Our verdict
The Ultraventure 2 from Topo is a trail shoe that encourages natural running while muting harsh trail elements. It's a shoe that gives you free rein — if you want to go fast or slow, it can accommodate. And as per experts' testing, it is best suited for slow to moderate-paced long-distance runs. Be wary, though, the shoe veers away from its name as it's not really great for ultrarunning adventures, given its minimal cushion.
Pros
- Sufficient ground feel
- Excellent stability
- Solid arch support
- Cushiony
- Excellent surface traction
- Light on foot
- Good midfoot security
- Spacious forefoot
- Spacious toe room
- Breathable upper
- Great for cold conditions
Cons
- Flat ride
- Topo Athletic Ultraventure 2
- Porous upper
Topo Athletic Ultraventure 2: Prioritizing a natural ride
Unlike other brands involving themselves in the "superfoam wars," Topo is making a clear statement with the Ultraventure 2 — they are targeting the niche market of natural running. How? There are two elements of the shoe that make up its natural ride:
- It's a "classic EVA ride," meaning it doesn't give you a snappy toe-off or a very lively ride.
- The shoe doesn't have a crazy stack. It's low to the ground, allowing you to feel the surface beneath you.
These don't necessarily make the Topo Ultraventure 2 a bad shoe. To put it simply, how the shoe performs is all up to you — if you go fast, it goes fast, and if you want to mellow down your pace, it can too — which is the essence of natural running.
Great for cold conditions!
The general consensus on the changes adopted by the second iteration of the Ultravneture series is that it's a welcome upgrade. The upper is more breathable and lighter. A TPU heel counter is also incorporated, thereby securing heel fit. Lastly, the midsole has been revamped using a three-piece injected-EVA midsole, providing better stability.
Topo's trail lineup
- Ultraventure 2 - The "workhorse" of the bunch.
- Ultraventure Pro - If you want a rock plate that gives better protection out on the trails, this is the shoe for you.
- MTN Racer - It's lighter and faster — totally a great partner for races!
What is it for?
Speed: slow to moderate paces
Distances: short to long distances
Surfaces:
- steep technical trails
- packed gravel/dirt
- pavement
- packed snow
- rocky slab
NOT for:
- buffed-out surfaces
- ultra-running distances
