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.
Naeth is a 17-time Ironman 70.3 champion and has more than 35 Ironman 70.3 podium finishes under her belt. She has clocked in a sub-9-hour finish time on multiple occasions, including her impressive first-place finish at the 2015 Ironman North American Championships in a time of 8 hours, 55 minutes.
She hails from British Columbia, Canada, and has coached many athletes in all areas of triathlon. A physical therapist by trade, Naeth holds a master’s degree in physical therapy and bachelor’s degree in health science. Before becoming a professional triathlete in 2008, she worked as a pediatric and orthopedic physiotherapist.
In 2017, Naeth founded iracelikeagirl, an organization on a mission to bring together a community of women of all ages and abilities, using the sport of triathlon and other endurance sports as a platform to support, encourage and inspire one another.
How did Topo change your running game?
Since I discovered Topo two years ago, I have been running injury free. The foot issues that have plagued me for years have been completely manageable as I have increased my mileage and intensity throughout recent training blocks, leading to much stronger results in races. I credit finally finding shoes that work for that.
What are your top 3 career highlights?
1) Finishing my first 100 mile race was huge. Going the distance broke down some big mental barriers. 2) I'll never forget winning my first race, a local Tucson race called the Colossal/Vail 50. It opened the door to being a competitive runner and instilled confidence. 3) Finishing in the top ten at Western States was the big one. That was a pipe dream of mine since I started trail running over 10 years ago.
Do you have any race day superstitions/rituals?
The more times I poop race morning before the gun, the better the race will go!
What is your favorite Topo model and why?
Fli-Lyte 2s. I love this shoe. They are simple, light, durable and comfortable. I've raced everything from local 5Ks to Western States 100 in these.
What are your top 3 career highlights?
Top position is the sum of good teamwork, and in recent years I have had podiums in several stage- and ultra race, which has among other things become a TV series. But looking back on my career, it is the competitions in the inhospitable wilderness around the world that have delighted me the most and given the biggest challenges such as 350 miles self supplied winter race, 160 miles with 140 °Fahrenheit, 190 miles in -65 °Fahrenheit and mountain races to altitude above 6,000 meters. Equality in Iran: The biggest thing in my career is not my own achievement, but being part of writing an important chapter in the history of Iran - where I was one of the selected international athletes to participate in the first sporting event where both women and men participated together. This was a 160 miles desert race that was closely monitored by the authorities, but also followed by international television channels. Jungle Ultra: Spontaneously - and still in Norway, just five days in advance, I signed up at The Jungel Ultra 2019 in Peru, which is a five-day self-supplied 143 miles stage race with backpack and hammock. With sixty participants and minimal preparation, it was extra fun to receive a top ranking medal in the jungle of the Amazon. Kilimanjaro up and down before the Christmas party: On a weekend trip to Tanzania in December 2019, I had aimed to run up to the summit of Kilimanjaro within a day - without acclimatization. Little did I know it would be a new record up The Marangu Route with time 12:07 - by a good margin ahead of the previous record set by endurance athlete Hyiko Masango from South Africa.
Do you have any race day superstitions/rituals?
Before each race, I do a risk analysis. This includes the assessment of selected equipment, factors such as race route, environment, culture, nutrition, weather and organizer. This is to make me comfortable with the uncomfortable, that's where I really face the challenges. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, sandstorms, blizzards, abduction, wild animal attacks, sight loss, coldest, hottest and extreme highs: these are my adventures.
How have Topos changed your running game?
Over the last decade, I have been an athlete at one of the largest and independent sports shops in the Nordic region that has existed for over 90 years. Here I can freely choose from all the leading manufacturers and the best quality. I am required to test new and interesting equipment, including running shoes. Through this collaboration - and as a Coach - I have acquired a unique competence with solid experience in quality and function for what works in the different environments. The competitions I participate in often go on several days in inhospitable wilderness all over the world without the possibility of spare equipment or supplies. Wrong choice of equipment may even put your life in danger - and prevent the possibility of completing. With the choice of Topo, I quickly eliminate the biggest uncertainty factor in long running competitions - quality and functionality in footwear. When I put my feet in my MNT Racer I know from long experience that this is a shoe that holds the right qualities created for the tough Nordic wilderness in which I have my daily run.
