great shoe, vj has the best grip on the planet! my shoe rotation right now is: 1. ultra2 - great all rounder 2 xtrm2 - technical wonder! 3. ultra - lovely shoe with underfoot feeling 4. spark - the one i like the least. Mind, I run on very technical wet rock (skyrunning in bergen norway), lots of mud too.
I’ve been wearing the original VJ XTRM’s for a couple of years and love them. I’ve just bought a pair of the XTRM 2’s and looking forward to using them. Recently I’ve been running in the VJ Ultra 2’s as I have been doing longer distance ultra races which offer better comfort so will be interested in seeing how the XTRM 2’s compare.
Loving the content, I honestly don't find many videos come from actual trail runners or least those dedicated. But you certainly are, this kind of equipment is what I'm looking at. What would you recommend for ultras, I've got sg4, altra mb and olympus 4 and tecton x. Though all are good, nothing really stands out for me, but I am looking at the mafate speed 4. The likes of vj have me curious, it love to try fuga ex 2, but being Chinese they don't do a 46 which is a shame.
Thanks for the kind words Darren. I've been a big fan of VJ for some time, mainly due to the gnarly ground I run on, never found a better outsole for security. I only wear the VJ Ultra for longer distance, I tried the Speedgoat 4 and they were OK but too soft and very little stability, for me the VJ Ultra has the necessary cushioning but is firm enough to still have some ground feel and very stable ride. You may well need to half size up though as it can run short in length so if considering might be worth getting a true to size and half up then return the one you don't keep. I have never used Altra's because I'm not a fan of zero drop personally, just doesn't work for me. I do know a few places in the Lakes and Lets Run at Stokesley stock the Ultra's could be worth trying them on some time.
Thank you for this review. Wide toe box, lack of rock plate and least amount of drop is my priority. I don't run, but hike on muddy terrain. I have a collection of wonderful merrel barefoot shoes, that slip everywhere. Any recommendations for a first real shoe? The vj rock place and lack of flex isn't usually my preference.
The VJ Ultra could be worth looking at the original doesn’t have a rock plate (version 2 does) and it’s a wider toe box I used it to Fastpack 50 miles last year and was awesome for that
@DarrenSmithTrailRunning thanks to your other clips I am going with the spark! It's seems perfect, most minimal, no rock plate, mesh, I look forward to it. I've been hiking 5-12 hour days on 5-6mm stack height. By the way, from doing research, I've come across the Inov8 line of mud shoes, that for some reason aren't well reviewed, yet they're noted as worn by world champion trail runners, I'm referring to the talon series and mudclaw. I prefer the vj as they seem less aggressive on the foot and aggressive enough on the trail. Look forward to hearing from you. I turned on my notifications now. I'm no so versed on you tube. Best wishes and thank you.
Yes very good for minimalist and no rock plate I use it as my daily trainer and nearest thing I've worn to feeling like nothing but with grip. I wouldn't listen to hype about world champs wearing anything, it means nothing unfortunately. The Mudclaw is very narrow and you wouldn't want it doing longer distance.
Good day Darren! Many thanks for the video. I have become a big fan of VJ as well. I use the Spark for short trail runs in the fall when the ground gets slippery, and the Ultra has become a good winter shoe for me. I run 1km on pavement before hitting the trails and the Ultra’s outsole grips well on cold/icy pavement and its upper is fairly warm. Since I own the Spark and the Ultra… and don’t run in very muddy trails, I struggle to make a case for purchasing the Xtreme… but it sounds like a great shoe.
Hi Karl, it’s certainly horses for courses and this is one of the reasons I am a huge VJ fan they’ve expanded the to cover every need rather than just add models for moneys sake. One reason to consider the Xtrm in your case could be the rock plate though and new midsole. I find it gives more back than the spark, but more like a spring board not to mention the lack of protection in the spark can give me dead legs after 3 hours, I don’t get this with the Xtrm. Thanks for the comment
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning Many thanks Darren. When my Spark are good for retirement I will give the Xtreme 2 a try for sure. I typically replace my trail shoes after 500-700 kms. How does that sound to you?
That sounds OK, I personally buy a new pair after 150-200 miles and use the old ones for when I think they'll get beaten up and shorter runs then the new pair to race and when I'm more offroad to preserve the outsole.
