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.

Had them both, ended up with the La Sportiva. VJ ultra 3 has slightly higher stack and a roomier toe box (but still a nicely snug mid foot and heel). While being lower stack, the Prodigio Pro has a slightly peppier feel I the foam. Both have VERY good grip, with a slight edge to the VJ. Both are better than Vibram Megagrip, and both are surprisingly durable. The reason why I sold my VJ Ultra 3s was the rough upper digging into the sides of my ankle. This is supposed to get better with time but for me it was simply too painful. Should be obvious on a first fitting though. Apparently the next version will redesign that part of the upper, but who knows when that will be released.

VJ shoes are European and from the north not UK though. Just as an alternative. I didn’t run in innov8 so literally purely suggestion based your requirements and as I am super happy with my VJ maxx2 and ultra3.

Another shout out for VJ! Maxx 2 and Ultra 3 owner here 🏃‍♀️

sensible to tapered toe boxes epecially on small toe (street and trail shoes). VJ max 2 and VJ ultra 3 work well for me!

I also use these in Norway, but on the western coast. I've only ever used them for mountain hiking, and really love them. Great for rocky terrain. I would probably use something a bit bulkier if I were walking through a lot of mud though. I'm very interested to see if they're any good on snow/ice when the winter comes

Just got some VJ Ultra 3 out of necessity because I left home in my slippers to go on a trip. These are hands down the best trail runners I ever owned. I owned in the past several Altra Lone Peaks, some Hoka, Topo Athletics. What I love about the VJs is how light and breathable they are, like the Altras, they have a wide toe box just like the Altras, but they have a better sole. I can't do 0 degrees stacks anymore. I feel like I'm walking on clouds. Will continue buying them as long as I can. Hopefully I find a store in Canada that carries them.

The Ultra 3 is my absolute favorite trail shoe. Also the company is call On, not OC lol. The person who commented about stuff getting inside the holes is wrong. They close when running. I’ve been wearing Ons since 2017 and have never had that issues.

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