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Topo Ultraventure 3 - Women's Review

When you want to dig deep and tackle a trail, this protective and comfortable shoe will be with you for the long haul
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Topo Ultraventure 3 - Women's Review (There are so many things to love about the rugged and protective Ultraventure 3.)
There are so many things to love about the rugged and protective Ultraventure 3.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   Topo
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 6, 2023
73
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#10 of 25
  • Foot Protection - 25% 8.0
  • Traction - 20% 7.0
  • Sensitivity - 15% 5.0
  • Stability - 15% 8.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 15% 8.0
  • Weight - 10% 7.5
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

The Topo Ultraventure 3 is a rugged trail running shoe that is easy to appreciate. We loved its supreme protection, strong support, and grippy Vibram sole. With a thick 34 mm stack height, a 4 mm drop, and plenty of cushion, this is a perfect shoe for long-distance efforts. The toe box is wide, which balances well with its structurally strong midfoot. The Ultraventure 3 is stuffed to the gills with cushion, but this shoe never felt mushy or overly soft. If you want a strong workhorse that can carry you through gritty trail runs, this is a great option.
REASONS TO BUY
Protective
Durable
Comfortable
Spacious
Stable
REASONS TO AVOID
Slightly heavier
Stack height might be too much for some runners

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Trail Running Shoe for Women
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Top Pick Award
Best for Comfortable Zero Drop Performance
 
Price $119.95 at Amazon
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$130 List
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Bottom Line This rugged trail shoe provides plenty of comfort and protection for lengthy backcountry excursionsIf a well-tractioned powerhouse of a shoe is what you're after, this 7 mm-drop, stacked-with-tech shoe is the one for youThis is our go-to recommendation for runners seeking a comfortable, well-tractioned shoe for short and long distances alikeFeaturing an upgraded upper and a stable zero-drop design, this shoe is a dependable and comfortable trail running option, ensuring comfort even during extended runsAn affordable and functional trail shoe that is great for new runners, budget-conscious runners, any anyone looking to tackle moderate terrain
Rating Categories Topo Ultraventure 3... La Sportiva Bushido... Hoka Torrent 3 - Wo... Altra Lone Peak 8 -... Brooks Divide 4 - W...
Foot Protection (25%)
8.0
7.5
7.0
7.0
6.5
Traction (20%)
7.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Sensitivity (15%)
5.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
Stability (15%)
8.0
8.0
8.5
8.5
7.5
Comfort and Fit (15%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
8.5
7.0
Weight (10%)
7.5
4.8
7.8
6.6
7.2
Specs Topo Ultraventure 3... La Sportiva Bushido... Hoka Torrent 3 - Wo... Altra Lone Peak 8 -... Brooks Divide 4 - W...
Sizes Available 6 - 12 US
regular
5.5 - 11 US regular, wide 5 - 11 US
regular
5.5 - 12 US
regular and wide
5 - 12 US
regular
Measured Heel Stack Height 34 mm 28 mm 26 mm 20 mm 29 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop 4 mm 7 mm 4 mm 0 mm 7 mm
Rock Plate No 1.5 mm Dual-Density compressed EVA Rock-Guard in forefoot No TPU No
Measured Lug Depth 3.5 mm 3.8 mm 4.0 mm 3.2 mm 3.0 mm
Measured Weight 7.67 oz 9.11 oz 7.52 oz 8.14 oz 7.82 oz
Upper Mesh Air Mesh / Thermal Adhesive Microfiber / High Frequency Welded Ripstop Overlays Mesh Ripstop Mesh Mesh
Midsole ZipFoam 4mm LaSpEVA / Compression Molded MEMlex EVA Altra EGO DNA Loft
Outsole Vibram XS Trek EVO Bi-Compound FriXion® XT 2.0 V-Groove3 Rubber MaxTrac TrailTack rubber
Heel Tab Type None Finger loop None Finger loop None
Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop 5 mm 6 mm 5 mm 0 mm 8 mm

Our Analysis and Test Results

With a measured 34 mm stack height at its highest and a 30 mm stack in the forefoot, the Ultraventure 3 is the shoe we recommend to runners who want to run in ultimate comfort. The toe box is wide enough for toes to splay while running, and the midfoot is sturdy enough to provide great support.

Performance Comparison


topo ultraventure 3 for women - this comfortable and protective shoe offers stability and security.
This comfortable and protective shoe offers stability and security.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Foot Protection


The Ultraventure 3 eked out a near-perfect score in this metric because of how impressively protective it is. It does not have a rock plate, but its high stack provides plenty of protection on its own. The 30 mm stack in the forefoot offers a comfortable landing pad, and the ample space in the toe box prevents your toes from riding too close to the front of the shoe, which is a great first line of defense. The toecap is made of strong yet slightly pliable rubber and extends a bit higher than many others, offering excellent toe protection.

topo ultraventure 3 for women - the rugged toe cap creeps up a bit higher on this shoe than on some...
The rugged toe cap creeps up a bit higher on this shoe than on some other contenders, adding to its overall toe protection.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

The upper mesh is fairly porous, however, and easily allows water to travel into the shoe. That said, the Ultraventure dries out a bit more quickly than other contenders because of how breathable this upper mesh is. Since this trail runner sits significantly higher off the ground, we didn't feel any water infiltrate as we crossed small puddles and trickling streams. This isn't our first choice for sloppy and wet terrain, but if a few small water crossings are in your future, the Ultraventure won't hold you back.

