Customer Reviews Topo Athletic Ultraventure 2

Got the 1/2 size smaller... Fit would be perfect if it wasn't for the crazy firm toe protection piece... If you like a good snug fit on the length, you may not like the toe protection. It gets in the way in a painful way with my pinky toe. Might have to suffer with a slightly too big shoe because the size that fits my foot size perfect is ruined by the toe cap/guard... With all that said, if you can find the perfect fit and not be bothered by the toe cap, I highly recommend these shoes.

needs more cushion, plus they are just a little narrow for my bunion

I prefer zero drop shoes for running. I have many Altra shoes and I decide to try the Topo because of zero drop and big toe box. Magnifly 3 is a perfect shoes for my regular training because of comfortable cushion without the big stack height. It is a little heavier than my Altra but not by much.

I primarily bought these for work, as I do a fair amount of walking outside, but also wanted something for some actual hiking. I have a "bad" right knee so I had to give up backpacking and bigger mountain hikes, but still wanted something to help me enjoy the great outdoors. These seemed to alleviate a lot of knee pain, and that is just coming off from a 30 day trial on the Hoka Challenger Mid with Gore-Tex! I like the way these fit width wise, like Keen [also Sketcher Extra-Wide] boots. Because these have that same WIDE look, that are better for those of us with wider toe boxes, like EEE. I have tried almost every brand with wide sizes under $200, and these just simply feel better for my foot, but they should still offer a wide option...PLEASE! Not a lot of interior height either, so going to try some lacing techniques to try and free up some room for my higher volume feet, plus to be able to run thicker or cushioned socks, and also to hopefully eliminate heel lifting(getting a little better). But I am not too hopeful, because there is no leather to stretch or even break-in. Length is like Danner and Sketchers for me, in that they are a half to a full size bigger than I wear in every other boot. I am normally a 10w-10.5w, but had to go down to a 9.5 on these. I have had these for a couple of weeks now and appreciate the waterproof [and breathable] booties, because I also work in the rain, and walk across dew covered drenched lawns in the mornings. However we will see how long they stay waterproof, as I don't have much luck with waterproof/breathable membranes, besides Gore-Tex, and that only last a year for me. Most others brand versions start leaking on me within two weeks to about 3-4 months. My better half says I should be a boot tester for all the brands of boots I have owned and failed. They still do make my feet sweat, even with eVent, especially compared to the apparently very breathable Hoka boots I just tried. I also prefer leather, so this will be the first full nylon boot I have ever tried, and so far I don't mind them. One less boot to Sno-Seal. However, just like the waterproofness, we will see how the outside holds up long term. Likes: wider toe box and squared off toe design(like Keen), stable transition through the gate cycle, Vibram outsole :), speed lacing with a 'lace-lock' feature, isolation from rocks and roots from the full-length ESS rock plate, waterproof [so far]. Annoyances: Slightly heavier than the Hoka boot I just had, sweaty despite the eVent DVdryLT one-piece upper that is supposed to be breathable, stiff sole(so unfortunately lots of heel lift) probably due to that full-length ESS rock plate, no wide sizes(even though they are wider than most other boots "wide" sizes), low volume(so need to wear thin socks), and thin/too flexible removable insole which make insertion after drying difficult.

I hope they last, I run about eight hours a week mostly trails, the Vibram sole was the reason I bought these shoes. They feel less comfortable comparing to Nike, or other brands I've tried but I don't want to buy shows every three month.

I love my Topos, they're l great shoes. I rotate between 2x pair of Ultraventure v1's (2200km & 1350km), and a pair each of UV Pro's (325km), Mtn Racers (475km), and UV v2's (42km), all in size 11.5 US. But... The original UV v1 size 11.5 US fitted perfectly in toe box, mid foot and heel, and are nicely soft but responsive underfoot. It was a pleasure to run in them from the first moment I wore them. Their only issue was the poor grip of the vibram xs trek on hard/slick surfaces, and the lugs wore down too soon. Whereas, the UV2 size 11.5 US are too tight across the ball of the foot and mid foot, too loose in the heel, and too firm and rigid underfoot. But they have a better lace system and do grip better on hard /slick surfaces. The UV Pro size 11.5 US are similar in their sub-par fit with better grip. The Mtn Racers size 11.5 US are even worse in the fit - tight! But they grip. Topo - please make the next Ultraventure v3 like v1, with v2's laces, vibram Megagrip, and an extra 1 or 2mm of lug depth, just don't change the fit. And don't bother with rock plates - that's a different shoe. Would I recommend the ultraventure v2's...? perhaps, but size up by a half size compared to UV 1's and wear thicker socks

