My two current favorites for technical rocky trails are Arcteryx Norvan SL3 and VJ Maxx2. For the 50k distance I’d give the nod to the VJs. Norvans are super light and nimble. VJs offer more protection and better grip but are a little heavier and slightly less precise.
I might also consider the VJ Ultra 3 for a 50k. I find the extra squishiness and taller stack to be a liability over the other two when trying to run fast (particularly downhill) on super technical terrain. But at 50k pace that liability is likely to diminish and the extra padding will be nice. These feel way faster on flat non-technical terrain than the other two too. Maybe it’s the rocker design or some propulsion from the extra foam.
Thanks for the review. I run in similar terrain with similar preferences for shoe characteristics (grippy on wet or dry rock, low stack, precise fit, lightweight). Current favorites are Arcteryx norvan sl3.
Can you comment on sizing? Maybe compare to Inov-8. I used to run in Inov-8’s a long time ago. (F-lite 195, x-talon 190, Roclite 243 & 285).
Do you know the stack height? Their website notes pebax midsole and 4mm drop, but what I really care about is the stack height. Surprised they didn’t list it for a shoe like this.
How does it do with water? Does it drain and dry out well after getting wet?
Thanks
My recommendation would be the VJ Maxx2
I also really love Arcteryx Norvan SL3 for steep technical uphill stuff, but these are maybe a bit too minimal for a lot of people’s taste and I think they’re discontinued. Bought a pair of Vertex Speed Low to try as replacements? But they’re not really the same.
You could also try Nnormal Kjerag. This kind of splits the difference between the two shoes I listed above. I found the upper to be a bit too sloppy (foot will move/roll relative to the sole on off camber stuff) compared to the other two though, so I don’t trust them at speed in serious technical terrain. That’s pretty specific to my foot though, otherwise I think I’d be a big fan.
My go to for this is the Arcteryx Norvan SL3.
They might be discontinued though.
I recently picked up a clearance pair of Merrel Skyfire 2 Matryx that see very very promising. Never owned a merrel shoe before, but excited for these this year. Wouldn’t be my first choice for pure rocky trails given the lack of surface area in the lugs.
Another similar shoe is the Nnormal Kjerag. I don’t love the fit. Seem a little too sloppy in the upper midfoot for my taste on really technical terrain, but everyone’s feet are different.
Common theme among those - lightweight, matryx upper, megagrip sole. I find that to be a good recipe.
You could also check out VJ Spark. I put a few hundred miles on a pair, but honestly I wish they had more rock protection and a less bulky upper. VJ Maxx2 is a great all around shoe. It’s not heavy, but not super light either.
Yeah I mostly run steep rocky stuff in them, so can’t really comment on the drop as it doesn’t factor in on terrain like that.
I really prefer the Norvan SL3 for the running that I do and was hoping the vertex SL would be a suitable replacement. So far I don’t love it as much. But I think the Vertex would be a much better choice if scrambling or climbing were involved. Norvan SL is a little too flexible for that.
I used to run in salomons (s/lab sense & ultra 3s). I’ve since found Arcteryx Norvan SL to be a great replacement for the Sense, with the SL3 sharing obvious DNA with the sense 8.
I was thinking a Norvan LD might be worth a look as an ultra 3 replacement, even though I’ve never tried them personally.
Very cool. I assume these shoes are quite stiff compared to a similar weight mountain running flat (I use Arcteryx Norvan SL3). I think I prefer a more flexible shoe for really steep uphill running (like 20%+ grade stuff).
I occasionally run one of my favorite stee climbs in a pair of Adios 9’s, which are fun and relatively poppy compared to my SL3’s, but I’d imagine a plated road shoe would be a lot stiffer. I have never used a plated road shoe though, so it’s pure conjecture on my part.
Anyway, lots of writing just to ask if you find them overly stiff for really steep climbing.
Edit to add: I’ve modified a pair of Salomon S-Lab sense 7’s in the past by resoling with C4 dotty stealth rubber to get improved grip. I found the new sole too heavy though.
I’d probably recommend Arcteryx Vertex (I use the speed low). I personally prefer their Norvan SL3, but the vertex is probably the better climber.
You mention wet grip, which is where VJ rubber really outperforms anything else I’ve experienced from vibram, Salomon, Sportiva, Inov-8. But I don’t have a recommendation from them for a climbing shoe. I love the maxx2 and lightspeed, but those are likely too cushioned and flexible to be good climbers.
Big fan of their Norvan SL shoes. And a couple staples for mountain running for me have been the Squamish hoody and Norvan SL rain jacket. The Norvan SL shoes and jacket really don’t have many competitors out there.
I also run in Gamma LT pants and an Acto MX hoody all winter, but I’m sure people could find better options given they weren’t even designed for running in the first place.
I’ve been running in a pair this year. I’m not scrambling to the extent you are, but lots of fast running on granite boulders and rocks etc.
The Norvan SL are some of my favorite shoes for steep rocky climbs. Picked up the Vertex Speed Low as it appears to be somewhat of a successor.
I’m a little disappointed in how much heavier the Vertex are than the Norvan SL’s, even though they’re still a very light shoe. I do appreciate the added cushion the Vertex brings. Makes them a more versatile running shoe. And for your purposes of scrambling slabs, I’m sure the added stiffness of the Vertex is an asset. I prefer the more flexible Norvan for steep running, though. All in all, I’m quite happy with them and will likely continue to run in both the Norvan SL snd Vertex SL.
Oh and if you like the vibram and la Sportiva grip, you should try VJ. I don’t think VJ makes an equivalent shoe for steep rocky stuff, but the grip on wet granite is significantly better than megagrip or frixion rubber.
I used to run in salomons (s/lab sense & ultra 3s). I’ve since found Arcteryx Norvan SL to be a great replacement for the Sense, with the SL3 sharing obvious DNA with the sense 8.
I was thinking a Norvan LD might be worth a look as an ultra 3 replacement, even though I’ve never tried them personally.
I've been looking for the perfect trail running and scrambling shoe for many years now - something that runs well and climbs well, to support long link-ups between Flatiron scrambles.
Finally unseating the LaSpo Mutant and the Scarpa Rapids in my book: the Arc'teryx Vertex Speed. They're super light, with firm but reliable foam in the forefoot and a bit of squish in the heel. They have a fantastic Vibram outsole and a solid forefoot lockdown for climbing. And the built-in gaiter is...pretty decent, I guess.
Now, this isn't the most comfortable shoe I have ever run in. Far from it. In fact, it absolutely brutalized my ankles on my first run, and continues to be a bit uncomfortable over the top of my foot unless I get the lacing pressure just right. But for how well it climbs, it's now my favorite highly technical trail shoe of all time.
Anyone else out there give it a go?
I ran in the SL3 for a while - I found it similarly uncomfortable but it was worth it for the light weight. I used them as approach shoes and short, fast run/scramble linkups. But they also felt so unforgiving! My experience is similar to yours - I like the added cushion of the Vertex Speed, and it's well worth the bit of extra weight in my book.
I never see sales on VJ, but I've heard good things!
I found the fit to be quite similar, but definitely the midsole is different - a little more forgiving in the heel, and yeah, definitely stiffer for more of a running shoe/approach shoe hybrid. If you liked the SL3, I would at least try the Vertex Speed on, it could be a really good fit!
Arc's focus has been on outdoor lifestyle goods, and their core sports like skiing and climbing. I've also heard rumours that they're mad that 7mesh is doing so well, and they want a piece of the Mountain Bike clothing market now. Trail running gear has been a mixed bag for them, which is odd because Vancouver and Squamish are a Mecca for Trail and Ultrarunning in North America. Their only amazing trail running focused product was the Norvan SL, made from Gore Shakedry, which Gore discontinued as a fabric.
I've been part of some focus groups they've conducted on the design of their trail running products, and it doesn't feel like they're taking that feedback into account.
The Norvan SL was one of my favorite shoes, as I loved the lightness and they fit my feet perfectly. I've been wondering about the Vertex Speed because they seem like the most similar replacement from Arcteryx. However, the reviews I've read have made it seem like the fit and midsoles are really different from the SL? More stiff or something?
I should just try them but the reviews I've read have made it seem like the Vertex Speed are better thought of as hiking or approach shoes, and I've started to lean toward trying other shoes instead.
7sport
