Topo Athletic Cyclone 2 Review: A Lightweight Racer That Finally Gets the Foam Right

Introduction

The original Topo Athletic Cyclone earned plenty of fans with its light, quick-turnover feel, but it had one obvious flaw: the ride was on the firm side. The Cyclone 2 addresses exactly that. With a full PEBA midsole carrying the official PEBA certification seal, this second version adds genuine bounce and pop while keeping the shoe light and close to the ground. After time in it, including faster track work, it is easy to call this one of the most enjoyable shoes Topo Athletic has made for the road.

What the Cyclone 2 Is Designed For

Topo Athletic positions the Cyclone 2 as a lightweight daily trainer with an up-tempo bias, and one that works as a race day shoe for distances of about a half marathon or under. That places it squarely in the growing 5K, 10K, and half marathon racer category, a segment that has expanded quickly as runners lean toward more specialized shoes.

The appeal here is that the Cyclone 2 skips the carbon plate and the extra hardware, so the ride stays simple and natural while the foam still provides meaningful energy return. It is a shoe for the pure run: nothing flashy, just a light platform that encourages you to kick up the pace.

Weight and Stack Specs

On the spec sheet, Topo Athletic lists the Cyclone 2 at 6.9 ounces in a size nine, which is genuinely super light. The stack is modest at 21mm in the heel and 16mm in the forefoot, giving a five millimeter drop and a low, connected ride. That combination of low stack and light weight is the foundation of the shoe’s quick feel.

Because there is no plate to carry, the shoe avoids the bulk that plated racers often bring, and that helps it disappear on the foot. Reviewers consistently note that once laced up, you barely notice you are wearing it.

Upper and Fit

The lightweight mesh upper is one of the strong points. Topo Athletic has a good track record with uppers, tongues, and lockdown, and the Cyclone 2 keeps that streak going. The tongue design includes a small double loop detail that simply works, holding everything in place without fuss.

The collar sits fairly low, which might look shallow at first, but if you lace the shoe all the way up and use the top eyelet, the fit is secure and comfortable. There are hidden pockets of extra foam around the ankles, and the structure with overlays is more dialed in than many minimalist alternatives. Some observers see design similarities to other lightweight mesh trainers on the market, but the fit quality here stands on its own.

Ride and Midsole Feel

The headline change is the midsole. The Cyclone 2 uses a full PEBA midsole with the official PEBA certification seal, meaning it is the real material rather than a blend where PEBA acts as a carrier mixed into a cheaper foam. That matters for bounce: the foam delivers enough spring to feel lively without pushing the shoe into a tall, mushy stack.

At 21mm heel and 16mm forefoot, the ride is low to the ground but not harsh. You feel the surface underfoot while still getting enough bounce to feel fast, and the shoe encourages a light, quick turnover. During faster sessions, including track workouts at around 5K pace, the foam provides just the right amount of pop off the ground.

The outsole combines exposed foam in spots with a decent amount of rubber coverage, and the rubber itself is a standout: smooth underfoot but genuinely tacky, similar in character to the premium rubber found on some of the best lightweight racing shoes. The exposed foam will show wear over time, so a shoe like this is best treated as a fast-day and race-day tool rather than an everyday workhorse.

How It Compares

Compared with the original Cyclone, this version is a clear step up. The first shoe was light and quick but notably firm; the added PEBA bounce here gives it a much more enjoyable, springy ride. Compared with ultra-minimalist options like the Atreyu shoe, the Cyclone 2 is a more premium version: the PEBA midsole, the more refined upper with overlays and ankle foam, and the high-quality rubber outsole put it a tier above in ingredients, while it still keeps the natural, flexible feel that minimalist runners appreciate.

Price and Value

At $150, the Cyclone 2 is priced right in the range of serious 10K and up-tempo racers, and it feels fair for a genuine PEBA shoe. The original Cyclone launched at $120, but the added foam quality more than justifies the increase. For runners debating whether to wear a full marathon racer for a half marathon, the price difference could reasonably sway them toward something like the Cyclone 2 for that distance, though the shoe arguably suits 5K and 10K racing best.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The five millimeter drop and low stack will not suit everyone. Heel strikers who like a tall, padded platform may feel the ground more than they are used to, and runners who want the lean-forward sensation of a max-stack plated shoe will not find it here. There is also some exposed foam on the outsole that will chew up over time, so durability is a trade-off for the weight savings.

Who Should Buy the Cyclone 2

This is a great match for runners who want a ground-feel, natural ride without a harsh or punishing experience. It is also a smart pick for fans of zero-drop or low-drop shoes who want a little extra foam for race day: if you normally run in something like a zero-drop daily trainer, slipping into this 21mm platform can feel like stepping onto stilts in the best way, especially when you want to feel fast.

It also makes sense for ultra runners who have been turned off by their favorite lightweight shoes getting heavier over recent updates. If you want a simple, light shoe with no plate and no clutter, and you want it for fast days rather than long slogs, the Cyclone 2 fits that brief very well.

Buying Advice

If you race 5Ks and 10Ks, do regular track or tempo sessions, or simply want a shoe that makes easy running feel like the pure, free experience running should be, the Cyclone 2 deserves a spot on your rotation. Treat it as a fast-day shoe, keep an eye on the exposed foam, and it should reward you with one of the most natural, lively rides available at this price.

Conclusion

Topo Athletic took the best qualities of the original Cyclone and fixed its biggest weakness. The full PEBA midsole brings bounce the first version lacked, the fit remains excellent, and at $150 the value is strong for a genuine PEBA racer. For lightweight-minded runners and low-drop fans looking for a race day shoe from 5K up to around the half marathon, the Cyclone 2 is an easy green light.