Trail running has grown rapidly over the past few years. More and more athletes are turning to off-road running to explore nature, get outside, and build their fitness level. Today, there are over 20 million trail runners worldwide.
And with this growth of trail running also comes an increased demand for good trail running shoes. Runners, hikers, and anyone who spends time off-road need shoes that keep them safe and comfortable on rugged terrain.
Since its founding in 2013, Topo Athletic has stepped up in this area. The brand has consistently delivered comfortable trail shoe models designed to help athletes traverse nearly any landscape. From smooth, paved roads to steep, mountainous trails, Topo has shoes for everyone and every terrain.
The Ultraventure is one of the brand’s most popular running shoes. Now on its 5th iteration, this lightweight, max cushion shoe bridges the gap between road and trail shoes, offering a versatile design that can carry you from road to gravel to trails.
The Ultraventure 5 didn’t stray too much from the formula that made it such a fan-favorite in the first place. However, the new upgrade did incorporate some changes and tweaks designed to improve the fit, feel, and overall running and hiking experience.
Throughout this review, we’ll dive into these changes and highlight some of the Ultraventure’s key features to offer the best possible insight into whether the Ultraventure 5 is the right fit for your next shoe.
Ultraventure 5: A Quick Overview
If you’re ready to learn more about the Ultraventure 5, you’re in the right place. Here are all the specs and features you can expect to find in the newest Ultraventure iteration.
- Advertised as a lightweight, cushioned trail shoe that’s versatile enough for road, gravel, and light-to-moderate trails
- Stack height: 35 mm in the heel, 30 mm in the forefoot
- 5 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Weight: 10.7 oz (M), 8.7 oz (W)
- Midsole made from Topo’s proprietary ZipFoam cushioning
- Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole provides reliable grip and durability across nearly any terrain
- Recycled mesh upper is lightweight, breathable, and durable for maximum protection
- Roomy toe box delivers optimal space and comfort around the front of the foot
- Reshaped midsole platform creates soft landings with smooth transitions
- New universal gaiter system helps keep debris out during long hikes or trail runs
- Available in standard and wide width
- Price: $155
A Closer Look at the Ultraventure 5
The Ultraventure 5 brings with it some key upgrades, as well as some consistent features designed to deliver maximum comfort and protection out on the trails. Let’s dive into some of these features and how you can expect them to look and feel in the newest Ultraventure.
ZipFoam Midsole
The Ultraventure’s soft, cushioned landings stem from the high stack of ZipFoam in its midsole. This proprietary midsole compound uses a TPU/EVA blend to deliver a plush yet responsive ride underfoot.
The Ultraventure 5 features a 35/30 mm stack height – the same stack height found in the Ultraventure 4. However, the reformulated foam in the newest Ultraventure feels even softer underfoot. A reshaped midsole platform balances out the plush foam for added stability and comfort through each step.
Vibram XS Trek EVO Outsole
The Ultraventure’s Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole earns it a spot as one of the best all-terrain shoes around today. While the shoe is geared towards mild-to-moderate trails, these versatile lugs can handle any terrain you throw at it.
When you’re out on dirt roads or trails, these lugs grip into the ground and provide excellent traction. However, the depth and lug pattern can tackle road-to-trail runs, gravel, and other packed dirt. The outsole isn’t overly stiff or aggressive, so you can enjoy the shoe’s reliable grip without sacrificing comfort.
Overall Construction and Geometry
One of the biggest updates between the Ultraventure 4 and 5 can be found in the midsole geometry. The Ultraventure 5 features a refined midsole geometry that guarantees a soft, stable ride.
The shoe also features a pronounced forefoot rocker with a mild heel bevel for smooth and natural forward transitions. As you move through roads or trails, this rocker geometry helps guide you forward.
High cushion shoes like the Ultraventure can often feel unstable or wobbly, especially on rough or rocky terrain. The good news is that the Ultraventure counters this instability with a low-profile design and a low 5 mm drop.
Even with all the soft cushioning, this geometric design keeps your feet in a natural position. This allows you to feel the ground underneath your feet and provides a solid, stable foundation for all your off-road adventures.
Upper Design & Overall Fit
Around the top of the foot, a recycled mesh upper helps optimize comfort and support as you maneuver roots and rocks.
The mesh material is thicker and more padded than in previous iterations, but still maintains a lightweight and breathable feel. The refined mesh also has more durability than ever before. It’s built to last, with a rubber toe cap and structured overlays for maximum support and protection.
Topo running shoes all have a distinctive fit, with a narrow heel and midfoot and a wide, foot-shaped toe box. The Ultraventure 5 has this signature Topo fit, with plenty of space in the front of the shoe for natural toe splay. This roomy design is ideal for long thru-hikes or distance trail runs, when you need extra room for feet to move and swell.
New Universal Gaiter System
The mesh upper does a great job of providing a secure fit around the ankle to keep dirt and debris out. But for even more protection, the Ultraventure 5 now has a universal gaiter system.
This new integrated system makes it easy to attach a gaiter, so you can use the Ultraventure 5 in any weather conditions, over any loose or debris-heavy terrain.
Topo Ultraventure 5: Road & Trail Test Results
The Ultraventure boasts a versatile design built for multi-surface runs. So of course, we had to put these claims to the test. We laced up the newest Ultraventure 5 and set out on all types of runs. We covered paved bike paths, packed dirt roads, gravel pathways, and more technical terrain to see how the Ultraventure 5 performed in action.
Our review team members weren’t strangers to the Ultraventure line. The Ultraventure 4 has supported us through rocky hikes, runs across various terrains, and even snowy and slushy road runs in the winter. We knew what previous iterations of the shoes could handle, and we were eager to see if the shoe’s 5th iteration lived up to this reputation.
