Destinations & Things To Do
Topo Athletic Mtn Racer 4 Review
Shoes are a deeply personal gear choice and what works great for one person might be a disaster for another. I have always been hesitant to review a pair of shoes for that reason, but I’ve been wearing Topos for the last couple of years and was excited to give a new to me model of theirs a try with the Mtn Racer 4.
These trail runners notable features include Topo’s signature roomy toe box, Vibram outsole, and increased cushioning. Topo Athletic has become a popular brand in the hiking and running world as of late, and was the #1 brand of shoe used on the Appalachian Trail in 2024. Learning about them through the AT survey is actually what prompted me to give Topo’s a try a couple of years ago.
Stack Height: 33mm (heel) / 28mm (forefoot)
Heel to Toe Drop: 5mm
Weight: 10.4 OZ (M9); 8.5 OZ (W7)
Gaiter Compatible: Yes
Rock Plate: No
Cushion: High
Underfoot Feel: Responsive
Support: Neutral
MSRP: $155
Intended Use
These shoes are best for trail running and racing. They certainly can be used for hiking and backpacking as well, but I can see how they’re geared more towards runners compared to some of their other models. In my opinion, the high cushion without sacrificing the shoe’s responsiveness is what gives them that edge for running. I put them to the test while hiking, running, and racing over the course of reviewing them.
Circumstance of Review
I tested the Mtn Racer 4 in a wide variety of trail and activity types the past couple of months. I’ve used them trail running, in a trail race, hiking, an overnight backpacking trip, and even a few road running miles. The various terrains I used them in included mud, some snow patches, packed trail, steep and rocky trail, and some road. I’ve put a total of about 50 miles on them so far.
Features
Anatomical Toe Box
All Topos have the foot shape toe box many hikers have come to know and love. It’s particularly great for those of us with wide feet (including me). They pair this with a secure midfoot and heel, so they’re not too loose. I think people without wide feet could benefit from the roomy toe box— it’s honestly a game changer and I wouldn’t go back to a shoe without it.
As many people find out on thru-hikes, most people are cramming their feet in shoes that are too small for them without even realizing, leading to foot pain and blisters. Let your toes breathe!
Vibram Outsole
Vibram is the gold standard when it comes to traction. I know I’ll be in good hands with any Vibram sole in terms of traction and wear time. It gives me more confidence on those rocky or wet trails.
Zip Foam Cushioning
I was looking forward to trying a higher cushion model of the Topos. The Mtn Racer 4 has their proprietary Zip Foam which is springier than EVA and offers more rebound over the life of the shoe. I found the cushioning to give the benefits of foam without being overkill and making the shoe feel too soft or unstable. The responsiveness of the Mtn Racer also allowed me to feel the terrain very well— which isn’t normally what I would expect from a higher cushioned shoe— but I did appreciate it.
Gaiter Compatibility
The Mtn Racer 4 includes an updated and (mostly) universal gaiter attachment system. This is definitely a bonus for trips when you want to keep excess debris out of your shoes. I didn’t have the chance to use this, but it looks like a solid and intuitive system.
Heel Drop
A 5mm drop falls in the middle of the range for most running shoes. Heel drop is something that has a lot to do with each specific person’s foot and running or walking style. It’s definitely something to take note of and compare what your feet are used to, as changing it up significantly too quickly can cause problems.
Zero drop is a popular option out there but, personally, doesn’t work well for me. I usually go for a 3-5mm drop, so this shoe was great for me.
Durability
I’ve put about 50 miles on these shoes, and so far see no real signs of wear other than the dirt stains. I’ve had several pairs of Topos at this point, and I have almost always replaced them due to the amount of miles I’ve put on them rather than any wear on the uppers. My cue to replace them is to look at the cushioning and see how compressed it is or if I notice my feet starting to be more sore than usual after a run or hike. To me, if the cushioning from use is the first thing to go on a shoe, it’s doing well in terms of durability.
Fit & Comfort
As mentioned previously, the Mtn Racer 4 has a roomy toe box like all Topo Athletic shoes. I found this model to fit slightly more snug in the midfoot than some other Topos I’ve worn in the same size (a women’s 10). The other models I’ve tried were a more hiking focused shoe (the Terraventure), and a couple road running models.
They felt like they were shaped a bit differently than other models of their shoes, which is totally normal across a brand. The heel was also a bit looser. I had to take some time to break them in and hone in my lacing strategy for them to work for me. After breaking them in though, they were still plenty comfortable. In the future I might consider going up half a size in the Mtn Racers for just a smidge more room in the midfoot.
These shoes also have neutral support, which I always look for in a shoe, and is another aspect of a shoe that is different for everyone.
