Topo Athletic recently launched the Fli-Lyte 3 – the latest version of one of their most popular road shoe models. The Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 3 is a cushioned road shoe built on the same platform as the Fli-Lyte 2 featuring a slightly tweaked EVA midsole for a slightly softer ride.
I’ve only logged 20+ miles in the Fli-Lyte 3 this week, but initial impressions are very favorable. Read on to find out more.
Specs:
- Weight – 8 oz (Men’s 9), 7 oz (Women’s 7)
- Total Stack Height – 23mm/20mm (3mm drop)
Features:
- EVA midsole
- 3mm drop
- Roomy toe box
- Lightweight breathable materials
- Orthalite footbed
- New engineered mesh upper
MSRP:
- $110
Here’s what Topo Athletic CEO, Tony Post, has to say about the Fli-Lyte 3:
Initial Impressions
Putting on the Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 3 for the first time you immediately get a feel for the all-new engineered mesh. The lack of printed overlays is a huge improvement over previous iterations of the Fli-Lyte, with the supple upper providing a far more natural feel.
Out of the box, the Fli-Lyte 3 also felt lighter than the Fli-Lyte 2. I wasn’t sure if this was all in my mind, but a quick weigh on the kitchen scales did actually confirm a 0.2 oz reduction in weight – 8.6 oz for my size 9.5 Fli-Lyte 2 compared to 8.4 oz for the Fli-Lyte 3. Pretty cool!
The mesh up front features slightly larger holes than the majority of the shoe, which I’m guessing will provide a more breathable experience once the weather warms up. The mesh is tighter on both sides and provides a nice snug fit through the waist of the shoe.
The Ortholite insert is another excellent improvement in my opinion. I’m already a fan of this insert from Topo’s Ultraventure, Ultrafly 2 and Terraventure 2, so I’m really glad they decided to include the 5mm anti-microbial footbed with the new Fli-Lyte 3.
The drop of the shoe remains at 3mm – 23mm stack height in the heel/20mm stack height in the forefoot – which is just about my sweet spot in a shoe. Awesome!
The only thing I’m not 100% sure about at the moment is the slightly “bulky” heel counter which is far more dense than on the Fli-Lyte 2. In fairness it hasn’t caused any issues to date, but I do prefer a more minimal heel counter and hope that it doesn’t irritate the achilles tendon. I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough as I continue to rack up more miles.
The Fli-Lyte 2 retails for $110 (excellent value in my opinion) and is available in 2 colorways for both Men and Women – the snazzy Blue/Yellow and the more sedate Black/White. Worth noting – the unique all-white EVA/rubber sole combination on the Black/White model is definitely pretty sweet.
Update – ran 101.25 miles at the 2019 Virginia Run/Walk for Cancer in the Fli-Lyte 3s this past weekend. Super comfortable. Zero issues. Happy feet!
They say the shoe is more flexible than its predecessor. Are they referring to just the upper or do you thing the sole is also more flexible? I’m specifically concerned with the toe spring and its ability to flatten out (or at least soften).
I would say the midsole is slightly softer/more flexible too.
Hi,
You are doing a great job with your reviews!
I love my Topos! Currently I’m running in the MT3 and Runventure 2. However, this version of the Fli-Lyte has been a disappointment. The FL3 has a few issues. 1) The shape of the toe box is more square than round, making the shoe short. My toes rub against the inside of the shoe. 2) The ortholite insoles are too thick and too big/wide, which curls up on the sides of the shoe. This results in my big toes rubbing against the insoles causing blisters. 3) The heel collar of the shoe is too padded and sometimes uncomfortable. My pair is starting to wear and fray along the collar. I’ve given up on the FL3 … for not. Going to see if Topo can correct some of these issues or I’ll have to wait for the FL4.
Thanks for the comment! I like the Ortholite insole, but do agree with you on the “square” toe box. If I wear a thick sock (Injinji Trail for example), the 4th toe on my right foot makes contact with the front of the toe box. It hasn’t blistered, but is a bit uncomfortable. Wearing a thinner sock (Injinji Run Lightweight) makes a big difference. The heel collar on my original pair of FL3s is showing some signs of wear after 400 miles, but thankfully doesn’t impact the performance of the shoe. Not sure why Topo designed it this way – I’d prefer something less padded too.