Did you know I once wore a pair of Topo Athletic shoes for an entire year – even to weddings and dates!?
It’s true, I just couldn’t bear to take them off.
But then the tread started wearing down and I knew it was time for a new pair.
However, I struggled to find a good replacement brand that compared to my beloved Topos.
So I went on a mission to test out every zero-drop, wide-toe-box shoe on the market.
And let me tell you, it was not easy finding ones that measured up.
But after plenty of blisters and sore feet, I emerged victorious with a few great Topo Athletic alternatives.
Keep reading to discover my top picks!
Altra
Altra is probably the most similar brand to Topo. They share the key features of a wide toe box, zero heel-to-toe drop, and a foot-shaped fit.
I tested both the Altra Escalante and Lone Peak models. The Escalante has a low profile, about 18mm stack height, with decent flexibility and cushioning. It felt very comparable to the Topo ST-2 with its slipper-like feel and comfortable upper material.
The medium cushioning provided a nice soft ride without too much bounce. Meanwhile, the Lone Peak has a trail runner style, about 25mm stack height, with deep lugs for gripping uneven terrain.
It performed similarly to the Topo Terraventure in terms of stability, traction, and underfoot protection on rugged hikes. The rock plate really protected against pointy rocks. In terms of sizing, I found Altra runs a little bigger than Topo so consider going down half a size.
The foot-shaped toe box is roomy and allows your feet to relax and splay naturally. Overall, Altra makes excellent zero drop shoes that mimic the comfort and performance of Topo Athletic.
Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot makes super flexible, minimalist shoes that mimic being barefoot. The models I tested were the Primus and the Magna Trail.
The Primus has a 3mm sole and felt remarkably similar to the Topo ST-2 – very lightweight and allowing max ground feel. It conformed perfectly to my foot shape with a wide toe box and zero drop heel. The thin TPU sole flexed easily while still providing a little protection from rocks.
Meanwhile the Magna Trail has about a 5mm sole with small multidirectional lugs, comparable to the Topo Terraventure. It provided great traction on muddy trails and stability over loose rocks and branches.
The puncture-resistant sole guarded against sharp objects. Vivobarefoot shoes encourage natural foot positioning and movement with no restrictive cushioning or arch support. They have a barely-there quality that Topo wearers will enjoy.
I’d recommend sizing up though as they run narrow. Overall, Vivobarefoot makes excellent minimalist shoes that mimic the barefoot experience of Topos.
Xero Shoes
Xero Shoes are all about that barefoot life. I tested the Mesa Trail and Z-Trail models. With a 5,000-mile sole warranty, they are built to go the distance.
The Mesa Trail has a 5.5mm sole with moderate lugs, similar to the Topo Athletic Terraventure. It performed great on rocky trails, providing stability and traction over uneven ground.
Meanwhile the Z-Trail has a super flexible 3mm sole and zero drop, allowing your feet to flex and move freely like the ST-2.
It was quite comfortable for long walks around the neighborhood. One difference is Xero Shoes are more spacious in the forefoot than Topos – letting your toes really spread out and do their thing. They have a wider shape overall.
I found them to run about a half size large. However, the adjustable bungee lace system helps create a secure fit. If you want maximum foot freedom and ground feel, Xero Shoes are a great minimalist option comparable to Topos.
Merrell
Merrell makes excellent hiking and trail running shoes. I tested the Merrell Trail Glove and Bare Access XTR. The Trail Glove has a thin 4mm Vibram sole with multidirectional lugs, similar to the Topo Terraventure.
It provided good grip without feeling clunky. The barefoot feel allowed proper foot flexion on uneven terrain. Meanwhile the Bare Access XTR has a zero drop heel and wide toe box like the ST-2. Its minimal cushioning and mesh upper delivered comfort on long runs.
One key difference is Merrell shoes fit more snug in the midfoot than Topos. So the overall shape is less foot-like.
But they still provide that stable, grounded ride for varied terrain. And the quality craftsmanship withstands serious mileage. If you want something rugged yet flexible for outdoor adventures, Merrell makes an excellent choice comparable to Topos.
LEMS
LEMS are designed to match the shape of your feet with extra wide toe boxes and thin, flexible soles. I tried the Primal 2 and Boulder Boot models.