What is your favorite Topo model and why?
For racing in Nordic terrain my favorite is the Topo MTN Racer. With good locking mechanism in the shoelaces, durable material that sits well around the foot - without toes being pressed together. The hardness of the sole provides an immediate response while providing a perfect relief. With adventurous forests with marshes, steep mountains and a coast that has everything from smooth rocky mountains to white beaches, the ability to seize is a necessary guarantee.
How did your athletic career start?
After 10 years of very little exercise, I decided I needed to do something interesting in my life and started training to run a marathon in January 2004. As I became absorbed into the running community and realized I had some talent, a mentor of mine encouraged me to pursue triathlon. At age 28 I did my first local sprint distance triathlon, with a huge grin on my face thinking “I’m really doing it!” I nearly won that race, placing second. After that triathlon completely took over my life!
What are your top 3 career highlights?
2x Ironman 70.3 Champion 2x ITU Long Distance World Championship Bronze medalist 3rd Ironman Canada
Do you have any race day superstitions/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?
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 model and why?
Fli-Lyte 2 - Light, fast, versatile. Perfect drop!
How did Topo change your running game?
With the old shoes I was wearing, my toes were cramped and running in the shoes made it difficult for me to continue running. When I started wearing Topo, the first thing I noticed were the freedom my toes had, allowing me to run more. The transition from an 8mm drop to 5mm drop was a lot faster than expected and as soon as I got used to running in them, my feet feel so much better.
What are your top 3 career highlights?
My favorite would be making the Tennessee State Record at the Pistol Ultra 100 miler, then running 86 miles in a 12 hour race in Dahlonega, GA. I still have no idea how I did that. Finally, it would be the first time I finished a 100 mile race. It was at the Black Mountain Monster. It was definitely a career highlight and personal highlight. I didn't make any records, but I went out there to do something, and I finished it.
Do you have any race day superstitions/rituals?
Rituals? Well it's rather simple. As I've done all the planning the day before, I just don't think about the race at all and go through the morning prep without stress. I joke around and not care about the race and am extremely relaxed.... but 5-10 minutes before the race, I start getting focused and then right before the race starts, I pull everything together, have a good balance of the joker and a serious runner and go at it.
What is your favorite Topo model and why?
The Ultrafly 2 has been my favorite. The 5mm drop has been fantastic for me, coming from an 8mm drop. I had tried a zero drop and a 3mm drop but the difference was too much, but with Ultrafly 2's 5mm drop, I have been able to run pain free and my toes have been free... it's a light shoe and I love the bright colors. I've thoroughly enjoyed them.
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???
Nick Aguila
John Allison
Sherri Armitage
Timothy Barr
Nick BeckerCara Bednar
Cassie Brown
Stacy Bubelis
Parker Burke
Paul Carrion
Matthew Carroll
Alisha Chaney
Pete Chavez
Keely Clark
Martin Criminale
Kevin Crowley
Joe Dean
Sammii Dorfler
Regina Faura
Joe Ferrara
Erin Festerman
Jessica Foster
Maureen Gillespie
Kevin Gregory
Raeleigh Harris
Hannah Hawley
Jace Hinesly
Melinda Howard
Whitney Hull
Mark Imasa
Yoshiko Jo
Greyson Kilgore
Pam Kropf
Kathy Labus
Phil LaCroix
Chris Lancia
Nathaniel Lee
Kateri MacGilvra
Siobhan Maize
Patrick McDeed
Heike McNeil
Melanie Miller
Chris Nottingham
Cassandra Ohman
Brian Passenti
Leah Pearce
Mary Peters
Travis Peters
Cristina Peterson
Jessica Pignataro
Whitney Powell
Siobhan Pritchard
Jesse Rich
Barbara Roman
Elisa Schasse
Todd Segraves
Gary Snow
Jen Sotolongo
Steve Speirs
Anya Starovoytov
John Stasulli
Tracy Stuntz
Carlos Taveras
Steven Terry
JJ Tiscareno
Nicholas Tsotu
Callie Uhan
Chase Visser
Akhil Viz
Laura Western