Topo Hiking Shoes: Picking the Right One For You

[@andreasritter5955]

Thank you for the review! After running in Salomon’s for decades I tried Altra shoes for about 2 years, but was never really happy with them. After I found Topo, I am constantly buying all versions and choose, depending on the terrain, which ones I will use that day/week(s). The one I really love, too, but hasn’t been mentioned: The Trailventure! I started with the first version and use now version 2 as regular and waterproof option. Overall, they are great shoes and the offered models will make your feet feel comfortable in almost all terrains!

[@kamwatkins1957]

Had had many Terraventures. Of my last 3 pairs 2 got holes in the little toe region, they fixed that, but my newest pair had the toe bumper totally blow out all the way down to the sole after 1 month of wearing to work indoors. Really disappointed that the quality has gone down. Am trying the Pursuits as they are to be more durable.

[@superfell]

I've spent a lot of time trying to decode the descriptions of the different models on the topo website without much luck, so this is super useful, thanks!,

[@davidplotkin5173]

Coming from Keen Circadia hiking boots with a 17 mm heel to toe drop, I did want to try something lighter that I could also splash through creeks with without a worry. I was tempted to get the Pursuit 2 but decided on the Traverse since I did not want to go flat at 0 mm. I also wanted the rock plate which was built into the Traverse for people that are mainly doing hiking and not running. It has worked out incredibly well. It took me only a few dozen miles to get used to the feel of a much flatter shoe and the potential strain it would put on my ankle.They are unbelievably comfortable, they work on all surfaces because of that great sole, but I did have to buy a half a size larger than normal because my foot is average width. I found also that a Runners Knot helped immensely. Without a doubt I would recommend the Traverse model if you do not want to go with a 0 mm drop shoe that leaves out a rock plate.

[@jordanrhodes]

Spot on review. I have the Persuit, Mtn racer, Traverse. Traverse is narrrow. My favorite to hike is the Pursuit. So nice! The Mtn Race is my all in one Travel adventure shoe. Super comfortable. Go anywhere shoe (Mtn racer).

[@RegularNickWhy]

Big fan of Topo shoes. I use the Phantom 3 as my around town., dog walking shoe. I use my Ultraventure 3 for light walking on gravel trails. As a day hiker in the Santa Cruz mtns I love my Trailventure 2 boots and am on my second pair. Appreciate your videos! Thanks.

[@jnicemiz]

Ultraventure is a trail running shoe, best for running and hiking on easy or well maintained trails -- dirt, gravel, etc. Not good for mud or very rocky trails. I wouldn't hesitate to take this to most state parks, many dry hikes out west in UT, AZ, even some hikes in the Rockies like RMNP lake hikes. MTN racer is better for more serious hikes, although it's also a trail running shoe. I use this shoe in the Rockies, the White mountains in NH where there's a ton of boulders, and other trails that require some scrambling like in WV/Shenandoah area. Only downsides is it's not good for foot jams, so if you are doing some serious scrambling then an approach shoe is likely better, and there's no rock plate so after hours on boulders you may experience some discomfort despite the good cushioning.

[@trerom1]

Вот молодец, мужик, всё разложил по полочкам. Теперь всё ясно и понятно. У меня первые топы Racer 3, хорошие, отличные. Всё нравится, всё устраивает, только с размером ошибся - взял на размер больше. Великоваты, но всё О'кей 😉👍

[@dennisvandepol5938]

Great and well needed video as there are no shops nearby that sells them. I can order them online but i can't see and try them in a shop. Right now i own the Terraventure 4 and i really like them. But because of bad knees i need one that has a bit more cushioning and i think that Pursuit is the best choice.

[@michaelstudelska5607]

I have a pair of Trailventure 2, not water proof. I really like them. I am an older hiker who appreciates the feel of a trail runner but also a little bit of ankle support. It gives me more confidence on rocky terrain. I will definitely buy another pair when the time comes.

[@leighwMobile]

Next time please include the Trailventure WP in the comparison. I came to know about Topo shoes by purchasing the Trailventure WP for wintertime hikes because of its light weight and toe box comfort. After a winter season with the Trailventure, I'm now exploring the rest of the Topo line and finding them all excellent for my foot structure. This video was really helpful for me to learn about the models I don't have (yet). But I think it would be a good service to the audience to include the Trailventure in your next comparison video. Thanks for this great video!

