The Topo Specter 2 is a non-plated marathon training shoe that uses a 100% PEBA midsole. While we don't typically lead off these write-ups talking about the tech, it's notable here because the Specter 2 is one of the few shoes on the market to use a thick stack of race foam without a plate. While that sounds great on paper, and the ride is great, it's also a lot firmer than you might expect given the requirements of making the shoe stable enough without a plate. So while the shoe is not the softest—think Superblast, not Saucony Endorphin Speed 3—it has a fast, bouncy and stable ride that activates with pace and force. It worked great for us on tempo style runs, and it could also handle high-mileage days and faster interval workouts. If you're looking for a protective workhorse with a moderate drop and low bounce, this is your ticket. This is also a great option for runners seeking a non-plated race day shoe. For a softer but still speedy ride, check out the Puma Deviate Nitro 3. For non-plated pep in a more streamlined package, we recommend the Hoka Mach 6. Note that while the toebox is wide in classic Topo fashion, the length here is snug. Some runners may want to go up half a size—if you order through our Running Warehouse link, you can also get 90 day free returns.

Category

Speed trainer

Release Date

August 2024

Plated?

No

Foam

PEBAX

Foam Compound

Beaded PEBA

Ride

Bouncy, Cushioned, Firm

Heel Stack (mm)

39.0

Forefoot Stack (mm)

34.0

Drop (mm)

5

Weight (mens size 9)

8.1

Support

Mild Stability

Fit

Snug