Nike wmns dunk high panda black white women casual lifestyle shoes dd1869-103: The fourth iteration of the Runventure maintains its reputation as a lightweight, flexible trail shoe.

  • Vibram outsole provides reliable grip on slick surfaces
  • Roomy toebox
  • Bally monogram-print buckled sneakers

Type: Trail
Price: $125
Weight: 9.8 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W)
Drop: 0 mm

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Topo Athletic Runventure 4

Runventure 4

Topo Athletic Runventure 4

$125 at Amazon
Pros
  • Grippy Vibram outsole
  • Isabel Marant Nowles lace-up ankle boots Brown
Cons
  • Ankle boots BALDACCINI 1518000 Bordo Welur
  • Stivale slouchy 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 for speedier efforts; the star-patch detail sneakers See Kai Run Robyne sneaker 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.

topo runventure 4More Photos
Thomas Hengge

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.

topo runventure 4More Photos
Thomas Hengge

Testers’ Feedback

Katie F., Ankle boots TAMARIS 1-25378-27 Black Snake 074
Arch:
High | Footstrike: Forefoot
Previously tested:
Altra Olympus 3, Nike Pegasus Trail 3

“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., Tester since 2021
Arch:
Medium | Pronation: Overpronator | Footstrike: Forefoot
Previously tested:
Moncler lace-up boots

“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.”

Headshot of Amanda Furrer
Amanda Furrer
Test Editor

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 Sole and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.