By: Adam Broderick

A Late but Welcome Discovery

I recently discovered that, for whatever reasons I had given myself, I still hadn’t tried running in the Ultraventure 4 from Topo Athletic. Funny, because I’ve failed with so many different shoe attempts lately, and this one has been in front of me all along, just not in clear view. I originally dismissed the idea because Topo’s Phantom road shoe wasn’t wide enough, despite having a generally wide toe box. It tapered too early, so I assumed the Ultraventure would do the same.

Past Experience, New Curiosity

Back in 2018, I ran in the Topo Runventure 2 and remember liking the fit. So when I tried the Terraventure in January and found the toe-box didn’t taper as early as the Phantom, I decided to give the Ultraventure a shot. I know, I know…that’s a lot of venturing, but it’s what we do.

Spoiler alert: The Ultraventure 4 is the most comfortable of all the Topo models I’ve tried, a well-cushioned, distance-ready trail shoe that’ll be my go-to most of the year, especially when I need soft support (which I’m learning is…always, now that I’m 40).

Minimalist Roots, Max Cushion Appeal

I’ve never really been one for tall stack height or cloud-like shock absorption in my footwear. I prefer to feel inconsistencies in the terrain underfoot. I’ve even taken pride in my foot strength and my achilles’ minimalist capabilities, but I’m learning to let go of my ego (not my Eggo, but you can leggo of that, too) and leaning into this new discovery which my feet have been thanking me for.

The Ultraventure 4: What Stands Out

• 35 mm of cushion underfootBuilt-in arch support
• Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole for tacky traction and flexibility
• Faster feel than the Olympus
• Snugger upper fit than its predecessor

Toe Boxes Matter

Similar to the Altra brand, Topo is known for wide toe boxes. Standard width is E for men and D for women, which allows toes to splay out and move almost naturally. It’s nice to feel like the pinkies actually have a purpose.

Topo running shoes also have low-drop (forward lean), ranging 0-5 mm depending on the model. This also promotes a more natural foot movement than most other shoes on the market. The Ultraventure’s upper is more snug around the instep (top of foot) in the fourth version than it was in the third. This fourth model seems to be the best yet.

Designed by a Distance-Runner for Distance Runners

Let’s be real…we’re going to beat our bodies up. What else is a skin suit for? But our feet deserve a healthy beating. That’s why Tony Post (TOPO) gave up his post as CEO at Vibram back in 2012 and spearheaded his own idea of the perfect running shoes: natural foot movement + wide toe box + supportive midsole + snug fit + tacky traction. 

Tony also worked at Rockport for 15 years. Cool story: in the early 90s, he ran the London Marathon in a pair of their dress shoes…in 2 hours and 49 minutes. After spending his life making shoes more comfortable, he’s now leading others to make comfortable shoes more fast and versatile. 

Arch Support Without the Bulk

Bonus: slight arch-support is built into all Topo shoes, and most people appreciate it. Not everyone, as some don’t want any arch whatsoever, but those needing just a bit more than the average shoe provides (basically the average Joe) are rejoicing with more support and less plantar fasciitis. 

We carry four Topo models at our Tahoe Mountain Sports:

• Traverse - a low-top hybrid (hiker or light runner) ideal for trails in the Sierra Nevada; mostly packed dirt with some granite sprinkles. 
• Terraventure - for wet and slippery days when rapid response and tractor-like traction are mandatory. Think shoulder-season mud, shallow snow. 
• Topo Vista - the brand’s new ultra shoe, made for going the distance over mixed terrain. 
• Ultraventure 4 - may not conquer terrain quite as technical as the Vista will, like a week on the rocky and rooty Appalachian Trail or the John Muir Trail’s granite stairways to heaven, but it’s my new go-to for long hauls as well as daily training runs when my feet are craving a cush and comfy ride. Also, when standing on hard surfaces all day.

Whether you’re hitting the trail, standing all day, or craving a shoe that fits like it should, the Ultraventure 4 could be in your rotation, too. I’m excited for the long-running season ahead and glad to finally have an ideal combination of cushion, stability, agility, a snug midfoot, and a spacious forefoot