Topo Athletic Ultraventure

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Topo Athletic Ultraventure: Review

β€œA trail shoe that combines a wide toe box with responsive cushioning for long-distance comfort.”

Overview


The Topo Athletic Ultraventure is a trail running shoe designed to offer a blend of freedom and cushioning for runners. This shoe is known for its wide toe box, allowing for natural toe splay, and a cushioned midsole that provides comfort over various terrains.

Key Features:

  • Wide Toe Box: Offers ample space for toes to spread naturally, enhancing stability and comfort.
  • Cushioned Midsole: Delivers a protective layer against rough terrain without compromising ground feel.
  • Vibram Outsole: Ensures reliable traction on diverse trail surfaces with its durable and grippy design.
  • Water-Resistant Upper: Provides protection and quick drying capabilities, suitable for wet conditions.

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure is an ideal choice for trail runners who prioritize foot freedom and underfoot protection for distances ranging from short runs to ultra marathons. Its Vibram outsole offers excellent grip, making it suitable for a variety of off-road adventures.

According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the cheapest 30% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Topo Athletic Ultraventure


The Topo Athletic Ultraventure has garnered attention for its spacious toe box and reliable cushioning, making it a solid choice for trail runners seeking comfort and freedom for their feet. The shoe's midsole provides ample protection over rocky and uneven terrain, even without a rock plate. Its Vibram outsole delivers trustworthy traction across a range of surfaces, from dry rocks to muddy trails, although it may not be the best in deep mud. The water-resistant upper and quick-drying capabilities are appreciated by runners who encounter wet conditions. However, some may find the fit in the mid-foot to be loose, which could affect stability on downhills. Overall, the Ultraventure offers a good balance of protection, sensitivity, and stability, making it a versatile option for trail running and hiking. For those who value a wide toe box and a bit of extra heel cushioning, the Topo Athletic Ultraventure is a commendable choice.

Updates to Topo Athletic Ultraventure


The Topo Athletic Ultraventure is part of the Ultraventure family, and while specific updates from previous models are not detailed, the current iteration continues to offer the brand's signature wide toe box and cushioned midsole. For those interested in the evolution of the Ultraventure line, comparing this model to the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 2 or looking forward to the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 may provide insights into the incremental improvements made over time.

Comparable Shoes


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The Hoka Speedgoat is another popular trail shoe that runners might consider alongside the Topo Athletic Ultraventure. The Speedgoat is known for its maximalist cushioning and aggressive outsole, making it a good option for runners seeking plush comfort and superior grip. However, the Ultraventure's wider toe box and slightly lower stack height may be preferable for those looking for a more grounded feel and toe freedom.

Special versions of Topo Athletic Ultraventure


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The Topo Athletic Ultraventure Pro is a special version of the Ultraventure that offers enhancements tailored to the needs of more demanding trail conditions. While maintaining the core features of the standard Ultraventure, the Pro version introduces additional elements designed to provide extra protection and performance for trail runners seeking an even more robust shoe.

7 Topo Athletic Ultraventure Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Wide toe box allows for natural toe splay and enhances stability.
Cushioned midsole provides ample protection and comfort for long runs.
Vibram outsole delivers reliable traction across diverse trail conditions.
Water-resistant upper with quick-drying capabilities is ideal for wet trails.

3 Cons

Lack of a rock plate may be a concern for runners on extremely rocky terrain.
Some runners may find the fit in the mid-foot to be too loose.
Lugs may not provide the best grip in deep mud conditions.

In Depth


Upper

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure features a water-resistant upper made from premium mesh, providing both durability and breathability. This design includes a drainage system that effectively expels water, ensuring the shoe remains light and dries quickly. For additional protection against the elements, a separate waterproof system can be purchased, offering rain protection without sacrificing the shoe's inherent breathability.

Midsole

The Ultraventure's midsole is constructed from EVA with three densities, offering simple yet effective cushioning on rugged mountain terrain. This tri-density design contributes to stability and underfoot protection, with a midsole height of 30mm at the heel and 25mm at the forefoot.

Outsole

The outsole of the Topo Athletic Ultraventure is crafted from Vibram XS Trek rubber, featuring 6mm lugs in a multidirectional pattern. This provides excellent protection, durability, and grip on technical trails, ensuring runners can confidently navigate challenging mountain paths.

Size/fit

The Ultraventure is designed with a wide toe box that accommodates natural foot movement, while the heel cup offers a snug fit. Despite its roomy forefoot, some runners may experience forward sliding on downhills due to a looser fit in the mid-foot. Creative lacing strategies can help mitigate this issue, ensuring a more secure fit throughout the shoe.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Topo Athletic Ultraventure, with its cushioned midsole offering flexibility and support for long runs. The shoe's upper is thin, breathable, and flexible, making it suitable for both trail running and casual wear. The cushioned Achilles and adjustable lacing system enhance overall comfort and fit.

