Ambassadors & Athletes
Meet our Topo ambassador team - the heart and soul of Topo Athletic. These athletes inspire and change the game of their sport every day by exemplifying their commitment to a gimmick-free approach to training while spreading their passion for natural movement to the communities they influence. Learn about their unique perspectives here and follow/contact them via their social media handles listed.
How have Topos changed your running game?
I’ve gotten more confident ripping downhills since wearing Topos. The grippy soles really make a difference.
What is your favorite Topo shoe and why??
My favorite trail shoe is the Terraventure! This is perfect for the desert running I have in my backyard. For road miles, the phantom is the perfect amount of cushion.
What are your top 3 career highlights?
Bryce Canyon 50 mile win & course record, Black Canyon 60k win, Canyon de Chelly 55k win & course record.
Do you have any race day superstitions or rituals?
I start race day out like any other day: big cup of coffee! About 45 minutes before the race starts, I’ll do a 10 minute light jog followed by a few drills and strides. Then it’s just making sure all my nutrition is in my vest or belt, bottles and filled and sunscreen is on!
How have Topos changed your running game?
I haven't had any injuries since I started wearing Topos!
What is your favorite Topo shoe and why??
Ultrafly currently - love the light stability and movement..
What are your top 3 career highlights?
8th Ironman World Championships, North American Championships Ironman Winner, 2x Ironman Chattanooga Winner.
Do you have any race day superstitions or rituals?
BIG breakfast the day before I race and snack up to race start!
How have Topos changed your running game?
I have been running at the top of my game, injury free, since I discovered Topos years ago. With the amount of training volume and type of racing I do, that speaks volumes for the shoes.
What is your favorite Topo shoe and why??
Currently I run all my trail running in the MTN Racer 2. It is durable for the long haul, and fast/light enough to feel like I can fly on trails and in racing.
What are your top 3 career highlights?
Top ten at Western States 100 was the biggest highlight to date, that was a magical day. Running this local popular 17 mile trail route (Bear Canyon Loop) in under 2 hours, which hasn't been done in over 30 years, was a fun, community oriented goal that I was happy to achieve. Finally I think finishing my first 100 mile race was a big milestone, it let me know anything was possible after that.
Do you have any race day superstitions or rituals?
I always take some deep breaths at the start line and take time to soak in the excitement, the pre-race feels, and focus on the difficult journey that is about to start.
How have Topos changed your running game?
Topos have allowed by feet to splay naturally in the shoe when running, yet hug my mid foot for a super comfortable feel. The minimal drop is great to encourage a natural mid foot strike and the cushioning is perfect for my foot for a bit of protection yet still enough feel for the ground.
What is your favorite Topo shoe and why??
Ultrafly 4! It is an incredibly versatile road shoe. Cushioned enough for marathons and responsive for faster running.
What are your top 3 career highlights?
3x Ironman 70.3 champion, 2x ITU Long Distance Triathlon World Championships bronze medalist, 2x Ironman World Championship qualifier.
Do you have any race day superstitions or rituals?
I always write out my race morning schedule down to the minute so that I make sure I get all my prep done and be warmed up and ready to go when the gun goes off!
How have Topos changed your running game?
It's a lot more fun when you're a part of a team. Honestly, though the shoes are pretty darn awesome, the community has been the biggest thing. It's super nice to have the best people cheering you on and supporting you as you work towards your goals.
What is your favorite Topo shoe and why??
The Ultrafly series!!
What are your top 3 career highlights?
Silver Medal at 2019 USATF 24 Hr Championships, Pistol 100 PB/CR/TN Record, and Black Mountain Monster 24 hr (my first 100+ miles).
Do you have any race day superstitions or rituals?
From the time I wake up until 5 minutes before the race, I am the most Type B person. I casually get everything ready as I chill and joke around. Only the last 5 minutes before the race do I actually somewhat go Type A where I get everything ready and get a little more serious
What are your top 3 career highlights?
1) Making the national team to represent my country at the junior and senior level (self-coached!) 2) Missing the Rio Olympic team by one spot during the trials 3) Pacing the great Kenenisa Bekele over 5000m during the 52nd Ostrava World Challenge 4) Winning the National Kenyan Championships
How did Topo change your running game?
Throughout my running career, I have battled issued caused by running shoes. After I was introduced to Topo, I can say this is the first time I have ran without any issues or injuries – my natural running agility has returned!
What do you like most about Topo footwear?
What I like most is the cushioning and the uppers. There cushioning is thin enough to still give you that natural running experience while at the same time protecting your ankles from twisting on rough terrain. This gives me the confidence to run freely and naturally.
Any life mantras or words of wisdom you can share with our community?
Always work to your best. Believe in your ability and that your day is coming. Each day comes with a gift, either good or bad. We learn and move on. Suffer behind the scenes, Shine to the world.
What are your top 3 career highlights?
2013 Leadville 100- crossing the finish line with my father 2014 Bryce Canyon 100- my first race as a professional athlete 2016 USATF-UT 50-Mile Trail Championships @ Pony Express Endurance Run- setting a CR at my first championship event 2018 University of Utah- Graduating with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Do you have any race day superstitions/rituals?
I stay away from superstitions. Race days are already so mentally draining. I don’t like the idea of adding an aspect to it that HAS to go perfectly otherwise it can be a huge distraction. It can be a set up for failure. And I really want to keep as much power and strength in my own hands as possible. In terms of rituals, I guess my most appropriate answer would be smiling through each aid station, being appreciative and thanking the volunteers and taking a few moments every mile to find something around me that I can truly appreciate. Running with a grateful heart always helps keep the mind frame positive.
How have Topos changed your running game?
Running, to me, breaks life down to its most raw and simplistic nature. I believe in keeping it close to natural so the body can do what it was designed to and move efficiently for long periods of time. Being an athlete and a physical therapist, I appreciate a company that wants to keep you moving as unadulterated as possible. There is nothing more important for me in trail running than to connect as purely with the land around me. As esoteric as it sounds, it's really just about being as free in those moments and miles as I can. And Topo provides my body with the protection I need without taking away from that connection and natural feel.
What is your favorite Topo model and why?
DO I HAVE TO CHOOSE?! To me, shoes are like tools; there’s always a specific one that matches the job. I use them all for different purposes. But the one’s that made me fall in love from the first step are the Magnifly 2 and the Runnventure. I love the Magnifly 2 for the comfort through long miles and road. But the Runnventure is just a gnarly trail shredder for any terrain I encounter and almost any distance! Two way tie???