topo ultraventure 3 for women - the fact that this shoe sits incredibly high off of the ground gives...
The fact that this shoe sits incredibly high off of the ground gives you a distinct advantage for mild water crossings.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Traction


The Ultraventure 3 boasts way better traction than what it is allegedly made for. The Topo Athletic website states that this shoe is best for mild to moderate terrain, and we are here to disagree with that statement. We have tested a lot of running shoes, and we intentionally try to skid out and slip in all of them. The Ultraventure features evenly spaced and square-ish lugs on a Vibram outsole. Not only is the mud shed top-notch, but the slight variance in the lugs across the outsole provides excellent traction. This grippy shoe is on par with some of our high scorers in terms of traction and stands out among the shoes designed for mild to moderate trails. The thick stack, sticky outside, and intentional lug pattern inspire confidence on challenging terrain.

topo ultraventure 3 for women - the lug placement and vibram outsole make the ultraventure...
The lug placement and Vibram outsole make the Ultraventure incredibly grippy on loose terrain.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Sensitivity


Not surprisingly, the Ultraventure 3 is not the most sensitive trail shoe out there — far from it. However, some people might be looking for a stable shoe that doesn't offer as much sensitivity. When it comes to this metric, to each their own, so don't let this shoe's lower score fool you. The Ultraventure provides enough trail feel so you'll know what is going on, but it rides like protection is its priority. If you want a strong, protective shoe that is going to be with you for the long haul and you aren't super concerned by sensitivity, this is a shoe that we recommend.

topo ultraventure 3 for women - the fat stack height of this trail runner decreases its sensitivity...
The fat stack height of this trail runner decreases its sensitivity by a lot. It performs well enough in this metric, though not when placed in direct competition with some of the most sensitive trail runners on the market.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Stability


Because of how thick and beefy the Ultraventure 3 is, it feels like it encases your feet in a protective shield. It has a 4 mm drop, which balances nicely with its tall stack height. The heel cup is thick enough to secure the heel, so we never felt any unnecessary lateral movements as we ran. This shoe has a bit more meat in terms of arch support, adding to the sensation of securing your foot. Additionally, the toe box space allows your forefoot to spread out and engage as needed, which encourages greater muscular stability.

topo ultraventure 3 for women - the ultraventure is one of the thickest, beefiest, and most stable...
The Ultraventure is one of the thickest, beefiest, and most stable trail running shoes that we've tested.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Comfort and Fit


We love the balance that the cushioning of this shoe provides. It has plenty of padding where trail runners want it most, but the cushioning is hard-packed and compressed. This comfortable design increases this shoe's durability because it doesn't pack out as quickly as shoes with fluffier cushioning.

topo ultraventure 3 for women - the wide toe box and intelligent cushion make the ultraventure a...
The wide toe box and intelligent cushion make the Ultraventure a super comfortable shoe.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

The toe box space of the Ultraventure 3 is extra-large without feeling clown-like, and we love it. The contoured heel cup fits snugly, so we never had any issues with slippage. The arch support comfortably provides some stability, so we never had to rely on the lateral structures of the shoe for this. The lacing system is plush with soft laces and never felt restrictive, even when fully tightened. Overall, if a secure and stable workhorse is what you want, the Ultraventure has a ton of attributes that make it just that.

topo ultraventure 3 for women - we love a wide landing platform - this feature usually increases a...
We love a wide landing platform - this feature usually increases a shoe's comfort tenfold.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Weight


Each shoe of a women's size 6.5 US Ultraventure 3 weighs 7.67 ounces, which is on par with shoes of a similar structure. It isn't the lightest weight shoe, but the sheer amount of protection makes the weight worth carrying. The weight distribution feels good as you run, too. We initially felt a little bit like the forefoot of the shoe was heavier when compared to other shoes, but we grew accustomed to this sensation after a few short runs.

topo ultraventure 3 for women - though on the heavier side, the protection of the ultraventure makes...
Though on the heavier side, the protection of the Ultraventure makes every ounce worth it.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

Should You Buy the Topo Ultraventure 3?


The Ultraventure 3 is a semi-niche shoe, so we can't flat-out recommend it to everyone. For example, if you want a sensitive trail runner that'll encourage you to speed down mountain faces, this probably isn't it for you. But this is a fantastic shoe if you love long trail slogs and don't mind a bit of structure surrounding your foot. We grew to love the rugged protection and wide base of support and think you will too — provided you want a shoe with cushion, a spacious toe box, and burly protection.

topo ultraventure 3 for women - when our long training days call for a rugged, stable trail...
When our long training days call for a rugged, stable trail companion, we reach for the Ultraventure 3.
Credit: Ally Arcuri

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?


The obvious antithesis to the Ultraventure is the La Sportiva Bushido III. The Bushido is one of our top recommendations for runners who want to feel every bit of undulation and information from the trail below. Conversely, if you like the sound of the Ultraventure but might like a shoe that is a bit softer, the Altra Lone Peak 8 is the way to go. The differences are noticeable, but these shoes are of the same ilk. The Lone Peak has a zero-drop profile, but both shoes have large toe boxes and rugged outsoles, making them the perfect companions for long runs and hikes. If you want to up the ante and climb wet, sloppy terrain, we heartily recommend the Salomon Speedcross 6 because of its crampon-inspired traction.

Ally Arcuri