Melvin 65 Denim Ankle Boots Leather: The fourth iteration of the Runventure maintains its reputation as a lightweight, flexible trail shoe.
- Nike Running Swoosh half zip mid layer top in black
- Roomy toebox
- Sneakers Kriss 1 2 con effetto pelle di serpente Bianco
Type: Trail
Price: $125
Weight: 9.8 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W)
Drop: 0 mm
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Nike Running Swoosh half zip mid layer top in black | Topo Athletic Runventure 4
Topo Athletic Runventure 4
Pros
- Grippy Vibram outsole
- Tatiana platform sandals Rosa
Cons
- New Balance FuelCell Prism Sneakers
- paul smith black ankle boots
Back in 2020, during a mostly shut-in summer because of the pandemic, one of my only escapes was trail running. I alternated between three pairs of shoes: the Brooks Catamount Bascheți CALVIN KLEIN JEANS Higt Top Lace-Up Sneaker V3X9-80128-0890 M Black 999 Altra Olympus 4 when my body craved beefy cushioning; and the Runventure 3, which became my primary trainer. It checked all the boxes: lightweight, moderately cushioned, reliable traction, a snug and comfortable fit. I wondered, when the 4 was inevitably on the horizon, whether the new model could deliver what I’d experienced already.
The good news is that the Runventure’s reputation as a nimble, minimalist trail shoe is kept intact with this latest version. Though a few tenths of an ounce heavier than its predecessor, it still lets me fly down the cinder path of my old stomping grounds, the rail trail where I first ran in the Runventure 3. On a recent 13-mile Sunday long run, I appreciated the flexible forefoot and the generously roomy toebox, which is paired with reinforced stitching in the midfoot and heel to ensure a secure, slip-free fit.
The zero-drop sole has a relatively thin stack height (20mm) and no rock plate in the midsole. Some testers appreciated the ground feel, but others wanted a little more cushioning underfoot to buffer the stray rock or exposed root. Still, they agreed that slick stretches were no match for the Vibram XS Trek Evo outsole.
Nike Running Swoosh half zip mid layer top in black | Testers’ Feedback
Katie F., Karlie sneakers in suede
Arch: High | Footstrike: Forefoot
Previously tested: You can reserve the shoe on Adidas sneaker app
“I enjoyed this shoe as much as I have liked all of the Topo shoes I have worn—both road and trail models. I most liked the lacing system, as I did not have to retie or double-knot my shoes during any run. I also liked how the shoe very much hugged my foot; the snug supportiveness gave me confidence on all surfaces. I tested the shoe on mostly trails at high altitude, which included lots of mud, dirt, rocks, roots, and some grass and gravel, as well. My paces on the trails ranged from 8:30 to 12- or 13-minute miles while ascending quite a bit of elevation. Overall, I found these shoes to be lighter than my other Topo trail shoes (the Terraventure) but not as comfortable as my Altra Superiors.”
Justin K., Sneakers LE COQ SPORTIF Veloce 2110487 Kelp
Arch: Medium | Pronation: Overpronator | Footstrike: Forefoot
Previously tested: Was ist das Puma Running System
“I actually really liked this shoe even though I don’t usually buy zero-drop. The shoes had enough cushioning without feeling ‘numb’ to the ground. They were very stable on various terrains and were very comfortable. The extra toe room was really appreciated and unexpected. It really allowed my toes the ability to spread out and grip when needed. It also helped with balance and handling rocky patches on the trail. The shoes were very stable—I didn’t roll my ankle once on trails that I tweak myself on regularly. They laced easily and were easily adjustable without fighting the lace grommets.”
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
