Topo Ultraventure 5

Topo Ultraventure 5
This week I am going to be checking out the newest Topo Ultraventure 5.

If you are new to Topo, the first thing you will notice is the fit. A nice lockdown in the heel and midfoot, with a nice open toebox to let all your toes actually splay and not feel like sardines in a tin.

This shoe is designed for long days on the trail, and it fits that bill beautifully.

Let’s dive into my impressions of the brand new Topo Ultraventure 5, and why I think it's a top-tier contender for your next big adventure.

I really enjoyed the last iteration of the Topo Ultraventure, with my only gripe being the toebox getting some tears and premature breakdown, otherwise, it was a shoe that I truly enjoyed putting miles in.

When the new Ultraventure 5 slid across my desk, I was excited to pull them out of the box and take them for a spin.

Putting it on, I was greeted with a largely familiar feel. The step-in feel is comfortable as always. Cushioned but not too soft, great lockdown throughout the foot, and plenty of space for my toes to do what they want.

One big difference with the new Ultraventure is the updated upper. The upper is definitely more substantial than last year’s iteration, which will surely solve some of the durability issues experienced by myself and many others in the Ultraventure 4. It does feel the slightest bit tighter in the toe box, but opened up nicely after a few runs.

By all means, it does not feel narrow, but I am like the princess and the pea when trying on shoes, and noticed that right off the bat.

On the trail, I was greeted with a familiar feel of comfort and stability throughout my runs in this shoe. My arches are similar to those of Willie Nelson in his heyday: high.

The arch in the Ultraventure 5 met them perfectly. For some, the Ultraventure’s arch may feel on the high-side, but it breaks in nicely, forming to the foot and being unobtrusive.

The transition during foot strike is incredibly smooth, and I quickly forgot about the shoes I was wearing and was transported to the forest with complete bliss in my mind and comfort on my feet.

Another small gripe I had with the last iteration was that it felt a little iffy on more technical terrain.

The Ultraventure 5 is by all means not a technical trail shoe, but there were noticeable improvements in the lockdown, and I felt more ‘sure-footed’ dancing down rocks and hopping around roots
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The Ultraventure 5 is not trying to be anything particularly special, it’s trying to be exactly what it is: a good trail shoe.

In that department, it hits the nail on the head. It is always fun to run in something super bouncy or super responsive, but there are plenty of days I just want a shoe that works.

Just like Dolly, the Ultraventure 5 works 9-5 with consistency and no frills.
I found myself reaching for it more and more throughout the week, and it has most certainly carved out a space in my current rotation.

The most comparable shoe on the wall is the Altra Experience Wild 3, and if I had the choice, I would grab the Ultraventure seven days out of the week. For my foot, it just feels better day after day, and I truly enjoy running in it.

I would say the Experience Wild is a touch wider, and perhaps a bit softer, so if that intrigues you, that may be the way to go. If you’ve been a fan of Topo or Altra, the new Ultraventure 5 is definitely worth a try-on next time you’re in the shop.

That’s the gist. I really like the new Ultraventure. It fixes the things that were concerns from the last version, and still feels like an old friend.

Whether you’re training for your next Ultra, lolly-gagging in the forest, or need a good pair of shoes for your daily dog walks, the Ultraventure 5 fits the bill, and fits your toes.

Until next time.