Framingham, Mass. – July 23, 2018 – Topo Athletic announced today it will launch a new three-shoe trail collection featuring Vibram® high-performance soles, Ortholite® footbeds, and eVent® waterproof technology. Before founding Topo Athletic, Tony Post served as President and CEO of Vibram USA for 11 years. This is their first collaboration since his departure.
“We’re excited to partner with some of the best component brands in the industry. Introducing three new trail products that meet our high standards for fit with protection, durability, and comfort will ensure Topo delivers the best natural running experience on the trail,” said Post. “I know the quality and performance of Vibram soles from first-hand experience. Adding Ortholite footbeds and our proprietary eVent waterproof construction will take our Topo trail collection to the next level.”
“It’s a pleasure to work with a brand that believes in the benefits of Vibram and a natural movement experience,” said Allon Cohne, Chief Marketing Officer of Vibram Corporation. “We’re excited to contribute to Topo’s award-winning trail line with Vibram Megagrip and XS Trek as part of the performance story. We look forward to seeing the product out on the trails later this year."
As part of its Spring 2019 trail collection, Topo will launch the much-anticipated Terraventure 2 and the all-new Ultraventure, both featuring the Vibram XS Trek outsole. It will also include an update to its award-winning waterproof shoe, the Hydroventure, which will now include the Vibram Megagrip outsole and three-piece, single-layer eVent upper.
“Growing up in Colorado and being involved in events like the Leadville Trail 100, trail running has always been close to my heart,” said Post. “But these products represent much more than the vision of one or two people. We are fortunate to have a vocal community of trail lovers that constantly provide feedback about what they want, whether it’s better drainage, more protection, or more versatile traction. They keep pushing us because they’ve become reliant on our Topo fit and feel that they can’t find anywhere else.”
Like all Topo shoes, the new trail models fit roomy in the toes, yet snug in the waist and heel, which is especially important on trail, encouraging healthy and more natural foot positioning and movement without sacrificing security. The new designs also include antimicrobial, compression-resistant Ortholite footbeds and Topo’s “hook and tunnel” gaiter system, which can be used with Topo gaiters (sold separately).
ULTRAVENTURE (MSRP: $130)
The newest addition to the Topo Athletic trail collection is inspired by the feedback of avid trail runners who wanted more cushion and traction for the longer, grittier haul. The result is a 30/25mm stack height (5mm drop), multi-density injected EVA midsole that offers light guidance through the gait cycle, an aggressive Vibram XS Trek outsole, drainage “gills” for water release and quick drying, and gaiter system.
Specs // weight: 11.2oz (M9)/9.1oz (W7); total stack height: 30/25mm (5mm drop)
Other features // fully-gusseted tongue, breathable and abrasion-resistant mesh upper
Exclusive early launch: October 2018 at REI.com and select REI locations; general launch: November 2018.
HYDROVENTURE 2 (MSRP: $140)
Awarded National Geographic Adventure’s “Gear of the Year,” the Hydroventure underwent an exciting update featuring a new Vibram® Megagrip outsole with deeper, more generously spaced lugs for “toothier” traction in wet and muddy conditions. The Hydroventure 2 now sports an optional gaiter system and two lace color options in every box. Still the world’s lightest waterproof trail running shoe available on the market, the new Hydroventure 2 continues to use Topo’s proprietary single-layer eVent® breathable/waterproof upper construction.
Specs // weight: 10.2oz (M9)/8.3oz (W7); total stack height: 25/22mm (3mm drop)
Other features // fully-gusseted tongue, forefoot rock plate, 2-density injected EVA midsole
Available: January 2019
TERRAVENTURE 2 (MSRP: $120)
Topo’s most popular trail shoe gets even better with the addition of Topo’s “hook and tunnel” gaiter system and a Vibram® XS Trek outsole; deeper, more generously spaced lugs improve underfoot traction in mud and slush, while the forefoot rock plate adds protection against rocks and roots. Drainage “gills” have been added to this model to facilitate water release and drying.
Specs // weight: 10.8oz (M9)/8.2oz (W7); total stack height: 25/22mm (3mm drop)
Other features // fully-gusseted tongue, forefoot rock plate, 2-density injected EVA midsole
Available: November 2018
Topo Athletic will be previewing the Ultraventure, Hydroventure 2 and Terraventure 2 at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2018 (July 23-26) at booth #46153-UL. For more information about these models, Topo Athletic or to schedule an appointment at Outdoor Retailer, please contact Kristine David: Kristine.David@topoathletic.com.
ABOUT TOPO ATHLETIC
Topo Athletic creates footwear that honors the shape and biomechanics of the human foot. Rising above the industry’s gimmicks and trends, Topo Athletic’s products encourage instinctive and natural movement to help deliver a better running and fitness experience. Headquartered in Framingham, Mass., and a member of The Conservation Alliance, Topo was founded in 2012 by Tony Post – an industry veteran with over 30 years of shoemaking and competitive running experience. For more information, please visit www.topoathletic.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @topoathletic.
ABOUT VIBRAM
Vibram is recognized worldwide as the leader in high performance soles for outdoor, recreational, work and fashion footwear and is relied on by the world’s greatest climbers and athletes. Vibram soles have gone on to conquer Mt. Everest, K2 and a host of the world’s tallest peaks. Today, the company works with premium brands including Merrrell, Danner, La Sportiva, Lowa, Red Wing, Sperry, Scarpa, The North Face, and many more. Vibram’s Five Finger shoe line is on the cutting-edge of the minimalist footwear trend. Please visit us at www.vibram.com or follow us and our innovative products and services on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest