VJ - XTRM 2

I use the VJ xtrm 2 for hill running in Scotland, handles mud and rock really well, and it's been more durable than my trail talons

I prefer the iRocks for shorter races but the XTRM is the only think I'll wear for long stuff these days. Possibly the ultimate all rounder. I believe Inov8 have just had a management reshuffle, but from the whispers I've heard, the management are a big cause of the issues, wanting a shift away from fell and towards trail generally (hence the shitty footshape thing that has made all their new shoes wildly rolly when contouring) and I know a number of key staff left due to the way the management wanted the mudtalon developed and tested.

Consider the XTRMs or iRocks. IRocks are very much a fell or orienteering shoe, but the XTRMs are more versatile. Absolute bangers in fact. Most of my really big days out I do in them and they’ll be my bob graham shoe.

Wider than iRock 4s, narrower than Maxx but not massively so. As with all shoes it's a try before you buy.

I usually run with the Vj Xtrm 2 when orienteering. Nothing grips better than that shoe. Except for maybe the Devil 5 which i use when it gets wet. Doubles as a great winter shoe as well since its studded. These are low-stack shoes tho and you basically pay for a hilariously great outsole so beware of that. It takes some time to get used to them VJs if you mostly run in higher stacked shoes otherwise.

There isn’t a shoe that will work well in fells and road. You’ll have to sacrifice one or the other. There’s unfortunately no shoe that does it all. NVII Terra TT, VJ Xtrm have a bit nicer protection than Inov8s while being a proper hill shoe with superb grip. Various Scott Supertrac versions have more cushioning but they often have a very “dead” feeling on the road. Saucony Peregrine ST are very decent in mud but not so good on the rock and feel a bit burly. More than decent on the road as far as shoes go. Hoka Mafate/Tecton are great on more groomed trails but wouldn’t be my choice for most hill races in Scotland. Ditto on Saucony Xodus.

VJ iRock, VJ Xtrm, Nnormal Tomir 2, in the order of most grip/precision to less, but least comfort to more comfort. Asics Fujispeed 2/3 could also work but they’re not the best in mud. I’ve done up to 50K/3980m in VJ Xtrm some years back.

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.

VJ sport. Either the irock or xtrem 2 would work really well, probably the xtrem2 for the longer stuff like the fellsman

The VJ XTRM2 are really good. Despite "only" having 6mm lugs, they've held up in the fells in winter for me. Haven't rated Inov8 for some time now, but did really like a pair of X Talons way back in 2018. Any other pair of Inov8 I've got since hasn't been right for one reason or another. Scott shoes are too wide fitting for me. They're OK, but lack the precise hold that you'd get with the other shoes you've listed. Better for longer distance stuff though.

6’2” 215 here. I’m using Prodigio Pros right now and they are the best shoes I’ve used, hands down. The problem is finding them in larger sizes. I went through four pairs of Speedgoats but heard the fives had some quality issues, so I moved on to Altra Timps after those. They were… fine. Decent grip, nice toe box, but they started coming apart pretty quickly. I like having something with a higher stack height for anything longer than 20k I’ve got a pair of VJ Xtremes that I use for muddier or more technical trails, and the grip on those is insane, but they beat up my knees past 10 miles. I’ll probably grab some of their Ultras if I can’t find the Prodigios in my size again

Maxx I couldn't fit into, Maxx2 I can fit into and have ample space in the toe box. Took awhile to get used to the cushion, since I don't often have cushioned shoes but I found it superb for this too, soft but not sinky soft. Prior to this, I'd tried the VJ Irock and Xtrm and ruled VJ out as a brand for my foot shape. The Maxx2 and Irock+ make their shoes wearable and lock in the heel nicely.

The VJ Sport XTRM 2 fit most of your bill. 24/20 stack, full rock plate. Not the lightest shoe though with such numbers.