Topo Athletic Phantom 4 Review
By Andrea Myers & David Salas
Topo Phantom 4Price: $144.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 9.2oz, 261g (men's size 9), oz, g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 35 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
Drop: 5 mm
Shoe Purpose: Neutral daily trainer
Pros: Roomy toe box (typical Topo), this version of ZipFoam feels more responsive than in other models
Cons: Medial midfoot sidewall and sole flare more pronounced compared to v3, caused arch and lateral ankle pain for Andrea
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Topo Athletic Phantom 4 is a neutral daily training shoe that provides a very balanced profile. The shoe uses a mild-to-moderate rocker profile with a little bit of flexibility through the forefoot. The shoe also incorporates sidewalls and sole flaring throughout the platform to give a stable neutral feeling. The Zipfoam is a little bit softer in the newer version, and gives you a cushioned and steady ride throughout the platform of the shoe. Being at 35mm of stack height, this is a moderate cushioning by today's standards. Topo continues to use an anatomic fit in their upper, having a more streamlined heel and midfoot, with a much more spacious forefoot. The Phantom 4 is a well balanced neutral daily trainer.
PAST MODEL: Topo Athletic Phantom 3
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
David: The Topo Phantom 4 fits true to size in my men's 9.5. Topo has traditionally fit my foot well, and that continues with the Phantom 4. The width in the heel and midfoot are normal to slightly narrow with the forefoot being much wider and more spacious. The upper material feels nice for a daily training shoe. The mesh is breathable and comfortable, but feels pretty durable as well. The heel does have a pretty stiff heel counter. There is not much padding, but they have the dimensions dialed in pretty well. I did not have any irritation, or foot translation in that area. The midfoot feels a little undercut medially, but it does not provide any irritation for me. There is more sole flare through that region, and I think the synched up feeling in the midfoot is a byproduct of that. Those that like the feeling of the upper hugging your medial midfoot will like this in the Phantom 4. The tongue is moderately padded, and provides just enough cushion to keep the laces from biting at all. The lockdown throughout is very good and I had no issues with foot translation. The forefoot provided plenty of space, without feeling like my toes or my foot was swimming around. The volume is very dialed in. The forefoot is spacious with plenty of room and the volume seems to lessen as it moves into the midfoot. This provides a very snug and secure lockdown through the midfoot. For me, this is one of the best fitting daily trainers on the market. I do think I would like just a little more space through that medial midfoot, but otherwise this upper is one of my favorites.
David's Typical Size: Men's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit David well: Nike Vomero 17, Saucony Ride 16, Puma Velocity Nitro 3
Shoes that have fit snug: HOKA Arahi 7
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon Aero Glide
Andrea: Topo Phantom 4 fits true to size in my usual women's 9.5. The fit is classic Topo, with a wide, high volume toe box and a normal width midfoot and rearfoot. I love the fit of Topo shoes and Phantom 4 is no exception. It is easy to achieve secure lockdown with the laces and I did not need to adjust the lacing at all mid-run. The upper is a thicker mesh material that provided some warmth during cooler weather (30-40F) runs, but I suspect the upper will be warm during the summer. The tongue is on the thicker side and non-gusseted, but is held in place by lace loops. The rearfoot features a semi-flexible heel counter with a mild amount of internal padding, which held my rearfoot securely without any skin irritation.
Andrea's Typical Size: Women's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit Andrea well: Brooks Hyperion Max 1 and 2, Topo Cyclone 2, Nike Vaporfly 3, ASICS Novablast 4 and 5, PUMA MagMax Nitro
Shoes that have fit snug: Altra Escalante 4 (toe box width and volume), Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 and 3 (length), Saucony Endorphin Speed and Pro 1-4 (length)
Shoes that have fit large: Adidas Boston 12 (length), Adidas Adios 8 (length)
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: Moderate
How Flexible is the Shoe: Moderate
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: Maybe
Recommended for Sockless: Maybe
Durability Expectation: Above Average
PERFORMANCE
David: The Topo Phantom 4 is a neutral daily training shoe with a very balanced profile. Being at 35mm of stack height in the heel, this is very moderate by today's standards. Zipfoam traditionally has been on the firmer side, but it does feel a little bit softer and bouncier in the newer version of the Phantom 4. I definitely welcome this. The outsole coverage also seems to be a little bit thicker than before as well. This firms up the overall ride some, so the Phantom 4 still feels decently grounded like its predecessors. The Phantom 4 does us a rockered platform, though like the stack height, feels very balanced underfoot. There is a clear rounding to the heel and forefoot, but the rocker profile is still less pronounced than some of the other high stack rockered shoes on the market. The heel bevel is done pretty well and I did not have any issues with the ride being clunky through that region. The bevel does seem to be a little bit bigger than the previous version as well. This coupled with the really stable fit of the heel make for a very stable initial contact. The midfoot may not be for everyone. There is a good amount of sole flaring through medial aspect of the midfoot, alongside the medially undercut upper. Those that like to have a little bump feeling on their navicular (thinking of traditionally posted or plastic arches) will like this. It might be too much for some. The forefoot has a decent amount of sole flaring as well. There is some flexibility to the forefoot that complements easier paces and transitions well.
