The Topo Ultraventure 5 is built for runners who spend a lot of time on smoother trails, dirt roads, gravel, and routes that include some pavement. This is me! I am lucky enough to live about half a mile from 40 miles of fairly smooth desert trails. If I’m not climbing a sand dune, I can usually get away with a road shoe, although the preference is a trail shoe.
What is new in the Topo Ultraventure 5?
With the Ultraventure, Topo kept the 35 mm heel, 30 mm forefoot, and 5 mm drop from the Ultraventure 4. they revised the ZipFoam midsole shape, updated the mesh upper, and added its universal gaiter system. The result stays focused on long comfortable miles and a roomy fit rather than highly technical mountain running.
I have been a fan of Topo for a few years because the brand gives my toes more room and I know I’m not alone there.
Let’s get into an honest Topo Ultraventure 5 review.
Quick Facts
- Category: Neutral high-cushion trail running shoe
- Best for: Daily trail miles, long runs, hiking, gravel, road-to-trail routes
- Men’s listed weight: 10.7 oz
- Stack height: 35 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
- Heel-to-toe drop: 5 mm
- Price: $155
Topo Ultraventure 5 Key Questions
Does the Topo Ultraventure 5 fit true to size?
I would start with your normal running shoe size. Topo keeps its foot-shaped toe box, then secures the shoe more closely through the midfoot and heel. Standard and wide sizing are available. If you’ve never tried Topo before, they are known for wide forefoot. It’s not wider than a wide shoe, but it is wider than a regular width shoe.
Is the Topo Ultraventure 5 good for wide feet?
Yes, especially for runners who need more space around the toes. As mentioned above, it’s not a wide though, it’s a wider fitting regular width. A roomy toe box does not mean the shoe is equally wide through the middle. If your foot is broad through the midfoot, I would start with the wide version.
What distances is the Topo Ultraventure 5 best for?
The Ultraventure 5 is designed for daily trail mileage through long road-to-trail days. Its high-cushion platform should appeal most once a run stretches beyond the short and fast category. Think smoother singletrack, desert trails, gravel, fire roads, and routes that mix dirt with pavement. Topo lists trail running, hiking, and road-to-trail use as the main categories.
Can the Topo Ultraventure 5 handle easy runs?
Yes. That’s what I use it for. The ZipFoam midsole and 35/30 mm stack give it plenty of underfoot protection, while XS Trek is designed for mixed surfaces.
Can the Topo Ultraventure 5 handle workouts?
It can handle steady efforts or longer progression runs on smoother trails. For short, fast trail sessions, I would choose the MTN Racer 4. That shoe is lighter and is designed for fast running and racing.
Topo Ultraventure 5 Upper and Fit
Topo changed the upper for version 5 with a revised mesh designed to improve durability. The new universal gaiter system can help keep small debris out on loose trails. As someone who runs in the Mojave Desert, there is nothing worse than sand getting in your shoes. I’m happy for the new universal gaiter system to help keep that out.
The toe box stays roomy while the heel and midfoot are more fitted. In the past few years, I’ve found Topo’s fit to be one of the most accommodating in the running industry. It has that wider forefoot with a fitted midfoot that makes it a good option for those with wide forefoot areas (like bunions).
I usually wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide and I’ve found the size 11 to fit well. With trail running shoes, I’m always looking for the most comfortable fit and the Topo Ultraventure 5 is just that. I really cannot think of a time I’ve had issues with Topo’s fit.
Topo Ultraventure 5 Ride
The Ultraventure 5 keeps the same 35/30 mm stack as the Ultraventure 4. Topo revised the ZipFoam midsole design while leaving the basic geometry alone, and the company still classifies the underfoot feel as plush.
If you liked the amount of cushioning in the Ultraventure 4, version 5 does not move away from it. The 5 mm drop stays the same. In a world that many running brands are going to more stack height, stack, and more foam, it’s always nice when a brand isn’t going to that. If you like feeling the ground more the Ultraventure is a good option.
Compared with the MTN Racer 4, the Ultraventure 5 adds a little more stack and uses an outsole designed for easier transitions between dirt and pavement. The MTN Racer 4 sits at 33/28 mm and is built for faster running on more demanding trails.
