Topo puts aliphatic TPU foam into first carbon-plated race shoe

The new model combines a full-length carbon-fiber plate with the company’s RevFoam ATPU midsole. An ATPU insole provides a further layer of polyurethane foam immediately beneath the foot.

Topo describes the combination as providing a lightweight shoe with high energy return. The supplier and grade of the ATPU materials have not been disclosed.

The Specter Elite has a 39 mm heel stack and 34 mm forefoot stack, giving it a heel-to-toe drop of 5 mm. It weighs 201 g in a men’s US size nine and 159 g in a women’s US size seven.

An engineered mesh upper and lightweight tongue are intended to reduce weight, while the shoe retains the wide toe box used across Topo’s footwear range. The carbon plate is combined with a pronounced rocker geometry designed to move the foot forwards during running.

“Our goal was simple: build a best-in-class racing shoe with Topo’s fit and product philosophy,” said Topo Athletic product director Russ Stevens.

Stevens said company employees and sponsored athletes had tested prototypes in road races during the shoe’s development.

The Specter Elite has been approved by World Athletics for use in sanctioned competition. It is the second product in Topo’s Pro Series, following the launch of the Specter 3 earlier this summer.

The Specter 3 also uses a RevFoam ATPU midsole and ATPU insole but does not contain a carbon-fiber plate. Topo said additional Pro Series models are being developed for release during 2026 and 2027.

The Specter Elite is priced at $250 and is scheduled to become available during August through Topo’s website and selected running retailers.

Topo Athletic