Topo Athletic is committed to making products that allow users to keep going, keep trying, and keep moving. With comfort and performance at the forefront of their designs, Topo Athletic trusts eVent fabrics to provide users with durable waterproof, breathable protection so users can be active every day, regardless of the weather. We recently sat down with Russ Stevens, Product Manager at Topo Athletic, to delve deeper into their company and the latest addition to the Topo Athletic lineup — the Terraventure 4 WP. Made with eVent BIO, the Terraventure 4 WP provides a greener alternative without compromising on performance.
eVent Fabrics: Preservation is one of your three brand promises. Tell us about Topo's commitment to preserve natural places.
Russ Stevens: Being environmentally conscious is always at the forefront of Topo’s collective mind. We make shoes to help get people outside to experience nature and to move their bodies, so we want to be sure we’re doing our part to reduce waste whenever and wherever we can. We execute on this mindset at basic levels through responsible office practices, such as being nearly paperless, offering recycling services, and upcycling all unused products, packaging materials, etc.
Taking it a step further, I and the other members of our product team have become increasingly focused on utilizing recycled and eco-friendly materials in our shoes when we can. I’m proud to share that most of the shoes in our road line now feature recycled materials. Additionally, this summer we piloted an “Eco” program with Ultraventure 3 Eco. With this limited-edition shoe, we brought to market our most sustainably made shoe, which featured our highest recycled materials content ever used. We learned a lot through this process, and we plan to apply our learnings to future products as much as possible.
EF: Can you tell us more about your partnership with The Conservation Alliance?
RS: Topo has been a long-time proud member of The Conservation Alliance (TCA). TCA is leading the charge on wildlife and public land preservation in North America, with a goal to keep our wild places just that – wild. Each year, we participate in their April Giving Coalition campaign, which coincides with Earth Day, to donate 5% of our online sales over the course of a week. TCA helps companies like us stay informed on what’s happening with our wild places, and they keep us engaged in their protection.
EF: When sourcing new materials, what are a few key factors Topo considers?
RS: When sourcing a new material, we consider the durability of the material, the performance of the material, and the recycled or eco-friendly content of the material.
We have a commitment to our customers to deliver a high-quality product, so the durability and performance of a material are always our first considerations.
The amount of recycled and eco-friendly content is also a key factor we consider when sourcing a new material. We are conscious of using the most eco-friendly materials we can find that will also meet our durability and performance standards.
EF: The new Terraventure 4 WP is using our BIO Footwear membrane. Why did you select eVent BIO for this shoe?
RS: When eVent came to us with the new BIO Footwear membrane, we were excited to have the opportunity to use a waterproof membrane that not only met our quality and performance standards but is also more eco-friendly content than the membranes we had previously used. We were impressed to learn that the BIO Footwear membrane is PFAS- free, which in turn allowed us to make the full Topo Athletic line PFAS-free.
Women's Terraventure 4 WP Men's Terraventure 4 WP
EF: How does Topo balance the need for both high performance and sustainable materials?
RS: We believe that a durable product is a more sustainable product. When someone purchases a high-quality product, they will be able to use it for longer and need to replace it less often, which leads to less consumption. With that in mind we are always looking for materials that use recycled or eco-friendly content, but it’s essential that these materials still meet our durability expectations.
EF: What's been key in allowing you to develop high-quality footwear with fewer materials and less manufacturing steps?
RS: Communication and collaboration across the supply chain leads to better and more efficiently made products. Our product and design teams work closely with our production, manufacturing, sourcing teams, and suppliers to ensure our products are being assembled efficiently without cutting corners. When everyone is on the same page about the goals of the product it leads to better work across the supply chain.
When it comes to outdoor adventures, having the right footwear is essential. With a commitment to creating top-notch shoes, Topo Athletic understands the importance of comfort, durability, and performance. Their shoes are designed to provide a natural and comfortable fit, allowing your feet to move freely and efficiently whether you’re hitting the trails or conquering the pavement.
Ready to hit the trails? Get your Terraventure 4 WP boots today at select outdoor retailers or online at topoathletic.com.