Outdoor Retailer 2018 Summer Market Recap - Topo Highlights

Outdoor Retailer is North America’s largest tradeshow for the outdoor industry. Split between an annual Summer Market show and an annual Winter Market show it is the conference where exhibitors, retail buyers, and the outdoor media come together to preview upcoming products. Brands previewed a ton of upcoming new products we should generally see in the next 3-9 months. In this article we’ll focus on what caught my eye from a running shoe standpoint.

Note: any specifications cited are pre-production numbers. As brands get closer to mass production and distribution we may occasionally see slight tweaks based on final wear testing and feedback.

Topo

The Topo Terraventure is a shoe I really like. I believe Topo is on to something with the fit of their shoes. A narrow(er) heel combined with a locked in midfoot and wider, without being sloppy, forefoot fit is spot on I believe. With the current trend of maximalism in midsoles that has been the main gap in Topo’s lineup to-date for trail shoes. Not any longer – we’ll see the introduction of Topo’s first maxi trail shoe in the Ultraventure. Additionally, we’ll see updates to the Terraventure and Hydroventure with the forthcoming Terraventure 2 and Hydroventure 2.

Ultraventure

Weight: 11.2oz / 317g, 9.1oz / 257g

Stack Height: 30mm/25mm, 5mm drop

Available October 2018 at REI; November 2018 for the general launch; $130

The Topo Ultraventure is a new model from Topo that looks awesome. With a new Vibram® XS Trek outsole and plenty of midsole foam for the long haul I think this shoe could be great for long runs and races.

Terraventure 2

Weight: 10.8oz / 306 g, 8.2oz / 232g

Stack Height: 25mm/22mm, 3mm drop

Available November 2018, $120 (including a wide version as well)

The Topo Terraventure 2 will receive a new Vibram® XS Trek outsole, Topo’s new ‘hook and tunnel’ gaiter system, and drainage ‘gills’ to facilitate water release. I’m also loving the men’s yellow and women’s mint colorways.

Hydroventure 2

Weight: 10.2oz / 289g, 8.3oz / 230g

Stack Height: 25mm/22mm, 3mm drop

Available January 2019, $140

With the Topo Hydroventure 2 we will see an update featuring a new Vibram® Megagrip outsole, the optional ‘hook and tunnel’ gaiter system, and Topo’s proprietary single-layer eVent® breathable/waterproof upper construction.

Thank you for reading and thank you for your support!

Meet Your Shoe & Gear Editor: Ben Zuehlsdorf

I am an avid running gear junkie. When I’m not smelling new shoes I’m usually running or racing around the local trails in Marin County, California or talking shop with the San Francisco Running Company community of friends. I was once a road marathoner but now have transitioned almost exclusively to the trails and racing ultras the last few years.

Disclaimer: All words and thoughts are my own and no compensation was offered nor received.

Ben Zuehlsdorf says:

August 3, 2018 at 10:53 am

Following

Jeffrey Johanson says:

August 3, 2018 at 10:57 am

Ultraventure looks real nice but disappointed they didn’t use Vibram Megagrip compound.

Tony says:

August 3, 2018 at 12:32 pm

Hi Jeffrey, thanks for your comment. Having been the CEO of Vibram USA for 11 years, I’m pretty familiar with the benefits and drawbacks of their different compounds. MegaGrip is a great compound for slip resistance, especially in wet conditions, but it doesn’t have the abrasion resistance of XSTrek. In this case, we felt like our tread design was strong enough that we could use XSTrek, thereby optimizing traction AND durability.

That said keep your eyes peeled for more new trail products from Topo that will use MegaGrip.

Thanks again!

1. Ben Zuehlsdorf says:
  
  August 3, 2018 at 12:45 pm
  
  Great stuff Tony. Thanks for commenting.
  
  I made the same assumption about Megagrip until I physically felt the difference of the two rubber compounds.
  
  Keep up the great work with everything you all are doing at Topo. We love seeing brands like yours challenge the big brands with new design choices and innovations.
  
  1. Tony says:
    
    August 3, 2018 at 1:17 pm
    
    Thanks Ben, and feel free to reach out anytime. We love reading Ultrarunner and appreciate how well you guys cover the industry — very impressive!
    
2. Jeff Johanson says:
  
  August 4, 2018 at 3:35 pm
  
  Thanks for that reply and explaining the differences between the compounds. I am familiar but many may not know all the various compounds and their attributes.
  Living in New England with some of the most technical terrain in the country I value grip most highly and also for safety reasons. Would love to see that shoe with Megagrip.
  
  Jeff

Outdoor Retailer 2018 Summer Market Recap – Topo Highlights