If you’ve visited Brainsport’s website or brick-and-mortar store recently, you may have noticed a new shoe brand on the shelves: Topo Athletic.
Topo is an American company based in Boston that launched in 2013 with the goal of making comfortable shoes shaped like people’s feet.
Topo products are distributed in Canada via The Olde Shoe House. Company vice president Brian Hunt spoke with the Brainsport Times this week about what makes the brand stand out.
The running shoe market is dominated by a few large players. What niche does Topo fill?
While the running shoe market is dominated by major brands, Topo Athletic has carved out a niche by focusing on a foot-shaped shoe. The company emphasizes a roomy toe box, secure midfoot and heel, and lower heel-to-toe drop —features designed to let the foot move more naturally without sacrificing comfort. This positions Topo between the extremes of minimalist footwear and highly cushioned mainstream models, appealing to runners, walkers and hikers who value both anatomical fit and performance.
If people haven’t had an opportunity to try your shoes before, what do you want them to know?
If you’ve never tried Topo before, the first thing you’ll notice is the fit. Our shoes are foot shaped with a roomy toe box, so your toes can spread naturally, paired with step-in comfort and a lower heel-to-toe drop. It’s a unique balance of natural feel and modern cushioning that helps you run, walk, or hike more comfortably right out of the box.
How important is the Canadian market for Topo, and how are you working to grow here?
Being the Canadian distributor the Canadian market is our home and very important to us. The running and outdoor communities here really value quality, comfort, and performance — values that align perfectly with our design philosophy. We’re focused on expanding our retail presence, building relationships with specialty run shops, and making it easier for Canadian runners to experience Topo firsthand.
What can runners expect to see from Topo in the next few years?
You’ll see Topo continue to evolve within our natural running philosophy — introducing new midsole materials, more sustainable designs, and will always stay true to our foot-shaped design. We’re committed to keeping that natural feel while pushing what’s possible in lightweight, versatile running and hiking footwear.
What are your favourite Topo shoes and why?
It’s hard to choose, but the Ultraventure 4 stands out for its comfort and versatility — it’s built for long days on the trail but still light enough for everyday runs. For the road, the Specter 2 combines responsive cushioning with that signature Topo fit, making it a perfect example of what our brand is all about.
