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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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Ultraventure offers a cushioned midsole that is protective yet not overly plush, providing a balance between underfoot protection and ground feel.
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.
No, the Ultraventure does not include a rock plate, but its cushioned midsole offers sufficient protection for most terrains.
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bestDeal | Show prices | |||||
priceBand | Price band | |||||
released | ReleasedOct 2018 | May 2019 | Jul 2019 | Mar 2018 | Mar 2018 | |
expertReviewScore | Expert Review Scoreβ β | β β | β β | β β | β β | β β |
productAthletes | Pro athlete users | |||||
Weight | WeightM: 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 | Forefoot25 mm | 5 mm | 17 mm | 16 mm | M: 18 mm W: 16 mm | 7 mm |
Heel to toe drop | Heel to toe drop5 mm | 4 mm | 3 mm | 4 mm | ||
Heel | Heel30 mm | 5 mm | 17 mm | 20 mm | M: 21 mm W: 19 mm | 11 mm |
Terrain | TerrainTrail | Trail | Trail | Trail | MudTrail | Trail |
Brand | BrandTopo Athletic | Vibram | Merrell | Salomon | Hoka | Inov-8 |
Shoe Type | Shoe TypeMaximalist | BarefootLightweightLow dropMinimalistZero drop | LightweightLow dropZero drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow drop | LightweightLow drop |
Techs | Techs | Vibram | ||||
Waterproofings | Waterproofings | Water repellent | ||||
Environmental Characteristics | Environmental Characteristics | Vegan β | Vegan β | Vegan β | ||
Common characteristicsNeutralNeutral pronationFore/Midfoot strikeHigh arch |
Characteristics | |
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Sports | Running (+2049) |
Terrain | Trail (+533) |
Brand | Topo Athletic (+25) |
Support Type | Neutral (+1603) |
Pronation Type | Neutral pronation (+1578) |
Strike Type | Fore/Midfoot strike (+1116) |
Arch Type | High arch (+1525) |
Shoe Type | Maximalist (+428) |
Events | 10k (+711)Half marathon (+711)Marathon (+711)Ultra marathon (+136) |
Specifications | vs Average | |
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Released | Oct 2018 | |
Measurements | ||
Weight | M: 295 g W: 227 g | |
Heel to toe drop | 5 mm | |
Heel | 30 mm | |
Forefoot | 25 mm |