Topo Athletic
Ultrafly 5 Running Shoe – Women's
$104.95
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The Grivet Take
The Ultrafly 5 is the prior generation of Topo's mild-to-moderate stability daily, built around the brand's anatomical wide toe box paired with a long foam medial post running from heel to anterior midfoot. The softer ZipFoam reads cushioned and protective, and the 30 mm heel stack absorbs daily-mileage impact well at the 5 mm drop Topo is known for. Two trade-offs to flag: the foam reads soft and protective rather than responsive, faster paces feel muted; and reviewers note the outsole rubber compound on the v5 wears faster than on prior versions. Runners interested in the newer v6 should know it adds 2 mm of stack and redesigns the medial post to wrap the heel for smoother heel-strike transitions; the v5 is a discount option in the same line.
Fit & Feel snapshot
Fit
LengthHow the shoe fits compared with true-to-size expectations.
True to size
Toe box widthHow much side-to-side room the shoe has across the front of the foot.5 of 5
NarrowWide
Toe box volumeHow much vertical room the shoe has above the toes.4 of 5
LowHigh
MidfootHow snug or roomy the shoe feels through the arch and laces.3 of 5
SnugRoomy
Heel holdHow securely the back of the shoe holds the heel.4 of 5
LooseLocked
Ride
CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.4 of 5
MinimalMaximal
SoftnessHow soft or firm the cushioning feels underfoot.3 of 5
FirmPlush
RockerHow much the shoe's shape rolls you forward through the step.3 of 5
FlatAggressive
ResponsivenessHow much pop or energy return the shoe feels like it gives back.2 of 5
DeadBouncy
Support
Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
Neutral
Stability
Motion Control
Guided stability
PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
Wider, steadier base
How it fits
Length runs true to size for most runners, though one reviewer notes the v5 runs slightly long in normal men's size. The toe box is wide with a rounded anatomical shape — Topo's signature geometry. Midfoot is moderate-to-high volume; the heel counter is moderately stiff for its category. Men's sizing is offered only in D (standard); runners needing wider should look at the Topo Aura or a different model. The inner toe guard reads scratchy against bare skin per reviewers; running with socks is recommended.
How it feels
The softened ZipFoam midsole reads mildly soft and pleasantly cushioned — protective rather than plush — with enough underfoot containment for daily mileage. The long medial post and the wider base together give the shoe a stable feel without an aggressive posted character; the post is noticeable while walking but fades during the run. The forefoot rocker engages on push-off, though the heel-to-midfoot section reads stiff. Energy return is on the low side; the shoe is tuned for easy paces, recovery, walking, and standing rather than uptempo work. The rubber outsole grips dry pavement; reviewer durability concerns flag faster-than-average outsole wear in some testers.
Quick specs
- Category
- Long run trainer
- Surface
- Pavement · Treadmill
- Heel stackHow much shoe sits between your foot and the ground.
- 30.0 mm
- Forefoot stack
- 25.0 mm
- DropThe difference between heel height and forefoot height, measured in millimeters.
- 5.0 mm
- Weight (women's 7)
- 7.7 oz · 218 g
- CushionHow much material sits underfoot. This is about amount of cushioning, not how soft it feels.
- 4 / 5
- Support TypeSupport Type describes how much built-in guidance the shoe has. Neutral shoes do not add support structure. Stability shoes use geometry, rails, firmer foam, or frame designs to create a more guided feel. Motion control shoes are the maximum-support category and are rare in modern running.
- Stability
- PlatformPlatform describes the width and shape of the shoe's base underfoot. A wider platform can feel steadier even when the shoe is neutral. This is separate from Support Type.
- Wider, steadier base
- Midsole
- ZipFoam (multi-density: softer top / firmer bottom)
- Outsole
- Rubber
- PlateA stiff layer, usually carbon, nylon, or TPU, built into some shoes to add structure, snap, or propulsion.
- No
- WidthsThe width options this shoe is made in. Actual availability depends on current inventory.
- B · D
Tech, translated
ZipFoam in the Ultrafly 5 was softened from the v4 stack for a more cushioned step-in feel while keeping the firmer underfoot character that supports the medial post structure. The reformulation took the line from firmer-dense toward mildly soft.
