Ultraventure 5 GTX: the same fit with GORE-TEX
Topo Ultraventure 5 GTX is Ultraventure 5 with a GORE-TEX membrane. It is available from October 2026, for men and women.
The platform is the same as in Ultraventure 5. The difference is the upper, which has GORE-TEX Invisible Fit and keeps out rain, mud and snow.
Quick facts: Ultraventure 5 GTX
- Type: waterproof, neutral trail shoe with high cushioning
- Membrane: GORE-TEX Invisible Fit
- Stack height: 35/30 mm
- Drop: 5 mm
- Midsole: ZipFoam
- Outsole: Vibram, same lug pattern and depth as Ultraventure 5
- Rock plate: no
- Gaiter attachment: yes
- Best for: trail running and hiking
- Available for men and women
What is GORE-TEX Invisible Fit?
In many waterproof shoes the membrane sits like a sock inside the upper, known as a bootie. With Invisible Fit the membrane is bonded directly to the upper material, so the membrane and the upper become a single layer.
According to GORE-TEX, this gives the same fit and feel as a shoe without a membrane, without compromising the toe box. GORE-TEX describes the membrane as durably waterproof, totally windproof and quick-drying, with reliable breathability.
The same platform as Ultraventure 5
The midsole is ZipFoam, with 35 mm under the heel and 30 mm under the forefoot, and the drop is 5 mm. The outsole is from Vibram and has the same lug pattern and depth as Ultraventure 5, so the shoe works from the trail out onto gravel and road.
The shoe is neutral and has no rock plate. At the heel there is a universal gaiter attachment. Gaiters are sold separately.
The Topo Difference in Ultraventure 5 GTX
All Topo shoes have three things in common. Here is how they work in Ultraventure 5 GTX.
- Roomy toe box. A foot-shaped last where your toes have room to spread. The membrane is bonded directly to the upper, and according to GORE-TEX the toe box is not affected.
- Secure fit. A secure fit through the midfoot and heel.
- Low drop. 5 mm between heel and toe. The stack height is 35/30 mm.
“I was not able to get water into the shoe when testing it. It will definitely be in the arsenal for wet days.”
David Salas, Doctors of Running, July 2026
What do the testers say?
We have read two tests of Ultraventure 5 GTX.
- Road Trail Run (June 2026): Zachary Russell gives the shoe 9.19 out of 10. He praises the roomy toe box and the comfortable step-in feel, and he ran and walked through wet grass without getting wet feet. The upper was a little stiff at first but shaped itself to his foot after a few runs. He has a narrow foot and had to lace up tightly at the heel. Grip was good on light to moderate trails, but not on steep, loose dirt. The shoe got warm in summer, and he sees it as a great option for winter.
- Doctors of Running (July 2026): David Salas writes that the general fit of the upper is similar to that of Ultraventure 5. The GORE-TEX upper is thicker but does its job, and he was not able to get water into the shoe.
Waterproof or not?
The membrane keeps water out but also makes the shoe warmer. The GTX model is made for rain, wet autumn trails, slush and snow. If you mostly run on dry summer trails, Ultraventure 5 without a membrane is the cooler choice.
Topo has more waterproof shoes in store, with eVent membranes: Phantom 4 WP for road and walking, Terraventure 4 WP for trail, with a forefoot rock plate, and Trailventure 2 WP, a lightweight hiking boot.
Size
Topo shoes come in US sizes. The size guide is available for men and women.