Reviews You Can Rely On

Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP - Women's Review

A great pick for those looking for increased cushioning and more space in the toe-box, though breathability isn't the best
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Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP - Women's Review (The improved lacing system and beefy Megagrip rubber sole increase the appeal of these modern hiking boots over prior...)
The improved lacing system and beefy Megagrip rubber sole increase the appeal of these modern hiking boots over prior iterations.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Price:  $180 List
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Manufacturer:   Topo
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Oct 28, 2022
70
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Comfort - 25% 5.0
  • Support - 25% 7.0
  • Traction - 15% 8.0
  • Water Resistance - 15% 8.0
  • Weight - 10% 7.6
  • Durability - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

If you're in the market for a contemporary hiking boot that performs more like a running shoe with thick cushion underfoot and a well-padded ankle, the Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP is a good choice. A favorite of those with a wider foot, this boot offers more room in the toe-box in an effort to prevent hot spots after many miles spent on the trail. Our only complaints about these boots are the lack of padding for the Achilles, which left our skin feeling a little raw and inflamed after our testing period. Also, the eVent bootie doesn't allow the mesh upper to release enough moisture. Still, this boot features a lightweight design, sufficient waterproof capabilities, and ample traction for those looking to maneuver over technical terrain.
REASONS TO BUY
Well-padded ankle
Great for wide footed hikers
Thick foam midsole provides stability
REASONS TO AVOID
Parts of the lacing system lack durability
Subpar support for Achilles
EVent bootie lacks breathability

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Trailventure 2 WP is a modern hiking boot that is essentially a running shoe with a well-padded ankle cuff and a significant cushion below the foot. While extra room in the toe-box increases comfort for those with a wider foot, our testers were disappointed by the lack of padding for the Achilles. That said, these boots are lightweight, waterproof, and provide decent traction over various terrain.

Performance Comparison


topo athletic trailventure 2 wp for women - out enjoying the extra cushion and waterproof protection of the...
Out enjoying the extra cushion and waterproof protection of the Trailventure 2 WP which is also a very lightweight option.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Comfort


The Trailventure 2 WP is one of the more comfortable hiking boots we've tested in terms of the spacious toe-box and two inches of foam underfoot. However, while the sole and toe box were comfortable right out of the box, the surprisingly stiff design and rigid heel left our testers wishing for more sufficient padding on the back of the boot. The lack of padding and the pinch we felt from the structure surrounding the Achilles are a couple of reasons this boot didn't score higher.

topo athletic trailventure 2 wp for women - ample cushion underfoot and a well-padded ankle on the trailventure...
Ample cushion underfoot and a well-padded ankle on the Trailventure 2 offers a ton of comfort for those with a wider feet - we just wish there was more padding over the Achilles.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Support


Initially, our testers were surprised that this running shoe-style hiking boot could also be stiff and rigid, especially surrounding the Achilles. However, some of the original stiffness naturally subsided after a break-in period. In terms of lateral motion, we appreciate the rigidity that also increases stability for our ankles while moving over uneven terrain. And while the 5mm drop from the heel to the forefoot promotes a natural stride, we noticed this drop, the rocker design, and the thick foam underfoot took some getting used to in order to prevent tripping over debris along the trail.

topo athletic trailventure 2 wp for women - the 5mm drop from heel to forefoot and the rocker design took a...
The 5mm drop from heel to forefoot and the rocker design took a little getting used to on the trails.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Traction


Like most modern hiking boots that feature a Vibram outsole, the Trailventure 2 received good marks for traction, thanks to the sticky and reliable lug pattern of their Megagrip technology. Our testers were psyched about the performance of these boots when moving through all terrain types — from loose gravel to slick and polished Yosemite boulders, the Trailventure didn't disappoint.

topo athletic trailventure 2 wp for women - megatrip traction inspires confidence with every stride.
Megatrip traction inspires confidence with every stride.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Water Resistance


The Trailventure 2 WP performed well during our waterproof testing, even when submerged for up to one minute, thanks to the eVent waterproof bootie construction. Not only were they waterproof, they also kept our feet warm during cold testing sessions in the Merced River. The 5.2-inch ankle shaft, while not the highest that we've measured, performed effectively when crossing streams and moving through early-season snow. The only caveat to this waterproof capability is that it doesn't allow the boot to effectively release moisture built up during activity.

topo athletic trailventure 2 wp for women - event booties keep feet warm and dry even when submerged for up to...
eVent booties keep feet warm and dry even when submerged for up to one minute.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Weight


While not the lightest hiking boot we tested, the trail running shoe style design of the Trailventure 2 WP weighs only 1.72 pounds per pair for a US women's size 8. Features like the mesh upper and thick foam sole increase performance without adding extra weight that could inhibit movement on the trails.

topo athletic trailventure 2 wp for women - this trail runner and hiking boot hybrid weighs only 1.72 pounds for...
This trail runner and hiking boot hybrid weighs only 1.72 pounds for a US women's size 8.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Durability


While we did not experience any issues with durability during our three-month testing period, we can't help but identify potential points of weakness. The lacing system on the Trailventure 2 has improved from previous editions, but the toe and tongue connections are still reinforced with thin mesh, which could fail over time. And while we love the synthetic upper in terms of shedding weight and offering waterproof breathability, we find that synthetic uppers are typically not as durable as leather hiking boots and therefore don't offer the same longevity in their construction. That said, we do appreciate the burly sole and the durable rand when moving through rocky sections of trail.

topo athletic trailventure 2 wp for women - this photo displays the durable rand and the improved lacing system.
This photo displays the durable rand and the improved lacing system.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Should You Buy the Topo Athletic Trailventure WP?


If you're looking for a hiking boot that provides lightweight performance or simply have a wider foot that enjoys some extra room in the toe-box, the Trailventure could be a good choice. The waterproof and durable thick foam construction are notable features, particularly if you live in a cooler area, as these don't breathe the best. While we were disappointed in the lack of padding over the Achilles, we are still confident in recommending these boots for shorter romps and moderate backpacking trips.

topo athletic trailventure 2 wp for women - the topo athletic trailventure 2 wp features extra cushion underfoot...
The Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP features extra cushion underfoot and exceptional waterproof capabilities.
Credit: Trish Matheny

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?


If you have a wider foot, check out our favorite zero-drop boot, the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid 2. We feel it offers a far superior design for a comparable price. We also love the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid as an all-around performer. And if you're interested in a hiking boot that offers maximum comfort and cushion underfoot, check out the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX.

Trish Matheny