From the moment I first laced up the Topo Athletic Men’s Ultraventure 4, I knew I had found something special. As a dedicated trail runner, I’ve gone through countless pairs of shoes, each promising the perfect blend of comfort, durability, and performance. But the Ultraventure 4 delivers on a different level.
Its most striking feature is the signature foot-shaped design with a generous toe box, which finally gave my feet the room to splay naturally a welcome relief on long, technical runs.
The plush, yet responsive ZipFoam™ midsole provided a level of cushioning that felt both protective and springy, absorbing the impact of rocky trails without feeling disconnected.
The 5mm drop felt just right, offering a nice balance between a minimal and traditional feel. Out on the trail, the Vibram® XS Trek EVO outsole proved its worth, gripping everything from slick rocks to loose dirt with impressive confidence.
These shoes aren’t just for running; they’re a testament to thoughtful design, built to tackle any adventure with comfort and confidence. After putting them to the test, I can confidently say the Ultraventure 4 is a game-changer for anyone serious about trail running.
Comparison
| Feature | Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 | Saucony Peregrine 15 | Under Armour Infinite Elite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arch Support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| Weight (US M9) | 10.4 oz / 295 g (Lab) | 9.7 oz / 273 g (Lab) | 11.1 oz / 315 g (Lab) |
| Drop | 5 mm (Lab: 6.6 mm) | 4 mm (Lab: 3.7 mm) | 8 mm (Lab: 8.1 mm) |
| Toebox | Very Wide, foot-shaped, allows natural splay. | Narrow, tapered fit, not ideal for wide feet. | Medium, standard fit. |
| Midsole Softness | Soft (ZipFoam) | Soft (PWRRUN foam) | Firm (HOVR+ foam) |
| Toebox Durability | Good, with reinforced PU overlays. | Good, with reinforced mesh. | Good, but knit upper can absorb moisture. |
| Outsole Durability | Excellent (Vibram® XS Trek EVO). Highly durable. | Good (PWRTRAC). Newly formulated for increased durability. | Bad (Blown rubber). Not durable, shows wear quickly. |
| Breathability | Good, with updated, tighter-woven mesh. | Moderate. | Poor, thick knit upper traps heat. |
| Stiffness | Flexible. | Moderate, with a non-rigid woven rock plate. | Stiff. |
| Torsional Rigidity | Moderate. | Stiff. | Stiff. |
| Heel Counter Stiffness | Flexible. | Flexible. | Stiff, with TPU heel clip. |
| Heel Stack (Lab) | 35.1 mm | 29.5 mm | 39.9 mm |
| Forefoot Stack (Lab) | 28.5 mm | 25.8 mm | 31.8 mm |
| Underfoot Protection | Very good, but no rock plate. | Good, with a woven rock plate. | Excellent, due to maximal stack height. |
| Energy Return | Low (ZipFoam offers low bounce). | High, above average (PWRRUN). | Above average (HOVR+), but feels flat/boring. |
| Best For | Long distances, ultra races, runners with wide feet. | All-around trail running, technical terrain. | Easy, long runs and recovery runs on road. |
| Price | ~$155 | ~$140 | ~$160 |
| Variants | Standard men’s and women’s models. | Standard and Gore-Tex (GTX) models. | An updated Infinite Elite 2 model is available. |
As a runner with countless miles of trails under my belt, I’ve seen my share of running shoe promises. Brands often claim to offer the perfect blend of cushion, durability, and performance.
But few manage to hit that sweet spot, especially for the high-mileage demands of ultramarathons and long trail days. This technical review is based on my experience with the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4, a shoe I’ve put through its paces on a variety of terrains and conditions over hundreds of miles.
First Impressions & Philosophy: The Topo Signature
The moment you unbox the Ultraventure 4, you’re immediately confronted with Topo’s defining philosophy: a foot-shaped design. For years, I’ve struggled with shoes that cramp my toes, leading to hotspots, blisters, and an overall sense of foot fatigue on long runs.
The Ultraventure 4 is the antithesis of that. With its very wide, anatomical toebox, it allows for a natural toe splay, giving your feet the space they need to stabilize and absorb impact.
This single feature, more than any other, makes the Ultraventure 4 a genuine relief to wear, and it feels comfortable right out of the box with virtually no break-in period.
