Vertex Speed

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.

Arcteryx Vertex Speed Low has an outsole pattern and midsole designed with climbing in mind.

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.

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’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.

The arc’terx vertex speed has a slight climbing toe runs well and has a narrow fit so might be a good option

Trolling can be funny it’s a skill that you don’t have. I have this shoe alongside Sylans and Norvan 4s. I run mostly single track and hard pack and they KILL my legs…because they aren’t meant for that kind of running. My lack of understanding what this shoe was for has in turn showed me what *is* good about them. They fit snug, have great ground feel, are breathable and dry fast. Scrambling in them and hopping off rocks etc in them is great. I can’t see how this shoe could be great for technical terrain and groundbreakingly comfortable. Comfortable is high in importance for road running but running on technical terrain it seems as though you must sacrifice that in exchange for stability, as the degree of both is decided by the same thing (the midsole)

I thought I had normal feet, but damn those shoes are *narrow*.

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!

To me, these shoes felt like running in baseball cleats. Returned them.

I personally use the arcteryx vertex. The grip is great for scrambling and they're comfortable like trail runners