[@JasonRaneses]

I really like the MTN Racers. It’s a solid shoe and is crazy durable. The structure is also outstanding. Not to mention the wide toe box.

[@RideAlongside]

@@JasonRaneses same here. I had the original MTN Racer and then Speedgoat 5, and now the MTN Racer 3. Also just picked up the newest Altra Lone Peaks, but my favorite for long distance running and hiking in a variety of terrain, including very technical trails are the MTN Racer 3’s. Will put up a video real soon comparing Altra, Hoka, and Topo. You can probably figure out my conclusion however

[@JasonRaneses]

@@RideAlongsideI’ve also got the Speedgoat 6 which are nice and grippy. At least on my feet they’re a bit shallow though, which leads to less confidence on rockier terrain with ankle stability. Reaching for the MTN Racer 3s on most days.

[@RideAlongside]

@@JasonRaneses I’ve tripped less in the speedgoats than either the original or the MTN racer 3, probably because they are so narrow. I only ever trip by catching the outside edge on rocks or roots. I had to go with extra wide (EE) speedgoats and while they are grippy, like you said, they don’t deal with super technical terrain or mud like the MTN Racers. Although I would like to try many other models, I’m likely going to get another pair of MTN Racer 3’s before the end of the year. They fit me so well and perform better than any shoe I’ve worn to date

[@JasonRaneses]

@@RideAlongsideGood calls, it’s an experiment and all feet will be different. On the Speedgoats, they felt narrow too and I got the wide. I was floating around in them though and went back to the originals. They stretched and so far have been much better.

[@peterbedford2610]

I have Trailventure and Pursuit. Both fit great and are very tough with great grip.

[@pgreenx]

Very helpful. Would be nice to put in notes which have a rock plate.

[@user-ul5yu5hk9k]

Another excellent review. Thank you

[@floydmietus6624]

I'm a heavy guy 250lb and topo is my choice the mnt racer 2 is currently my favorite trail shoe and I wear the ultraventure in the office

[@Columbia.Hiking.Club.29212]

The Ultraventure sounds like a great shoe for paved paths. I'll have to test a pair.

[@hikingmando]

I've tried a few different Topo shoes. The Terraventure was my all around favorite, and I felt the MTN Racer 3 was very unstable.

[@robertnickell2610]

Excellent video and very useful. Thanks.

[@ratnakordosshu6291]

I visit Nepal 7 days ago. In mountaineering shop all of the shoes are very very narrow 😢 No wide foot shoe I found. What to do?

[@LagunaRider1961]

I tried the Ultraventure and it didn’t work for me. I wear a size 10 and tried them on and they felt fine at the store but when I went walking in them, the top part of my toes started rubbing against that rubber piece around the front which created some major issues. I’m wondering if I should try a half size larger. I’ve been using the Altra’s and they feel great. Surprisingly for hiking, the Merrill Moab 3’s (wide width) have been outstanding for me and they can be had for super cheap.

[@Hikingguy]

I like the Moabs but it's hard for me to go to the heavier shoe, especially on a long day, I really feel the extra lift.

[@Nhkg17]

Too late. ;-) I hesitated for a long time which model to buy and in the end I chose Terraventure 4. Based on this video I would buy Pursuit.

[@karensimerlink2443]

Great review! I have been using the MTN racer 3 as I can trail run with it as well. Great grippy shoe. Brooks cascadia is another good one.

[@Hikingguy]

Terraventure is great - if it's working for you no need to change

[@DrFuzzwad]

Have you considered reviewing Norda shoes? They are the shoes that cost twice as much as a regular shoe but claim to last twice as long.

[@Hikingguy]

Funny you should mention that, just ordered a pair this week and really looking forward to them.

[@Krackedknee]

Big love for my terraventure 4s!

[@fervensmortis]

Did you own the 3's before? Needing to replace my 3's but the 4's look like a drastically different fit and feel

[@Krackedknee]

@@fervensmortis No ive only had the 4's...

[@heiser_bill]

Cris, what’s your choice for Fall/Winter hiking? I don’t mean in snow, but just cold and maybe wet, when these mesh shoes would feel cold?