This shoe’s lineage is clear; it’s the “baby” of an Altra and a Hoka. It has the roomy toebox and lower drop of an Altra, but with the substantial cushioning of a Hoka.
At a lab-measured 5mm drop (6.6mm in my lab tests), it’s a happy medium that encourages a midfoot strike without forcing a radical change in biomechanics for most runners.
The fit through the midfoot and heel is secure, and the fully gusseted tongue and unique lacing system which uses double loops on the tongue provide a surprisingly precise lockdown.
However, I’ll be honest, adjusting the laces can be a bit tedious and slow if you need to make a quick tweak on the trail.
The Ride: Midsole and Cushioning
The Ultraventure 4 is built around a maximal-cushioning platform, with a high stack height of 35.1mm in the heel and 28.5mm in the forefoot. This is a significant amount of foam underfoot, and it’s built for comfort over long distances.
The midsole is Topo’s proprietary ZipFoam™, an EVA blend that provides a balance of plushness and responsiveness.
The feel of the ZipFoam is where things get interesting. Unlike some super-bouncy, PEBA-based foams on the market, the Ultraventure 4’s midsole is more muted. It’s soft and protective, but the energy return is on the low side.
It doesn’t have that “pop” or propulsive feel that you might find in a Saucony or a Hoka. The ride is smooth and consistent, but it’s not a shoe that feels fast or explosive. This makes it perfect for its intended purpose: long, easy runs and ultra-distance efforts where comfort and foot protection are the top priorities.
The shoe also has a comfort-focused rocker geometry, with gentle curves in both the heel and forefoot, which helps facilitate a smooth roll through your stride, especially over long distances.
Despite the high stack, the shoe maintains a good connection with the ground. It’s flexible and allows the foot to engage naturally. However, a potential trade-off here is the lack of a rock plate.
While the high stack height does a good job of protecting the underfoot from most trail hazards, a well-placed, sharp rock can still be felt. This is a deliberate design choice that prioritizes flexibility over maximum protection, but it’s something to be aware of if you frequently run on very technical, rocky terrain.
Outsole and Traction: The Vibram Advantage
Topo has equipped the Ultraventure 4 with a Vibram® XS Trek EVO outsole, which I’ve found to be a workhorse. Vibram is a trusted name in outdoor footwear for a reason, and this compound lives up to the reputation.
The traction is excellent on a variety of surfaces, from dry, hard-packed dirt and gravel to slick, wet rocks and roots. The lug design is a bit shallow, measuring only 3.2mm.
This is a key technical detail that tells you a lot about the shoe’s ideal use case. These lugs are not designed to dig into deep mud or loose scree like those on a more aggressive shoe.
Instead, they provide a large surface area for contact, which delivers a smooth, confident ride on less technical trails and makes for easy transitions from road to trail.
I’ve used these shoes on mixed-terrain runs that involve pavement, gravel, and singletrack, and they handle the changes seamlessly. The trade-off is that they are not the best choice for extremely technical, steep, or muddy terrain where you need more aggressive bite.
The lugs are also well-spaced, which helps shed mud, preventing the shoe from becoming a heavy, clogged mess. From a durability standpoint, the Vibram XS Trek EVO compound is a standout feature. After many miles, the outsole shows minimal signs of wear.
The rubber is hard-wearing and holds up significantly better than the blown-rubber outsoles on some competitors. This contributes to the shoe’s longevity, making it a sound investment for runners who put in high mileage.
Upper and Durability
The upper of the Ultraventure 4 is made from a recycled, tightly woven engineered mesh. This is a notable update from previous models. The new mesh improves foot security and is highly effective at keeping out dust and debris, a major plus on dusty summer trails.
It is also surprisingly breathable, allowing for good airflow to keep your feet cool on hot days. It also dries quickly after creek crossings or a summer storm, which is a major benefit for both comfort and blister prevention.
Strategically placed polyurethane (PU) overlays enhance the shoe’s structure and durability. These overlays are a welcome addition and show very little wear over time.
While the upper is durable and built to last, some users have noted that the heel cuff can feel a bit less structured and may break down over time. I’ve found it to be a minor concern; the overall build quality is top-notch.
