The Trailventure 2 is a water-resistant hiking boot that prioritizes all-day comfort through a highly cushioned midsole, along with more space for the toes within its roomy toe box. The construction includes Vibram Megagrip outsoles for excellence in stability and traction, while the ESS rock plate provides more durability thanks to its protective rand. Perhaps not the best choice for hotter climates due to the less breathable eVent bootie, however, it is our top choice for those seeking more space in the toe box.
The Trailventure 2 design features a highly cushioned platform that makes you want to wear them all day long. The anatomical toe box allows extra space for those with wider feet or who simply prefer to extend and stretch the toes during long days on the trail. Our lead tester found the boot to run true to size, although you should size up if you're between sizes. While the boot does break in nicely after a few hikes, it is comfortable enough to hit the trails immediately out of the box.
The balanced cushioning and 5mm heel-toe drop may not be for everyone, especially for those seeking a minimalist design; however, our testers appreciated the extra space in the toe box along with the substantial cushioning that provides all-day comfort. While the well-padded design was perfect for hikes in cooler climates or higher elevations, it is important to consider the lack of breathability within the waterproof upper that can be quite uncomfortable during the heat of summer. Overall, we love the highly cushioned design and extra space in the toe box for all-day comfort.
The overall support of the Trailventure 2 is one of the first details our lead tester noticed, as the support for higher arches is often limited in boot designs that most resemble a running shoe with the addition of a padded ankle cuff. The 33 x 28mm Zipfoam platform midsoles offer stability, while the external TPU heel provides a stable and comfortable fit, locking the heel in place during steep descents. The Ortholite insole is similar to others that we tested, measuring quite thin yet providing additional cushioning under foot. The boot also provides a wider base of support, which is especially appreciated with a heavier backpack on less popular trails.
While we appreciated the neutral support and Zipfoam cushioning, the Trailventure 2 design has one of the lowest ankle cuffs that we tested. While our lead tester found it effective for day hikes and moderate backpacking trips with lighter loads, the Trailventure may not provide the best support for those who prefer the more rigid stability of a higher ankle cuff. That said, this updated model provides better support than previously tested iterations thanks to less padding in the tongue that allows the lacing system to better cinch and tighten for those seeking to maximize support and stability in the ankle.
The traction is yet another reason our testing team loved the updated Trailventure 2 hiking boot. The Vibram Megafrip outsoles are among the top-performing outsoles that we've tested, providing solid grip on almost every surface we encountered during our extensive testing period. The multi-directional and well-spaced lug patterns, along with a deeper profile, allowed us to move easily through sand, mud, and even performed well when wet.
There are no obvious complaints regarding the Vibram Megagrip outsoles. The excellent traction performed well on slippery and polished trails, as well as sustained sand and decomposing granite. Although the boot does perform well even on technical terrain, we don't recommend too much off-trail hiking as the running shoe-like upper may not withstand the abuse.
The Trailventure 2 features a full eVent waterproof interior bootie along with a mesh upper that effectively repelled water during our controlled bucket testing as well as our submersion testing in the Merced River. Our feet remained dry so long as we kept the water level above the 4-inch flood level that dips lowest at the Achilles.
While the Trailventure 2 passed our controlled tests without any water seeping through the eVent bootie, we couldn't help but notice how the upper absorbed water into the exterior, which made us suspect of the performance of the boot with sustained snow or wet conditions. Although the bootie is advertised as “air permeable,” our testers couldn't help but note the lack of breathability, especially when hiking at lower elevations during rising summer temperatures. While the construction doesn't provide the best waterproof protection compared to other boots in the review, the Trailventure 2 will keep your feet dry during less sustained weather conditions.
While not the lightest hiking boot that we tested, the Trailventure 2 provides a lightweight feel underfoot. Weighing only 1.72 pounds for a US Women's size 8.5, it also holds its own among the competition, scoring 7.4 out of 10 points for this testing metric.
Although design features of the Trailventure 2 definitely contribute to a heavier weight, our testers can appreciate the substantial Vibram outsole, the padding that surrounds the ankle to increase comfort and stability, in addition to more space in the toe box for those with wider feet.
The Trailventure 2 is among the more durable hiking boots that we tested, especially considering its flexible upper and running shoe inspired design. The Vibram outsoles, along with a wider base, offer protection from debris along the trail, as does the full-length ESS rock plate that surrounds the entire front of the boot.
While not nearly as durable as other options that feature a leather upper or more substantial toe cap on the front of the boot, the Trailventure 2 features key design features to offer quality performance that is best suited for well-maintained trails.
If you're looking for a reasonably-priced, modern hiking boot design that provides extra space in the toe box for additional comfort during those longer days on the trails, the Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP may be the perfect boot for you. While this boot stands out for its appeal to those with wider feet, it also provides comfort and support for those with narrow feet, as the design easily cinches down thanks to a durable and functional lacing system. We love this boot for day hikes or shorter backpacking trips; just be mindful of the eVent waterproof bootie that runs quite hot during hikes in the heat of summer.
The Trailventure 2 hiking boot stands out for its roomy toe box as well as its wide, stable base of support underfoot. If more space in the toe box is what you're after, options like the Altra Lone Peak 9 Mid Waterproof may be worth your consideration. The Altra allows the toes to stretch out within the waterproof upper, but the 0mm heel-to-toe drop may take some getting used to. The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II Mid GTX has topped our list for years thanks to a durable design that performs best in technical terrain. And for those of you on a budget, we love the Columbia Crestwood that provides impressive performance despite its modest price.