[@Hikingguy]

I usually just wear heavier socks or a neoprene sock. I have a pair of GoreTex HOKAs that work well but only wear them in snow: alnk.to/cSIoGXI

[@TomKolesar]

As always a very informative video that provided a wealth of relevant information. Thank you! I do have a pair of (old) Altra Lone Peaks I bought based on your recommendation years ago and they worked out perfectly for the Bridge to Nowhere Hike. However, I remain skeptical about wearing a 0 drop shoe on a trail with a lot of elevation gain. I would love to find a pair of Topo's that would work for me, but the models I have tried felt too narrow in the forefoot and my local REI doesn't really stock the brand in-store. Which non-zero drop TOPO have you found to have the widest forefoot with a grippy sole? Lastly, have you tried the Brooks Cascadia 18? That shoe has a big fan/user base. Thank you.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you and for me, the Brooks has too narrow a toe box and a bit high 8mm drop. I like the MTN Racer 3, that might be a good option for you.

[@TomKolesar]

@@Hikingguy Thank you for your reply. I truly respect your opinion. You have a lot more miles on the trails than I do. I just bought a pair of Topo Traverse based on your recommendation in a Wide to compensate for the "narrowness" you mentioned (and I felt) in the regular width. I hope we cross paths on the trail sometime soon. I would enjoy hearing more on why you favor shoes with a smaller toe drop. Cheers.

[@edrose4583]

Great info - much appreciated. Which is wider - MTN racer or Pursuit? One of these will be my next shoe. Lone Peak 8 fit well but looking to try others. Thanks

[@Hikingguy]

Pursuit

[@lennynichols6809]

I found the perfect shoe for me and it was the Topo Athletic Ultraventure Pro. Unfortunately, they quit making these. Topo told me that the Pursuit is the replacement. However, they do not fit me nearly as well as the Ultraventure Pros, perhaps due to the narrowness (as compared). Any idea what their closest fit and function shoe would be?

[@Hikingguy]

I didn't have the Pro but it might be the MTN Racer

[@wolfeadventures]

The Pursuit 2 have a stiff heel counter that doesn’t work on any trail with an angle. Do the others all have a stiff heel counter?

[@sedonatvcom]

I'm a big Topo fan. Terra

[@Galactusz007]

I’m digging the Pursuit 2 (are they wide?). I have flat feet. Been using Brooks Beasts (great shoes for flat feet). The problem my left ankle seems to turn at times. Brooks Beasts are not high tops. I need something that goes high ankle. What do you think of the Topo Athletic Men's Trailventure 2? They look exactly like the Pursuit 2 but with high tops. Appreciate and love your channel!

[@Hikingguy]

If you want that high cuff, I think they're worth a try. I haven't used them because the high cuffs don't seem to do anything for me but I've heard good things.

[@Galactusz007]

@@Hikingguy Much appreciated!

[@antonroux6737]

how does toe box width compare between Pursuit 2 and Ultraventure 3?

[@Hikingguy]

Looks about the same

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@eyesears113]

Any thoughts on the Danner 2650 gtx? Just subscribed!

[@Hikingguy]

Have not tried them but folks who use them swear by them.

[@eyesears113]

@@Hikingguy Thank you. Happy Thanksgiving! 🍗🥂

[@markjones2973]

A different opinion; Instead of shoes, try hiking in sandals. I have been day hiking in sandals for 7 years all over southern California mountains including Joshua Tree. The only time I wear shoes is in the snow. Try Bedrock or Luna sandals. This is a much more natural way to walk. Topo shoes have way too much heel-toe drop - very unnatural for our feet. When I hike in the snow I wear Altra's - lone Peak, wide toe box and zero heel to toe drop - the way we are designed to walk. While your at it get rid of your walking poles - these destroy your natural balance - just a crutch, the more you use poles the worse your balance becomes. I was born in 1962, so chronological age has nothing to do with fitness or agility. Let your feet go free. Thank you hiking guy for all your great content. If you don't believe me about the sandals, let me know when your in So. Cal. and I will meet you for a hike, you chose, see you on the trail.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you for sharing that. I used to hike in sandals years ago but it's been a while. Will try them again, thanks for the recommendations.

[@ramon3077]

Do you trail run in them as well?

[@davidR1136]

Which you recommend for Everest Base Camp trek?

[@Hikingguy]

Probably the Pursuit

[@davidR1136]

Thanks

[@trerom1]

СПАСИБО👍👍👍😉😉😉 СЕНЬКЮ😂