Earlier than I launch into the specs and my current operating experiences with the newest mannequin of Topo’s best-selling operating and mountain climbing shoe, the Topo Ultraventure 3 ($150), I believe I ought to reiterate one thing I wrote in my Topo Ultraventure 2 evaluation for iRunFar: “I found Topo by an undesirable power within the type of a discontinued favourite operating shoe,” the Pearl Izumi E: Movement Path N2. I used to be confronted with the duty of discovering a alternative — a path shoe constructed to endure, honor the design of the pure foot form, and face up to path versatility in various situations.
That could be a lot to ask for, however Topo delivered properly with its Ultraventure mannequin. One other interesting high quality is that the American Podiatric Medical Affiliation just lately awarded Topo their Seal of Acceptance as a method to “empower podiatric physicians and shoppers with the precise data to make educated selections concerning foot well being.” When the physique’s basis — foot well being and performance — are main in operating shoe selections, Topo is commonly the best choice.
The Topo Ultraventure 3 involves the market with some updates and enhancements each structurally and aesthetically — some I applaud, and others I don’t readily embrace however greet with a eager understanding of what the designers try to perform. The Ultraventure 3 will stay a strong shoe in my arsenal, or anybody’s for that matter, however I’ll lace up the Ultraventure 2 for sooner and nimbler runs.
The brand new iteration positively provides extra cushion beneath the foot for a plusher journey, however it loses some floor really feel with an elevated stack peak from 30 millimeters to 35 millimeters. The 5-millimeter drop stays the identical. The change in stack peak shifted my gait, leaving me to pine for much less shoe and midsole foam. Topo’s aim with the Ultraventure 3 was so as to add “extra safety and extra consolation” in an effort to extend responsiveness (the vitality of the shoe) and to lower total weight. They capitalized on the previous since that’s what many path operating clients need lately. I, nonetheless, don’t as a result of I felt the Ultraventure 2 hit the mark with consolation and safety with the previous stack peak (the froth will probably be mentioned under). I’m quick, and I’m not eager on making an attempt to be taller — I discover being nearer to the bottom to be a bonus. For the kind of runner I’m, I want to speak with the path.
Curiously, the burden stays the identical — an precise weight of 10.4 ounces (296 grams) for a males’s dimension 9, though Topo claims that the Ultraventure 3 is lighter. Regardless, it nonetheless boasts a formidable, light-weight really feel for sustained efforts on delicate to average trails. Lastly, the Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole was redesigned for much more flexibility, sturdiness, and midfoot management — upgrades which are noteworthy whereas descending and operating in inclement climate.
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The Topo Ultraventure 3. All pictures: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Topo Ultraventure 3 Higher
The higher of the Topo Ultraventure 3 is sleeker, softer, and extra uniform in model than its predecessor. The fabric is a neatly designed, snag-resistant mesh — thinly double-layered. I can’t converse to the general breathability, however through the winter months, my ft have stayed comfortably heat and dry via snow and plenty of wet runs. The integrity of the higher is maintained with rigorously stitched hidden inlays versus overlays. One of many primary inlays attaches to the lace eyelet overlays and structurally helps the midfoot, a certain safety whereas operating. In the event you didn’t search for it, you wouldn’t comprehend it was there. Typically, I by no means fear about Topo footwear falling aside or sporting down from abrasive forces. Moreover, Topo integrates recycling expertise into its higher supplies. To make a pair of Ultraventure 3s, three recycled plastic bottles had been used.
The tongue is softly padded and partially gusseted. It does an amazing job of conserving out path particles. Just like the Ultraventure 2, the Ultraventure 3 comes with proprietary gaiter attachments across the heel and on the base of the tongue. Nevertheless, I didn’t take a look at this added function.
The toe bumper design is modest and minimal in its safety for extra rocky and tough terrain, however since this shoe is geared for average single-track and open public forest roads, I can’t anticipate a lot in that division. It retains the burden down. The Ultraventure 3 lowered ounces within the higher by simplifying the heel counter and lowering thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) materials. Regardless of these modifications, the heel stays strong and secure. The symmetry of the heel overlay retains it fortified with an efficient and cozy lockdown. And once more, it’s easy — one thing Topo actually does effectively.
A lateral view of the Topo Ultraventure 3.
Topo Ultraventure 3 Midsole
The Topo Ultraventure 3 midsole underwent a substantial improve. Together with the elevated stack peak, the ZipFoam was redesigned for elevated suppleness and lightness with the aim of elevated vitality return. Responsiveness and extra cushion are generally at odds with one another. It’s a tremendous steadiness to make sure that the additional cushion doesn’t soak up stride compression forces with out sufficient bounce again. Throughout my first couple of runs, I observed the cushion, however it didn’t fairly have the anticipated return. Nevertheless, the extra I’ve run in them, the extra responsiveness I’ve felt, main me to assume that there was truly a break-in interval. The ZipFoam nonetheless gives lots for runners — safety, consolation, cushion, and that cloud-like really feel one other firm claims to harness. Moreover, the elevated and enhanced foam, together with a bigger platform and curved rocker geometry, helped with stability and total surety.
A medial view of the Topo Ultraventure 3.
Topo Ultraventure 3 Outsole
Once I acquired began with the Topo Ultraventure 3, I used to be stunned to see and take a look at a brand new outsole design on a Topo path operating shoe. I had grown accustomed to their normal lug sample, depth, and grip with the Vibram XS Trek EVO. Regardless of broader and shallower lugs, I used to be relieved to really feel the shoe carry out decently in moist and mildly technical situations, though it’s significantly much less aggressive. The latter I felt whereas climbing. I have a tendency to love footwear that grip and might assert themselves on any kind of climb. The brand new outsole design has extra flex factors with extra accessible ZipFoam at key midfoot areas, particularly underneath the arch for multi-direction assist. As talked about within the earlier part, there’s a curved forefoot with lug placement aiding more practical toeoff, particularly because the huge lugs on the midfoot assist assist midfoot gait mechanics. Past this evaluation, I’ll hold testing the integrity of the outsole as I hope to get on extra technical terrain through the spring months, as winter begins to yield the place I reside and run in Oregon.
The outsole of the Topo Ultraventure 3.
Topo Ultraventure 3 General Impressions
Topo has lots to be pleased with with the Topo Ultraventure 3. They put a variety of thought and care into the redesign and improve. Although I discussed that I desire the decrease stack peak of the earlier fashions, I nonetheless assume the manufacturing staff did an distinctive job designing and setting up a materially smarter, extra comfy, extra sturdy, and extra enduring version of the Ultraventure. What I felt was a loss in floor really feel, and biomechanics was lifted with elevated responsiveness and underfoot safety.
In sum, it’s a tremendous operating and mountain climbing shoe with countless potential and prospects. In my view, it is among the most well-rounded efficiency footwear for on a regular basis coaching and long-distance operating/racing — particularly for runners searching for cushion. Comparatively, the Ultraventure 3 shines on rolling terrain and lengthy descents, whereas the Ultraventure 2 bolts up lengthy climbs with ease. Just like the earlier Ultraventures, I really feel protected. I really feel assured. I really feel protected. And I really feel my toes.
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Name for Feedback
- Are you operating within the Topo Ultraventure 3? What do you consider this shoe?
- When you’ve got worn earlier editions of the Topo Ultraventure line, share your ideas on how this third version compares.
[Editor’s Note: If you’re affiliated (i.e., an employee, ambassador, etc.) with a brand, please share your relation in each of your comments on this article. Thanks!]
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A prime view of the Topo Ultraventure 3.
