Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review
The Topo Ultraventure 4 is a trail running shoe designed for hard-packed trails, disused railway lines, gravel paths, and road-to-trail use. Like all Topo shoes, it features a broad, rounded toe box that allows your feet the space to function naturally inside the shoes.
The Topo Ultraventure has been a popular trail running shoe since its inception. The Ultraventure 3 introduced a few significant changes: a less aggressive outsole and slightly softer cushioning, giving the shoe a more defined purpose. These updates were well-received by Northern Runner customers, and the shoe became even more popular. For those enjoying the Ultraventure 3 and worried about drastic changes in the new version, you can relax. The updates are minimal and do not affect the ride or fit.
The stack height remains 35 mm in the heel and 30 mm in the forefoot, consistent with the previous version. The midsole is made from Topo’s proprietary EVA blend, Zip Foam, which is slightly softer and offers a touch more bounce. This difference is noticeable while running but subtle. After a few miles, I hardly noticed the change compared to the previous version.
The 5 mm heel-to-forefoot drop helps reduce heel striking, encouraging a midfoot landing. This positioning allows the foot to spread on impact, absorbing shock while stretching the plantar fascia, which recoils to propel you into the next step. While the Zip Foam midsole is slightly softer, it isn’t so soft that it disconnects the runner from the ground. The foot remains engaged, functioning naturally rather than passively.
The heel cup is firm at the base but soft at the top, molding to the runner’s heel when laced up. The heel tab now curves slightly away from the Achilles to minimize the risk of rubbing. The shoe’s cuff features an overlay threaded with the laces, which creates a snug fit around the heel and ankle. While the Ultraventure 3 already had a secure fit, this overlay enhances it. The midfoot and toe box offer similar width and volume as the previous version but feel slightly more fitted.
The upper is constructed with a more closed mesh, providing greater abrasion resistance while remaining thin and soft to prevent overheating on hot days. The padding around the heel cup and tongue is sufficient without being excessive. Additionally, Topo includes two tongue stays on the outside, through which the laces thread to keep the tongue securely in place and aid in a snug upper fit.
The outsole is made from Vibram XS, a rubber designed for grip on wet surfaces while remaining durable enough for tarmac and hard-packed trails. Vibram MegaGrip, used on some of Topo’s other trail shoes for softer, more technical terrain, offers superior wet-surface grip but isn’t as durable on compact ground. Vibram XS strikes a balance better suited for the terrain the Ultraventure 4 is designed to handle.
The outsole features flat studs with a large surface area, maximizing contact with the ground for improved traction and a smoother ride on hard-packed surfaces. The 3 mm lugs provide some grip on softer terrain but aren’t designed to dig into the ground like shoes intended for muddy or loose conditions.
For me, the Ultraventure has become my go-to shoe for daily runs. Most of my routes include a mix of tarmac, disused railway lines, and bridleways. The shoe is soft and protective enough for easy runs, and with no midsole rocker, it allows me to maintain a relaxed pace when recovering from long or fast runs. The toe box has more volume and width than other Topo models, giving the Ultraventure 4 a slipper-like feel—ideal for daily training and long runs.
Topo shoes are similar in length to Altra, Brooks, 361, and Saucony. If you wear New Balance, Hoka, Inov-8, Karhu, or La Sportiva, consider sizing up by half a UK size for a comparable fit.
In summary, the Topo Ultraventure 4 builds on the success of the Ultraventure 3 with minor but meaningful improvements. It remains an excellent choice for runners seeking a daily trainer that performs well on hard-packed trails and tarmac while offering enough cushioning and comfort for both short and long runs at easy paces.
Other Considerations
Hoka Challenger 7: Similar level of traction. Softer feel to the cushioning which takes away more of the feel for the ground. A rocker helps with propulsion and posture giving a more controlled feel to the ride. The toe box is pointed. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-challenger-7-review/
Scarpa GoldenGate ATR 2: A higher level of traction on softer surfaces but, less feel for the ground. A much stiffer shoe with a rocker to help with posture and propulsion. The feel to the cushioning is a similar level of softness. There is less room in the toe box but, the big toe line is straight allowing for a positive push off. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scarpa-golden-gate-atr-2-review/
Normal Tomir 2: A higher level of traction on soft ground. A more pointed tow box with a lot less volume. The nitrogen infused midsole is very bouncy which takes away from the ground feel but gives a springy feel to the ride. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/nnormal-tomir-2-review/
New Balance Hierro v8: Fits, feels and rides like a road shoe with traction that is suitable for track, bridleway, disused railway line and road use. Available in three width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-hierro-v8-review-fresh-foam-x/
Scott Kinabalu 3: A firm ride but, well cushioned shoe that overs good traction but is best on hard packed ground and road due to the stiffness of the sole which doesn’t ride broken ground well. Big toe line is straight but, there isn’t the same level of volume as there is in the toe box of the Ultraventure 4. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scott-kinabalu-3-review/
Inov-8 TrailFly: A similar rounded shape to the toe box with a more flexible, nimble feel. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-trailfly-review/
La Sportiva Akasha II: Better traction on soft ground. Similar feel to the cushioning. Narrower fit with a more pointed toe box. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-akasha-ii-review/
Brooks Caldera 7: Roomy toe box but, not as roomy as the Ultraventure 4. The Nitrogen infused midsole gives a subtle bounce to the feel of the cushioning but, not too much to take away the feeling of stability. Traction is good including on some soft ground. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-caldera-7-review/
Altra Experience Wild: A rounded toe box to give the feet the room to spread and function in the shoes. Not as broad fitting with less volume in the toe box. Similar level of traction. The ride is firmer and more responsive. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-experience-wild-review/
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