An additional detail that showcases Topo’s thoughtfulness is the inclusion of gaiter attachments. While I don’t always use them, the metal loops at the base of the laces and the rubber nubs on the heel provide a secure and simple way to attach Topo’s own gaiters, which is a big benefit for those of us who run on trails where debris and grit are a constant issue.
Who is this shoe for?
After putting the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 through its paces, it’s clear that this shoe is a specialist. It’s not a race-day flat and it’s not a mountain goat designed for the most technical climbs.
It is, however, an exceptional training partner and a fantastic shoe for long-distance efforts and ultras on mild-to-moderate terrain.
Its standout features the generous toebox, plush ZipFoam cushioning, and a durable Vibram outsole make it a top-tier choice for runners who prioritize comfort and a natural fit.
It’s perfect for those with wide feet or those who simply value their toes’ ability to splay. If you’re a midfoot striker and enjoy a low-to-moderate drop, this shoe will feel fantastic.
If you’re looking for a shoe to race a 5k or to climb a technical, rocky mountain, there are better options out there. But for logging long, comfortable miles on varied terrain, the Ultraventure 4 is an absolute joy and a reliable, durable workhorse. It has earned its place as a go-to in my rotation.
Pros:
- Anatomical Fit
- High Cushioning
- Durable Outsole
- Breathable & Quick-Drying
- Secure Fit
Cons:
- Low Energy Return
- No Rock Plate
- Lacing Can Be Tedious
- Shallow Lugs
Why should choose Topo Ultraventure 4
Based on the detailed review, you should choose the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 if your top priority is a combination of long-term comfort and foot health on the trails.
The shoe’s defining feature is its signature anatomical toebox, which provides a spacious and natural fit that prevents cramping, blisters, and foot fatigue over many miles.
This is paired with a high-cushion ZipFoam midsole that offers a consistently plush and protective ride, making it an excellent choice for ultramarathons and lengthy training runs.
Furthermore, the Vibram® XS Trek EVO outsole is exceptionally durable and provides reliable traction on a wide variety of mild-to-moderate trail surfaces, ensuring the shoe holds up well over hundreds of miles.
In short, this is a shoe built for runners who want a reliable, comfortable workhorse that prioritizes their feet on long-distance trail adventures.
FAQs
Who is the ideal runner for the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4?
This shoe is perfect for trail runners, hikers, and ultramarathoners who prioritize comfort and a natural fit over speed. Its spacious, anatomical toebox makes it an excellent choice for individuals with wider feet or anyone who has experienced issues with cramped toes on long runs.
It’s best suited for logging high mileage on mild to moderate trails and for smooth road-to-trail transitions.
What type of terrain is this shoe best and worst for?
The Ultraventure 4 excels on hard-packed dirt, gravel, and light singletrack. The Vibram® XS Trek EVO outsole, with its shallow lugs, provides excellent grip on these surfaces as well as on wet, slick rocks.
However, the shoe is not designed for extremely technical, steep, or muddy terrain where deep lugs are needed to bite into the ground.
How does the cushioning feel, and is it responsive?
The cushioning is designed for long-distance comfort. The ZipFoam™ midsole provides a plush and protective underfoot feel, which helps absorb impact over many miles.
While it is comfortable and consistent, it is not particularly bouncy or responsive. Runners looking for a shoe with a lot of “pop” for faster efforts might find the ride a bit muted.
Is the Ultraventure 4 durable enough for long-term use?
Yes, the Ultraventure 4 is built as a durable workhorse. The Vibram outsole is very hard-wearing and shows minimal wear even after hundreds of miles.
The tightly woven, recycled mesh upper is also highly resistant to abrasion and effective at keeping debris out, contributing to the shoe’s overall longevity.
Final Thought
The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 stands out by not chasing trends, but by perfecting a core philosophy: comfort and natural foot function. It’s not a shoe for your fastest race day, but rather a faithful partner for your longest and most demanding trail adventures.
The signature anatomical toebox provides unparalleled relief, while the plush, yet durable, platform protects your feet mile after mile. It’s a testament to the idea that the best running shoes are the ones you don’t have to think about.
For any runner prioritizing foot health and a consistent, reliable ride on a variety of terrains, this is a truly compelling and essential choice.
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