These are my ~15 pair of Topos for different surfaces / conditions over last 3-4 years. This pair of 'pro' had an internal blemish where the toe-box intersects the main body - additional fabric seemed to be glued to the seam, and created a very hard 'bar' across my toes making a blister up-hill. I was able to tear the fabric from the glue and it softened enough to stop the blister action ... now that i've broken them in ... hoping they improve. disappointed

I work in a hospital, heating air conditioning. walk between 6-10 miles a day. stairs, ladders, wet basements, outdoors. not enough cushioning in these for my liking. I am getting older , like a softer shoe.

I hope your R&D guys run in sand and dust at an average mountain pace. If they do you'll be bringing back the ripstop. I owned 3 pair of MTN Racers just because of the outer fabric and my wife owned 2 pair after I recommended them. The Ultraventure with a ripstop shell would be the best shoe on the market that isn't a zero-drop Altra. I can't run in zeros or I would just buy an Altra. I would buy this combo, Ultraventure with ripstop outer, all day long. My feet would be clean, dust and sand free. The Ultraventure is one of the most comfy shoes I've had but my feet get trashed with the Rocky Mountain dust and sand. The MTN racer kept my feet clean but didn't last as long, were not as comfy and then you took the ripstop away. The ripstop is bomb proof in brush, scree, and sharp traverses. Talk to an average trail runner, not the elites, and bring back the ripstop. Sincerely, Al

So comfortable, awesome fit, great for 13+mi runs. My first pair last 350mi+, the door was bare but cushion but outer material split at the seam with the sole My next pair, the seam split again but only after 150mi. The thread and cushion are still great, I tried to salvage them but not enough miles. I'm having the same seam issue on a pair of my topo road shoes too. That's 3pair with the same problem

As some other reviews have mentioned the fit of the Ultraventure has changed from V1 to V2. I possess "duck feet" with a wide forefoot and "normal" heel, and the V1's were perfect. To me the V2's feel narrower at the widest part of the foot (ball of the big toe joint to little toe joint) and the heel is now loose (the reason I dislike Altra shoes.) Still tons of toe room, but too narrow for me to wear now. I know I don't have a standard foot, so cannot really blame Topo for the change, but I would love the old shoe fit to return in the V3.

While the midsole and outsole are very reminiscent of V-1, I found it very difficult to get a secure lockdown in the Ultraventure 2. I have changed the laces three times in an attempt to dial in fit. The microfiber band that goes around the midfoot is tacky but the heel area and fabric of the upper lacks the ability to keep me secure. The dual density upper is fairly thick but too stretchy and hot. Certainty not the greatest choice for hot weather running. Also, the lace loops are a paracord type(new to V-2). I do wonder if this contributes to the lack of security. The ortholite insole is super comfortable but it is a LITERAL sponge for sweat and water(also an issue in V-1). I rate this shoe as a 3 because i don't hate it...however, it needs to live up to, and/or surpass V-1 to recieve higher marks. I am hyper critical of this shoe because it has potential to be awesome. A positive feature of V-2 is it's loss of nearly 1 oz in my size 11. I will continue training in it but will not be able to race in the Ultraventure 2. Please change the upper on V-3.

