Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Review

My size 12's came in weighing: Left 10.9 Ounces, Right 10.8 Ounces
Sample size weight: 9.3 Ounces
Heel Stack: 35 MM
Drop: 5 MM
Upper: Engineered mesh
Neutral shoe (with stability elements)
Outsole: Rubber
Price: $150 USD 

Topo has built a good reputation for the quality of their uppers.  In the 70ish miles I have run in this shoe, I can see why they have a good reputation. 

Laces: The laces are a nice ribbed style of lace that stayed tied during my runs, are not too puffy and look to be a durable quality lace
Tongue: It is not gusseted, but they have lace loops on the top of the tongue that keeps the tongue securely in place during runs and it performed great on all runs
Upper material: The upper is an engineered mesh that is more of a traditional trainer build, which means it can be a bit thicker than some lightweight trainers.  This is neither a positive or negative, but rather something to keep in mind depending on the weather you are running in.  I was running in 90 plus humid heat and it did take some time to dry out, but I didn't notice any discernable weight added during run
Heel: The heel is nicely structured to keep the heel in place while not being to beefy or cumbersome.  I had zero issues with heel slippage, rubbing etc.  Great design.
Collar: The foot collar is nicely padded, but again not overly padded.  They found a good compromise in providing enough protection for the feet while not making the shoe overly heavy.
Toe Room: With the foot shaped toe box, it allows room to splay while running and it was a nice shoe to rotate in while testing other shoes with a tighter toe box. 

Topo put a strategic and thick amount of rubber in all the right places.  I have a tendency of wearing out some outsoles quickly, but through 71 miles the outsole has shown very little wear.  This should be average to above average durability from what I have seen to this point. I haven't had a chance to run in much rain, but have no had traction issues on Concrete, black top, dirt, gravel or any of the surfaces I have run on. 

The midsole has been a pleasant experience.  It is the type of midsole that does ask for some effort into it, but rewards you with comfort and support in return.  I did long runs of 10, 14 and 15 miles.  The midsole does not have the bounce of an Evo SL or Neo Zen, but it provides a nicer ride than what I have experienced with shoes like the Ghost or Pegasus.  

While it isn't an overly "springy" experience, it is an airy experience on the run.  However, I did notice a nice response at faster speeds and also while doing intermittent walks.   This shoe is a very comfortable shoe to walk in!

The midsole is exactly the type of midsole I would want on my daily grind trainer type of shoe.  It asks for some work, but rewards that work.  It is supportive, can do various speeds, can do various distances, blends effortlessly into the run so you forget it is there and just enjoy the experience of running.  

I essentially have 3 categories of daily trainers.  Lightweight trainers, shoes that for me fall at 10 ounces or below in my size 12's that excel at tempo.  Grinder daily trainers, shoes that are a little more built up for those runs that are part of the grind, have some versatility but also some more support.  Then those higher stack trainers that may weigh a bit more and also act as recovery/easy day shoes.  

This shoe is excels at the grinder daily trainer miles from my runs.  It handles various terrains very well, is supportive, is versatile at different speeds and is durable. It is also a shoe that I would consider for easy/recovery day miles due to the nice supportive geometry and foam, especially with the extra room in the toe box.  It isn't a shoe I would directly use for speed work, but the shoe can get up and go if needed. 

The upper could maybe be a bit more airy, but that is from a perspective of running in Houston Texas during the summer where I am a sweat machine..........so not sure if any shoe is airy enough for me.   I would love to see an option upper like Topo has on the Fly-lite series just for Houston summers

I have really enjoyed the miles in this shoe.  It does light trail great, smooth underfoot, supportive platform, great midsole and comfort.  It is versatile and well made.   This is a shoe that you can use for walking, running, around town, travel etc. and it will take care of you. 

If you are looking for a trusted daily trainer, this is a shoe that I would easily recommend to others to explore.