Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

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Delivering a cushioned, responsive ride that will keep you excited to go a few extra miles, the men's Topo Athletic Ultraventure 3 trail-running shoes are built for all-day, go-long trail runs.
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View all Topo Athletic Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 5 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 35 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 30 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Upper | Recycled engineered mesh |
Lining | Textile |
Midsole | ZipFoam (EVA/TPU blend) |
Outsole | Vibram XS Trek rubber |
Rock Plate | No |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 4.4 oz |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 | |
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U.S. Men's | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
UK | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
EU | 40 | 40.5 | 41 | 42 | 42.5 | 43 | 44 | 44.5 | 45 | 46 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 48 | 49 | 50 |
Mondo | 25 | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 27 | 27.5 | 28 | 28.5 | 29 | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 32 | 33 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.6 | 10.8 | 11 | 11.2 | 11.4 | 11.6 | 11.8 | 12 | 12.2 | 12.6 | 13 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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When I originally received the shoes here in Tucson Arizona, I looked at them and expected them to not last long on our Rocky technical trails. I am pleased to say that now with nearly 400 miles on the shoes and honestly no major visible where, I am very happy with their performance. With the added cushion I found them to be comfortable over long miles and surprisingly nimble even on Rocky steep trails. They work great as a mixed surface also, running routes that have a little pavement and a little dirt or gravel. These have gone above and beyond my expectation and will be a part of my running shoe quiver moving forward.
I purchased these shoes for a PCT section hike. They didn’t make it 80 miles before the Vibram portion of the sole was coming unglued. The foam lugs of the non-Vibram portion have completely worn flat. I’m extremely disappointed with these shoes. I own the 1st generation Ultraventure and they are great - almost 600 miles with no rips or tears, sole still attached to the upper, everything you’d expect. I did three laps in the Tahoe Rim Trail in my 1st gens, wore them on day hikes, to disc golf, grocery runs, etc., and had zero complaints. I was enthusiastic to purchase the 3rd gens and boy what a letdown in terms of quality and performance. I’ve included pictures of what they look like brand new, and how they looked after 80 miles on trail. Even other PCT hikers, with their shredded Altras, are floored by how fast these shoes gave up the ghost!
I like the shoe, but the inside fabric on both heels has worn out very quickly. I know this can happen on any shoe, but I did not get the value, so I will be returning them. I only walk in them a few times a week.
In the beginning these shoes were great. I loved the natural toe box, they didn't upset my plantar fascitis. The insoles were paper thin, so I had to buy a pair of super feet insoles and my investment was then over $200. Flash forward a month and a half, maybe two months and the shoes are trash. I used them for walking and maybe put 200 miles on them, I can't believe they disintegrated so quickly. Holes in both of the ankles and soles worn. I contacted Topo and they offered me a discount for another pair of their low quality shoes, which I will never, ever purchase again. Buyer beware. I can't imagine how runners could use these.
I love the fit and they are super comfortable but the lugs have worn completely off... I'm talking totally gone on the forefoot of both shoes at 180 miles. The uppers are bulletproof but the soles are not durable at all. I expect 400 miles from a pair of running shoes and these had to be replaced at less than half that.
Awesome mountain running shoe. I live in central Washington and run all conditions. This shoe delivers I love vibrant rubber and wide toe boxes. Keep ‘em coming Topo!
I love the fit and cushion of these shoes! They would be the perfect trail shoes for me if they had a deeper, more trail-worthy tread.
Comfortable for my wide feet with great cushioning. I wear these on my morning walks about every other day usually for about three miles. I’m not usually hard on shoes even at 203 pounds but these were half worn unevenly after only three and a half months.
Saw the last review and think it must have been an exception regarding a hike on the PCT Trail; a flawed build that missed quality check? I use them for trail runs and so far they have been even better then the Ultraventure 2 which I'm keeping for trips overseas for everyday walking and casual hikes. I find the fit and quality of build of the Ultra 3 just about perfect for my feet and think the feedback when I run is just right whereas version 2 was a little flat and not as responsive. Highly recommend.
The best overall shoe I've run in. It's true: space in toe box, connectedness to the ground, beautiful shoe, etc. The only complaint I have is their foam. It's just not as good as New Balance, Adidas, Brooks. I didn't have any problems with durability, but I've always been able to get 400-600 miles out of a pair of shoes. The lugs weren't a problem. I'm buying my second pair today.