Topo Ultraventure 4 Performance Review

The Topo Ultraventure 4 is the next iteration of Topo’s dependable trail running shoe. Version 4 gets a new upper but retains the solid-if-unspectacular midsole from version 3. Does it have enough cushion underfoot to keep pace with the innovation in trail running midsoles? Let’s find out.

What is the Topo Ultraventure 4?

According to Topo, the Ultraventure 4’s “plush platform combines with our signature roomy toe box to deliver long-lasting comfort, while the ZipFoam midsole offers lightweight response. Our Vibram® XS Trek EVO outsole offers excellent multi-surface traction, with a lug pattern and depth optimally designed for light to moderate trails and for easy trail-to-road transitions.”

While “plush platform” caused us to raise our eyebrows, the signature roomy toebox delivering long-lasting comfort is something that all of our Topo running shoe reviews mention. It’s a signature feature and something that gets us to recommend Topo shoes quite a bit. If you’re a runner who needs more room for your tootsies, you need to try on a pair of Topos.

Cushion

Drew: The ZipFoam used for the Topo Ultraventure 4’s midsole is good, not great. It’s firm-ish by today’s standards and isn’t bouncy, but it delivers enough cushion for most trail activities. 

It’s about as average as cushioning can get these days. If you’re on largely soft trails, you’ll find it adequate, while particularly rocky trails will have you wishing for a bit more protection underfoot.

Sam: ZipFoam is a nice, solid compound. Topo’s midsoles tend to be a little more on the firm side like Drew pointed out. After a longer break-in period, the foam will start to get a little softer. The Ultraventure’s midsole provides good support and is good for long distances if you’re used to a firmer ride. This doesn’t provide the same plushness that higher-stack shoes do, despite sitting at a 35mm heel.

Support

Drew: The Topo Ultraventure 4 indeed has some good stack (35mm in the heel, as Sam noted) but still feels low to the ground. The midsole’s firm-ish nature allows the foot to really feel the undulating terrain and adapt accordingly. 

I sat inside the midsole at the midfoot, and the heel counter does a good job surrounding the foot on the backside. That plus the lockdown from the laces meant I wasn’t ever sliding off the footbed when the terrain was sharply angled. The wider toebox also allowed me to really use all my toes, something that’s always helpful to the body’s self-stabilization.

The Ultraventure 4 isn’t doing anything particularly interesting in terms of support, but the end result is a stable trail shoe.

Sam: Not a lot to add here. I think Topo is always going to produce a shoe that is stable, and the Ultraventure 4 is no exception. It’s a firm but low-feeling ride with great lockdown and comfortable support.

Traction

Drew: The Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole on the Topo Ultraventure 4 is grippy and performed well in the wintry conditions I experienced for testing. The lugs aren’t deep and can slip on leafy trails, but they’re well spaced and don’t collect mud or rocks. This is a serviceable and dependable outsole.

Sam: Great outsole. Topo makes trail-ready shoes. You won’t need to stick to only gravel or flowy singletrack, the Ultraventure 4 is ready for the trail – period. Nice grip without having too much uncomfortable lug depth.

Upper

Drew: I found the new upper on the Topo Ultraventure 4 to be highly breathable but just as comfy as the previous Ultraventure’s upper. The anatomically shaped toebox is the biggest draw; the details are what takes it to another level.

The gusseted tongue is well designed with a fold-y [Editor’s Note: “fold-y”, eh?] gusset that helps keep rocks and dirt out of the shoe. While it’s not a traditional gusset, the tongue stays locked in place thanks to Topo’s signature lace loops towards the top of the tongue.

There are also gaiter attachments for hikers and a bulletproof toe cap that really pays dividends when you slam into an unmoveable rock. [Editor’s Note: Speaking from experience I see.]

As usual, a Topo upper delivers a great experience.

Sam: No notes from me here!

Is the Topo Ultraventure 4 wide foot friendly?

Drew: Yes, especially if you’re widest in the forefoot. The Ultraventure 4 is built in an accommodating fashion but also tightens up nicely around any part of the foot that isn’t as wide.

Sam: Absolutely. Topo is known for its wide-fitting footprint.

Is the Topo Ultraventure 4 worth $150?

Drew: Can you get more cushioned trail shoes for $150 or thereabouts? Yes, our list of best trail running shoes has several options. But the Topo delivers enough value to justify the price, especially if toebox and upper comfort are the most important aspects of your trail shoe purchase.

Sam: Definitely. If it’s what you like, this shoe will perform for several hundred miles and tackle lots of terrain for you.

How to use the Topo Ultraventure 4

The Topo Ultraventure 4 is best used to cover a lot of miles on softer trails by trail runners and hikers who need a comfortable, accommodating upper with lots of room in the toebox.

Topo Ultraventure 4 Summary

Drew: The Topo Ultraventure 4 isn’t highly cushioned by today’s trail shoe standards, but it delivers adequate cushion to go along with high-end support, an extremely breathable upper, and Topo’s signature anatomical toebox. Trail runners and hikers who want more groundfeel and comfort will find the Ultraventure 4 delivers exactly what they want.

Sam: The Topo Ultraventure 4 is a trail shoe made with old-school dependability and philosophy. It’s not overly comfy or going to cradle your foot, but it’s going to keep you steady and upright while protecting you from the rough ground. There’s no flashy, ultra-poppy midsole but rather a firm and supportive foam that takes a while to break down. The upper isn’t the lightest mesh you can find, but it’s comfortable, durable, and breathable.

How does the Author Run?

Drew Whitcomb (age 43, 6’6″ 200lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.

Sam Lohse (age 28, 6’0″, 170 lbs): Runs daily, sometimes morning/night doubles, with one rest day a week (typically). Hangs right around 40-50 miles a week in general unless in race-specific training. Races distances from 50K to 100 miles, almost always on the trails.

Disclosure

While Topo did provide pairs of the Ultraventure 4 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.