Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Trail Shoe Review

I began my thru-hiking career (Colorado Trail, 2015) in Hoka’s Mafate Speed, which was extra cushy, incredibly tough and astonishingly lightweight.

Alas, some 861 miles into my 2016 Appalachian Trail thru-hike, my already wide, short, high-arched feet had spread out even further and the Hokas caused a painful case of sesamoiditis. They were just too narrow.

I finished the AT wearing two models from a company known for its wide-toebox trail shoes. The shoes weren’t very durable, but at least they were wide enough. Imagine my surprise when the company inexplicably narrowed both toebox and heel in subsequent models.

That’s when I discovered Topo Athletic, whose shoes offer a wide toebox and minimal drop, and that’s all I’ve worn since.

I wore Topo’s Terraventure 3 for the entire Pacific Crest Trail in 2021 and adored them; they were comfortable but incredibly durable. But the company seemed to be pushing its somewhat cushier Ultraventure 2 model that year, and that shoe was considerably less durable.

Nonetheless, I bought a pair of UV3 when they came out and loved the extra cushion. What’s more, the new model was considerably tougher than earlier versions.

I jumped at the chance to review the latest iteration, the Topo Ultraventure 4. But I confess I went into this review wary of past experiences with “updates” to excellent models.

But having given them a tryout, I’m pleased to report that the UV4 surpasses the excellent UV3.

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 At-a-Glance

MSRP: $150
Style: Dual-density, wide toebox, 5mm-drop, medium-cushion trail shoe with ZipFoam  midsole and Vibram  SX Trek EVO outsole
Intended purpose: Trail running, hiking
Weight: 10.4 ounces per shoe (men’s 9)

Women’s version here.

Circumstances of Use

Worn for approximately 250 miles running on the Virginia Appalachian Trail, plus beaches and trails in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Also used for one 30K trail race.

Features

• Roomy toebox: One of Topo’s top selling points
• Roomy heel: Topo has kept its heels roomy
• Secure midfoot and heel: OrthoLite Performance insole and ZipFoam midsole
• Zero-drop platform
• Cushioning: High and comfy
• Lightweight: 0.2 ounces heavier than UV3
• Vibram SX Trek EVO outsole: Tough, grippy and a little more flexible than previous UV models
• Abrasion-resistant upper: In the most significant change from the UV3, the uppers are even tougher/more durable
• Gaiter attachment: Compatible with Topo’s patented gaiter system

Fit

With short, very-wide feet featuring a high arch and instep, I have run and hiked exclusively in Topo shoes for five years. I wear a full size up to give myself even more room. Topo has tightened up at least one model to the point that I don’t wear it anymore. But the UV4 is plenty wide, even as it keeps my feet snugly in place with proper lacing.

The UV4 has a slightly higher profile in the Achilles area.

Comfort

The Ultraventure models have always been the cushiest in Topo’s trail-shoe stable, and the UV4 is no different. It feels about the same as the UV3, providing a very pleasant ride even in tough terrain.

The UV4 is slightly more flexible than its predecessor, while maintaining plenty of support and performance.

Traction

I think Topo’s standard Vibram soles are a real selling point. There’s a reason the best hiking boots use Vibram.

The SX Trek Evo is unchanged from the UV3. I typically get around 700 miles per pair of Topos, and never less than about 650, and only once experienced notably deterioration of the sole. The Ultraventure 4 was up to the challenge of  rain-slicked rocks on the Virginia AT.

Durability

This is the biggest change in the UV4: the uppers are clearly sturdier than the previous models. The major complaint among UV2 users on the PCT was easily shredded uppers, but that was corrected with the UV3, and it’s easy to see and feel that the UV4 is another step up, with only the slightest increase in weight (0.2 ounces per shoe).

I revel in my filthy trail feet. But if you don’t, the UV4 provides a sturdier barrier against dust and dirt intrusion.

Extras

Topo offers a unique gaiter system. The gaiter attaches to a small metal loop at the bottom of the tongue in front, like most brands. In back, Topo gaiters attach via metal clips to two small rubber nubs on the heel of Topo shoes.

It’s a cool innovation, but I didn’t particularly like Topo’s gaiters. They take more effort to attach than, say, a pair of hiker-favorite Dirty Girl Gaiters. I guess I needed a larger size, because the gaiters I tried out barely reached across my arches.

I don’t wear gaiters anymore. But if you want to use a Velcro-based gaiter with Topos, you’ll do it yourself with self-sticking Velcro available at any hardware store. I strongly advise super-gluing your Velcro if you go this route.

As always, I’m grateful that Topo shoes dry out quickly, and the UV4 is no exception.

I remain impressed that Topo’s laces stay tied through thick and thin and the company’s toecaps mostly stay put. Hey, other manufacturers: If Topo can pull these things off, why can’t you?

Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Pros

• Excellent design for thru-hiking and trail running, wide toebox, wide-but-secure heel, lacing accommodates wide range of foot shapes
• Very comfortable, lots of cushion
• Lightweight at 10.4 ounces per shoe
• Extremely durable

Topo Ultraventure 4 Cons

• Accommodates only Topo gaiters
• A little more expensive than the company’s other long-distance hiking shoes

Overall

I found the UV3 to be comfortable, durable and light. The Topo Ultraventure 4 is much the same, with slightly more flexibility and still more durability. It’s becoming one of my go-tos, especially since one of my previous favorite Topo models is no longer the best fit.

Topo continues to do things right; here’s hoping that continues!

Shop the Men’s Topo Ultraventure 4

Shop the Women’s Topo Ultraventure 4

Comparable Models

Altra Olympus 6

Weight: 12.2 ounces each
Price: $175
Fit: Wide
Drop: zero

Hoka One One Speedgoat 6

Weight: 9.8 ounces each
Price: $155
Fit: Narrow; tapered toebox
Drop: 4 millimeters

Brooks Cascadia 18 GTX

Weight: 11.6 ounces each
Price: $170
Fit: Medium width; tapered toebox
Drop: 8 millimeters

The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 was donated for the purpose of review.

Featured image: Topo Athletic