Topo Mtn Racer 4 Pros
High Cushion: Cushioning helps your feet hurt less, and I’m all for that! I haven’t had the chance to use a trail shoe with a higher level of cushion until now. It certainly did not disappoint.
Responsiveness: Getting extra momentum from your shoe really lets you lean into the terrain you’re in, and I appreciated this from the Mtn Racer 4. I appreciated it the most while trail running, but it also keeps you going with hiking too.
Vibram Outsole: Having good traction is so important with technical terrain, and the Vibram outsole with great lugs on the Mtn Racer 4 will do you well.
Topo Mtn Racer 4 Cons
Fit: This model felt a bit more snug in the midfoot, but looser in the heel than other Topo Models, and took more time to break in for me. For someone with a different foot shape than me, this could be a good thing.
No Rock Plate: A rock plate is always a nice addition for a trail shoe, but I didn’t feel like it was greatly missed. It’s always a balance of what features work together and you can choose so many for one pair of shoes.
Overall
Topo Athletic has put out another solid trail shoe with the Mtn Racer 4. I would recommend it to hikers— especially trail runners. Definitely take a look at all the specs to make sure it’s something that will work for you between the heel drop, the support type, and anything else in a shoe you’re partial too.
Comparable Products
Altra Olympus
MSRP: $175
Heel Drop: 0mm
Weight: 12.2 oz (M) / 10.95oz (W)
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4
MSRP: $155
Heel Drop: 5mm
Weight: 10.4oz (M9) / 8.7oz (W7)
Hoka Speedgoat 6
MSRP: $155
Heel Drop: 5mm
Weight: 9.8oz (M) / 8.2oz (W)
This product was donated for purpose of review
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June 2 – 6: Big Bear Lake to Wrightwood
144km and 3721m
“He’s not vegan, he’s just Canadian” Bug, PCT hiker class of 2025.
Danger, Danger!
It was June 2nd. After spending four days in a four star resort attending Contact in the Desert, I was starting to miss the trail. After packing up our suite, me and my dad jumped in a rental car and drove up to Big Bear Lake. I didn’t want to fall too far behind, and I had no guilt about skipping this section. As luck would have it, right as we parked at the highway 18 trailhead, Green Man and Snake Cuddler emerged from the forest. So instead of beginning my hike that afternoon, we decided to celebrate the serendipitous reunion. We piled into the car, and went to the local brewery for lunch. After bidding farewell to my dad, I spent the rest of the day relaxing with other hikers at an AirBnB. It was exactly the social scene I needed.
We stayed up late, and had some lively discussions in the hot tub. At one point a young woman sat down, and started up a new subject of conversation.
“Have any of you had more intrusive thoughts now that you’re on trail?”
This was an intriguing question for me and I thought about how in my own experience I’d had these thoughts in overly normalized situations involving high risk (i.e. driving on a fast highway or standing beside large cliffs). She then explained that earlier she had been hiking with both her earbuds in, and stepped right over a Rattlesnake. Now she was feeling a little jumpy on trail. Being the socially “aloof” person that I am, I made a horrible mistake. I showed her my close-up Rattlesnake footage. I’d wanted to convey my methodology for being safe around snakes, but before I could explain I could see my audience was shook. The video had seemly triggered this poor woman, and now I was getting this stare that read, “What is wrong with you?”
Needless to say, we didn’t end up having a very fruitful conversation. The impression was made, and now I was just a crazy man who plays with dangerous animals. What a shame. In intense situations I’ve learned how to keep my composure and maintain my critical thinking. This has come with training, exposure and time. Through my career and past times I have developed a process of hazard assessment and risk management. Not to mention I absolutely adore snakes. But, I recognize this doesn’t describe every thru-hikers background.
I have an “interesting” relationship with risk. Photo from my descent of Mt. Assiniboine in September 2023.
Perhaps that’s part of the potential personal growth that can come from a thru-hike. You have nothing but time and exposure out here. You can find your personal limit and have the space to push past it. Just taking the necessary time off to thru-hike could be considered a big risk. The empowerment that comes from facing fear is worth it. If you are driven enough to hike this trail in its entirety, then you could probably overcome a fear of snakes too! No one said thru-hiking was comfortable.
Hotsprings and Snakes!
While I was feeling frustrated after that evening’s disastrous conversation, that feeling was quickly overshadowed by the experiences on trail. I was heading up into the San Bernardino Mountains and traversing west toward the San Gabriel Mountains. It was a long stretch that didn’t take me much further north, but a few landmarks along the way were well worth the visit. The first was the Deep Creek Hotspring.
