RunRepeat.com's video: Topo Athletic Runventure 3 test review - An off-road running shoe

Find all reviews of the Topo Athletic Runventure 3 in one place with the hottest deals from +50 retailers. Check out: https://runrepeat.com/topo-athletic-runventure-3 The Runventure 3 from Topo Athletic looks the part of a stout offering, with several new tweaks from its successful predecessor that were a joy to explore. Much like its beefier cousin the Hydroventure, the Runventure has a very roomy fit in the front and throughout the toe box, a hallmark of the Topo Athletic line. In my now customary size 11, I experienced no issues in terms of length, width, or heel dimensions. The Runventure 3 has a low profile overall but has certainly seen its share of improvements from previous models where the upper is concerned. This model has borrowed the TPU overlays present in last year’s MTN Racer as well as the ventilation ports at the forefoot of the shoe, which made for improved moisture management in that offering, as well. Another advantage built into this year’s model was the ripstop style of fabric throughout the upper intermingled with the TPU that didn’t show any signs of letting up despite over 150 miles of hiking, trail running, and disc golfing (prior to the closing of our local parks these last couple of weeks). The only thing missing of note is the lack of gaiter attachments to the heel and midfoot previously available on all Topo Athletic trail models. Nevertheless, the heel cup remains supportive and is actually more forgiving with the decrease in the material. Overall, the upper has seen a major facelift, and almost all of it has helped push the Runventure 3 into a new echelon of off-road comfort. In terms of addressing the issue of flexibility, the new midsole to the outsole interface does wonders to allow for more freedom of movement for the foot and ankle during the gait cycle. The Rock plate is still present in this year’s model but feels less snappy while still providing anti-bruising protection to the foot on rocky trails, gravel roads, and flagstone paths. The biggest upgrade that the Runventure received was definitely in the outsole. Unlike the Runventure 2 which had a stock rubber outsole from Topo Athletic, the Runventure 3 sports the XS Trek EVO rubber from Vibram. In comparison with the Megagrip material that was used on the Hydroventure, MTN Racer, and also on the Vibram V-Alpha, the Trek EVO sole feels even more grippy if that is possible. When reaching back for extra oomph on my drives playing disc golf, sprinting up and down the gravel roads, I’ve used to social distance on my long runs and hill workouts, the sole really hooks up like almost none other this year. Most importantly, this does not compromise the durability of the sole, even after 150+ miles of use plus countless hours worn as my go-to work shoe in the PT clinic. The shoe cleans up exceedingly well, showing no real evidence of mud or sweat staining like I experienced with the MTN Racer and the ST-3. Most importantly, there has been no issues of integrity with the seams of the upper as it connects to the midsole. No splitting of the sole unit from the toe, nor any breakdown in the inner heel padding. The Topo Athletic Runventure 3 has taken a giant leap forward into a premier position in the lightweight trail shoe market. It is built tough, meant to last, and can get you from point A-Z comfortably. - Justin Helbing RunRepeat Expert