Girls’s Topo Terraventure 4 Waterproof Assessment

Bottom Line

The Terraventure 4 Waterproof takes the sturdy base of the Terraventure 4 and adds air-permeable eVent waterproofing to the upper, effectively blocking infiltration of external moisture while still maintaining breathability.

Other design features remain intact, including the anatomical toe box that accommodates toe splay and wider feet, as well as the flexible ESS rock plate and Vibram outsole that offer exceptional traction. The only fit difference we noticed from the non-waterproof version was that the uppers initially felt somewhat stiff and constrictive. However, we noticed they softened up after a few runs, easing any concerns. While it may not be the most versatile choice for year-round running, the Terraventure 4 WP is a solid option for anyone seeking a breathable, waterproof shoe with spaciousness, security, moderate cushioning, and a minimal 3 mm drop. Want to read more? Check out our guide to the best trail running shoes for women.

Traction

Topo has taken their top-notch trail shoe, the Terraventure, and made it waterproof with a full eVent bootie. The tread on the Terraventure 4 WP is just as aggressive as the non-waterproof model, and we were delighted to have our go-to trail shoe available for wet, muddy runs in the Pacific Northwest over the winter. 

The Vibram Megagrip outsole and deep lugs provided a no-slip grip in deep mud and on wet surfaces. On a recent run in the Chuckanut Mountains near Bellingham, Washington, we were impressed by the traction on steep, muddy grades. The Terraventure 4 Waterproof felt grippy even on slick rocks and we felt secure no matter what was underfoot. 

As devotees of the Terraventure, we were thrilled to find that the waterproof version’s traction performance is just as solid as that of the regular version.

comfort

The Terraventure 4 Waterproof felt quite snug initially, with a weird constrictive feel in the forefoot that is not present in the non-waterproof version. However, as we ran in them, the uppers seemed to soften and become more comfortable. We will say that those who enjoy the spaciousness of Topo toe boxes will notice that these are not quite as accommodating because there is less give in the waterproof fabric. We did not find this to be an issue with overall comfort and fit, but it is worth noting that the fit will have a slightly different feel.

The Terraventure 4 WP offers a moderate cushion and forefoot rock plate that provide protection and an adequate ground feel. As we negotiated obstacles, we could connect to the trail and didn’t feel any discomfort. However, those seeking a more heavily cushioned ride may want to consider other options.

Weight

If there is one drawback to the Terraventure 4 WP it is the weight. At over 20 oz per pair, they are the heaviest model we tested. The weight is definitely a trade-off for waterproofing, durability, and aggressive tread.

We would like to see Topo find some lightweight materials to address these issues but find their overall durability and performance worth the trade-off. As it is, some may find that the weight makes these less suited to very long days due to increased fatigue.

Durability

The Terraventure 4 WP is an incredibly durable shoe and one of our top performers in the category. Despite logging hard miles in wet and muddy conditions on technical terrain, our testers found it difficult to truly wear these shoes out. 

The uppers are built from incredibly burly, tear- and abrasion-resistant fabrics. Despite catching them on trail debris and navigating narrow footing, we noted no visible damage. The incredibly tough outsoles held up to even the most rock-strewn trails without showing any wear.

The eVent fabric, which provides the waterproofing is the only aspect of the shoe that may not last as long as the rest. If the shoe is damaged or punctured, the waterproofing will be compromised. However, eVent itself is highly durable and should provide excellent protection from the elements for the life of the shoe.

Breathability

The water repellency on these shoes is fantastic, but keep in mind that if you submerge the shoe over the tops of the laces or above the ankle, water will get into the shoe. This can lead to wet shoes, even if the waterproofing has not been compromised.

As with most waterproof and breathable options, there are some drawbacks. While moisture can escape, the process is gradual. If the inside of the shoes gets wet, they will dry significantly more slowly than non-waterproof versions. Moisture isn’t the only thing that takes longer to escape, so does heat.

We love these attributes for cold, wet conditions, but it could wreak havoc on your feet on warm weather runs. These minor caveats are not unique to the Terraventure 4 WP; they are factors with all waterproof shoes.  We found the overall breathability of these shoes to be better than most comparable models on the market, allowing for maximum breathability while delivering excellent water repellency.

Responsiveness

The moderate cushioning of the Terraventure 4 WP strikes the perfect balance between comfort and connection. The flexible forefoot rockplate kept our feet feeling protected on rough terrain, including rocky bits in the Chuckanut Mountains of Washington state. Still, we never felt disconnected from the trail itself. 

The 22-25 mm stack height provided a nice amount of rebound with every step, and the minimal drop was just enough to keep us feeling natural in our stride without straining our Achilles. 

Despite its wider base, the Terraventure 4 WP did not feel clunky on tight turns, and we felt decently nimble in these shoes. Overall, these are a fairly responsive, agile ride even on technical terrain.

Should You Buy the Topo Women’s Terraventure 4 Waterproof?

The Topo Terraventure has been our trusted trail shoe for several years across various trails and adventures. Its affordable pricing, outstanding traction, and durable upper make it a perfect choice for runners who are tough on their gear. We were thrilled to find that the waterproof version maintains the level of performance we’ve come to expect from Topo.

For those runners looking for a winter running shoe, it’s hard to go wrong with these. They will keep your feet warm and dry in a variety of conditions—from rainy days to snowy treks. Their aggressive tread and grippy Vibram Megagrip provide confidence and grip in every terrain, enhancing their performance in winter or wet, sloppy conditions.

Those looking for a summer trainer or year-round shoe would be better served by checking out the non-waterproof Terraventure 4. It offers all the same traction and performance benefits but with better breathability without the eVent fabric.

What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

If the Topo Women’s Terraventure 4 Waterproof isn’t for you, check out these similar trail runners that handle rugged trails and offer excellent durability.

Brooks Cascadia 18 Review: If you’re looking for more space in the toes and more durability without compromising breathability, these trail runners may be just the ticket. Choose from two widths.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review: If you’re looking for an even wider toe box and chassis, check out these former Editor’s Pick. These shoes are at home on rugged trails and have the most room in the footbox of everything we tested. Choose from two widths.

La Sportiva Bushido III Review:: If you’re looking for an aggressive trail shoe with a narrower profile, more durability, and less cushioning, these trail runners check all the boxes.