Cushioning

The Ultraventure's cushioning is described as ample yet not overly plush, providing a harder, higher-density feel. This level of cushioning is sufficient for most terrains and distances, from short runs to ultramarathons, ensuring protection and comfort without sacrificing ground feel.

Breathability

Breathability is a key aspect of the Ultraventure's design, with its premium mesh upper facilitating air flow. The shoe's quick-drying capabilities and water expulsion system further enhance its breathability, making it suitable for wet and dry conditions alike.

Stability

Stability in the Topo Athletic Ultraventure is achieved through a combination of a wide toe box and a secure heel cup. Despite its taller stack height, the shoe maintains a close-to-ground feel, offering a deep sense of stability across various terrains, including mud and snow.

Durability

Durability is ensured by the shoe's robust construction, including its water-resistant upper with thermo-sealed reinforcements. The Vibram outsole also contributes to the shoe's longevity, showing minimal wear even after extensive use on rocky, steep terrain.

Grip

The grip of the Ultraventure is one of its most praised features, with the Vibram XS Trek outsole providing excellent traction on dry rocks and steep slopes. The multidirectional lugs offer reliable grip on a variety of trail conditions, although they may not perform as well in deep mud.

Who should buy the Topo Athletic Ultraventure?


The Topo Athletic Ultraventure is well-suited for trail runners who appreciate a roomy toe box and require extra cushioning, especially in the heel. It's a great match for those who enjoy long-distance runs, including ultra marathons, and need a shoe that can handle diverse off-road conditions. Runners who prefer a bit of heel lift over zero-drop shoes will also find the Ultraventure's 5mm drop to be a comfortable middle ground.

Who should not buy the Topo Athletic Ultraventure?


Runners who prefer a snug fit throughout the entire shoe, especially in the mid-foot, may not find the Topo Athletic Ultraventure to be the best fit. Those in need of a rock plate for extremely rocky terrain might want to consider other options. Additionally, if you're looking for a shoe specifically designed for deep mud running, there may be better-suited models with longer lugs for that purpose.

Topo Athletic Ultraventure: What's it good for?


The Topo Athletic Ultraventure is well-suited for a variety of trail running experiences, from short 10k runs to long-distance challenges like half marathons and beyond. Its durable construction and reliable grip make it a strong candidate for off-road adventures, while the cushioned midsole and wide toe box provide comfort for extended use.

4 Topo Athletic Ultraventure FAQs


Is the Topo Athletic Ultraventure suitable for wet trail conditions?

Yes, the Ultraventure's water-resistant upper and quick-drying capabilities make it suitable for wet conditions. The shoe also features a drainage system to expel water efficiently.

How does the cushioning in the Ultraventure compare to other trail running shoes?

The Ultraventure offers a cushioned midsole that is protective yet not overly plush, providing a balance between underfoot protection and ground feel.

What type of traction can I expect from the Ultraventure's outsole?

The Ultraventure's Vibram XS Trek outsole provides excellent traction with 6mm lugs, offering reliable grip on a variety of trail surfaces, including dry rocks and steep slopes.

Does the Topo Athletic Ultraventure have a rock plate?

No, the Ultraventure does not include a rock plate, but its cushioned midsole offers sufficient protection for most terrains.

Topo Athletic Ultraventure alternatives

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Weight
Weight
M: 295 g
W: 227 g
M: 181 g
W: 142 g
M: 241 g
W: 190 g
215 g
M: 204 g
W: 170 g
235 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
25 mm
5 mm
17 mm
16 mm
M: 18 mm
W: 16 mm
7 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
4 mm
3 mm
4 mm
Heel
Heel
30 mm
5 mm
17 mm
20 mm
M: 21 mm
W: 19 mm
11 mm
Terrain
Terrain
Trail
TrailTrailTrailMudTrailTrail
Brand
Brand
Topo Athletic
VibramMerrellSalomonHokaInov-8
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Maximalist
BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero dropLightweightLow dropZero dropLightweightLow dropLightweightLow dropLightweightLow drop
Techs
Techs
Vibram
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Water repellent
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan β“‹
Vegan β“‹Vegan β“‹
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Topo Athletic Ultraventure characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Released
Oct 2018
Measurements
Weight
M: 295 g
W: 227 g
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
Heel
30 mm
Forefoot
25 mm

Evolution of the Topo Athletic Ultraventure product family

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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