Topo Ultraventure 3 Review
Published: February 23, 2023
Keep Your Feet Comfortable for Long Trail Adventures
Likes
- Protective with a connected-to-the-ground feel
- Secure fit with a roomy forefoot
- Comfortable cushioning
Dislikes
- Cushioning is not lively
- Heel feels slightly high on the lateral side
What's New
The Topo Ultraventure 3 is a dependable and cushioned trail shoe built to deliver protection catered toward long-distance trail runs. With some significant updates to Topo's best-selling trail shoe, the Topo Ultraventure 3's most noticeable changes include an increase in stack height, the addition of a lightweight ZipFoam compound in the midsole, and alterations to its Vibram outsole. The added ZipFoam compound provides a lighter, softer, and more responsive underfoot experience, while the changes to the Vibram outsole make it lighter and more flexible without compromising durability.
The Bottom Line
The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 adheres to Topo's ethos of promoting a more natural running experience while still delivering a smooth and cushioned ride for runners and hikers looking to take on mild to moderate terrain such as light trails, fire roads, and packed single tracks. This model comes with an increased stack of Topo's updated ZipFoam that provides additional protection upon landing, along with a new Vibram outsole that saves on weight and increases flexibility. Logging heavy mileage will be easy thanks to the increased toe sweep that helps roll the runner forward, allowing for a fast and efficient turnover of the legs. Overall, the Ultraventure 3 is a fantastic option for adventurers in search of a dependable trail shoe that will keep them comfortable on anything from daily hikes to long-distance runs.
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Liz: "I really liked the upper on the Ultraventure 3. The heel collar and midfoot had a secure fit with enough padding to feel comfortable without being stuffy. The toe box is very roomy, and my bunions were very happy with the accommodating fit. The engineered mesh felt durable yet breathable, and overall, this is one of the uppers that is done so well that you forget about it the moment the shoe is on your foot."
Grace: "The Topo Ultraventure 3's upper is well constructed, durable, and high in quality. The fit is true to size with a secure hold on the midfoot and a roomy toe box that works for various foot shapes. My one issue with the upper is the heel collar design. Its height is short and curved, making me feel like my heel is slipping out while running. I would stop in the middle of my runs to try and adjust or tighten the laces, but it is just part of the design."
Midsole
Liz: "The cushioning of the Ultraventure 3 is soft enough to feel plush underfoot without being mushy. It definitely leans on the impact-dampening side, so while the shoe is very comfortable underfoot, there isn't much liveliness or bounce. For me, this ended up being a pretty lackluster ride, as I prefer bouncy shoes, but for those runners or hikers who are looking for protective and comfortable cushioning for long days on the trails, this is a great option."
Grace: "The ZipFoam midsole compound is lightweight, soft, and with an increase in stack height, it also provides more comfort and underfoot protection. The high stack and wide platform give this shoe some stability, and I had no issues with the performance on technical terrain. While testing this shoe, it felt nimble and had a barely-there feel. While this wasn't the most lively shoe, I thought it performed well for getting in daily mileage."
Outsole
Liz: "I really liked the outsole of the Ultraventure 3. The lugs were deep enough to provide traction on loose trails, but the shoe still had a smooth ride when running on the road on the way to the trail. It shows almost no wear after testing, and I think it will last a long time."
Grace: "A Vibram outsole never disappoints. It's durable, sticky, and performs on all kinds of terrain and conditions. The lug pattern is spread out, covering less surface area overall and reducing weight, while flex grooves in the midfoot, forefoot, and rear boost flexibility. The lugs aren't very aggressive, which might limit it for highly technical terrain, however I can still see this shoe performing great for a 50- to 100-mile race or just a long day out in the mountains."
Comparable Shoes
Liz: "These shoes fit in an interesting spot. In terms of stack height, they sit close to the Altra Timp 4 and HOKA Mafate Speed 4. The Ultraventure 3 is definitely more stable and more protective than the Timp, but the Timp has a more responsive foam and is more flexible and nimble during faster efforts. The Mafate Speed 4 is close to the Ultraventure 3 in terms of underfoot protection, but the Mafate Speed 4 has a much bouncier, livelier ride, which I enjoyed a bit more for daily runs. That said, the Ultraventure 3 costs significantly less.
The unique thing about the Ultraventure 3 is that the impact-dampening cushioning feels as protective as much higher stack shoes like the Speedgoat 5 and Olympus 5. If you are looking for a roomy toe box without the zero-drop offset, the Ultraventure would be a great alternative to the Olympus. I also appreciate that it has a lower profile feel, so I think it's a good option for those who want protection but don't want to feel as high off the ground as these other max-stack trail running shoes."
Grace: "I would compare this trail shoe to models like the HOKA Mafate Speed 4 or Saucony Xodus Ultra. The Mafate feels pretty equally stacked and has a similar cushioned feel to the Ultraventure 3. However, I think the HOKA Mafate Speed's outsole provides better traction and a more comfortable upper than the Ultraventure due to the irritating dip in the Topo's heel collar design.
As for the Saucony Xodus Ultra and Topo Ultraventure 3, both have spacious toe boxes but the Topo's is definitely wider with a snug midfoot for a secure hold. The Xodus is more versatile because of its more aggressive traction lugs, while the Ultraventure has more cushion for less impact on the legs."
Topo Men's Athletic Ultraventure
Built for long-distance trail running, the Topo Athletic Ultraventure is the highest cushioned technical trail shoe in Topo's lineup.
Topo Athletic Women's Ultraventure
Built for long-distance trail running, the Topo Athletic Ultraventure is the highest cushioned technical trail shoe in Topo's lineup.
Individual Thoughts
LizOverall Score: 8/10
I really enjoyed the Ultraventure 3, but there was no wow factor to win me over compared to some of my current trail favorites like the Mafate Speed 4 and Altra Mont Blanc. That said, those shoes cost over $30 more than the Ultraventure, so it's not really a fair comparison. The reason that I keep comparing these shoes is due to the similar level of underfoot protection that they offer. They all have the ability to keep my feet comfortable for long distances on the trails, and they offer enough stone protection to prevent feeling debris underfoot without losing a nimble, connected-to-the-ground feel. In a time when there are many highly stacked trail running shoes that almost feel like running on stilts, I appreciate that the Ultraventure offers a comfortable ride that's still stable on uneven terrain. My only complaint with the Ultraventure is that the cushioning feels slightly dead underfoot and doesn't have the fun and bouncy ride of the other two shoes mentioned above. That said, many runners and hikers will appreciate the comfort and protection it provides on the trail and its uniquely roomy toe box.
Grace
I was surprised by the Topo Ultraventure 3. I've always thought of Topo as a minimal brand for the natural runner who prioritizes ground feel. However, this Ultraventure 3 delivers the high stack and soft cushioning I love in a long-distance trail shoe. Though the heel collar wasn't the most comfortable, this shoe had way more positives than negatives. From the secure hold in the midfoot, stable feel on the trails, softness in the midsole, lightweight design, and highly durable Vibram outsole, the Topo Ultraventure 3 is a great choice for anyone looking for a shoe for ultra distances or a comfortable daily trainer.
