Women’s Topo Ultraventure 4 Review

Bottom Line

The Topo Ultraventure 4 is a lightweight, breathable shoe that requires little to no break-in time before hitting the trail. Its updated mesh upper offers increased durability, and its Vibram outsole offers excellent traction for enhanced confidence in mud, rain, snow, and rock fields.

While this shoe is very cushioned and comfortable for everyday trails, the toe box feels large and roomy in both its volume and width to adequately prevent average to narrow-sized feet from sliding around on steep terrain. 

However, this shoe is still an excellent option for those with larger feet or who plan on primarily exploring maintained trails. It’s a great value with its low weight, out-of-the-box comfort, traction, and breathability.

For more of our top women’s hiking shoe recommendations, take a look at the full lineup of women’s hiking shoes for updated reviews.

How We Tested

Our gear analysts have spent many miles field testing all of the hiking shoes on our list. We took the Topo Ultraventure 4 to Northern California and the forests of Nevada City. From sunny hikes to rain, mud, and light snow, we have tested these shoes in multiple conditions and over terrains ranging from off-trail adventures to casual escapades.

Comfort

Overall, the Topo Ultraventure 4 is an extremely comfy hiking shoe, with its light weight and out-of-the-box comfort, requiring no break-in period. The lacing system and snug heel cup kept our feet secure throughout the body of the shoe. The high stack height and Zip Foam cushioning in the midsole provide extra protection from rocky ground, while its responsiveness offers more energy return.

While having a roomy toe box gave our toes more room to splay, those with average to narrow feet may find these shoes to be too wide at the front. Our toes slid side-to-side noticeably on steeper terrain.

In addition to being a wide shoe, we found that the toe box has a high volume, which results in an increased feeling of instability with the extra material that bunches up when bending the foot during each step on steep inclines.

However, the Ultraventures performed beautifully on more moderate trails. Those with high volume and wider feet will certainly find more stability and versatility with these shoes.

Traction

Though the lugs on the bottom of the Ultraventures are not as large or deep as those on other trail runner models, we were pleasantly surprised with this shoe’s traction and performance on all terrains. The Vibram outsole provides excellent grip and security on and off the trail. When we hiked through mud and meadows, over rocky terrain and down steeper slopes, we felt confident in our steps and didn’t experience any slipping and sliding. 

Weight

The Topo Ultraventure 4s are one of the lightest hiking shoes we tested, weighing in at just over a pound for the pair. One shoe in women’s size 8.5 weighed just 9 ounces on our kitchen scale. Although they felt incredibly light on our feet, this still contrasts with the bulkier fit and appearance in the toe box.

However, the lightness of the Ultraventures is perfect for longer hikes or hotter days when lightweight material and breathability are top priorities.

Durability

The Ultraventure 4 has an updated recycled mesh upper that has been woven a bit tighter than its predecessor to keep out finer debris, but it still provides excellent breathability. The upper is also reinforced in abrasion-prone areas to increase the lifespan of the shoe. The hook and loop gaiter system, which attaches the Topo gaiter to the tongue and the rubber nubs on the back heel, also helps to keep out debris.

Although not as durable as other hiking shoes in our lineup, the Topo still held its own off-trail across boulders, bushes, and tall grass. We took these shoes away from the casual day hiking spots to test and compare their performance in off-the-beaten-path rugged terrain where snags, scuffs, and tears were more likely to happen.

Weather Resistance

Although the Topo Ultraventure 4 is not made with a waterproof material, it still resists moisture fairly well. When hiking in wet and slushy conditions through mud, rain, and snow, they repelled water better than other similar non-waterproof shoes. Moisture did eventually soak through the mesh upper, though it wasn’t immediate (with the exception of heavy rain). 

We are also impressed with the breathability of the Topo Ultraventure 4. Even when the shoes did get wet, the material dried out fast.

Should You Buy the Topo Ultraventure 4?

The Topo Ultraventure 4 is an ideal shoe for a mix of trail running and hiking. It excels on clear and well-maintained trails, yet provides enough traction for a variety of terrains and cushion for lengthy distances. It is an excellent value with its lightweight materials, new reinforced mesh upper, and Vibram outsole. Those with wider or high-volume feet will appreciate the extra space in the toe box.

However, those on the other end of the spectrum – runners or hikers with a narrow forefoot – may find that the shoe’s spaciousness creates a lack of stability on off-camber terrain.

What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

If the Topo Ultraventure 4 isn’t quite the fit you need, check out our other women’s hiking shoes. Below are some specific models that are a great place to start!

Altra Lone Peak 9 Review: If you want a zero-drop shoe with a more natural foot shape, check out the classic Altra Lone Peak. This newer model provides enhanced durability and an updated responsive cushion for hikers and trail runners alike.

HOKA Speedgoat 6 Review: If you’re looking for a durable shoe that is at home on rugged trails and excels as both a hiking shoe and trail runner, check out this model. 

Salomon X Ultra 4 Low Review: The Salomons fit like a glove and offer a slightly more rugged design with enhanced weather resistance. They feature a quick-lace system rather than laces for those who tire of constantly tying and retying their shoes.