VJ - MAXx2

VJ MaxX2 and Arcteryx Norvan SL3 are my current go-to for northeast trails. Nnormal kjerag is a good option that sort of splits the difference between those other two, but isn’t as good as either one.

For rocks, I recommend VJ (my shoe of choice being the VJ Maxx2). I trust vibram Megagrip too, but it’s not as good as VJ rubber on wet rock. Amazing how well these outsoles hold up too. Anything approaching this level of grip years ago (very few options) would suffer from rapid wear down from the soft compounds.

For dirt roads I picked up some Nike Ultrafly. Retired a pair at 615 miles and am about 400 miles into a second pair. Tried a pair of Nike peg trail 4’s in between, but they were a let down after the ultraflys. Most of my real running is on steep, rocky trails in the mountains, though, where I switch between Arcteryx Norvan SL3 for really fast efforts and VJ Maxx2 as my all arounder. Love both of these shoes. Edit: rocky trails in the mountains, not “Rocky Mountain” trails.

Here’s my contribution. I haven’t done controlled tests like you did, but I run a lot of rocky vertical terrain and have put lots of miles in all these shoes. Trying to focus here on wet rock grip from the outsole and ignore other shoe attributes (fit, lock down, flexibility/stiffness, weight, cushion, etc) that also come into play with their overall ability to do the job on wet rock 5: VJ Maxx 1&2 VJ Spark Arcteryx Norvan VT (limited mileage) 4. Arcteryx Norvan SL 1, 2, &3 Salomon s/Lab Sense 7&8 Nnormal Kjeraq 3. La Sportiva Helios SR La Sportiva Vertical K & VK INOV-8 F-Lite 195 2. Whole bunch of older inov-8 x-talon and RocLite models NB minimus Salomon s/lab ultra 3 Salomon s/lab sense 7SG 1. Old Nike Terra kiger Salomon s/lab sense 1, 2, 3 For spiked shoes, I actually think they suffer quite a bit on rock because they don’t stick instantly like pure rubber soles. 4. VJ Devil 4 3. VJ bold race, VJ ice hero, INOV-8 ORoc 280

My current all-arounder is the VJ Maxx2, and I like them a lot, so I’ll throw it out there for your consideration. This might fall on the edge or just outside of some of your requirements. Stack of 31/25 (including 4mm lug height) might be a little tall for you, and at 6mm drop is slightly more than your target. There isn’t a huge Altra-esque toe box either, but it’s not a narrow shoe either (unlike many of VJ’s shoes). Nice firm, stable ride. You’d be able to cover long distances in these. Grip is outstanding if that’s of value to you.

Yeah. I used the Maxx before switching to the maxx2. I think there were a number of significant improvements. I especially appreciated the weight reduction. I run a lot of steep rocky stuff, and the weight of the Maxx was noticeable compared to some super light shoes I like to run in, whereas the maxx2, while heavier than my other shoes, isn’t really noticeable. Next, for me, was probably the change in upper material. The maxx2 is much more compliant and less substantial of an upper. I prefer more minimalist shoes, so I liked the change. Maxx2 still feels quite bomb-proof compared to many of my other shoes, but it conforms to my foot whereas the Maxx felt like something my foot was contained within. The third major difference that I noticed was the heel lock. Out of the box the Maxx didn’t do a great job at locking my heel in place. This was remedied using a heel lock lacing method. With the maxx2, no such lacing was needed. It did a great job locking my heel in place with traditional lacing. I personally wish the maxx2 ran a bit narrower. I find myself tightening the laces together almost as closely as the uppers can come together and still feeling a slight bit of relative motion between my foot and the shoe. I have a narrow foot and prefer narrow lasted shoes in general though. I spend a lot of time on off-camber terrain where this feels like it matters to me. That being said, I still feel as confident in the maxx2 as any other shoe, and perhaps more so because it protects my foot more than most of my other shoes. Lastly the midsole foam of the maxx2 is probably better. On paper and reading the reviews it’s pretty clear that the midsole foam is one of the star features of the maxx2 over the Maxx, but I guess I never felt the Maxx midsole was a problem. And this is t a shoe I use on smooth fast runs where high rebound might be of more value. I have different shoes for that kind of stuff. Midsole feels comfortable and there is some noticeable springiness to the shoe when pushing off of my forefoot climbing steep terrain. The lighter weight of the maxx2 is the thing I notice most in this situation though. Lastly - sizing. Pretty sure I sized down a half size in the maxx2.

