| Topo Athletic | Running, Fitness and Trail Shoes

Founded in 2013 by lifelong runner and footwear visionary Tony Post, Topo Athletic was born from a deep understanding of what runners need - and what they often lack - in their footwear. Tony's passion for running took root in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he trained competitively through college, progressing in his running journey to become team captain of the track and cross country teams. 

After relocating to Massachusetts, he committed to rigorous training, motivated to improve his running speed, but his journey wasn’t without setbacks. Poor fitting shoes, injuries or overtraining eventually forced him to the sidelines of his running ambitions. These challenges inspired Tony to enter the footwear industry, where he immersed himself in learning every facet of shoe design and manufacturing for over 30 years. 

Tony held leadership roles at some of the most innovative footwear companies in the world. He served as Vice President at leather shoe giant Rockport and spent 12 years as CEO of Vibram USA, where he spearheaded the creation of the groundbreaking Vibram FiveFinger shoes, launched in 2006. The Vibram FiveFinger shoes helped Vibram rise through the ranks as leading footwear experts, featuring an innovative design with individual toe pockets for a truly barefoot feel. These experiences gave Tony unparalleled insights into both traditional and minimalist footwear, ultimately shaping his vision for a better kind of running shoe. 

With the creation of Topo Athletic, Tony sought to fill a gap in the market, with a mission “to combine the natural benefits of minimalist running with the comfort and support of traditional shoes”. The name ‘Topo’ is a nod to Tony’s own name (TO-ny PO-st) and reflects the brand’s personal roots and authenticity.

Topo Athletic shoes work in harmony with the natural biomechanics of the human foot. Their signature foot-shaped silhouette with a spacious toe box allows your toes to splay and grip naturally, enhancing balance and intuitive stability from road to trail. A snug-fitting midfoot and heel keeps your feet locked in and nimble on the platform, while low heel-to-toe drop designs or zero drop Topo shoes encourage a midfoot strike for a more efficient, natural stride.

Whether you’re a beginner runner, a marathon veteran or a trail running enthusiast, Topo’s award-winning designs help you move the way nature intended. You don't even have to change how you run - Topo shoes work with your body, not against it. However, adopting proper running form with an upright posture and slight forward lean from the ankles can support even better comfort and running efficiency. 

Topo minimalist shoes are crafted from lightweight, high-performance materials, with a focus on reducing load on the feet while maximising ground feel and supporting natural movement. Their lineup includes specialised Topo running shoes, Topo fitness shoes, Topo hiking shoes and Topo walking shoes. Topo trail running shoes in particular are celebrated for their durability and traction - favourites among those who explore off the beaten path.

In 2022, Topo Athletic joined the family of Designer Brands, with Tony Post remaining at the helm as CEO to ensure the brand’s ethos remains intact. Headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, Topo continues to support runners of all levels with minimalist shoes that deliver comfort and freedom of movement to embrace a natural running experience.

Available at Wildfire Sports & Trek, Topo women’s shoes and Topo men’s shoes are a top choice for runners and adventurers who value quality design, comfort and performance in their minimalist footwear.