The Topo Phantom 4 transitions really fluid at daily paces. The Zipfoam has a little bit more responsiveness to it than the previous versions, though I would still lean on this more for daily mileage. I do think there is enough cushioning on this for longer runs as well. The outsole traction is quite good and I did not have any issues with it on reasonable running surfaces for a road shoe. The weight of the shoe feels very competitive for the daily training market. Those wanting a stable neutral and moderately cushioned ride have a pretty solid option here.
Andrea: Topo Phantom 4 is a neutral daily trainer that features Topo's anatomical toe box and a bouncier version of ZipFoam. Phantom 3 was one of my favorite daily trainers when I tested it in 2023, which made me very excited to test version 4. Version 4 features a lot of changes, including a redesigned upper, midsole, and outsole; as well as an additional 2mm of stack in the forefoot and rearfoot. The first thing I noticed on my initial run in version 4 is that the midsole feels significantly bouncier than version 3. The midsole feels similar to the ZipFoam in Topo Atmos, except with a little less compliance at initial contact. I really enjoyed the feeling of the midsole for my easy runs because it provided plenty of underfoot protection and enough bounce to help when my legs were fatigued. The shoe feels like its stated 5mm drop and feels perfectly suited to midfoot landings, like most Topo shoes. The shoe also features Topo's typical late forefoot rocker and toe spring, which provided a nice rolling sensation at push off. The shoe's weight limits its use to easier paces, but I was able to do some short pickups down to threshold pace without difficulty. This could be a nice easier or uptempo long run shoe due to the more responsive ZipFoam and comfortable underfoot protection from the taller midsole.
Despite all of these great features of the shoe, I experienced pain in both arches and intermittent pain at my lateral ankle during every run in the Phantom 4, which is something I did not experience in v3. Upon close examination of the difference between the two shoes, I attribute this to the more prominent medial sidewall and medial sole flare in version 4 as compared to version 3. For me, it was too prominent and was preventing me from pronating sufficiently to load my 1st MTP joint prior to push off. There is a medial sidewall and medial sole flare in version 3, but when I run in v3, it doesn't feel like I am fighting these features, which is how I feel when running in v4. The arch and lateral ankle pain were severe enough that I could not do more than 6 miles in the shoe.
Most of my runs in the Phantom 4 were on wet roads and I had no issues with traction. Like many Topo shoes, it provides enough grip to run on dirt roads or rail trails, but I would not recommend it for technical terrain. I have 25 miles on my pair and the outsole shows minimal wear, even the areas of exposed midsole in the midfoot. I would expect higher than average durability from the shoe based on this as well as the generally high durability of ZipFoam.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
David: The Topo Phantom 4 is technically a neutral shoe, but has many features that help increase its stability. The upper and geometric configuration make for a lot of this. Each region of the foot seems to have some components in action. The rearfoot has a very secure fit on the heel with a well transitioning bevel. The midfoot has a lot of medial sole flare. The forefoot has a stiffer platform thanks to the outsole, as well as complementing sole flare both medially and laterally. The stack height is very moderate, with a midsole and outsole that still give you some ground feel when you land. There is no formal posting or rigidity anywhere, but this still runs pretty stable throughout. I definitely would say this is one of the stable neutral shoes out there.
Andrea: I rated v3 of the Phantom as a stable neutral shoe, and I think that the changes in v4 further solidify its place in that category. The wide base helps stabilize the relatively tall midsole and works well with a variety of landing patterns. The heel bevel and late forefoot rocker/toe spring promote forward motion without being overly aggressive. The significant medial midfoot sidewall and sole flare does provide noticeable resistance to pronation during mid stance, which may be beneficial for those who have mild medial stability needs. For those like myself who tend to land too far laterally and do not need any shoe features to resist pronation, this feature may result in Phantom 4 not working well for you (and/or causing pain, like it did for me).
Thoughts as a DPT: Topo Phantom 3 vs 4
By Andrea Myers
Topo Phantom 3 was one of my favorite daily trainers of 2023 - not quite a replacement for my beloved New Balance Beacon v3 (RIP, #savethebeacon) but a suitable substitute. With a 33mm/28mm stack height, 5mm drop, Topo's anatomic toebox, and moderate underfoot protection, it was ideal for eating up easy miles, even on tired legs. Phantom 4 has gained 2mm of stack in the forefoot and heel while maintaining its 5mm drop, features a more responsive version of ZipFoam, and most notably has a more prominent medial midfoot sidewall and sole flare. While Phantom 3 has a small medial midfoot sidewall and sole flaring, I did not notice it at all on my many runs in the shoe. It appears that the additional 2mm of midsole stack in combination with the prominent medial midfoot sole flaring and the more prominent medial sidewall of v4 are enough to result in noticeable resistance to pronation for me, resulting in bilateral medial longitudinal arch pain and right lateral ankle pain that seemed localized to my peroneus longus tendon. Increased resistance to pronation for runners like myself who tend to land too far laterally, would logically result in pain in the peroneus longus tendon, one of the primary evertors of the ankle, which is a component of pronation; as well as arch pain, as a result of remaining in supination for too long during mid-stance.