I think the Maxx and Maxx2 share the same 6mm drop with the Maxx only being 2mm shorter stack of 29/23. Either way, neither of the shoes feels like a high stack shoe from an ankle stability standpoint. I know exactly how you feel about this point. When I first got the Maxx2’s I was a little bit concerned in how my foot felt like it was sitting on top of the midsole and not cradled into it like my maxx1’s. But that was simply pre-break-in, and the insole/midsoles have nicely conformed to my feet now.

VJ Maxx2 for all around trail running Arcteryx Norvan SL3 for short fast steep rocky climbs Nike Pegasus Trail 4 (just replaced Ultrafly) for fire roads, gravel roads and any paved road running I might do. VJ Bold Race (carbide studs) for snow & icy trails. I run primarily on hills and mountains in New England. Usually getting over 1000’ of elevation gain every day on rocky technical trails. I do my recovery runs on fire roads where I still rack up similar elevation, just with less intensity

I like VJ Maxx2 for really technical stuff up to that distance. Lot of people might want some more cushion though. Recently started running in the VJ Ultra 3, too. Equally great grip, but with more cushion to help with the comfort on longer runs. Added stack definitely compromises stability for fast running on boulders etc., but the effect would be lessened at more typical (slower) 50k pace.

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.

**Photos:** https://preview.redd.it/cs0fp8r444yd1.jpg?width=2822&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=cc2a613daa18e671319a20fbe3bc54c99f6e4031 https://preview.redd.it/jmceccs444yd1.jpg?width=2702&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e4da1c1ff955d43c1cc6cbe08b2355dde5a1c9a7 [Heel counter structure marked in blue. Works well for my sensitive heels!](https://preview.redd.it/x9qjscs444yd1.jpg?width=1520&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=feedab04efb5fb0fb73ccfcfc24ae5b11f62cc31) **Usage info:** Use-case: General-purpose trail shoe Total distance ran: 300 km, runs up to 40 km Type of runs: Rooty and technical forest trail runs Weather ran in: Dry, wet and muddy. **My profile:** Height: 178 cm, Weight: 76 kg Strike Type: Midfoot striker on flat surfaces Weekly running volume: \~ 50 km **Positives:** \* Outsole: Truly best grip on the planet (Vibram go home!). It's remarkably confidence-inspiring even on very steep rock faces while still being durable. \* Midsole: Responsive, modern supercritical midsole with a mid-level stack (31mm heel / 25 forefoot). This is not the "old VJ" orienteering/OCR shoe with thin and dense EVA. There is a rock plate that works well without being too intrusive. Despite the midsole stack there is still adequate ground feel. \* Fit: The last has a "foot-shaped" toebox, medium-narrow midfoot and heel. The medial "fitlock" reinforcement helps get good lockdown. \* Heel structure: The heel counter is split into two sections on either side of the achilles, ideal for people with heel sensitivities (Haglunds, insertional achilles tendinopathy, calcaneal bursitis) **Negatives:** \* Stability could be a bit better for long efforts when fatigue sets in (4+ hours), narrower midfoot profile than some brands \* Upper material is not that well-ventilated, although very suitable for e.g. Scandinavian trails \* The sizing seems to run a full size big, but not an issue once you are aware of it Worth buying?: Yes, definitely. There are lots of other good options in this category, but the combination of fit, exciting ride and exceptional grip makes this a good package, at least for me! Availability in physical stores might be poor outside the Nordics, unfortunately. The sizing runs a full size big (also check the RTR review: https://www.roadtrailrun.com/2024/02/vj-shoes-maxx2-multi-tester-review-pure.html) Bonus: [Studded version: VJ Ice Hero 2](https://preview.redd.it/4pnibp2z34yd1.jpg?width=1659&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fbfd840f0e82be5e38ed664a8d2c59b5994d1e2f) I just bought the studded winter version "VJ Ice Hero 2" early at a race expo, it's mostly the same shoe but with a water-repellent, slightly adjusted upper and studs added to the outsole. Looking forward to trying that out once winter hits.

VJ maxx 2. my favorite shoe. Super (best!) grip. Feeling great all in all for me.

