VJ - Ultra 3

Have you tried the Maxx2? I have both and find the Ultra 3 is a little bit of a liability on really technical downhills. I never realized how often I’m stepping on narrow points and ridges on boulders until trying the Ultra3’s. The additional stack and compression was a bit disconcerting when precise foot placement and precarious balancing on small surfaces was needed. The Maxx2 is a dream under these circumstances. That being said, the Ultra 3 is likely a better overall performer on a 50k or longer distance where outright technical performance isn’t the main priority. The Maxx2 has enough cushion for a 50k too, but the Ultra3 has more and feels faster and more propulsive in flatter terrain.

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.

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

I am dealing with this right now. Shoes will only help so much. I am experimenting with an insole. And figuring out which shoe makes it flare the less. I’d have to look it the shoe I have been using has 2e. But I been, just started more less wearing. The new VJ Ultra 3. It has that fit lock lacing on the inside of the shoe to help stabilize the arch. I’m a couple runs in. And feels pretty good.

I have 77 miles in the VJ ultra 3 so far. I have not noticed any flattening out yet. I hope they stay springy. I really like the shoe. And would buy again as of today.

When I "technical trail" I winder what people mean because where I am at we have some black diamond shit. Wet, mossy rocks, mud, roots, more rocks and scree... we have everything except dry trails for 300+ days a year to put it into perspective. With that said I run in the following, ranked from most used to least... 1. Speedland GS GAR with some spikes added (3 on toe area and two all the way at the back) for a liiiitle extra grip on wet roots or rocks. I love these shoes for the wet, long run days. I leave the carbon plate out of these. 2. Speedland GL PDX: tempo/threshhold/ 5k, 10k even 20k but no more than that. Deeper lugs also helps when it gets really sloppy and also same spike arrangement added and I like the carbon plate in these. 3. VJ Ultra 3: Not the super deep lugs like the Inov8 shoes but amazing rubber and a really good wide toebox fit... at least by my standards. Hoka Tecton/x 3: On the dry days where the trails have had a couple days prior to really get things dry. I really love these shoes but they just don't have the traction for trails as technical as these. Hoka Zinal 2: For the short up's / hill races, hill sprints, etc. added a Sper Feet sole to these to add a little stiffness and protection. That's my quiver and my recommendations :) at least for trails...

okay, one brand no one has mentioned - Inov8. The mudclaw and mudtalon are great, althought rubber on the X-Talon Ultra wasnt great for wet obstacles or rocks in my experience. but if you want the best grip on the planet, buy some VJ Ultra / iRock / MAXx shoes. they are epic.

Hoka Mafate 5 is comfy and fun. Mafate Speed 4 is still good but a little narrower and not quite so bouncy. I used to run in Speedgoats a lot but think the 5 & 6 are missing some comfort and the foam isn’t returning the energy of newer shoes. Salomon Genesis or Ultra Glide are both good if you can accommodate a narrower fit. I prefer the protection of the Genesis over the Ultra Glide. Prodigio Pro is also fun and bouncy, but much lighter, less protection around the ankle and so a bit more stripped back. Everyone I know loves them though. Hoka Tecton X 3 is a similar proposition to the Prodigio but both are spendy. Hoka is slightly more stable and bouncy but there is very little in it. If you want the best outsole rubber money can buy, look at the VJ Ultra 3. Seriously, the lugs and rubber is like glue. Finally, the Saucony Xodus Ultra is a good shoe for distances like this. It’s also comfy and protective. Just avoid the 2 or 3 and go for the latest version 4.

VJ Ultra 3, superb grip, especially for wet stone

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

How would you compare the VJ Ultra 3 and the Speedgoat 5? I wasn't too impressed with the Speedgoat 6, so the VJ Ultra 3 seems like a better replacement. I have experience with the VJ Ultra 1 and its great grip. For shorter distances I'm happy with the Kjerag and for ultra races with the Tecton X 3, but I'm missing a shoe for long training in the mountains....how long do you estimate the lifespan of the VJ Ultra? Thanks, and I look forward to the review

Have you considered the VJ Ultra 3? Very Topo-esque toebox, soft cushy foam, and a rock plate in the mix

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.

