Recently, Tony Post, the CEO of Topo Athletics, sat down with SBG Media to discuss the company’s accelerated growth in its 12th year. Topo Athletic is on a roll, with sales in the first quarter of 2025 up 84% and that’s on top of the 80% growth in the previous year. Tony Post founded Topo Athletic in 2012 and was the president and CEO of Vibram USA during the minimalist running movement, which made the FiveFinger shoes very popular at the time. You can read the complete article here. Our summary is below.
Steady Growth Across All Channels
Topo’s growth isn’t tied to one shoe, one channel, or one gender. According to Post:
- Sales are increasing across both men’s and women’s footwear.
- Growth is happening in U.S. wholesale, e-commerce, and international markets.
- Closeout sales represent less than 1.5% of total volume, showing strong full-price sell-through.
This balanced approach has helped Topo gain traction without relying on deep discounts or limited segments.
Expanding Distribution with Specialty Focus
In 2024, Topo’s U.S. distribution grew 43% year-over-year, surpassing 1,200 points of sale. Major wins include:
- REI expansion: From 50 to all 190 stores nationwide.
- New accounts like Fit2Run and Scheels.
- Continued strength in independent run specialty and outdoor specialty shops.
Unlike some competitors, Topo avoids mass retailers such as DSW or Shoe Carnival, sticking to sit-and-fit environments where customer service and education are prioritized.
Why Retailers Are Paying Attention
Specialty dealers have praised Topo for:
- Strong sell-through performance.
- Products that continue to evolve and improve each season.
- High retailer margins that support long-term partnerships.
Several retailers at the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance Show in Reno even called Topo “the best-kept secret in the footwear industry.”
Product Highlights: Road and Trail Innovation
Topo remains a product-driven company, with standout launches including:
- Phantom 4 – A road trainer redesigned for greater comfort, performance, and style.
- Ultraventure 4 – A lighter, more comfortable trail shoe worn by the female winner of the Cocodonna 250 ultramarathon.
- Connect – A new minimal shoe (10.5mm stack height, removable footbed) that reflects Topo’s roots in natural running.
Topo balances both max-cushion models and minimalist-inspired designs, giving athletes options to match their training needs.
Strategic Advantages of the DBI Partnership
In 2022, Topo Athletic joined Designer Brands Inc. (DBI), parent of DSW. Unlike private equity, DBI offered autonomy while providing valuable support:
- Cost savings through logistics programs like FedEx.
- Resources in HR, legal, finance, and market research.
- The freedom for Topo to control its product design, pricing, and distribution strategy.
This partnership has allowed Topo to double its marketing spend, expanding brand awareness in a competitive running footwear market.
Looking Ahead: Hiking, Recovery, and Growth Opportunities
Topo is eyeing future growth in:
- Hiking footwear, adapted from its trail runners with more durability for thru-hikes and pack weight.
- Recovery footwear, where the brand sees strong potential.
- Ongoing international expansion and sourcing flexibility to hedge tariff risks.
Post emphasizes that Topo will continue to listen to customers, innovate each season, and stay true to its mission of healthy, natural fit footwear.
Final Word from Tony Post
“Although Topo is nearly 12 years old, in many ways, we’re just getting started,” Post says. “Our team’s talent and passion inspire me every day. The opportunity to help people live healthier and achieve their goals is what drives us forward.”
If you’re a retailer looking to grow your business by diversifying your inventory, offering quality products, and growing your business with a selection of Topo Athletic shoes, please contact us so we can discuss next steps.