Take a look at VJ Shoes. I love my VJ Maxx 2. (Love my ASICS Noosa for the street too so nothing wrong with Asics either) Edit: https://vjshoes.com

VJ maxx 2. or irock+ depending on terrain

For me it’s a tie between the VJ Maxx 2 and La Sportiva Akasha II. They are both amazing over technical terrain. The VJ can handle longer distances well, the La Sportiva is a bit burlier and my go-to if I know it’s going to be a rocky and rooty mudfest.

As always it’s very personal depending on how well the shoe fits my feet and the terrain I’m running in (technical mountains, mud, rocky). I like sky running races around 20-30k and VK’s. Sometimes short road races from 5k to Half Marathon. Current rotation: - Merrell Long Sky 2 Matryx. Great allrounder. - VJ Ultra 3. Cushion. Great for easy and long runs. - NNormal Kjerag Brut (mud) - Salomon Aero Glide 3 (road and treadmill) Recently retired shoes: - Nnormal Kjerag 1. Fast but too small lugs to have good grip in mud/loose debris. Too little cushion for me. Kjerag 2 has more cushion but same outsole. - Nnormal Tomir 2. Great allrounder but didn’t fit my feet (too little big toe space). A bit heavy when wet because the insole keeps a lot of water. - Salomon S/lab Genesis. Great allrounder but worse grip on wet rocks than Vibram Megagrip and VJ. - VJ Maxx 2. Really good allrounder. But didn’t fit my feet (too little big toe space). Shoes I’m considering next: - La Sportiva Prodigio Pro - Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx - Merrell Skyfire 2 Matryx

Btw, if the VJ Maxx 2 fits your feet, it’s a great option. Grip and heel/midfoot lockdown are excellent. The upper isn’t as breathable as the Matryx but that’s only an issue in very hot climates. Unfortunately their sizing just didn’t work for me. UK 9 was too tight on my big toe and UK 9.5 too big and made the heel/midfoot too loose.

Nnormal Kjerag 2 (24/18mm) and VJ Lightspeed (29/23mm) are my favorite shoes for technical trails (up to 21 km). For 42 km runs, I have used VJ Maxx2 (31/25mm) and Hoka Tecton X3 (40/35mm) for some extra cushion. The new Kjerag 2 is really good! I would probably have the Tomir as well in my rotation, if not for the 8mm drop ... (There is always VJ Ultra 3 (38/30mm), Mafate 5 (44/36mm), Mafate X (49/41mm), Rocket X Trail (50/44mm) for even more stack ... but good luck to your ankles if you wear those on technical trails ...)

You need to size down for the Maxx2. I am US 11 in everything (Saucony, Nnormal, Xtep, Adidas, other VJs), but 10.5 in Maxx2. VJ is one of trailrunnings better kept secrets. No idea why not more people know about them: [https://iancorless.org/2025/04/23/vj-ultra-3-shoe-review/](https://iancorless.org/2025/04/23/vj-ultra-3-shoe-review/) [https://www.roadtrailrun.com/2025/06/vj-shoes-ultra-3-multi-tester-review.html](https://www.roadtrailrun.com/2025/06/vj-shoes-ultra-3-multi-tester-review.html) Imo VJ excels in technical trail terrain, think mountains, UTMB, skyrunning.

Echoing all the others - I was a boots guy for a while until I did owls head one rainy summer day and the wet granite on the bushwhack coming down was the most miserable half mile of my life, every step no matter how slow or how planned ended up in me sliding. Came across a trail runner who recommended the VJ runners and I grabbed a pair of Maxx2s. Never been so confident on wet granite in my life.

VJ shoes - The Best Grip on the planet VJ Ultra 3, VJ Maxx 2

Lightspeed is more narrow - definitely in comparison to the MAXx2. I have reviewed both shoes for RTR and testing the Ultra 3 now. They told us the Lightspeed was kind of a niche shoe - it has the same foam as the MAXx2 but its a narrower platform and less stable due to that. It's not a shoe for short technical stuff - despite what they may show in promo pics. I think they actually had pics mostly in forested trails, which it would be fine for.

