Coach Boone shouts, ‘What are you?’ The team responds, ‘Mobile, Agile, Hostile!’

Growing up playing football, that scene from Remember the Titans is forever etched in my mind. As I read through the Topo Athletic media regarding their Fli-Lyte 5, the word ‘’versatile’ appeared several times. Though not a direct adjective from the film, I was immediately transported back to the scene. While the Fli-Lyte 5 may not be ‘hostile’, it is primed to be versatile.

The Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 5 is a light weight, moderately cushioned daily trainer. Highlighted for its versatility, Topo Athletic released a shoe they believe can take you from everyday runs to your gym workouts. But does the Fli-Lyte 5 live up to the billing? After 100 miles in them, let’s see how they stack up!

SPECS

Surface: Road

Category: Neutral Daily Trainer

Fit: True to Size

WHat's NEW

Redesigned mesh upper
Reduced weight
ZipFoam midsole
Updated rubber outsole
Improved rocker shape geometry

COMPARABLE SHOES

Altra Escalante 3
Brooks Launch 10
Hoka Solimar
Saucony Kinvara 13 (redesigned for version 14)

UPPER

The breathable mesh upper of the Fli-Lyte 5 has a ‘foot shape’ toe box allowing the toes to splay naturally for increased comfort and stability. Though the tongue is not gusseted, tongue stays are located on each side to keep it in place above the foot.

MIDSOLE

Topo Athletic utilizes its ZipFoam in the Fli-Lyte 5. A proprietary blend of EVA and TPU, the foam is designed to provide both cushion and responsiveness to the shoe while cutting down on overall weight.

The stack height (23mm/20mm) and drop (3mm) remain the same as the previous model. An improved rocker shape geometry for the 5 has been implemented to promote a smooth transition.

OUTSOLE

The outsole is all new for the Fli-Lyte 5. The 2023 version brings more rubber coverage in the heel but also keeps the rubber thin to provide sufficient ground feel. A redesigned rubber configuration in the forefoot and the addition of center lugging brings increased traction for adverse conditions.

PROs

At $125, the Fli-Lyte is one of lower priced shoes offered.
First time I have seen ‘tongue stays’ and they work to perfection.
ZipFoam is responsive and resilient, particularly at uptempo paces.
While the thin rubber could lead to lack of durability, it offers just the right amount of ground feel.
One of the lighter weight daily trainers on the market.
The no fuss upper all but disappears on your foot.

CONS

IS THIS SHOE FOR YOU?

The Fli-Lyte 5 is a great choice for those looking for a lower stack shoe that can take you from a daily run to uptempo sessions. Scared of going full zero drop but want a ‘natural’ running experience, then it is worth checking out. If you loved the Kinvara prior to the 14th iteration this could be the next shoe for you. A versatile shoe, the Fli-Lyte 5 would work well in the gym in addition to the road.

WRAP UP

A lightweight running shoe with an ‘old school’ feel, the Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 5 features substantial updates from the previous model. It does well at a variety of runs but there are better options available for longer efforts. The ‘foot shape’ toe box with a low drop midsole offers a great first experience for anyone wanting to work in some variety to their shoe rotation or transition to zero drop shoes.

The Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 5 is available now at Run N Tri Mobile. Aaron and staff provide a premier fitting process that includes proper measurement of the length and width of your feet, arch, and leg axis. A gait analysis is performed to identify pronation or lack thereof and pressure points. In addition, an interview is conducted to determine the best type of shoe for your needs and goals.

So stop by Run N Tri Mobile so they can put you in the latest light weight offering from Topo Athletic or one of the nine other brands carried in the shop.

Topo Athletic Fli-Lyte 5 Review: ‘Mobile! Agile! Hos…Versatile!’