The Primal 2 has a zero drop 5mm sole ideal for feeling the ground. The foot-shaped wide toe box promoted proper positioning and splay, much like the ST-2. Meanwhile the Boulder Boot provided casual style and everyday comfort like the Topo Ultraventure.
With its 9mm sole and leather upper, it made a great city shoe that could handle some light trails too. The minimal cushioning of both models encouraged low-impact walking and proper biomechanics. One drawback is LEMS tend to run short in length.
But the removable insole allows you to add your own orthotic if needed. Overall LEMS makes comfortable, stylish shoes that mimic the barefoot benefits of Topos.
Carets
Carets makes some fine lookin’ kicks but with barefoot benefits. I tested the Faethm sneaker and Uproot boot.
Despite the stylish leather upper, both models have a zero-drop sole and spacious toe box allowing natural foot position and splay. The Faethm specifically felt similar to the Topo Ultraventure with its low-profile sole and easy slip-on design.
Meanwhile the Uproot provided the sleek look of the Magnifly but with more ruggedness for outdoor wear.
The leather does take some breaking in so expect a snugger fit at first. All Carets shoes are handmade for quality craftsmanship. While expensive, they offer minimalist comfort with versatile good looks comparable to Topo’s lifestyle shoes.
Softstar Shoes
Softstar Shoes are all hand-crafted for quality and comfort. I tested the RunAmoc Dash road shoe and Primal RunAmoc trail shoe.
Both have a wide toe box and zero drop sole that mimics the foot-shaped fit of Topo shoes. The RunAmoc Dash has a thin 4mm sole with grooves for flexibility, allowing proper toe splay and freedom of motion like the ST-2.
Meanwhile the Primal RunAmoc has a rugged 6mm sole and grippy lug pattern, similar to the Topo Athletic Terraventure. It provided great traction and foot protection on uneven ground. Softstar shoes have a wider shape than Topos throughout, allowing full toe spread.
Their minimal soles encourage low-impact walking and running. If you want that custom barefoot feel, Softstar makes an excellent choice comparable to Topos.
Vibram
Vibram is famous for their rubbery toe shoes, but they also make great minimalist footwear. I tested the V-Run and the V-Trail model.
The V-Run has an ultra thin, flexible 3mm sole and wide toe box, much like the low-profile Topo ST-3. It delivered an amazing barefoot running experience while still protecting feet from debris. Meanwhile the V-Trail has a bit more cushioning at 5mm but maintains flexibility and ground feel.
The multidirectional lugs provided good traction on muddy forest paths, similar to Topo trail shoes. One difference is Vibram shoes have individual toe pockets rather than one big toe box.
This maximizes natural foot movement and splay. Vibram shoes come in fun colors too! If you want a glove-like barefoot experience, Vibram makes excellent minimalist shoes comparable to Topos.
Inov-8
Inov-8 makes versatile shoes ready for roads, trails, or gym sessions. I tested the Roclite hiking shoe and the Bare-XF 210 cross-trainer.
The Roclite has aggressive 6mm lugs comparable to the Topo Terraventure, providing excellent traction up steep inclines. The 8mm sole gave underfoot protection while maintaining ground feel. Meanwhile the zero drop Bare-XF 210 worked great for cardio, strength training, and short runs like the Topo ST-3.
The flexible sole and mesh upper kept feet cool during sweaty workouts. Inov-8 fits narrower than Topo overall, especially in the heel and midfoot. So sizing up may be needed. But if you want a sturdy yet natural athletic shoe, Inov-8 is an excellent brand to consider as an alternative to Topo.
New Balance
New Balance offers wide sizes and fresh foam technology for cushioning. I tested the Minimus 10v1 Trail and the FuelCore Nergize shoes.
The Minimus 10v1 has a wide toe box, zero drop, and Vibram sole comparable to the Topo Terraventure. It provided good stability and traction for hiking rugged trails while maintaining ground feel. Meanwhile the FuelCore Nergize is a comfortable lifestyle shoe similar to the Topo Ultraventure or Magnifly.
It was cushioned enough for all-day wear but still lightweight and flexible. One key difference is New Balance shoes have a narrower shape through the heel and midfoot than Topo.
So sizing up may help achieve a comfortable fit. Overall New Balance combines that roomy toe box and minimalist sole Topo fans love but with trusted brand recognition.