MAXx2 is a better and far more versatile shoe than the Lightspeed. After testing, I only really use the Lightspeed sometimes for trail speedwork on flat dirt. Both shoes use SuperFOAMance which is nitrogen-infused TPU/EVA. There are questions about foam durability, and I've experienced packing out with both shoes. But I still find it ok in the MAXx2 as they feel a bit more stable in technical terrain. Initially they were softer and more bouncy, and they've lost that feel. I don't think it's a reasonable long ultra distance shoe though, most people want more protection and cushion underfoot. But for those that prefer a firmer, thinner ride, I supposed it could work. I'm just speaking generally.

If you're primarily concerned about stability, I'd steer clear from the Lightspeed. You'll do better with your MAXx2 . If you did want to step up in cushion, the Ultra 3 is good. Lots of people complaining about the foam compressing over time, but they've been great for me so far (30 miles in). You seem to have a good handle on how the VJ foam feels, so that shouldn't be a problem for you - if you did want that extra cush.

VJ have the best rubber, most grippy on all surfaces. The Ultra 3 for longer distance, the MAXx2 for less cushion, iRock + for the mud. Flow for easy runs and road to trail.

Anything by VJ. Really the best grip. Ultra 3 or MAXx2 are both great

If you really want lugs for grip, then VJ XTRM2 are the best. Best grip and best durability for the uppers. If you more comfortable, the VJ Maxx2.

Also have this show and have run both in Norway and the US in it. Good summary. My only concern is how far could I take this shoe. 50k for sure but not sure I’d do a 100k in it. Sizing is a mess as indicated. Fit for me is great with plenty of room in toes but great lock down. Traction has been similar to the other VJ shoes for me.

VJ MaXx2 and Craft Pure Trail

Maxx2 are superb. Comfortable and confident is how I feel in them. Not sure as their use for a muddy or deep UK winter shoe, but for summer and autumn trails they're great, dry, damp or hard terrain the shoes inspire confidence. I tried the old Maxx in tbe largest size, impossible to wear. The new foot shape shoe is a godsend.

Maxx2 to the grave, only shoe I've bought two of and will probably buy 3 before end of the year. Its perfect for Snowdonia and general running in the mountains.

Has anyone tried the VJ Lightspeed? I did a search but couldn't find many posts or comments on them. I've been using the Maxx2 and the iRock+ for about a year and have just bought another Maxx2 with the idea of adding another pair of VJ to my rotation, either the Ultra 3 which I'm not sold on, or the Lightspeed that looks quite good for short technical stuff.

I've only started using shoes with foma recently, so the Maxx2 alone feels great to have some cushion. No foam is really going to last a ling time, and as I do races up to 50km I don't think id be keen on buying something too cushioned, as I personally feel less stable in the shoe.

I find it superb on technical routes, I have quite large feet (Uk13/EU48) and used to use the inov8 Roclite for technical trails as it had a rockplate, light feel to it and a precise fit, I feel the Maxx2 gives me all of that. Put simply, I find I run and race with more confidence in this shoe because of its grip, feel and close to ground comfort. If they ever discontinue it, I'll buy a good handful to keep me going. I had always heard about VJ grip but after trying their Spark/Ultra 2 that were too narrow I ruled them out, but thw Maxx2 feels amazing for me atleast. Regarding the below comment, not every shoe is right for everyone and all that.

I've over 100 miles on VJ Maxx 2, the lower stack version, still very bouncy

VJ MAXx 2 is 31mm/26mm. Midsole is supercritical foam. The grip on wet rocks is much better than vibram megagrip and the shoe is on the narrow side.

I have recently enjoyed the VJ Maxx 2 - although not zero drop

VJ MaXX2 is the only shoe to ever give me heel blisters :(

Great review, thank you! I have the Maxx and love them because of the rock plate, zero-drop, and lower but still reasonably protective stack height as an all-arounder. Higher stack height shoes make me prone to ankle rolls. But I've been curious about the Maxx2 for most of the reasons you listed which are VJ's 'upgrades'/improvements to the Maxx (though the Maxx is still being sold I assume due to its continued popularity and lower stack height). I didn't know about the heel smugness though - I often have problems with lateral heel/foot slipping in trail running shoes which is the root cause of ankle rolls, so that is definitely attractive. I think the Maxx is one of the only VJ models that fits true to size and they don't recommend getting a half size down.

Mike Zegama 2 are amazing all around shoe. VJ MAXx and LaSportiva Bushido 2 are great if u have a narrow foot.

VJ Maxx - rock plate, kevlar upper, unbelievable grip, low profile.