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Top Pros
Top Cons
Reddit Reviews
ADadandHisKids-1This, have used them for years and have been great. Most of my shoes are Topo because I have big wide feet and I like zero to minimal drop
Topos are the best for larger people and wide feet. I have tried all that are listed above and have found the topo ultraventure to be the best!
Backcountry-SkiierTopo Ultraventure 4. They improved the foam and they have enough room for longer trail runs. Better toe box than Nikes and more durable vibram outsole. I have a older UV3 I've been every day since last year and IT JUST WONT DIE. I've used them on 15+ mile trail runs in the rocky mountains, fyi
Bob_MarshallI had to try on a dozen and return 3 pairs before I found a "best". Topo ultraventure 4. Everyone varies, try some on, buy at a place that will let you return used (I bought at REI)
bruceleeperryFit. Fit. Fit. Esp for downhill decent toe box space plus a solid heel fit can be the difference between the best/worst day. I have wide feet and a steep/high mid foot and traipsed all over town trying diff brands/sizes on, had 3 diff pairs shipped from overseas (no model/sizes in the most promising brand here in Japan). In the end Topo Ultraventure 4 wide are my Cinderella trail shoe for now. Also don't underestimate how much difference socks make.
bw984I’m love my Topo ultraventure 4’s for gravel running. Cushion and mild grip.
chiefbeaverI have both the UV and the EW2 and definitely would recommend the UV. It’s a very good shoe. The EW2 isn’t bad, but not a fan of the fit on the heel for running hills. The UV also has pretty good durability for me so far. Got about 700 miles on my first pair, whereas normally get 300-400 with altras.
CluelessWanderer15I've run those trails and in Speedgoats and Ultraventures, either would be fine. If you're running the 50K, the Peregrine could work too. It's a good idea to have 2 pairs, and I'd rather use both in training so they feel the same for race day. 1 pair will work fine a lot of the time, only consideration would be if you had 300 miles of trail training before race day or something like that, maybe not ideal to start a race with busted shoes.
commazeroHello, here my feedback based on my experiences with trying on these shoes in store: Altamesa: I found it had good cushion except for where my toes were and it felt like they wouldn't soften no matter how many km's I put into them. Speedgoat 6: toe box felt weirdly roomy for a narrowish shoe and they didn't quite fit right. Hierro: I was able to try on the v7, v8 and v9 models all at one store. The v9 we're the best out of the 3 but I still didn't like the v9. It just felt oddly bulky which was a shame as I love NB shoes. The 1080's are my favourite. Stinson 7: I just bought a pair from MEC yesterday and they felt so good on my feet as soon as I put them on. I'm a little used to heavier shoes so that doesn't bother me. I really want a max cushion trail runners that doesn't need to be super technical trail focused. Salomon Ultra Glide/Ultra Flow: i really wanted to like these but they were a little narrow and just didn't have the comfy impact I was expecting. Altra Timp 5: I think these shoes are awesome except for the way the upper material bends at the toe box. It just feels weird and I can tell it will create problems for me a few km's into a run. I also have the Topo Ultraventure 4 which are great but I don't know how well I would enjoy them past 30km. I have Columbia Ecolite (the ones that look like they infused golf balls into the form) which have been great but just aren't on the same level as other trail shoes. I had the Brooks Caldera 6 which were okay and had great traction but they hurt my feet and caused blood blisters on the outside of my big toes so I was able to return them when I got the Stinson. I've tried on many other runners and I have the believe that you should go with the shoe that fells the best on your foot. E: forgot to add that I also tried on the hoka mafate speed 4 and I almost bought them as they were don't in the toe box compared to the speed goats 5 & 6 but I wanted slightly more cushioning. I think the mafate is a great comparison to the topo Ultraventure 4
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Deep mud and soft ground
Top pick
Salomon - Speedcross Series
Best for Quick draining and drying for wet trails
Top pick
Hoka - Speedgoat Series
Best for Road-to-trail transitions
Top pick
Nike - Pegasus Trail Series
Best for Steep technical descents
Top pick
Salomon - Genesis Series
Best for Technical rocky terrain
Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series
Best for Ultra-marathon racing
Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series
