The Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 is the lightest trail running shoe I recommend for hikers. I loved the feel of my old Ultraventure 2s but didn't think their ventilated mesh would hold up to roots, rocks, and snaggy vegetation. The Ultraventure 4's mesh is much more robust—without taking away from this shoe's ultralight and ultra-cushy build. I've been testing Topo's best-selling trail running shoe the past two months on a range of trails outside Albuquerque. My Topo Ultraventure 4 review shares what I've learned about its support, weight, fit, comfort, weather protection, traction, and overall value on these test hikes. No offense, trail runners: this is a review for hikers, even though it's a running shoe.
Men's Topo Ultraventure 4
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Women's Topo Ultraventure 4
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Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 Review
My Topo Ultraventure 4 review is based on two months of test hikes in New Mexico. I also have hundreds of miles of first-hand experience in the older Ultraventure 2, which I've been wearing for several years now. In other words, I know this shoe well. Since this trail running shoe is built for runners and fast hikers, most of my test hikes were well-maintained trails that let me hike fast (3-3.5 mph). However, I also mixed in some moderately difficult trails with tougher footing and more elevation gain (up to 3000 ft) to evaluate its support and traction. My test hikes included the Pino, La Luz, Embudito, 3 Gun Springs, and Domingo Baca trails in the Sandia Mountains along with some easy trail runs and fitness hikes in the desert wash behind my Albuquerque home.
As always, Hiking Feet's reviews are 100% independent—not influenced or sponsored by brands—and based on my personal and professional experience. I personally test footwear more than 1,000 miles every year, previously managed hiking footwear at an outdoor gear shop, and have been working in the outdoor gear industry since 2019. I know my stuff.
Testing the Topo Ultraventure 4 in the Elena Gallegos Open Space
Support
Support is not this shoe's strong suit. Topo designed it for running quickly over mild to moderate terrain—not for tackling tough trails or hauling extra weight. Without a shank, chassis, or rock plate underfoot, the Ultraventure 4 flexes easily across the full length of the shoe. That feels free and easy when your feet are fully engaged in running or walking well-maintained trails. However, that also makes your feet work harder over longer distances and uneven terrain than they work in a sturdier, stiffer trail running shoe (or hiking shoe).
I could feel my feet flexing more in the Topo Ultraventure 4 compared with other trail runners and hiking shoes I've tested. Torsional rigidity and foot protection are also limited. For more support and protection, try the Topo Traverse Trail Running Shoe.
This shoe is well designed for its recommended use. However, it's not nearly as supportive or as protective as most trail runners I recommend for hikers.
Weight
Weight is one of the two main reasons for hikers to buy the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4. My men's size 12 weighs just under 12 ounces per shoe, tying the HOKA Speedgoat for the lightest shoe in my quiver. (Women's sizes run 2-3 ounces less per shoe.) I could feel this weight difference on the trail, especially when I was hiking fast.
This weight will cost you in support, foot protection, and durability. However, if you're a fast hiker (3+ mph) or value a lightweight build over everything else, this is the lightest trail running shoe that I recommend for hiking. Its ultralight build is why the Ultraventure has become a go-to trail runner for thru-hikers, who generally prioritize weight savings on their long-distance hikes.
Fit
The Topo Fit really works for me. Like all Topos, the Ultraventure 4 fits snug in the neel and midfoot with a roomy fit in the toes. I love the wider toe box and found that this shoe fits true to size, length-wise. I get my best fit sizing up a half-size from my everyday shoe size. Hikers with narrow feet may not dig the zoomy toe box. However, it's a good fit for standard to wider feet.
I've found this light, cushy, & roomy trail runner super-comfortable
Comfort
Comfort has a lot to do with fit, your hiking style, and your personal preferences. If you prefer an ultralight shoe with extra cushioning, the Ultraventure 4 should be on your short list—if not the first trail runner you try on.
I literally have more than 50 pairs of hiking and running shoes in my house, and this is the definitely the lightest and probably the cushiest. Topo's Zipfoam is super-cushy, and there's gobs of it in the Ultraventure 4 with a stack height of 35/30mm (5mm drop). For many hikers, the Ultraventure's wide toe box is another comfort plus, even if you don't have wide feet. Topos fit my feet better than any other brand, and I love the extra wiggle room for my toes.
My only comfort concern has to do with your hiking style. If you mostly hike moderate to difficult terrain, your feet could get beat up in such a lightweight shoe. However, if you don't need much support or foot protection, this is an exceptionally light and plush trail running shoe. That's why I've been wearing an older version for years as my everyday, work-from-home shoes.
Weather Protection
The Ultraventure 4 offers limited weather protection. Most runners and speed hikers prefer non-waterproof trail running shoes. That's because they wear cooler and dry quicker than waterproof shoes if they do get flooded with water or swamped with sweat. I hiked in some shallow snow without my feet getting soaked, but they did get wet quickly in the first puddle and shallow water crossing I hit on the Domingo Baca trail. If you want a waterproof trail running shoe, try the Salomon Thundercross GTX or HOKA Speedgoat GTX (see men's / women's).
Testing traction on steep & smooth rock
Traction
The Topo Ultraventure 4 features moderate traction that's best on mild terrain. The lugs aren't as deep as most trail running shoes' and not especially aggressive. This tread is fine for the mild to moderate trails this shoe's made for: packed gravel, sand, and dirt. On my moderately difficult test hikes, I slipped around a bit on the steeper scree and gravel sections of the Embudito Canyon and Tres Pistoles trails outside Albuquerque. On the flip side, the broader, shallowed lugs did a decent job when I scrambled up and down smooth, water-weathered rock in the bowels of Embudito and Domingo Baca canyons. The Vibram rubber does a relatively good job on both dry and wet surfaces and should last a little longer than other rubbers.
Women's Topo Ultraventure 4
Value
With a MSRP of $150, the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4 is priced at the going rate for the best trail running shoes. For comparison, it's $10 more than the Altra Lone Peak and Salomon Thudercross and $5 less than the HOKA Speedgoat. You do get two standout features at this price: excellent weight savings and cushioning. With the prices of trail running shoes skyrocketing with their growing popularity over the past five years, this is a fair price in today's market.
Men's Topo Ultraventure 4
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's Topo Ultraventure 4
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Topo Ultraventure 4: Pros and Cons
Based on my Ultraventure 4 review, here are this shoe's pros and cons:
Should hikers buy the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4?
The Topo Ultraventure 4 should tempt thru-hikers and fast hikers who prioritize weight savings more than anything else. Topo's best-selling trail running shoe has two stand out features: it's extremely lightweight and also one of the cushiest trail running shoes you can buy. Most of my hikes call for a more rugged shoe, but I personally find the Ultraventure more comfortable than the HOKA Speedgoat. Just keep in mind that this shoe is on the light end of the continuum of trail running shoes—which technicaly aren't made for hiking. If you prioritize support or durability, you should browse my other picks for the best trail running shoes for hikers or move up to a true hiking shoe. You could consider the Topo Athletic Traverse, a sturdier trail runner with better support and traction for hiking.
Based on this Topo Ultraventure 4 review, I recommend it the most to thru-hikers, fast hikers with light packs, or casual hikers who'll be with with a light and comfortable trail shoe that's not as rugged as the other shoes I recommend for hiking.
Testing the Topo Ultraventure 4 on the Domingo Baca Trail