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.

Btw, I was told the SuperFOAMance in the Ultra 3 has less nitrogen injected, so it's not as soft as the MAXx2, Lightspeed. But there's of course more stack, so it does ride really soft, at least for now.

Fellow Haglund sufferer here. I have it on both heels, I ran long trainings and recent ultra in these shoes and it seems to do the trick: - VJ Ultra 3: I have half a size bigger so that my heel can move freely, it has great lockdown in the midfoot, which means that the heel can be looser and I still feel locked down - Salomon Ultra Glide 3: stiff heel counter but well padded and very flexible shoe (despite the stack), which means that when I flex my foot (on landing or uphill or at toe off), the shoe flexes with it and my heel does not “fight” the shoe and thus there is no pressure on the heel bump Generally I find that the more flexible shoe the better and as soon as the padding is there and protects the heel collar from my bump, it is OK. E.g. Prodigio Pro is flexible, the collar is not overly stiff but the padding is at the top and does not protect my bump from irritation.

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

VJ Ultra 3s. Grippy yet cushioned. Decent width and toe space

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.

Good shout, had the Ultra 3 in my mind for awhile, was just a little concerned about the high stack height and stability, but I'll give them a blast.

I've only put 8mi on them so far but the Mount to Coast T1s seem amazing. Very roomy toebox, I think the midsole cushion is perfect, easy to run in with a moderate amount of rocker. The build quality is really good and their midsoles are supposed to last a really long time (fingers crossed - theme below). Prodigio Pros are awesome, most fun I've ever had in a pair of running shoes. The only problem was that the midsole was toast by 100mi - maybe because I'm a heavier runner (200lbs). I get a pro deal on them and I would absolutely consider buying a pair just to use for a race. The final issue with these are that they've been out of stock for almost all common sizes for a while. VJ Ultra 3s are also very good. Very similar to the Prodigios in rocker, cushion, grip. The uppers are a little odd, and I had some rubbing on my ankle bone. Same problem with the Prodigio Pros though, midsole dead around 100mi.

I was also underwhelmed during and after the first run of 13 miles in the 005, especially considering all the hype that had been building up since last year before the recent launch. I liked the lightness but the fit of the upper was a bit baggy going half-size up as Norda recommends, the midsole didn't feel as amazing as advertised, and the outsole's grip wasn't as confidence-inspiring as, say, on the 001, VJ Ultra 3, Prodigio Pro, or the Nnormal Kjerag or Tomir 2.0. Well, I've now logged around 50 miles in the 005 and I absolutely love it. This "super" midsole has come alive and the outsole can handle whatever I throw at it. I need to wear thicker socks and cinch down quite a bit to get a secure lockdown, but I don't get lace bite and it feels quite comfortable now. I'm interested in trying it in my normal TTS size because I still have plenty of room in front of the toes. I'm not saying that you should give the 005 50 miles to see if it will work out for you. If you don't feel it and don't think it's going to get better, you may as well move on. At first, the 005 felt like a lightweight road trainer in the vein of Rebel v4 or the Evo SL that had been adapted to trails, but those shoes are less than half the price of the 005. It felt good to run in something so light on the trails, but everything else felt kind of meh and I couldn't understand what the hype and the rave reviews were about. I took the 005 on a second run of around 15 miles with about 3,000ft of elevation again through all types of terrains and I started feeling the midsole getting more propulsive and responsive. I checked my watch and I was moving noticeably faster than the perceived effort, which is a hallmark of supershoes. I bombed the downhills which I wasn't so confident about doing on my first run like I would with the VJ Ultra 3 and the Prodigio Pro. The 005 was just as protective and stable while being more agile and nimble. The outsole grip which I wasn't so sure about felt a lot more secure. I was like, "Hmmm... I guess it's coming alive now for me to get what the hype is all about." After the third run of another 15 miles a few days ago, I was sold and grinning from ear-to-ear afterwards. It's light, fast and propulsive, responsive, stable, nimble, grippy, comfortable, and protective. It pretty much does it all in a very lightweight package. I haven't gone on a run over 15 miles, so I can't say how it will hold up over ultra distances, but I do plan a 50km run soon and a 90km race in the summer. My inclination is to stick with the Tecton X 3 for such distances, but I'm rotating the 005, VJ Ultra 3, and Prodigio Pro right now to see if one will come out on top. They are all great shoes, but the 005 being almost 1.5oz lighter than the TX3, U3, and Prodigio Pro does give it an advantage. I'd like to get to at least 100 miles and a 50k run in each before coming to a conclusion.