Hi Darren. Great review. If I have wide feet and my true to size is 10.5, would you recommend that I go one full size up (i.e. size 11) just to give my feet additional space in the toe box while going downhill? Appreciate the feedback. Thanks :)
Hi, to be honest I would recommend going true to size, certainly not a full size up so could be worth ordering 10.5 and an 11 and then return the one which doesn't fit best. Its always hard to say as so personal foot shape too. Only thing I would say is I felt it on my pinky toe initially but they wore in very well and never caused a problem.
Well I've been using the Ultra version 1 for months now and absolutely love them, they carried me across 46 miles of the Cleveland Way with a 10KG pack with no issues and the grip is awesome...version 2 is just more durable and includes a rock plate
I don’t wear gaiters with any trail or fell shoe so I guess it’s personal choice. Compared to original xtrm it’s better in the toe box and generally more comfortable for me.
Yeh for sure. The sticky grip is unrivalled so great on that side and with decent lugs plus a rock plate its ideal...only thing better is the irock 3 but that's quite the minimalist shoe so not ideal for longer distance
Hi, as mentioned I did a 26 mile mountain race at altitude so out on my feet for 6+ hours and had no issues. But it is personal, they are still minimalist so it depends how well you do with less cushioning really. As for socks I just use a standard trail sock, nothing thick but not thin either.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunningThank you so much, Darren. I am on the verge of buying these as an alternate with my Hoka Torrent 2, as I need more grip on muddy slopes (uphill/downhills). You got a new sub here!
I think they're worth a try Jay, just be ready to try both true to size and half size up as it can vary which is most comfortable...I was true to size personally. But they're superb on the technical stuff.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning Oh Darren! One last thing, can the VJ Ultra and Maxx carry out the grip on muddy terrains/slopes (uphill/downhill)? Or I should stick with my first option which is the VJ Xtrm 2?
I wouldn't suggest the MaxX to be honest but the Ultra is great especially for the longer stuff, but it does come down to how much grip you need. Its great for all round terrain but if quite muddy or scree then might need the Xtrm...also comes down to the stack height offering less stability too on technical stuff.
Those two questions are personal you just need to try a pair on, no fell or precise trail shoe on the market is suitable for very wide feet if you like Hokas for example but as fell shoes go they are as wide as they can be while still offering precision.
They’re similar but different in a few areas. The Scott’s are more cushioned overall but that does come at the cost of some ground feel. The Xtrm has far better grip (especially in the wet) and for me is a better fit in the mid foot hugging the arch while still having room for the toes. I’ve been trying to find a shoe like the Scott RC’s that can work in the wet and muddier courses for sometime and I now only wear these.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning thanks for the comprehensive reply Darren. Looks like the Xtrm might be my next purchase, It sounds like they are more similar to an x-talon.Thanks for that 👍🏼
I’ve used Xtalon they’re like a cross breed of the RC and xtalon. More cushioning and far more comfortable than the Inov but with the precision and security of the xtalon. For me at least
I’ve used both and VJ is much better it’s butyl rubber so the only outsole I’ve ever used that actually sticks to surfaces. I won’t use anything else in wet conditions
great shoe, vj has the best grip on the planet!
my shoe rotation right now is:
1. ultra2 - great all rounder
2 xtrm2 - technical wonder!
3. ultra - lovely shoe with underfoot feeling
4. spark - the one i like the least.
Mind, I run on very technical wet rock (skyrunning in bergen norway), lots of mud too.
They really are, I have a similar rotation though the irock is used for fell races and quick courses.
I’ve been wearing the original VJ XTRM’s for a couple of years and love them. I’ve just bought a pair of the XTRM 2’s and looking forward to using them. Recently I’ve been running in the VJ Ultra 2’s as I have been doing longer distance ultra races which offer better comfort so will be interested in seeing how the XTRM 2’s compare.
You'll love the Xtrm 2's they're my go to all rounder especially for racing unless super technical and short in which can eI go for the irocks.
How did you find these compared to the original xtrms?
Long time no see Darren, I really like watching your videos
Congratulations for being an VJ ambassador
Thanks Abdullah, there will be my Raceday video from Romania coming in the next two weeks also.
Brilliant to see you back Darren. Keep the videos coming.
Thanks :) Race video going live next week
Loving the content, I honestly don't find many videos come from actual trail runners or least those dedicated.
But you certainly are, this kind of equipment is what I'm looking at.
What would you recommend for ultras, I've got sg4, altra mb and olympus 4 and tecton x. Though all are good, nothing really stands out for me, but I am looking at the mafate speed 4.
The likes of vj have me curious, it love to try fuga ex 2, but being Chinese they don't do a 46 which is a shame.
Thanks for the kind words Darren. I've been a big fan of VJ for some time, mainly due to the gnarly ground I run on, never found a better outsole for security. I only wear the VJ Ultra for longer distance, I tried the Speedgoat 4 and they were OK but too soft and very little stability, for me the VJ Ultra has the necessary cushioning but is firm enough to still have some ground feel and very stable ride. You may well need to half size up though as it can run short in length so if considering might be worth getting a true to size and half up then return the one you don't keep. I have never used Altra's because I'm not a fan of zero drop personally, just doesn't work for me. I do know a few places in the Lakes and Lets Run at Stokesley stock the Ultra's could be worth trying them on some time.
Thank you for this review. Wide toe box, lack of rock plate and least amount of drop is my priority. I don't run, but hike on muddy terrain. I have a collection of wonderful merrel barefoot shoes, that slip everywhere. Any recommendations for a first real shoe? The vj rock place and lack of flex isn't usually my preference.
The VJ Ultra could be worth looking at the original doesn’t have a rock plate (version 2 does) and it’s a wider toe box I used it to Fastpack 50 miles last year and was awesome for that
@DarrenSmithTrailRunning thanks to your other clips I am going with the spark! It's seems perfect, most minimal, no rock plate, mesh, I look forward to it. I've been hiking 5-12 hour days on 5-6mm stack height.
By the way, from doing research, I've come across the Inov8 line of mud shoes, that for some reason aren't well reviewed, yet they're noted as worn by world champion trail runners, I'm referring to the talon series and mudclaw. I prefer the vj as they seem less aggressive on the foot and aggressive enough on the trail.
Look forward to hearing from you. I turned on my notifications now. I'm no so versed on you tube.
Best wishes and thank you.
Yes very good for minimalist and no rock plate I use it as my daily trainer and nearest thing I've worn to feeling like nothing but with grip. I wouldn't listen to hype about world champs wearing anything, it means nothing unfortunately. The Mudclaw is very narrow and you wouldn't want it doing longer distance.
Good day Darren! Many thanks for the video. I have become a big fan of VJ as well. I use the Spark for short trail runs in the fall when the ground gets slippery, and the Ultra has become a good winter shoe for me. I run 1km on pavement before hitting the trails and the Ultra’s outsole grips well on cold/icy pavement and its upper is fairly warm. Since I own the Spark and the Ultra… and don’t run in very muddy trails, I struggle to make a case for purchasing the Xtreme… but it sounds like a great shoe.
Hi Karl, it’s certainly horses for courses and this is one of the reasons I am
a huge VJ fan they’ve expanded the to cover every need rather than just add models for moneys sake. One reason to consider the Xtrm in your case could be the rock plate though and new midsole. I find it gives more back than the spark, but more like a spring board not to mention the lack of protection in the spark can give me dead legs after 3 hours, I don’t get this with the Xtrm. Thanks for the comment
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning Many thanks Darren. When my Spark are good for retirement I will give the Xtreme 2 a try for sure. I typically replace my trail shoes after 500-700 kms. How does that sound to you?
That sounds OK, I personally buy a new pair after 150-200 miles and use the old ones for when I think they'll get beaten up and shorter runs then the new pair to race and when I'm more offroad to preserve the outsole.
Good to see you back Darren! 😃 Great looking trail shoe!
Thanks Phil
Hi Darren. Great review. If I have wide feet and my true to size is 10.5, would you recommend that I go one full size up (i.e. size 11) just to give my feet additional space in the toe box while going downhill? Appreciate the feedback. Thanks :)
Hi, to be honest I would recommend going true to size, certainly not a full size up so could be worth ordering 10.5 and an 11 and then return the one which doesn't fit best. Its always hard to say as so personal foot shape too. Only thing I would say is I felt it on my pinky toe initially but they wore in very well and never caused a problem.
