Here's an example of Topo Athletic's current deft hand: the third iteration of their best-selling Ultraventure 3 women's trail running shoe includes a larger stack height (more midsole) and burlier outsole while somehow managing to decrease the weight of the shoe. That's some smooth operating. 

The Ultraventure 3 serves up some of the most cushioning in Topo's stable, offering a plush, lightweight, and stable ride with max comfort. The R&D team updated the midsole with lighter, softer, and more responsive ZipFoam and then just kept building the stack height to a noticeable 35mm in the heel (5mm more than previous models). That not only means more comfort but also more protection. 

Adding stability to the buttressed stack height is an increased overall platform width, with a more significant toe sweep aiding the final phase of gait from midfoot to toe-off. In other words, this workhorse is as stable as ever on those technical downhills, despite an additional 5mm of foam underfoot.

Speaking of underfoot, the Ultraventure 3's final update can be found on the outsole, where Topo refined the design with Vibram XS Trek EVO rubber and slightly less aggressive lugs, thereby cutting weight and offering increased feedback and flexibility. If you're into moderate to slightly technical terrain, you can't do much better than this "Runner's World" award winner. 

Specs

• Topo's best-selling women's trail runner gets updated with a new outsole and 5mm of extra cushioning in the midsole
• Newly increased stack height serves up way more comfort and more protection from underfoot baddies
• Extremely roomy toe box that allows for toe splay, swelling, and balance in tricky terrain
• Split mesh upper locks down the midfoot while serving up admirable breathability
• Ultralight ZipFoam midsole coupled with OrthoLite insole boast a cushy ride, comfort, and firm response near the ground
• Each pair of shoes uses the equivalent of three recycled 750ml plastic bottles in construction
• Vibram XS Trek EVO outsole features a newly refined design, offering lightweight durability with increased flexibility
• Slightly less agressive lugs save weight while also serving up good mud and snow release