Topo Ultraventure 4 review

Testing the Ultraventure 4

First thing I noticed? Comfort. Straight out of the box, they felt broken in. No weird pressure points, no hotspots, just solid, all-day comfort. The wider toe box is a game changer, especially for anyone who hates that crammed-in feeling that some trail runners give you. If you like Altras for the toe room, these give you that, but somehow even better. My feet had space to breathe, which made a huge difference on long days.

Grip was another major win for these shoes. The Vibram outsole held its own on steep descents and slick rock. Even when I hit loose scree, I never felt like I was going to slide out. Some shoes claim great traction and then fail when it actually matters—these didn’t. Whether it was mud, dry rock, or alpine forest floor, they stuck.

Durability is another big one, especially for thru-hikers. Some trail runners start falling apart after just a few hundred kilometers. The Ultraventure 4s feel built to last. After putting them through rough terrain, there’s barely any noticeable wear. No sole separation, no torn mesh, just some expected scuffing. That’s a good sign for anyone planning long mileage this summer.

Topo Athletic is also confident in the breathability of these shoes, which I would agree with. Even on warm hikes, my feet never felt overheated, and they dried fast after wet conditions. That’s the balance you want: protection without feeling like your feet are trapped in a sauna.

About the Ultraventure 4

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4s are built for long days on the trail. They have a ZipFoam midsole, which gives them a good mix of softness and responsiveness. They’re cushioned, but not mushy. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is a standout feature, which will give you traction across different surfaces. The upper material is engineered mesh, giving it breathability without sacrificing durability. It’s also rock plate-free, which some might love for flexibility, while others might prefer a little more underfoot protection.

Weight-wise, it’s light but not ultralight. That tradeoff means you get more structure and durability compared to some lighter trail runners.

Conclusion

In my opinion, Topo did a great job with the Ultraventure 4. If you want a trail runner that balances comfort, durability, and performance, this one’s hard to beat. The toe box space alone is enough to win over long-distance hikers, and the grip seals the deal. It’s not the absolute lightest, but overall, these shoes are a serious contender for anyone covering big miles. Worth the buy? Absolutely.