The medial post is a firmer foam region running along the medial side from the heel into the anterior midfoot. It is the traditional approach to mild stability — a firmer foam region that resists compression where the foot tends to roll inward — and Topo's interpretation reads less explicit than visible-post brands.
The broad anatomical toe box is Topo's signature geometry: wide enough for full toe splay without the zero-drop transition of Altra. The wider base on the v5 adds passive stability on top of the medial post.
What changed from the previous version
The Ultrafly 5 softened the ZipFoam compared with the v4 and added 2 mm of stack at heel and forefoot (30/25 mm). The medial post stayed long, running from heel to anterior midfoot, but felt less explicit underfoot than the v4. The platform widened slightly and the upper was refined for comfort. Reviewers noted the v5 was best at easy paces and walking; runners chasing tempo work were less well served.
Frequently asked
Does the Topo Ultrafly 6 run true to size?
The Ultrafly 6 runs true to size in length for most runners. The toe box is anatomically wide with full toe splay and good vertical volume, Topo's signature geometry. Midfoot is moderate in volume with a stiff but flexible heel counter; the redesigned heel-wrapping medial post adds containment without rigidity. Men's sizing is offered only in D (standard); runners needing wider should look at a different model.
What changed from the Topo Ultrafly 4 to the 5?
The Ultrafly 5 softened the ZipFoam midsole compared with the v4 and added 2 mm of stack at heel and forefoot to 30/25 mm. The long medial post running from heel to anterior midfoot was kept, the platform was widened slightly, and the upper was refined. Net effect: a slightly softer, more cushioned daily with the same mild-to-moderate stability character; the v4's firmer dense feel is gone.
How does the Topo Ultrafly 6 compare to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25?
Both are moderate-stability daily trainers for everyday miles. The Ultrafly 6 has an anatomically wide foot-shaped toe box, a lower 5 mm drop, a 32/27 mm stack, and a heel-wrapping medial post. The Adrenaline GTS 25 has a more traditional fit, a higher 10 mm drop, Brooks's GuideRails along the sides, and a softer DNA Loft v3 midsole. Pick the Ultrafly 6 for toe splay and a lower drop; pick the Adrenaline for a softer step-in and traditional fit.
Is the Topo Ultrafly 6 firm or soft underfoot?
The Ultrafly 6 lands on the balanced side rather than soft. The multi-density ZipFoam midsole has a softer top layer for cushion and a firmer bottom layer for guidance; the overall feel is protective rather than plush. Energy return is moderate; the shoe handles easy and moderate paces well but flattens at faster efforts. Runners looking for a softer max-cushion stability ride should consider the ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 instead.
Is the Topo Ultrafly 6 good for treadmill running?
Yes. The multi-density ZipFoam cushioning, mild medial-post guidance, and rubber outsole grip belt surfaces reliably and absorb the steady cadence of treadmill sessions. The 5 mm drop and gradual rocker work smoothly at treadmill paces. Runners using the treadmill primarily for faster intervals should consider a lighter, more responsive shoe; the Ultrafly 6 is tuned for steady efforts rather than speed work.
Compare it toSimilar shoes or common alternatives, with the key fit and ride differences called out.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25
Choose the Ultrafly 6 for an anatomically wide toe box and a lower 5 mm drop. Choose the Adrenaline GTS 25 for Brooks's GuideRails along the sides with a higher 10 mm drop and a more traditional fit profile.
Compare Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 →
ASICS Gel-Kayano 32
Choose the Ultrafly 6 for a firmer, lower-stack stability daily with an anatomical toe box. Choose the Gel-Kayano 32 for a plusher max-cushion stability ride and Asics's 4D Guidance System.
Compare ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 →
Saucony Guide 17
Choose the Ultrafly 6 for an anatomical wide toe box and a mild medial-post feel. Choose the Guide 17 for Saucony's center-path frame geometry and a softer overall ride.
Compare Saucony Guide 17 →
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15
Choose the Ultrafly 5 for an anatomical foot-shaped toe box at a discounted older-inventory price. Choose the 860v15 for NB's modern Stability Plane frame approach and a broader D-to-4E width range.
Compare New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15 →
Buyer's guide
Read our stability vs neutral guide
How to tell which one you need, what's changed in modern stability design, and the brands that do each best.
Read the guide