a size 11 women’s being the most comfortable for me. If you have wider feet, consider the Topo Magnifly 5 or the Topo brand in general.
This is where things get interesting. The Topo Magnifly 5 isn't a soft shoe. If you're after a shoe that you feel the ground more, this might be your best choice. However, unlike earlier minimalistic shoes with no cushioning and zero drop, the Topo Magnifly 5 offers ample cushioning. Topo challenges the norm in the running industry by combining natural running with a lot of cushion. Does anyone remember when the platform flip flops were in style? The Topo Magnfly 5 is similar to that with a lot of bottom cushioning but still remains flat.
The midsole features the innovative “Zipfoam” formula, enhancing softness, lightness, and responsiveness. If you've run in previous versions of the Magnifly, this is the softest one yet. Despite the prevailing trend of trainers with 40 mm+ stack heights, the Magnifly 5’s 17 mm stack height brings you closer to the ground while still providing cushioning.
The shoe transitions smoothly from heel to toe, so you're able to pick up the pace if you want. It quickly became a regular in my daily running rotation, adaptable for various runs – whether an easy jog or a spontaneous tempo run. The Topo Magnifly 5 stands out in a world dominated by high stack heights and carbon plates, allowing for a natural running experience without altering your style.
If you’re new to zero drop running shoes, start slow. Expect some initial soreness in your calves and Achilles. The Topo Magnifly 5 should be an additional trainer in your running shoe line up, not the sole option. Begin with short 1-2 mile runs, and give yourself a month or more to adapt comfortably. It will take time and running in a zero drop shoe too quickly when your body is not used to it, can result in injury.
I’ve tested the Topo Magnifly 5 across various terrains, including sandy dunes and wet conditions. It has performed well in all.
In terms of durability, I anticipate the Topo Magnifly 5 lasting between 300-400 miles. My experience with Topo’s other models leads me to expect no less from this one.
It's a daily trainer and one I usually use for easy running or daily running miles. I prefer something with more cushion for recovery runs and something that is lighter and faster with workouts. The Magnifly 5 is a great workhorse trainer that you can run the bulk of your miles in.
The Topo Magnifly 5 is an excellent daily trainer for those seeking a natural-feel shoe. It’s versatile for most run types, and there is nothing I don't really appreciate. Well except for Topo not being fully transparent about where the sustainable materials are. In comparison, the closest running shoe might be the Altra Torin, although the Magnifly 5 feels less bulky.
Who should buy the Topo Magnifly 5? This shoe is perfect for those who want a natural-feel trainer capable of handling daily runs, without compromising on cushioning or natural form. It's definitely a good option for those who want or need a wider option.
Who should pass on the Topo Magnifly 5? If you have calf issues or struggle with zero drop shoes, the Topo Magnifly 5 might not be ideal as your primary trainer. Take time to ease into this style to prevent injuries (and yes, this point deserves emphasis!).
I was paid to write an honest shoe review of my choice.
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