The RW Takeaway: The Ultraventure 3 is a hybrid running shoe made for traversing long distances. The shoe, which already has an accommodating fit, is now available in wider sizes.
- Preceded by: Ultraventure 2, Ultraventure Pro
- Key tech: Increased stack height, softer and more lightweight Zipfoam midsole, redesigned Vibram outsole to decrease weight, wide toebox
Pros
- Versatile for both road and trail
- High toe cap
- Accommodating fit for wide feet
Cons
- No rock shield
- Narrower feet may require tighter lacing
| Type | Trail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10.1 oz (M), 8.2 oz (W) |
| Drop | 5 mm |
“This isn’t a workout or fast race shoe. This is the long-haul shoe,” one tester declared. He also noted how ultrarunners like Topo’s shoes because of their wide toeboxes. The Ultraventure is no exception.
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For gnarlier trails, you’ll want to choose the brand’s MTN Racer or Terraventure, which have toothier treads. The Ultraventure 3’s outsole, made of grippy Vibram rubber, is more lightweight and sectional than the previous iteration. Its lugs are shorter and wider as well, making the shoe versatile for both roads and trails. “The Vibram outsole is sticky enough for rocky trails, but it’s not like a cleat,” said a tester.
Even though the shoe doesn’t have a rock plate, the increased stack height—Topo added 5mm to the heel and forefoot—serves as a buffer on rugged terrain. The thicker midsole is composed of a new Zipfoam compound that’s lighter and more responsive. To ensure stability, the platform was widened.
The upper, which is made of recycled material (one pair is equivalent to three 750 ml plastic water bottles), has fewer overlays and a higher toe sweep because no one likes stubbing their toes midrun. Narrow-footed testers needed to make their laces a little tighter, and some wished for a longer, more padded tongue. Despite the shoe’s extra width, our testers reported no ankle chafing or discomfort.
Tester Feedback
Sean O. | Tester since 2021
Arch Height: High | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Forefoot
“I love the versatility of this shoe. It very much reminds me of the Hoka Challenger in that way. I can leave from my doorstep, run down a road, hop on a mountain trail, head back on the roads, and feel confident the whole way through. It really defines the freedom of running to me—duality and simplicity. That is something lacking in road super shoes or trail shoes with big lugs.”
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