Earth Runners
If you’re looking for open-air adventure shoes like the Topo ST-2, check out Earth Runners sandals. I tested the Elemental and Circadian models.
Both have a contoured zero drop footbed that promotes natural foot posture like Topo shoes. The molded shape and foot-wrapping design delivered comfort and stability on uneven terrain and trails. Embedded copper wires provide antimicrobial protection.
Meanwhile the 7mm tread sole with hexagonal lugs provided good grip even when wet, similar to Topo’s trail running shoes. Adjustable webbing straps allow you to customize the fit. If you want breathable, functional sandals to maximize nature’s playground, Earth Runners make an excellent choice similar to Topos.
Unshoes
Unshoes are designed for ultimate foot freedom and flexibility. I tested the Wokova trail shoe and Pah Tempe lifestyle shoe.
Both have a foot-shaped design with a wide toe box and zero heel similar to Topo Athletic footwear. The Wokova has a 2mm sole and just enough tread pattern for hiking rugged trails and feeling rocks or roots underfoot.
Meanwhile the Pah Tempe has a thin 4mm sole that mimicked the flexibility and ground feel of the Topo ST-3. Unshoes are wider in the forefoot than Topos, allowing full toe spread. Their soles are also more flexible throughout. While the lace-less style provides a secure fit, sizing can be tricky. But if you want maximum barefoot comfort, Unshoes are a great choice similar to Topos.
Whitin
Whitin creates affordable, minimalist shoes comparable to Topo. I tried the Trail Runner and the Barefoot Trainer. The Trail Runner has zero drop, decent lugs, and a wide toe box similar to the Topo Terraventure.
While not as rugged, it provided good grip and stability for easier hikes. Meanwhile the Barefoot Trainer worked well for gym sessions with its flexible zero drop sole and breathable mesh upper, much like the Topo ST-3.
One difference is Whitin shoes have a sock-like upper that hugs your foot more than Topos. They also run smaller in size so consider sizing up a half or full size. But if you want basic barefoot shoes on a budget, Whitin makes great affordable options similar to Topo.
Vivo Barefoot
Vivo Barefoot shoes have paper thin soles that deliver amazing ground feedback. I tested the Tracker FG trail shoe and Primus Trail FG. The sub 4mm soles flex easily while still protecting feet from debris, replicating the experience of Topos.
The wide toe box and low profile sole allowed proper positioning and motion. Specifically, the Tracker FG performed similarly to the Topo Terraventure, with enough lugs for solid trail grip without losing feel or flexibility.
And the Primus Trail FG provided a comfortable barefoot run comparable to the ST-3. Vivo Barefoot shoes encourage natural foot strength and movement. Just beware sizing can run large so consider going down a half size from your normal.
Joe Nimble
Joe Nimble produces anatomically shaped shoes built for comfort and freedom. I tried the Curves lifestyle shoe and Toe Loop sport sandal. Both mimic the foot-shaped design of Topo Athletic shoes with a wide toe box and low heel.
The Curves provided versatile casual style similar to the Topo Magnifly or Ultraventure. Meanwhile the Toe Loop sandal delivered secure stability for hiking trips much like the Terraventure. An adjustable strap lets you customize the fit.
Joe Nimble shoes are a bit more flexible than Topos throughout, allowing your feet to move and flex freely. They are also conveniently machine washable. Overall Joe Nimble makes comfortable, foot-friendly shoes that align well with the Topo barefoot approach.
Tadeevo
Tadeevo makes affordable zero-drop athletic shoes with a wide toe box ideal for workouts or walks. I tested the V-Travel walking shoe and Trail Roc trail running shoe. Both felt pleasantly barefoot like Topos with their thin, flexible soles and foot-shaped design.
The V-Travel specifically provided cushion and support comparable to the Ultraventure for all-day wear. Meanwhile the Trail Roc worked great as a minimalist trail runner similar to the Topo Terraventure. It had just enough lug pattern for solid grip without losing ground feel.
One downside is the solid plastic shank takes some breaking in. But Tadeevo shoes allow your feet to function naturally while providing protection. Overall they are great budget-friendly options similar to Topo.
