“Firstly I would like to say how exceptional the over the phone service and advice was that I received. This was followed up with quick turnaround and delivery of my order. The bigger running shop outlets could learn a lot about decent service from the team at NR.
Nervous at first about opting for a lesser known brand from the US but keen to give them a try especially with an updated vibram sole. these shoes are great for those wanting a natural and unrestrictive fit at the front of the foot but still provide a secure fit in the mid and heel. I’ve trained and run ultras in these mainly in drier conditions and they are extremely comfortable whilst also providing good footing in softer ground and also on loose rock. Have noticed a slight lack of traction when conditions have got much wetter and this wouldn’t stop me using them if I know ground conditions are mixed but are probably not a shoe for autumn/winter. The shoes are deceivingly light which again helps over the longer distance they are designed for.”
“I ordered a pair of Topo Athletic Ultraventure shoes for training and racing a 50 mile mountain race in August. After a mix up with the wrong shoes being delivered, Northern Runner very kindly leapt into action and arranged for the correct shoes to be delivered by courier on a NBD delivery.
The shoes arrived on Friday and on a whim I raced them untested at 9am the next day for Trail Marathon Wales. Conditions were very mixed: hard rocky ground, sloppy deep mud, steep fast descents, puddles etc. The Topo Ultraventure shoes exceeded expectations at every step.
I'd previously never worn Topo shoes and using them out of the box for a marathon was a calculated risk. The fit is perfect for my wide & square paddle feet and the shoes drained water very well. The 6mm lugs were deep enough for the sloppy stuff and the midsole cushioning was just the right level of firmness for a long slog. The heel cup and mid foot were more snug than the Altra Lone Peak 4.0 which can feel a bit loose. Lacing was great, they never came loose and the shoes seemed to adjust nicely to down forces and foot swelling. The race was a good test for the forthcoming 50 mile and I've also subsequently worn them for a very confident ascent & descent of Snowdon.
I'll definitely be wearing the Ultraventures for trail & mountain events and will continue buying them in future from Northern Runner!”
“Nice wide toe box, and secure midfoot but unlike altras feel like a normal shoe not a weird platypus foot! Good cushion level for long runs and feel like they are starting to wear in not out which is a good thing. Grip is ok - tested in Wales on steep wet descents and does slip a bit on flat rocks but a nice compromise and bomber in the dry. There is some arch support whether intended or not. Too much for me with flat feet and I’d prefer it more neutral but that’s just me. Laces are a bit short especially if you lock lace at the top but they don’t come undone ever which is nice. So far have 200km in them and no signs of wear at all which suggests the fabric and overlays are pretty robust. Downside is o think they might be quite warm in the sun”
