tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post7761278004471156939..comments2024-03-29T04:34:45.829-06:00Comments on Road Trail Run: Topo Athletic Runventure 3 Review: A Super Light, Simple, and Pared Down Trail RunnerSam Winebaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17969086391170473784noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-54555174970248623812020-06-03T05:26:25.033-06:002020-06-03T05:26:25.033-06:00Hey, thanks for the great reviews - I have a quest...Hey, thanks for the great reviews - I have a question for @Dom if that's ok (as you've tested & reviewed both RV2 & 3's) I was able to try out the RV3's the other day myself and although would agree with everything said in this review - my only gripe was the heel counter which dug in uncomfortably, especially at the side edges of the counter (if that makes sense!?) just didn't feel good around my heel unfortunately. Which is a shame as they're comfy in every other way. So question is - would you say the RV2 fit/last and feel is the same except with a softer heel? I have a chance to grab a pair but they're from the US (i'm in UK) so can't try them on for size - but wondering if they're worth a gamble? Cheers!Jonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-66844014671330732102020-04-19T09:02:01.100-06:002020-04-19T09:02:01.100-06:00@Curt. If you thought the Superior 4 was soft in ...@Curt. If you thought the Superior 4 was soft in the store, you’re opinion won’t change on the trail. I have them and they are soft, plus as they break down, they will feel even softer. Without the rock plate, it feels like mush to me. I’m looking to switch to RunVenture 3 as I like that Topo has a narrower shoe for the rest of my foot, and I want a firmer ride. My Magnifly 3 are a little too soft for me. With the Superior 4 I have always felt the rocks; I feel more padded underfoot with my MT-3, while still being in touch with the ground. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15506486059522750323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-73144007735406315892020-04-19T08:52:41.783-06:002020-04-19T08:52:41.783-06:00@Andrew. I do want to let you know that I’m 5’5” a...@Andrew. I do want to let you know that I’m 5’5” and 122 lbs so you will probably pack the MT-3 faster than I. I’ve used mine for hiking too and they work well even on moderate trails. My feet are never bothered, although they can’t dig in as well as something with lugs. I’ve had mine for 8 months, and just now thinking they’re getting worn in the cushion, and the lasts is pulling apart. I wish I could tell you mileage in the shoes, guessing over 300, but rotate with 2 road and 2 trail shoes & hiking boots, depending on what I’m doing. I have loved these shoes and they are on sale right now and can get them at a great price. Oh, I had to order a 1/2 size up, whereas I didn’t in the Magnifly 3. The toe box says medium width on the MT-3 but wide on the Magnifly 3, so that may be why. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15506486059522750323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-26400780128458675872020-04-16T09:59:19.707-06:002020-04-16T09:59:19.707-06:00Thanks for the fast reply Sheri, appreciated!
I t...Thanks for the fast reply Sheri, appreciated!<br /><br />I think you're putting me closer into getting the MT-3.<br /><br />Aye, Escalantes were great for straightish running, quick turns no chance :) They just bottomed out for me way too quickly as well. Those were the 1.5's. I'm 6 ft 3 and 185 lbs though! I tried the 2.0's on and they felt like a different shoe, the upper was definitely more supportive.<br /><br />I already have the Timp 1.5 which I really enjoy for walking (just been out in them in fact!), though running down steep ish trails when I did an ultra were a bit of an issue - my feet felt like they were swimming a bit.<br /><br />The Timp 2.0's sound like a different beast though, almost not really Altra, a more streamlined fit. Don't think I need that much cushion for a while though. No more ultras for about a year.<br /><br />The MT-3 has moved into pole position :)<br /><br />AndrewAndrew Knoxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00492354221151544948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-22676252902263262712020-04-16T08:55:50.468-06:002020-04-16T08:55:50.468-06:00@Anonymous:
I’ll let the real experts weight in b...@Anonymous: <br />I’ll let the real experts weight in but here’s my opinion. I bought the MT3 last August as addition to my Superiors 4, as they had a little extra conditioning. I wanted something to hike the Grand Canyon R2R, as I felt my feet got tired in the Superiors after 15 miles. I felt the MT3 have been perfect for what I wanted them: a little cushion, easier trails or a road/trail mix. I always enjoy wearing them. The drain ports have worked great. The lugs aren’t designed to hit technical trails, hence why they work on roads. I did have to order a 1/2 size up. <br /><br />I plan to look at the RV3 to replace my Superiors. I do like a more minimalist shoe; feels less clumsy for me. I am going to investigate a more cushioned trail shoe for longer distances & more difficult train (like the Mtn Racer). <br /><br />Unfortunately, I cannot comment on the life of the MT3 nor Superior, as I don’t track my miles. I just know by feel when my shoes feel done for me. Both are needing replacing. <br /><br />I first looked for a more cushioned Altra but the other models were too loose for me. I need a roomier toe box but not a roomier shoe. I have the Altra Escalante for road but will find another shoe to replace them. I have not been super happy with them. They feel unsupportive laterally and too soft in general, although I think they look slick! Also, I have had the King MT. Like them, but they were a bit loose so my toe moved around and punched holes in the toe box. I appreciate the straps across the footbed for a more secure fit. The recent model might fit differently. I would only choose the King if you want a minimalist shoe with an aggressive bottom. <br /><br />SheriAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15506486059522750323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-59755063609081719622020-04-16T04:40:55.466-06:002020-04-16T04:40:55.466-06:00I've been going around in circles on what long...I've been going around in circles on what longer distance, not-racing trail shoe I'm getting next. Altra Timp 2.0 or MT-3. Looking for a general road/trail shoe but worried about Altra midole packing out on me again (Escalante 1.5 [packed out REALLY fast] and Torin 3.5). I've heard the Quantic is better? Though I guess it's less of an issue on trail shoes due to the softer terrain?<br /><br />I have the RV-3's for shorter, faster stuff.<br /><br />Are the MT-3's too similar as you compared them to the Superiors? I replaced my Superior 3.5's with the RV-3's.<br /><br />Ideally, I'd love a Zephyr trail equivalent, best shoe I've ever had!<br /><br />I'm 185lbs and go up to 50 miles.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-35312380582283020402020-03-31T21:30:10.568-06:002020-03-31T21:30:10.568-06:00Hi Sheri,
If you like the shape of the MT3, the T...Hi Sheri,<br /><br />If you like the shape of the MT3, the Topo Runventure 3 is very similar, but with a rockplate and a little less cushion. It is by far my favorite Topo. If you don't care about the rockplate part, the Topo MTN Racer is like a more cushioned, more protective MT3.<br /><br />You might also consider Altra's new Timp 2. The fit is much snugger than the previous version, so your foot may not slide around so much. This has tons of cushion. (In my personal opinion, probably an excessive amount for everyday training, but YMMV)<br /><br />Hope you find something that works for you,<br />-- DomTelemarkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06464416054977970508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-15641117058810687512020-03-31T15:48:43.244-06:002020-03-31T15:48:43.244-06:00I just want to say thank you for the excellent sho...I just want to say thank you for the excellent shoe reviews. The depth of your coverage is never too much and addresses all parts of the shoe which makes it easier to buy. <br /><br />Because I have a curved foot shape, I need a wider toe box. I was pushed into Altra's, then discovered Topo, which I like better, as they last longer and fit snugger. I'm curious if you know if any other company that has equal toe boxes to Altra and Topo?<br /><br />As, both the Superior and MT3 need replacing, I was looking to pare down to one shoe. I'm happy with the MT3 but feel I need a rockplate. Curious for your opinion, though, on which Topo Shoe: Trail running is part of my weekly running, but not exclusive. I mild - moderate terrains and tend to hike the technical. I may get 20 miles/week on trail. Currently, tend to only trail race 1/2 marathons. I am not an ultra runner. <br /><br />My history: I have been in the Altra King Mtn (stopped using because my foot slid around too much). Altra Superior works, but prefer a built-in rock plate. I bought the MT3 for a little more cushion over the Superior 4 to use to hike the R2R and on longer runs on mellower trails - it's been perfect for that from the get go. <br /><br />Thanks so much! Appreciate you!<br />Sheri<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15506486059522750323noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-80477883269234246902020-02-27T17:57:19.574-07:002020-02-27T17:57:19.574-07:00@Dom Thanks again Dom. As always, I appreciate yo...@Dom Thanks again Dom. As always, I appreciate your approach to shoe reviews. And it's not too late to drink that zero-drop Koolaid! I don't think it ever goes bad.Curthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07797810812608314423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-26186046745898192712020-02-27T09:28:55.237-07:002020-02-27T09:28:55.237-07:00Lots of people to respond to...
