Topo Ultraventure 4 - Women's Review

We took these on long runs up mountains and around casual rolling hills and were pleased with how they handled. Our tester, Becca Glades, made her way up some of the tallest peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park wearing these. All the while, she was comfortable, supported, and stable.

Comfort and Fit

The comfort and fit of the updated Ultraventure is spot-on for runners who want a robust undercarriage, firm protection, and ultramarathon-worthy comfort. There isn't anything especially plush about the way the Ultraventure fits, but it contains softness where runners' feet need it most.

The slight arch support pairs well with the wide toe box, creating a level of control and comfort that isn't always found in wide forefooted kicks. The tongue is thick enough to protect the upper foot, even as feet swell, while also aiding in a midfoot lock that remains trustworthy for miles. If a wide forefoot and easy, no-break-in style comfort is what you're after, the Ultraventure is an easy recommendation.

Stability

The Ultraventure 4 is a very stable shoe. This is in part due to the wide base, which offsets any instability caused by the 34 millimeter heel stack height.

Topo reports the shoe having a 5 millimeter heel-to-toe drop. In our lab, we measured 7 millimeters between the heel and toe using the World Athletics standards (there isn't an industry standard between manufacturers, so measurements can vary based on the location of measurement). Either way, we aren't too concerned with the drop as the shoe feels balanced and stable on dirt. Much of this is thanks to the secure lateral walls and heel cup that prevent the foot from sliding around. Plus, the foot-shaped toe box allows the toes to splay in a way that promotes balance.

Traction

The Ultraventure 4 has its pros and weaknesses when it comes to traction. For the most part, we had solid footing during our runs in dry forests and along the treeline. On a stroll up Mt. Chiquita in Colorado, our tester, Becca Glades, reported having secure footing the entire time - even through light boulder fields and hardpack dirt.

The Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole and spaced-out 3.4 millimeter lugs do well for most dry trails. However, if you choose to venture into more technical terrain, you might have some limits. Though the shoes can handle some mud, the wide base tends to get gripped onto more than other shoes. Loose trails are also somewhat tricky, as the width of the shoes can float on top of the debris instead of biting down.

Foot Protection

Much of the Ultraventure's foot protection comes from the 27 millimeter forefoot stack that absorbs impact, even without a rock plate. Moving downhill, our testing team noted how much the shoe softened with each foot strike. Plus, the height keeps the feet dry from shallow stream crossings. With an included ankle gaiter trap, the Ultraventure is ready to become even more protective.

Its roomy toe box keeps toes safely away from the front, while a durable, slightly flexible rubber toecap offers solid front-end defense.

Weight

Each women's size 6.5 shoe weighs 7.90 ounces, sneaking in just under the 8-ounce mark we consider “lightweight”. Is this mark arbitrary? Perhaps. But do ounces add up after you've lifted your feet over a gazillion rocks in one day? Definitely, yes.

This iteration weighs a bit more than the last (which was 7.67 ounces per shoe) but offers a more streamlined take on protection that distracted me from even noticing the weight. As we have mentioned, the Ultraventure 4 isn't likely to be an agility-seekers' new favorite race shoe, and its weight profile backs this up. Instead, runners who want reliability and protection will find that the weight of the Ultraventure feels, sigh justttt right.

Should You Buy the Topo Ultraventure 4?

We think the Ultraventure 4 is a great shoe for the runner looking for long-term comfort and a roomy toe box. If you consider your speed “enjoyable and casual”, you'll really like these shoes. The stability they offer is also top of the line, and they are rugged enough for most trails. Unless you're finding your way into technical terrain and need something more agile, we think these are a great choice.

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?

The Altra Lone Peak 9 is another classic wide-toe-box shoe that has been popular among trail runners for many years. Compared to the Ultraventure 4, these are wider throughout the midfoot and heel. They are also zero-drop. Wide-toe box shoes might not be your thing; we get it. In that case, you should check out the Saucony Peregrine 16, which has been one of our top recommendations for a while. The updated Peregrine offers great traction, comfort, and a more traditional fit.