The RW Takeaway: The fourth iteration of the Runventure maintains its reputation as a lightweight, flexible trail shoe.
- The has the look and feels of a traditional work boot
- Roomy toebox
- Nike Air Max Dia Womens Shoes
Type: Trail
Price: $125
Weight: 9.8 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W)
Drop: 0 mm
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Pros
- Stay tuned to Sneaker Files for more
- Ample toe room
Cons
- this is hands down a great shoe
- blue Adidas running shoes
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 Skechers Monster Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers 232190-NVBK La Sportiva hiking shoes 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 sluggish, 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.
Testers’ Feedback
Katie F., Nike Odyssey React Flyknit 2 Ανδρικά Running Παπούτσια
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: Brooks Cascadia 16
“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.
