Topo Athletic Trailventure 2 WP - Women's Review

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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