I've got 32 miles on these, running on the PCT here in Tahoe. Want to love them and was bothering Topo to get my hands on a pair, but unless they do better over the next few miles they are going back. Likes, wide toe box, that is shaped like my foot. Very nice. Stable, as i have broken my ankle before, I'm always concerned. This was really nice. Dislikes. Typical slippery Topo laces. Liner appears to be odd shaped and does not go back in smooth nor flat. Topo specific gatter attachment. Come on, lets get some industry uniformity. 1st run was 6 miles. Was hoping for more comfort from new shoes. The cushion was not there, better then Altra's by far but still for the stack height, and all the talk about the new mid-sole I was hoping for more. Sure Im, 195 lbs but... What i really disliked is on the bottom of both heals, it was like I was running on rails. I'll add a photo below. Its like they put too much stability control into the show or the foot bed was made out of slightly harder places in lines. 2nd run. 6 miles. They felt better. Laces are still not great and I found myself stopping a lot. My ankles and legs felt tired. 3rd run. 20 miles with 3,500 feet gain. The hardness under the heals seemed to go away totally on my left foot. It went away for about 10 miles on the right then came back. I was surprised how tired my knees, quads and ankles got. Sure the PCT is rocky but I've run this section before with others and nothing like this. No way could I have worn them for a 50k. Feet and ankles hurt the next day. Maybe Im looking for the holy grail of shoes, and I thought this one would have it. Nice toe box for my flipper feet, combined with the structure to be a stable shoe but comfort is not there. After 32 miles, I'll try them again on a shorter run but anticipate sending them back.

I was really looking forward to this shoe coming out and had high hopes. Unfortunately this shoe does not work for me. It is a great looking shoe. Found the shoe to fit short on length and tight over the top of the foot. The width is fine, just lacks volume. The worst issue was there is something in the heel cup along the back of the heel that started causing a hot spot within 3 miles. Had the start of a raw spot at the end of my runs. Might work for some folks, just not me. Returning shoes to Topo for a refund.

Fine for walking but not a comfortable running shoe for me. Toe box is adequate, length runs a bit short

This was my first pair of Topo. I have been wearing Altra for a long time. I thought I would give Topo a try. I don't like the 5mm rise. I'm used to zero drop. Also don't like how it feels like you fall off the toe. Very stiff shoe. No forefoot cushion. Unfortunately, I am sticking with Altra. (I have the Topo Phantom)

Almost the perfect shoe. Unfortunately the new outsole design is hurting the outside of my foot. Where the softer part sist in the middle this creates a hard outer part that I'm stepping on. No point of having a wider toebox if the sole is buildt in like that. Should be the same platform overall that you step on. Also for a maximum cushioning it should be softer.

The changes from v1 to v2 turned one of my all-time favorite shoes into a bust. As others said, change in fit decreased forefoot volume. Worse for me, though, were the new overlays which caused the shoe to flex in the wrong spots and created hot spots below the small toes. I was grateful to be able to buy up a bunch of v1's before they all disappeared, and hope v3 returns to the successful formula of v1. I did just buy a pair of Mtn Racer 2s, though, and they are awesome!

Somehow the shoe is a significant compromise from prior version. The mid foot and forefoot feel materially more narrow and for me less comfortable. I get more gravel/rocks in my shoe with this version. I can't detect an improvement in my use case on my foot. All downside so far.

Love Topos. Finally found a shoe that consistently fits. Wider tie box is a key feature for .but- very disappointed in this version of the ultraventure. It is so laterally sloppy so as to border on unsafe particularly on laterally sloping trails. I will not wear them for trail running anymore. Relegated to closet or only the tamest of walks. What happened Topo? Loved the last iteration of this shoe-unfortunately not this one.

I bought these after loving my Ultraventrues so much. That was a comfortable shoe and hard wearing. These however are a poor relative. I recognise that they are not the same design as the Ultraventrue but I still feel compelled to give a poor review. The shoe itself does not have a good, firm feel to it. After just 2 months, they feel flimsy and the rubber around the base has separated from the upper shoe. They wore out far too quickly for the price. Topo have been pretty good about it and replaced them but I won't buy these again. Please, please bring back the Ultraventures in a better colour selection!

So I have ordered 3 of these in various sizes. The ones that are my size lengthwise are too narrow where the stitching is. The wider men's ones are PERFECT in the width but are way too long. I would give anything for a men's 7 which they don't make. You have no idea how badly I want to love these shoesthe sock like feel of the upper is awesome. You guys are really close to perfection...but definitely not there yet.