The Ultraventure Pro is a shoe with a somewhat different approach from its direct competitors but absolutely consistent with the philosophy of the American brand Topo Athletic.
As soon as I put it on, I find the first recognizable (and particularly appreciable) trademark: the generous toebox, which allows the toes to spread out without constriction while running.
It is a feature that can be guessed already from the shape of the shoe and often belongs to models who want to approach the natural running, but without-in this case-abandoning the comfort of a structured shoe, comfort also enhanced by a completely rethought lacing system that is more integrated with the upper. The PRO suffix should not be confusing: the outer TPU elements reinforce the upper and protect the foot so that even a neophyte can feel comfortable wearing the shoe. Rather, PRO indicates that it is a more bodied version of the Ultraventure-and the later Ultraventure 2-that is better suited to long distances and technical, rocky terrain.
Time to push
During running, the midsole Zipper Foam – in this case three separate pieces of differentiated density – is appreciated in my opinion especially in uphill pushing, where the shoe probably gives its best and where the relatively small drop (5 mm) turns out to be an affordable compromise choice.
Finally, we find the surprise most welcome to me: a Vibram Megagrip sole. Always a certainty in the industry and a love of mine that has never been equaled; if wet grip was one of the points where the Ultraventures gave way a little too much, with the Ultraventure Pros you can trust them blindly and put your feet almost anywhere, compatible with your balancing skills, of course (because you do the daily proprioception exercises, right?). The particularly deep and aggressive gusseting then confirms to me that an eye was placed on intense climbs in the design phase.
In summary
The Ultraventure Pro are a little bulldozer: not super-light compared to their segment and with a (too?) hefty list price, but protective, comfortable and indestructible.
It has to be said that this essential spirit of theirs sacrifices far too much on aesthetics, forgoing a streamlined silhouette in exchange for footwear that would not look out of place at a construction site gala. On this front I think we can (and should) do better, but until then my advice is to at least invest in slightly more pop color palettes, which moreover Topo already does in its running branch.