@Curt, I'm no...Lots of people to respond to...<br /><br />@Curt, I'm not a zero-drop zealot. I don't think it matters too much that you hit that magic number. But I do have a preference for low drop (perhaps 6 mm as upper limit). The exception might be when you're giving up comfort and/or natural gait for a mechanical advantage that enables you to go faster: and obviously, I'm thinking of Nike VF4%/Next%. <br /><br />@Unknown: I dug out my King MT2's yesterday to refresh my memory. Again I was struck that they felt like Merrell Trail Gloves on steroids. It's a very barefooty type of ride. Rock Protection is similar to RV3, but the ride feels firmer: whether you regard that as 'harsher' or 'more natural' is a personal preference. I'll try to track down my Terraventure2's. Stay tuned. BTW, @Curt, if you're a Trail Glove aficionado, you might want to give the King MT2's a try.<br /><br />@Unknown (second one): RV3 is 46 g per pair lighter than RV2 (in size US M10). My pair weighed 9.2 oz per shoe, so I imagine around 9 oz for standard reference size US M9. That may not seem light to you, but I have a spreadsheet with weights of ~70 pairs of shoes that I've tested, and the only trail shoes that are lighter are Skechers Speed TRL Hyper (8.6 oz) and Altra Superior 4.0 with stone guard insert removed (8.7 oz). (Also the Montrail FluidFlex II, but sadly, you can't buy those any more.)<br /><br />@Anonymous: Completely agree about the loss of the gaiter holes. I thought the Topo gaiter system was excellent. Not perfect (hard to thread dirty holes with numb fingers in the field), but once installed, they worked really well. I don't know why they decided to ditch this system.Telemarkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06464416054977970508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-56018117255795202572020-02-26T23:31:53.915-07:002020-02-26T23:31:53.915-07:00Great review, and while the RV2s have been excelle...Great review, and while the RV2s have been excellent for me I’ve tended to replace them a bit more often than I would have preferred due to compression of the sole. The RV3s look great EXCEPT for the loss of the gaiter holes. Those Topo gaiters were fantastic, and now will be next to useless on the RV3s - this is a real shame.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-12873217309710703372020-02-26T18:15:27.897-07:002020-02-26T18:15:27.897-07:00Hello. Thanks for the review. Really appreciate al...Hello. Thanks for the review. Really appreciate all of your content!<br /><br />You mentioned it's lighter than the previous model several times. And that it's a super light shoe.<br /><br />The Mt3 gained weight and so did the Rv3. According to Topo, .3 oz heavier. I can't say 9.5 oz for such a minimal and low-stacked shoe is by any means light. Seems heavier than most mid-stacked trail runners.<br /><br />Enjoyed the Rv2 and I think I'll replace mine with the now discounted model.<br /><br />Kind regards,<br />Carl<br /><br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06376027112950629220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-57530474771033688482020-02-26T08:32:20.804-07:002020-02-26T08:32:20.804-07:00Would you mind to adding a comparison against Terr...Would you mind to adding a comparison against Terraventure 2 and king mt2?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05863367100317547292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-31006860103583516562020-02-26T08:30:59.117-07:002020-02-26T08:30:59.117-07:00Would you mind to afding a comparison against Terr...Would you mind to afding a comparison against Terraventure 2 and king mt2? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05863367100317547292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-7769154848262665722020-02-25T11:55:24.042-07:002020-02-25T11:55:24.042-07:00@Dom,
Thanks Dom. I seem to want contradictory t...@Dom,<br /><br />Thanks Dom. I seem to want contradictory things in shoes in that I prefer firmish, low or zero drop, and flexible. Really I'd like my OG Trail Gloves back, but those are gone and the newer editions have devolved into weird, stiff, arch-supporting mutants. The Superior 4 feels lovely but almost too soft in store. This might change over time, but I haven't purchased yet.<br /><br />I am curious though, what zero drop shoe would you design if you had the option? You might also be curious in the now ancient (possibly defunct?) Carson Footwear, which uses a single density polyurethane footbed that is likely very firm in character. Curthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07797810812608314423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-66908905842277656572020-02-21T18:27:51.749-07:002020-02-21T18:27:51.749-07:00@Curt,
The RV3 and RV2 are similar in stiffness. ...@Curt,<br /><br />The RV3 and RV2 are similar in stiffness. The RV3 gains a mm of stack, and that tiny bit of extra cushion (and/or other changes) made the ride feel a little more forgiving than RV2. However, if you thought the RV2 was stiff and insensitive -- which surprises me -- my guess is that you'll feel similarly about RV3. <br /><br />My recollection is that the feel of the Superior 3/3.5 with rock plate removed is about the same as the RV3. They never seemed very "barefoot-like" to me. With the Superior 4, Altra changed everything. If you're after a natural, barefoot feel, and thought RV2 was stiff, I'd point you towards the Superior 4, which is softer and squishier than RV3.Telemarkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06464416054977970508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-13183987597604737902020-02-21T18:09:00.255-07:002020-02-21T18:09:00.255-07:00@Steven,
I wish there was a better answer to your...@Steven,<br /><br />I wish there was a better answer to your question than "it depends". It depends on how strong your feet are. I have a friend who wore the Montrail Fluidflex (a very light, soft shoe) for the Hard Rock 100. Twice. Personally, with my wimpy feet, I wouldn't choose the RV3 for anything longer than a 50k.<br /><br />-- DomTelemarkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06464416054977970508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-91166650720390137752020-02-21T17:24:52.224-07:002020-02-21T17:24:52.224-07:00Can you speak a bit more about how it compares to ...Can you speak a bit more about how it compares to the Runventure 2? I found the R2 to be overly stiff and insensitive compared to other zero drop models and almost a chore to run in. Alternatively, how might it compare to the Altra Superior 2->3.5?Curthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07797810812608314423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-28059759545118416752020-02-21T04:59:15.464-07:002020-02-21T04:59:15.464-07:00Nice, thorough review, thanks. Dom wrote that the ...Nice, thorough review, thanks. Dom wrote that the RV3 is in a way what the MT3 should have been. If I recall correctly, Dom also wrote that the MT2 was suitable up to a 50 mile or 100K. Would you push the RV3 that far on suitable terrain? After reading your reviews for the RV2 and MT3, I went with the MT3 and like it a lot through 20+ mile runs, intending to use it for backpacking and a 100 miler and 50 miler though I will get a new pair, so I’m comparing the MT3 to RV3. I’m well covered with the MTN Racer to bail my feet out if needed, but I share your views with wishing the MT3 were lighter. Stevennoreply@blogger.com