Article by Jeff Beck, Jeff Valliere, Alex Tilsley and Sam Winebaum
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 ($150)
Introduction
Jeff B: The Ultraventure has been Topo’s most cushioned trail shoe since its introduction two models ago, but it’s lagged behind the other players in the same space when it comes to overall cushioning. With the Ultraventure 3, Topo is no longer lagging behind, with an extra 5mm added to the heel and forefoot of a new “lighter, softer, more responsive” Zip Foam 2 . But will adding half a centimeter underfoot make it a serious contender, or just add a little more squish to the dynamic?
Alex: Since testing the Topo Trailventure WP2 mid height boot earlier this year, I have often found myself wishing for a trail runner version of the Trailventure for runs or lighter hikes. Enter the Ultraventure. Would it have the same balance of cush but responsive, with a secure foot hold and a wide toe box? Only one way to find out!
Pros:
Another Topo going in 2022 from firm, boring and conservative to flashy, liviler, softer and fast in 2022: Sam/Jeff V/Jeff B
Any surface cruiser par excellence: broad, soft and smooth flowing over moderate terrain Sam/Jeff V/Jeff B/Alex
Great light hiker or walking shoe, especially if you value a broad comfortable toe box Sam
Potential tru hiking option Sam
Excellent heel and midfoot hold with a super roomy broad toe box (if you need it) Sam/Jeff B
5mm more cushion stack to 35/30 and lighter at barely over 10 oz. what’s not to like: Sam/Jeff V/Jeff B
Very effective rocker plus flex geometry Sam
Cons:
Feels unstable over technical terrain: Alex/Jeff V/Sam/Jeff B
Broad and roomy toe box and front fit can reach its limits on more technical terrain taken fast, does not quite keep up with stable underfoot platform in terms of security: Sam/Jeff V/Jeff B/Alex
Laces are much too long. Jeff V
Traction, while not intended for difficult terrain, lugs could be a bit more sharp and perhaps a stickier compound. Jeff V
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 10.02 oz / g (US9)
Samples: men’s 9.77 oz / 277 g US8.5, 10.6 oz / 302 g US10, 10.9 oz / 309g 10.5US
Stack Height: men’s 35 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot :: women’s mm heel / mm forefoot
(5mm more stack height than v2)
Available Nov. 2022, $150
