Product test

Hike in comfort with this shoe - even in the rain

1.12.2023

Translation: machine translated

I was previously only familiar with the Topo Athletic brand for running shoes. But the ankle-high hiking boots also impressed me with their fit, good support, comfort and low weight.

Almost everyone knows the Azores high. Another meteorological fact is that the volcanic islands in the middle of the Atlantic also get a lot of rain. That's why, before my holiday, I was looking for waterproof shoes that were suitable for hiking on easy to moderately difficult terrain. When I saw that the Topo brand, which I already own road running shoes from, also offers hiking shoes, my interest was piqued.

Lush cushioning and a wide toe box

When I unpacked the Topo Athletic "Trailventure 2 WP", I was surprised by the generous cushioning of 33 millimetres in the heel and 28 millimetres in the forefoot. So far, I have only run with the "Fli-Lyte 4" road running shoe from the Topo brand and therefore didn't expect such a voluminous midsole. However, since ample cushioning can also be found in trail running shoes from Topo Athletic such as the "Ultraventure 3", it follows a certain logic to offer a similarly voluminous cushioning in hiking shoes for uneven terrain.

The shoe has a wide toe box and offers good support in the midfoot and heel when I first try it on. So the first impression is good and I put the shoes in my travel bag. The fact that they are also relatively light at around 410 grams per shoe (size 40.5) is an advantage.

Hiking boots

Topo Athletic W's Trailventure 2

First impression: comfortable and non-slip

I test the shoes on my first hike in the Azores. They feel stable and very comfortable. Even though I didn't necessarily need the padding for the hike lasting several hours without a large pack and with just a photo rucksack, I appreciated the extra comfort. The fact that the waterproof model has an additional rock plate - i.e. a protective plate - built into the sole is pleasant. This means that no sharp stones press into my foot. So much comfort comes at the expense of my feel for the ground, which otherwise helps me to react quickly and keep my balance. But since I'm hiking and not running, that's acceptable to me.

Comfortable hiking with a thick sole and strong profile.
Source: Stefan Munsch

I would expect the Vibram Megagrip sole with a clear profile to provide good grip. However, the volcanic rock I'm initially walking on isn't particularly slippery due to its porous structure, so I can't really test the shoe at first. It wasn't until I continued uphill and encountered roots and wet stones on the path that my expectations were confirmed: the shoe is non-slip and suitable for easy to moderately difficult technical terrain.

Through rain and puddles with dry feet

One reason why I selected this shoe is its water resistance, which is indicated by the suffix "WP". The "Trailventure 2" is available in two versions and only the one labelled "WP" is waterproof and has the rock plate in the sole that protects against sharp stones. The waterproofness is achieved by a membrane from the brand Event, which is said to be slightly more breathable than a Goretex membrane.

The endurance test: My feet stay dry even in the swampy area.
Source: Stefan Munsch

There are plenty of opportunities to test water resistance. In autumn, it pours again and again in the Azores, which can really happen from one second to the next. My hikes take me along wet paths, but also through small marshy areas. The membrane is waterproof. Of course, if the water is kept out so well, the shoe can't be very breathable at the same time. That's why I wouldn't recommend the shoe for the summer, as moisture would otherwise accumulate. But it is suitable for autumn, winter and spring.

Conclusion: a comfortable hiking boot for wet weather

The Topo "Trailventure 2 WP" has proven itself on my hikes so far. I find the cut, which offers my toes plenty of room but has enough support on the midfoot and ankle, very comfortable. I've also learnt to appreciate the padding, even if I thought it was a bit excessive at first.

Good grip on stony terrain and in wet conditions.
Source: Stefan Munsch

The sole with a strong profile and Vibram Megagrip material is non-slip and suitable for moderately difficult terrain. The biggest plus point for me is the waterproofness, because in autumn and winter I find dry, warm feet very important, especially on longer hikes.

Cover photo: Stefan Munsch

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Siri Schubert

Senior Editor

Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.ch

Research diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.

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