Fast Facts
- Classification: Trail Shoe
- Drop: 5 mm
- Stack Height: 35mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot)
- Weight: 10.2 oz
- Neutral or Stability: Neutral
Looking for a high cushioned trail running shoe? Having worn Topo Ultraventure 3 for the past several months, it’s time to share my thoughts on Topo Ultraventure 3.
A Little Context
All Topo Athletic shoes, whether road or trail, have the following features:
- a natural shaped toe box, like Altra running shoes
- a lower heel to toe drop (0-5mm)
- secure mid-foot and heel
In 2020, I was first introduced to Topo Athletic Shoes when I first tried on the Topo Phantom. It was love at first fit. While I have medium (B width) feet, I’ve always preferred more room for my toes. And Topo shoes provide plenty of wiggle room.
This year (2024), I got try Topo trail shoes for the first time, the Topo Mtn Racer and Topo Ultraventure. The former is minimally cushioned trail runner, while the latter is a plush, high cushioned trail shoe. According to topoathletic.com, Ultraventure 3 is “our cushioned trail runner and hiker, built for mild to moderate terrain.” Do I agree with this description? Let’s take a further look at Ultraventure 3 to find out.
Sizing, Fit, and Feel
Sizing and Fit: Ultraventure 3’s natural shaped toe box is ideal if you have wider feet, or just prefer more room. I typically wear an 8 to 8.5 women’s medium width shoe, and find the size 8 is a comfortable, true to size fit.
If you’re familiar with Altra running shoes, you may be wondering, so what’s the difference with Topo shoes? What I prefer about Topo over Altra is that Topo shoes offer a secure mid-foot and heel. In other words, Topo shoes hugs the mid-foot and heel better, whereas I find some Altra shoes too wide in the back half of the shoe. I need space around my toes, not in the rest of shoe, and Topo (for my feet) strikes the right balance of roomy toe box but secure fitting shoe.
Midsole: Compared to prior Ultraventure models, Ultraventure 3 has increased stack (footwear speak for thickness) height. According to topoathletic.com, the midsole cushion is comprised of “updated ZipFoam™ compound” to provide “a lighter, softer, and more responsive underfoot experience.” With a stack heigh of 30 mm at the forefoot and 35 mm at the heel, the Ultraventure series is the highest cushioned Topo trail shoe.
Feel wise, Ultraventure 3 provides a high cushion platform with the right amount of firmness with just a little give—comparable to Saucony Xodus Ultra 3, another high cushion trail runner.
Outsole: The outsole features Vibram® XS Trek EVO outsole, with “a newly refined design, offering lightweight durability with increased flexibility.” Vibram outsole, which is extra grippy rubber, is hands down the best outsole material you’ll find on shoes. Tread wise, this shoe has rectangular shaped lugs that offer superior grip.
Drop: Ultraventure 3 has 5 mm drop. Drop is the difference, or offset, from the height at the heel versus the toe. The idea with a low to medium drop is to decrease the amount of pressure on the forefoot. Ultraventure 3’s drop is comparable to Hoka Speedgoat’s 4 mm drop.
Upper: As for the upper, the material is “sustainable engineered mesh upper, recycling 3 plastic bottles per pair.” Pretty neat! Engineered mesh is ideal for ventilation, and on this shoe does not interfere with fit. In other words, the mesh does not press upon the toes or cause pressure points on the feet.
Heel Cuff: The heel cuff is moderately cushioned and on my feet, is a comforatble fit (no discomfort or chafing along the back of the heels or Achilles tendons.)
Classification: Trail runners are typically neutral (shoes that do not provide a medial support to counteract pronation, or inward rotation of the ankles). As a neutral shoe, Topo Ultraventure 3’s cushioning is the same density throughout the midsole. If lack of support is a concern, I recommend wearing inserts (Currex Run Pro are my personal favorites) for added support and customized fit.
On the Run: How Does Ultraventure 3 Perform?
The longest I ran in this shoe was 3 miles. For transparency, I typically avoid high stacked shoes for running (so no Hokas for me). So, while I find the Ultraventure is too much cushion to run in for me, if you prefer more cushion, this shoe provides enough plushness and responsiveness, like the Saucony Xodus Ultra 3.
My initial impressions during that short run were how stable I felt in the shoe, given the wider base, and how comfortable my toes felt–no chafing or pinching. While I did feel disconnected from feeling the ground, if you love running in a platform type of cushioned shoe, I highly recommend Topo Ultraventure 3. I can easily imagine this shoe as a solid option for longer trail runs, trail racing, and even trail ultras, given the amount of cushion.
As a hiking shoe, this is where Ultraventure 3 shines for those of us who don’t run in high cushion. I hiked throughout this past summer, my longest trek 9 miles. And Topo Ultraventure 3 performed beautifully on each of those adventures. The toe box allowed my toes to naturally splay (as toes should!)
How’s the support on long hikes? Even without medial structure built in, Ultraventure’s wider base provides a stabilizing effect, as there is more surface contact with the ground with the outsole. My left ankle rolls in quite noticeably (even non-runners have asked, “What’s going with that ankle?”), and yet my ankles never felt fatigued at hike’s end.
As for the drop, I love running in 3-5 mm offsets. Mid to lower drop is the sweet spot for my feet. In this shoe, I noticed less pressure on my forefoot and toes, and as a result, a more natural gait cycle. If you’re wanting to try a lower drop but aren’t ready for zero drop shoes (such as Altra footwear), Topo shoes are a perfect option, as they offer several shoes in 3-5 mm offsets.
The combination of Vibram outsole and lugs is perfect traction for mild and moderate terrain. Even on slick sandy spots this shoe proved quite grippy. And on a separate note, I have to say I absolutely love the blue shade of this shoe. 🙂
Final Thoughts
My verdict: Topo’s description of the Ultraventure 3 as a “cushioned trail runner and hiker, built for mild to moderate terrain” is spot on. This shoe truly is ideal for trail runners and also performs beautifully as a hiking shoe. The roomy toe box accommodates wider feet, while the 5 mm drop is a great option for those wanting to try a lower drop. The amount of cushion is also perfect for longer trail runs and races.
Topo Ultraventure 3 is available in several colors in both men’s and women’s, and while typically retails at $150, is now on sale. So snap ’em up while you can, and take Ultraventure 3 for a spin on your favorite trails.
~LMC
*Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored, paid by, or affiliated with the brands/ items reviewed in this post. I write simply to inform other runners like myself of products that may interest them.