The Prodigio Pro is a great shoe. You may also want to consider the VJ Ultra 3. The PP does have a narrower fit. I went from my usual US men's 8 to 8.5+ (EU 41.5) and it's snug and very secure around the mid-foot. It's a more "classic" type of trail shoe than the 005, as is the Ultra 3. To me, the PP sits somewhere in between the two. I love all three, but the Prodigio Pro is probably the most versatile and best suited for 50\~100 mile distances.

There's definitely a hefty premium for the 005, which would only pay off if one can get around 650 *good* miles or close to 1,000km. I'd say getting $0.50 per mile a good value. I guess I'll see if the 005 can do that like the 001. In comparison, the Prodigio Pro (and probably the VJ Ultra 3 as well) is a bargain for all that it offers. It kind of reminds me of the Xodus Ultra 1 and 2 that I used to run in some years ago but *everything* on the PP is better: the upper, the midsole, the outsole, the responsiveness, the ride, agility, bounce, propulsion, stability, etc. Put that all together and PP's value quotient is off the charts.

Surprised no one's mentioned the Ultraflys, esp since you can easily find a pair for ~50%+ off! The ASU's can be found on the low too, but are way too unstable to be viable for anything remotely technical imo. The new Puma DNE Trail is better in every way if you want to be fast + nimble. And the Ultraflys for comfort, as they are the most wide foot friendly out of the big 3. I've also heard good things about the Tecton X3! _ Personal recommendations that might fit your needs: All of these models prioritize stability/ lockdown, featuring durable lugs + amazing grip (VJ Ultra 3 + Puma DNE Trail tied for best traction), while having more than enough cushion (without having to worry about bottoming out/durability issues) to carry you through the slog... All around ~30mm of stack (Prodigio Pro being the lowest @ 34/28mm, and VJ Ultra 3 the highest @ 38/30mm. *Prodigio Pro ft. supercritical TPU core (possibly aliphatic?) + EVA carrier. Arguably the best non-plated option, w/ durability + price taken into account! (Norda 005 takes the cake if not) My pick for mud + technical terrain, alongside PDX. ($195) *VJ Ultra 3 ft. supercritical TPU core + EVA carrier, plated. Tied w/ Ultrafly in terms of comfort and Puma in terms of grip. Smooth rocker. My personal favorite upper + pick for cold weather. ($190) *DNE Trail ft. ATPU + carbon fiber plate. Only a 6mm drop compared to road version's 10mm. World class energy return + Puma grip (only 3mm lugs, surprisingly durable tho). On the narrow side. Classic race style upper, one of my favorite iterations of Ultraweave. My pick for nimbleness, speed/agility. ($230) *Ultrafly ft. Pebax + carbon fiber plate. 38.5/30mm stack. Classic ZoomX feel out of the box (bounce + comfort), wide toe box. Supportive lightweight upper, albeit not the most breathable. Safe/protective underfoot feel. My pick considering price. Right behind Puma in terms of energy return.

VJ Ultra 3. Best technical trail shoe I’ve ever worn.

VJ ultra are the best shoes I've ever worn coming from Mafate.