That is a long list, but Topo sells over 20 different shoes.
Ultraventures
These shoes were the first Topos to hit the backpacking world. They are a high cushion shoe with a forgiving fit.
I’ve worn them in regular, wide and in sizes a full size or more larger than my feet.
Last year on the PCT they were the fifth most common shoe. They were the sixth most common on the CDT and the Appalachian Trail.
They wear well, are comfortable and are forgiving in how they feel. I’ve worn them for thousands of miles and many years. The difference is that the shoe has some give and when something happens that would twist or tweak an ankle, instead the shoe slips or gives a little.
I think I’m going back to them.
Terraventures
These are not as cushioned. Much more stable. Happy6 is on her third pair of them, having moved on after two pairs of Altras lasted less than a hundred miles and customer support wasn’t too kind.
Sixth most common PCT shoe last year (2025) and the fifth most common on the CDT and the Appalachian Trail.
They are low cushion with a modest rock plate.
https://pmags.com/gear-review-topo-terraventure-4-trail-running-shoes —a great review. I’ve gone through two pairs of them.
PMags review is worth reading.
Available in waterproof versions as well as regular.
I prefer a little more cushion.
Traverse
Stable. More cushion than the Terraventures. Fourth most common shoe on the PCT last year. It was also the fourth most common on the CDT.
It was the second most common shoe on the Appalachian Trail for 2025. It was also the highest rated for the AT.
I’m taking them on the trail later this month.
They remind me of an Ultraventure that isn’t forgiving and that has a bit of a front push to them. Identical look in many ways. More aggressive tread than a road shoe.
Rockplate. Balanced. https://thetrek.co/topo-athletic-trail-runner-comparison-ultraventure-3-terraventure-4-and-traverse/
I like them for short local trail training.
Great at five miles or under. Got blisters and ankle pain by day two at 16 miles a day or so as when something happens that would tweak an ankle they are firm rather than forgiving.
Mtn Racer
The 9th most popular PCT shoe last year.
I tried them a half size large (I know, I listened to a shoe guy I should have ignored). I got foot pain.
https://www.adventurealan.com/terraventure-ultraventure-mtnracer/
They have very aggressive traction. Some people love them.
Phantom
Not a trail shoe. A very comfortable road/walking shoe.
High cushion, but the tread is not aggressive.
I found them a great trainer for walking city trails. That is what the tread is suited for.
Available in many colors.
I’ll be wearing them for things like a Camino.
Additional notes:
Just some additional notes on shoes and socks.
On shoes
Topo Pursuits were used on the AT at #8. They are Topo’s zero drop shoe. I get knee problems from zero drop shoes so I’m not a good reference for them.
https://www.weeviews.com/reviews/4290/pursuit-3
Other shoes that people liked and that I have used include Merril Moabs and La Sportiva Ultra Raptors.
They are both great shoes. Tough for rocky abusive terrain.
Again, they are great shoes. Very stable. Wear well. Available in waterproof and non-waterproof versions and really handle very rough trail well.
Socks
Finally, which socks work best for me varies by the shoe. I’ve been surprised at how the shoe changes my sock preference.
Socks I’ve hiked in:
- Weatherproof from Costco. Merino wool blend. Medium to lightweight. Moisture wicking. Also sold at Walmart, Amazon, etc. about $5.00 a pair. Pair well with the Tracerse.
- Kirkland Signature Men’s Wool Blend Sock. Full cushion. About $5.00 a pair. I’ve hiked a lot of miles in these and have had them InsectShield treated. Pair well with the Terraventure.
- REI full cushion expedition socks. ~$22 a pair. They are minimal compression, 79% wool socks. I like them. Pair well with Ultraventures.
- Fox River. I got mine from a going out of business outfitter for $.50. They were probably ten years old. Mine look and feel very similar to the REI socks and I haven’t located the exact socks since.
- Darn Tough https://www.rei.com/product/114126/darn-tough-hiker-boot-full-cushion-socks-mens. $30.00 a pair. I’ve been hiking with them recently. Bought mine directly from https://darrntough.it.com/
- Darn tough also makes many mid-weight, mid to low cushion and lightweight socks.
- I use a pair of InsectShield treated dress socks to sleep in.