While I would not recommend Phantom 4 for runners who have lateral stability needs like myself, runners with medial stability needs may find that Phantom 4 provides enough resistance to pronation that it acts like a mild stability shoe. These runners may have found Phantom 3 too neutral but may do well in Phantom 4. For me, Topo Atmos is a better choice for a higher stack easy day shoe as opposed to Phantom 4.
RECOMMENDATIONS
David: I really enjoyed my time running in the Topo Phantom 4. I like the balanced nature of the shoe, but there was one thing that I thought about consistently. I don't mind the medial sole flare through the midfoot, as it does make the ride feel much more stable... but the upper does feel a little undercut there for me. It gives you a really snug hold on the area that is reliable, but I actually found myself wanting a little bit more room there. That or a sole flare that is a little more gradual from the step in. I did not get any irritation myself, but I could definitely see this kicking up some arch discomfort for the wrong person.
Andrea: My experience in the Topo Phantom 4 is a bit of a mixed bag. I like the more responsive version of ZipFoam in the shoe, which is definitely an improvement over previous versions. The fit remains classic Topo, with a roomy toe box and secure overall fit. The more prominent medial midfoot sidewall and medial sole flare in v4 was a dealbreaker for me. I couldn't wait to get the shoe off my feet after every run because of arch and lateral ankle pain. If this shoe is truly meant to be a neutral daily trainer, and not a mild stability shoe, I would recommend Topo pare down these features for v5.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
David: The Topo Athletic Phantom 4 is a neutral daily training shoe for those that like a balanced experience from both the cushioning and rocker standpoints. The shoe also runs very stable for a neutral shoe, and provides plenty of medial stability through the midfoot. The fit is also a little bit more snug in the medial midfoot as well. Those that like a cinched up feel through the midfoot and want a little bit of stability added into a neutral shoe have that here. The 35mm stack height makes for a cushioned, yet grounded sensation underfoot. The Phantom 4 does best at daily training paces, but at 9.2 ounces can still pick up the pace a little bit if it has to. This is a neutral workhorse with some stability considerations.
Andrea: Topo Athletic Phantom 4 is a stable neutral daily trainer that provides a mild amount of medial stability thanks to a more prominent medial sidewall and sole flare as compared to v3. Those who need some stability in this area will find a lot to like in the shoe, thanks to its upgraded, bouncier ZipFoam midsole and high underfoot protection from the 35mm/30mm stack height. For those with more neutral mechanics or who tend to land too far lateral, Topo Phantom 3 or Atmos may be a better choice. Topo Atmos is one of my go-to easy day shoes, with a 38mm/33mm stack height and a similarly bouncy version of ZipFoam, but without the prominent medial sidewall or sole flare.
GRADES
David
Fit: A- (The dimensions are very dialed in, while still allowing for good space through the forefoot. The midfoot may be a bit too snug medially for some though. It does feel a little undercut.)
Performance: A- (Great for easy and rhythmic running. The new Zipfoam feels a little softer and responsvie. A good balanced rocker. The midfoot sole flare does feel like it could be gradually filled in a little more to ease the pressure on step in.)
Stability: A (Sidewalls, sole flaring, counters, traction, upper lockdown all very stable for a neutral shoe. Especially through the midfoot.)
Value: A (I don't forsee any durability issues on the Phantom 4. This could easily be a daily training shoe for many that have some stability considerations, but are sensitive to formal stability shoes.)
Personal: B+ (The midfoot comments are really the only thing. I actually really do like the platform and fit of the upper otherwise.)
Overall Design: A-
Andrea
Fit: A (classic Topo fit with a roomy, but not sloppy, toe box and secure overall lockdown)
Performance: B- (While I enjoyed the more responsive ZipFoam in the shoe, arch and lateral ankle pain made me dislike almost every mile I ran in it. Unlike version 3, this version will not work as well for those like myself who have lateral stability needs)
Stability: [stable neutral] B/B+ (Wide base, balanced rocker geometry, and moderately responsive midsole contribute to a rolling ride. Prominent medial midfoot sidewall and sole flaring noticeably resist pronation, which will be a problem for those with lateral stability needs)
Value: B+ (This shoe will likely have high durability, but $150 is a little high for what the shoe is)
Personal: C (I wanted to love this shoe, but arch and lateral ankle pain from medial sidewall and sole flare means I am done running in the shoe)
Overall Design: B
SHOP | SUPPORT DORTopo Athletic Phantom 4Price: $144.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
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FURTHER READING
Puma's stability trainer gets a proper makeover.
Another stable option to choose from for runners.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
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