Trial and Error: finding the perfect Ultra shoe
As we are all, I am constantly look the best shoe for me (at the moment). I recently tried these and thought I would share a few words. I bought them on runningwarehouse with our team discount they were $87
Topo Ulraventure: US size 15 https://www.topoathletic.com/mens-ultraventure?color=28
Specs: Wide toe box similar to Altra. 5mm drop vs Altra’s Zero. They seem as light/heavy as the Altra but didn’t actually weigh them.
Fit: They fit closer to the my size 14 Altra Timp’s than the 15’s. There was enough room at the toe, but definitely not as floppy as the Altra 15’s.
Cushion: They aren’t super plush, but weren’t firm either. I ran 5 miles on trail and wasn’t floating on clouds but also couldn’t feel every rock underfoot. They are less plush than the Altra run, but the forefoot on the Altra seem to compress very quickly, these didn’t.
Overall pretty solid the first 5 miles. I ran total 55 min. TRP with 2x 8:00 intervals (with walking/hiking recovery) They felt solid with a little speed under them. The terrain is rolling trails with some smaller climbs. Hiking / power walking was comfortable. Not a technical route, but there are some downhill sections with rocks, roots, etc. that you need to dance through. I didn’t really have them cinched down rock solid, but I never felt that they weren’t supporting me.
All in all a good first run and happy with them. They will definitely be in the rotation opposite the Altra Timps.