Lems
Lems is another great brand offering minimalist barefoot-style shoes comparable to Topo. I tested out the Primal 2 and the Boulder Boot to get a feel for their overall fit and performance. The Primal 2 has a zero drop 5mm sole that provides a good balance of ground feel while still protecting your feet.
The wide toe box allows your toes to splay naturally, promoting proper foot health and function. I found the Primal 2 performed very similarly to the Topo ST-2 – lightweight and flexible enough for all day wear, whether walking around town or doing light trails.
The thin Vibram sole flexes easily to mimic barefoot movement. One key difference is the Primal 2 runs a bit narrower through the midfoot than Topos. But the removable insole allows you to insert your own if needed. Meanwhile the Boulder Boot is more akin to the Topo Magnifly with its stylish leather upper and 9mm cushioned sole.
It works great as an everyday lifestyle shoe that can still handle varied terrain. The quality materials ensure durability and longevity. Overall Lems makes excellent minimalist shoes focused on natural foot positioning and comfort, much like Topo Athletic.
Bedrock Sandals
For an open-toed sandal option similar to Topos, Bedrock Sandals is a great choice. I tested out the Cairn and the Earthquake models to see how they compared.
The Cairn has a zero drop contour molded footbed, providing arch support and stability reminiscent of the Topo Terraventure. The grippy 6mm sole handled wet trail conditions well and provided just enough protection from rocks and roots underfoot.
Adjustable straps allow you to customize the secure fit. Meanwhile the Earthquake mimicked the feel and performance of the Topo ST-2 with its flexible 3mm sole and foot-hugging webbed upper material. It provided amazing ground feel while still protecting feet from debris.
Bedrock Sandals are hand-crafted for quality and designed to work harmoniously with natural foot motion. Whether you want a sturdy hiking sandal or a barely-there minimalist, Bedrock has excellent options similar to Topo shoes.
La Sportiva
For a more performance-focused trail running shoe comparable to Topo, check out La Sportiva. I took the Mutant and the Helios 3 for a spin to test them out. The Mutant has an aggressive lug pattern and protective 8mm drop sole reminiscent of the Topo Terraventure.
It provided excellent traction and stability to bomb down rugged mountain trails. The grippy sole and secure fit gave me confidence to kick it into high gear on uneven terrain. Meanwhile the Helios 3 was nimble and responsive like the Topo ST-3.
With its breathable mesh upper and flexible 5mm drop sole, it felt nearly weightless for logging high mileage. One key difference is La Sportiva has a more tapered, snug race-ready fit than the roomier Topos.
So sizing up may be needed. But for technical trail running or fast-paced hiking, La Sportiva offers high-quality shoes comparable to Topo’s offerings.
Feelgrounds
Feelgrounds makes unique barefoot shoes out of sustainable materials – a great eco-friendly alternative to standard Topos.
I tested out the Scorcher and the Drifter models to see how they handled. The Scorcher has a wide toe box, zero drop footbed, and thin flexible sole similar to the Topo ST-2 and ST-3. It provided amazing ground feel and freedom of motion for walks and gym sessions.
Meanwhile the Drifter has a trail runner style with just enough lug depth for solid grip on hikes, comparable to the Topo Terraventure. The 6mm sole gave underfoot protection without losing flexibility. Feelgrounds shoes have a very spacious toe box and wide foot shape allowing full toe spread.
Their uppers are knit from recycled bottles and the soles from rice husks for sustainability. While pricier than standard Topos, Feelgrounds are excellent eco-friendly alternatives.
Groundies
Groundies makes minimalist shoes with a focus on environmental sustainability – a cool earth-friendly take on Topos.
I tested the Astrid sneaker and the Bondi boat shoe to get a feel for their offerings. The Astrid has a zero drop 3mm sole made from recycled tires and hemp canvas upper, providing the flexibility and barefoot feel of Topo’s ST-2 and ST-3.
Meanwhile the Bondi boat shoe mimicked the low-profile casual style of the Topo Ultraventure and Magnifly. The micro-suction cups on the sole provided decent grip while the hemp and recycled plastic construction ensured breathability and comfort.
Groundies run wider than Topos with a very roomy toe box allowing full natural splay. Their soles are also ultra flexible. While the lace-less style takes some adjustment, Groundies offer eco-friendly barefoot shoes similar to Topo Athletic.