I must have spent at least three to four hours lounging around there. One of the locals remarked that the site had been visited by humans for thousands of years, and the smooth hand holds around the rocks definitely backed up that statement. The hot springs feed numerous pools that surrounded a deep bend in the river. Someone had even taken the liberty of setting up a slack line across the deep end of the river, which I had fun trying to cross while also cooling off. A school of catfish swam around unperturbed by the many people splashing about. It was a magical spot. But I had my shirt off and my guard down for too long, and eventually I began to feel the burn. By that time unfortunately it was too late and I was terribly sunburnt.
That day turned into my first big night hike. The trail takes on a new life at night. So many critters came out at dusk and the moon kept the trail bright. As the sun set there were horned lizards, a rosy boa, and garter snakes. By night there were toads, and all kinds of insects. That plus the cool breeze which I throughly appreciated. After the absolutely cooking hot afternoon I had, it was pretty sweet. Already I was starting to look forward to visiting McDonald’s the next day in Cajon Pass.
The next morning I woke up super early and hiked along the edge of Silverwood Lake. I was feeling drained of energy, as my body reacted to the sunburn. Soon as the sun was shining overhead, it was unbearablely hot again. I hid under my umbrella, and quickened my pace. The winding trail led high over a ridge and then back down into a small canyon. Those last two miles before I was dumped out onto Cajon Pass were grueling in the heat with my backpack rubbing the burns on my shoulders. As I drew closer, the sound of the traffic spurred me on. Then I was out. A stream of bumper to bumper traffic raced by at highway speeds. It was a bewildering sight, and I sought refuge under the golden arches.
Bug and Luna were there. It’s funny, but once we had our bags off and had occupied a table, it felt incredibly homely. I stayed there for four hours, ordering multiple rounds of food. Despite my rapidly dwindling energy and the severe pain I was experiencing from my sunburn, I pushed on that evening, crushing out another 9km before reaching the next water cache. I wanted to continue further, but a friendly local came by with a Yeti cooler full of beer and me and another couple hikers hung out with him shooting the shit and enjoying the cold beverages. Either way I’d be in Wrightwood tomorrow, and not having to dry camp that night was also very nice.
My sunburn was starting to blister the next morning. I gently hoisted my bag onto my shoulders but still I was in complete agony. It was a relatively short 19km haul to town due to a trail closure ahead. Gritting my teeth I climbed onto the ridge and then promptly back down into the valley. There was a man there waiting for his daughter who was also hiking. Since she was a ways behind me, he gave me a ride into town while he waited for her. The first thing I did was visit the grocery store, where a hiker hang was developing at the shady picnic tables. I treated myself with a breakfast burrito, a mini watermelon, a pint of ice cream, and a tube of aloe vera skin lotion.
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Destinations & Things To Do
Indonesia’s New Tourism Era Redefining Travel with Sustainable Tourism Initiatives on Islands Like Komodo, Maluku and Other Hidden Gems
Published on
August 8, 2025 |
By: TTW News Desk
Indonesia, a nation made up of over 17,000 islands, is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and breathtaking natural wonders. While many of its remote islands are still relatively untouched, the country’s tourism strategy remains heavily focused on Bali, Indonesia’s most famous island. Bali’s appeal is undeniable, but the pressures of over-tourism are mounting, highlighting the urgent need for a more balanced approach to tourism development. As Bali faces overcrowding and environmental strain, Indonesia’s lesser-known regions hold the key to unlocking the country’s true tourism potential.
Bali’s Overcrowding Dilemma
Bali has long been the jewel of Indonesia’s tourism industry. Its unique blend of rich culture, serene beaches, vibrant nightlife, and lush landscapes attracts millions of visitors each year. However, the island’s popularity is becoming a double-edged sword. As the number of tourists continues to grow, Bali struggles to manage the influx. Overcrowded attractions, increased waste, and a higher cost of living are just a few of the challenges facing local communities and the tourism sector. Bali’s infrastructure, while iconic, has not kept pace with its rising visitor numbers, causing logistical headaches and environmental degradation. It’s clear that continuing to concentrate the country’s tourism efforts on one island is no longer sustainable.
Beyond Bali: The Hidden Treasures of Indonesia
While Bali grabs most of the attention, many of Indonesia’s other islands remain underdeveloped yet brimming with unique offerings. Places like Maluku, Komodo Island, and the remote shores of Seram Island offer experiences that are far removed from the tourist-packed beaches of Bali. Maluku’s rich history and biodiversity make it an ideal destination for eco-tourism. The pristine waters, coral reefs, and cultural diversity make it a hidden gem for those seeking authentic experiences.