Upon sliding on the Ultraventure 5 for the first time, we were happy to see they haven’t made too many drastic changes from the previous iteration. The foam still felt soft and springy underfoot, although some of our reviewers even thought the newest iteration was a bit softer. There was also the same immediate step-in comfort and spacious fit we’ve come to know and love from the Ultraventure.
The Ultraventure has become well known for its versatility across different terrains, so of course we had to put that to the test with the newest iteration. Throughout our runs, we moved between paved roads, dirt, and trails to determine how the multi-directional Vibram outsole design held up.
Overall, we were impressed with how easily the Ultraventure adapted across different surfaces. On roads, the soft cushioning and reshaped midsole kept legs and feet feeling fresh and comfortable. The wide lugs didn’t feel overly stiff or obtrusive, even on fully paved roads.
And crossing over onto trails, the Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole performed just as well. It was grippy and did a great job of digging into the ground, providing us with the secure traction we needed on more slippery, uneven surfaces. However, it doesn’t have the most aggressive outsole, which may be limiting for anyone focused on crossing the most rugged trails.
While we appreciated that Topo kept the shoe mainly the same, we also appreciated the small upgrades to the upper material that improve the overall running experience. The recycled mesh has more padding around the heel and tongue, creating a locked-in feel with luxurious cushioning surrounding the whole foot. It’s also more durable, with a rubber toe cap and overlays that do a great job of protecting the foot and resisting wear caused by debris.
The overall fit around the top of the foot was another highlight. The wide, spacious toe box felt fantastic, offering immediate all-around comfort with no hot spots or pressure points. Topo shoes also tend to have a higher arch than other brands, and we appreciated how the arch was raised to meet and support the foot through every step.
However, while many of our reviewers enjoyed the wide fit and high arch, this general fit and feel may not work for everyone. The toe box is roomier than ever before, to the point where anyone with narrow feet may find it a bit sloppy and unstable. If you prefer a more snug fit, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere.
The high arch can also be hit-or-miss. Runners or hikers with a lower arch or who don’t enjoy the feeling of arch support might find this midsole construction uncomfortable or unnatural, especially during longer runs or walks.
But in general, our team at Marathon Sports thinks that a lot of runners, walkers, and hikers can enjoy what the Ultraventure has to offer. The accommodating toe box and snug heel and midfoot create a secure, comfortable fit perfect for long days on your feet, no matter where your off-road adventures take you. The soft cushioning and versatile design are another huge plus, keeping you safe and secure on whatever terrain you prefer.
Pros and Cons
When debating the best shoe for you, it’s important to take all the pros and cons into account. What works for one person doesn’t always work for others. So here are some upsides and downsides to having the Ultraventure 5 in your shoe rotation.
Pros
- Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole is incredibly versatile, making the shoes ideal for road-to-trail, gravel, light trails, and more
- Recycled mesh upper is soft, lightweight, and flexible for maximum all-around comfort. The rubber overlays also add durability and structure for longer-lasting wear
- ZipFoam cushioning is softer than in previous iterations for more shock absorption and bounce underfoot
- Foot-shaped toe box with low 5 mm drop allows for a smooth ride with natural toe splay
Cons
- Grippy outsole is ideal for a wide range of terrains but doesn’t provide as much traction on more technical trails
- Raised arch and snug midfoot may not fit those with a low arch profile
Topo Ultraventure 5: How Does it Compare?
The newest Ultraventure is a great choice for anyone looking for a soft and cushioned road-to-trail shoe. In fact, it’s one of our top all-terrain shoes of 2026. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only option to consider.
Hoka is also top-of-the-line when it comes to road-to-trail running. Its all-terrain shoe, the Challenger 8, boasts versatile tread and lots of soft cushioning underfoot.
The Challenger fits wide all-around but has a more tapered toe box than the Ultraventure’s foot-shaped design. If you prefer a snug and secure fit through the forefoot, you may enjoy the Challenger. It also has a higher 7mm drop, making it a better option for heavy heel-strikers.
Over the years, Topo shoes have also drawn many comparisons to Altra shoes. Both brands have a wide toe box and a low offset, ranging from 0-5 mm. Like the Ultraventure 5, the Altra Lone Peak 9+ has a spacious toe box that ensures plenty of wiggle room throughout runs and hikes.
There are also a few key differences that can help determine which option is best for you. The Lone Peak features a low stack of firm cushioning and a balanced midsole design with a 0mm offset between the heel and toe.
While the Ultraventure’s cushioning feels fantastic underfoot, the Lone Peak’s minimal design keeps you more grounded and stable on technical trails. Paired with the more aggressive Vibram outsole, this Altra shoe will likely be a better choice for more technical, uneven trails.
With that, it may feel a bit stiff and uncomfortable on roads or lighter dirt trails, as opposed to the Ultraventure, which can more easily tackle multi-terrain runs.
The Finish Line: Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Founded back in 2013, Topo hasn’t had quite the storied, lengthy history as some other shoe brands on the market today. But the brand has quickly proven itself as a strong contender in the road, trail, and all-terrain running shoe space.
And in a growing crowd of all-terrain shoes, the Ultraventure has become a fast favorite. The 5th iteration maintains everything we love about the shoe – a soft midsole foam, roomy toe box, and versatile tread – all while adding some more features to improve every stride.
When you need a shoe that can handle almost any terrain you throw at it, the Ultraventure 5 is the shoe for the job.
However, with a low 5 drop and roomy toe box, the Ultraventure 5 also has some key differences from more traditional running shoes. If you want to try it out for yourself before making the jump, you can do exactly that at your nearest Marathon Sports.
When you swing by, our dedicated footwear expert team will use the Right Fit process to narrow down the best options to keep you supported and comfortable during all your walks, runs, hikes, gym sessions, and more.