Topo Ultraventure 5 Outsole and Durability
The Ultraventure 5 uses Vibram XS Trek. Topo say’s it’s good for mixed surfaces. This is more road-to-trail than mountain-race outsole. I can run the half mile to/from my local trails without feeling like my feet are going to fall off. Then it handles desert trails including hike-running up sand dunes well.
There is no rock plate. For smooth desert dirt, gravel roads, and buffed-out singletrack, I don’t really see that as a negative because the 35/30 mm platform already puts a substantial amount of foam underfoot. On sharp, rocky terrain, I would rather have a shoe designed around technical running. There are rocks in the desert, but they aren’t super rocky and a lot of my running is either flat desert trails, mild elevation changes, or sand dune climbing. I just need something with traction.
As far as durability, I have just over 100 miles on the Topo Ultraventure 5 with no signs of it slowing down. I believe the shoe will likely last 400+ miles.
Where Does the Topo Ultraventure 5 Fit in My Rotation?
The Topo Ultraventure 5 fits into my rotation as the shoe I would grab for longer, easier trail runs when I know the terrain will be mostly runnable. Think desert dirt roads, smoother singletrack, gravel, and routes where I might spend a few miles on pavement getting to or from the trail. This would probably not be my first choice for East Coast rocky trails.
It is not the Topo I would choose when I want to run fast on technical terrain. I would still reach for the MTN Racer 4 there because it is lighter and built more specifically for harder trail running. The Ultraventure 5 gives me more cushion and feels better suited to days when pace is secondary and I want something comfortable underneath me for a couple of hours.
I also see the Ultraventure 5 as an easy choice for hiking or run-hike days. The extra cushioning gives it more crossover potential than a stripped-down trail shoe, especially if the route includes pavement or well-groomed dirt.
Topo Ultraventure 5 vs. Ultraventure 4
The Ultraventure 5 keeps the 35/30 mm stack, 5 mm drop, $155 price, gaiter compatibility, and no-rock-plate construction from version 4. The men’s listed weight rises from 10.4 ounces to 10.7 ounces.
Version 5 revises the ZipFoam design and mesh upper, then adds the universal gaiter system. Version 4 used recycled mesh with PU print for added structure.
If your Ultraventure 4 still has plenty of life, I would keep running in it. When it is time to replace the shoe, version 5 gives you the same general platform with an updated upper and gaiter attachment.
Topo Ultraventure 5 vs. Topo MTN Racer 4
I compare these a lot and would use these differently. The Ultraventure 5 has more cushion and is designed for road-to-trail use and long comfortable mileage. The MTN Racer 4 is lighter, slightly lower to the ground, and built for more technical trail running.
For long runnable trails and mixed surfaces, I would pick the Ultraventure 5. For faster efforts or rougher trails, I would pick the MTN Racer 4. You can read my Topo MTN Racer 4 review for more.
Closest Alternative: Altra Experience Wild 3
The Altra Experience Wild 3 is one of the closest alternatives if you want a low-drop trail shoe with extra toe room and a lighter platform. Altra uses a 4 mm drop, EGO P35 foam, and a MaxTrac outsole on the standard Wild 3. I would choose the Ultraventure 5 when I want more underfoot protection for long mileage. I would look at the Experience Wild 3 when I want less shoe.
Topo Ultraventure 5 Conclusion
The Topo Ultraventure 5 is designed for cushioned trail running. I would put the Ultraventure 5 in the long-run, easy-trail, and road-to-trail category. I’ve been a big fan of it for daily training. I’m not training for ultras, but I cans see how this would be a great staple for ultra running.
Who Should Buy the Topo Ultraventure 5?
- Runners who want a cushioned trail shoe with a roomy toe box
- Runners who spend most of their trail time on smoother or moderately technical terrain
- People who mix dirt and pavement in the same run
Who Should Skip the Topo Ultraventure 5?
- Runners who spend most of their time on steep, highly technical terrain
- People who want a rock plate
- Runners who prefer a lightweight trail racing shoe
Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here. Love running? You can subscribe to my weekly newsletter or read more about running shoes in my ebook.
You can also read my guide to the best running shoes for women with wide feet or browse more FueledbyLOLZ shoe and gear reviews.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite trail running shoe?
Have you tried Topo Athletic before?