I do have my eye on the vj ultra, interested to hear what you think once you’ve tried them out. Great video as always 👍
Well I've been using the Ultra version 1 for months now and absolutely love them, they carried me across 46 miles of the Cleveland Way with a 10KG pack with no issues and the grip is awesome...version 2 is just more durable and includes a rock plate
Great review as always Darren, I'll be online soon!
Thanks Gemma, I'm also hoping to review the Ultra 2 in the coming months for those longer runs and people who need a little more underfoot
How is the toe box space and is it suitable for wider feet?
Do you recommend wearing gaiters with these when wearing in very boggy terrain?
I don’t wear gaiters with any trail or fell shoe so I guess it’s personal choice. Compared to original xtrm it’s better in the toe box and generally more comfortable for me.
I'm super curious about trying these out...
They are a little gem, highly recommend them especially for the versatility.
Would this shoe be good for technical scrambling at grades 1-3 e.g. Tryfan and Dolmen ridge?
Yeh for sure. The sticky grip is unrivalled so great on that side and with decent lugs plus a rock plate its ideal...only thing better is the irock 3 but that's quite the minimalist shoe so not ideal for longer distance
Do you recommend this for 30-50km runs or even for ultramarathon trailing event? Also, do you prefer thick or thin socks like Steigen?
Hi, as mentioned I did a 26 mile mountain race at altitude so out on my feet for 6+ hours and had no issues. But it is personal, they are still minimalist so it depends how well you do with less cushioning really. As for socks I just use a standard trail sock, nothing thick but not thin either.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunningThank you so much, Darren. I am on the verge of buying these as an alternate with my Hoka Torrent 2, as I need more grip on muddy slopes (uphill/downhills). You got a new sub here!
I think they're worth a try Jay, just be ready to try both true to size and half size up as it can vary which is most comfortable...I was true to size personally. But they're superb on the technical stuff.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning Oh Darren! One last thing, can the VJ Ultra and Maxx carry out the grip on muddy terrains/slopes (uphill/downhill)? Or I should stick with my first option which is the VJ Xtrm 2?
I wouldn't suggest the MaxX to be honest but the Ultra is great especially for the longer stuff, but it does come down to how much grip you need. Its great for all round terrain but if quite muddy or scree then might need the Xtrm...also comes down to the stack height offering less stability too on technical stuff.
How much space do you leave between your largest toe and the toe box? Thumb width?
Those two questions are personal you just need to try a pair on, no fell or precise trail shoe on the market is suitable for very wide feet if you like Hokas for example but as fell shoes go they are as wide as they can be while still offering precision.
Hi Darren, how do these compare to the Scott RC’s, is there much of a difference?
They’re similar but different in a few areas. The Scott’s are more cushioned overall but that does come at the cost of some ground feel. The Xtrm has far better grip (especially in the wet) and for me is a better fit in the mid foot hugging the arch while still having room for the toes. I’ve been trying to find a shoe like the Scott RC’s that can work in the wet and muddier courses for sometime and I now only wear these.
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning thanks for the comprehensive reply Darren. Looks like the Xtrm might be my next purchase, It sounds like they are more similar to an x-talon.Thanks for that 👍🏼
I’ve used Xtalon they’re like a cross breed of the RC and xtalon. More cushioning and far more comfortable than the Inov but with the precision and security of the xtalon. For me at least
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning excellent, thanks very much for that. Happy running
Hi Darren. These vs Adidas Terrex Speed SG Trail?
Hey, I haven't tried the SG in fairness but I have tried them on and found the VJ Xtrm 2 comfier...so for me still VJ
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning would you consider the VJs versatile enough for quicker stuff / speedwork?
Definitely they are my go too for raceday at marathon or under
@@DarrenSmithTrailRunning thanks for info 👍
How does VJ grip compare to vibram megagrip?
I’ve used both and VJ is much better it’s butyl rubber so the only outsole I’ve ever used that actually sticks to surfaces. I won’t use anything else in wet conditions
great review , that butyl rubber has a better traction than vibram IMO , i have the vj ultra , its epic
Couldn't agree more, its the stickiest compound I've known and certainly most versatile outsole.