Komodo Island, home to the legendary Komodo dragons, is another destination that offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with nature. The island’s isolation and rugged landscapes are perfect for eco-tourism enthusiasts. However, despite their potential, these regions face a significant barrier to development—poor infrastructure. With limited flight connections, lack of quality accommodations, and inadequate transportation networks, reaching these places is challenging, which deters many travelers.
The “New Balis” Strategy: A Vision for Regional Tourism Growth
In an attempt to alleviate the pressures on Bali, Indonesia has introduced the “New Balis” initiative. This strategy aims to spread tourism across the archipelago and create new hotspots that can share the economic benefits. While the idea of “New Balis” holds promise, the execution has been slow. Many of the less-visited regions have yet to see substantial infrastructure investments or meaningful policy support. Without reliable transportation, good accommodations, and modern amenities, it’s hard to entice international tourists to venture beyond Bali.
Moreover, the initiative suffers from fragmented efforts between government ministries and local authorities. A cohesive, unified approach is necessary to ensure that tourism in these areas is not only possible but sustainable. Despite these challenges, the potential for growth in regions like Maluku, Komodo, and Seram remains untapped, and with the right investments, they could become thriving tourist destinations.
Building a Sustainable Future: A Roadmap for Success
For Indonesia’s tourism diversification to succeed, a more structured and comprehensive approach is needed. The key to unlocking the potential of these hidden destinations lies in building infrastructure—airports, affordable regional flights, and transport networks—that connects these islands to the rest of the world. Additionally, investments in sustainable tourism practices are essential to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these regions. Local communities must be actively involved in the development process, ensuring that tourism provides long-term economic benefits without compromising the environment or local traditions.
Furthermore, partnerships with international travel agencies and local operators could help promote these lesser-known destinations to global travelers. Highlighting eco-tourism opportunities, wildlife experiences, and cultural immersion could attract the growing segment of travelers who seek authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Conclusion: Reimagining Indonesia’s Tourism Landscape
As Bali faces the mounting challenges of over-tourism, Indonesia must look beyond its most famous island and tap into the vast potential of its lesser-known regions. With a clear focus on sustainable development, infrastructure improvements, and strategic marketing, Indonesia can diversify its tourism offerings and reduce the strain on Bali. Regions like Maluku, Komodo Island, and Seram have the potential to become the next big tourism hotspots, offering unique experiences and much-needed alternatives to the crowded tourist centers. By redistributing the tourism load, Indonesia can create a more balanced, sustainable tourism model that benefits both travelers and local communities for years to come.
When you think about travel hot spots in Idaho, what are the first destinations that come to mind? We bet they’re NOT the two that recently made a list of the best places to visit in America in 2025!
The Sun Valley-Ketchum area may have come to mind. Not only is the region constantly in the running for “Best Of” lists for winter sports and recreation, it’s been a hot spot for celebrity sightings for decades.
READ MORE: 27 Celebrities Who’ve Been Seen in Idaho & Where They Showed Up
Once upon a time, you’d bump into the likes of Ernest Hemingway and Marilyn Monroe. Today? You’re more likely to see celebrities like Jimmy Fallon and Ali Larter wandering around town.
Matt Winkelmeye, Getty Images
Coeur d’Alene’s another part of Idaho that’s attracted stars like Justin Bieber, Mark Wahlberg and the Kardashians. Sydney Sweeney’s another famous face you may bump into there. She grew up in Spokane and spent plenty of lake days in CDA.
Even though it feels weird putting Boise on the list because we live here, some could argue we belong on that list because The Blue is a major draw for college football fans from around the country.
Loren Orr, Getty Images
While they’re all worth traveling to, World Population Review had something very different in mind when putting together a list of the 200 best places to visit in the United States.
Two Idaho Destinations Named Among Best Places to Visit in the United States
World Population Review picked two Idaho destinations that appeal to recreationists and nature lovers. Their picks? Big Springs in Island Park and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. In choosing the destinations, they explained:
Idaho is a state perfect for those who love the outdoors! For adventurers looking to take on Idaho, Big Springs has 120 million gallons of water flowing every day and beautiful wildlife views. Additionally, Sawtooth National Recreation Area’s rugged mountain landscape is perfect for hikers and rafters looking for their fill of the great outdoors.
World Population Review also included a “Best Family Travel Destination” for Idaho. This year they chose Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark at Silver Mountain in Kellogg. You can check out some incredible photos of it below!
KEEP READING: Idaho’s 2 Incredible Indoor Waterparks Must Be On Your Winter Bucket List
Did you know Idaho is home to not one but TWO incredible indoor water parks? They each offer something a little bit different, so scroll through to learn more about what makes them an incredible place to beat the winter blahs.
Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart
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