I was hesitant to try another pair of VJ Shoes after being quite disappointed by the XTRM model, which felt very dead, and had no better traction than other brands. However, I spoke with someone who owned a pair of the Maxx 2s, someone I trust, and they spoke very highly of them. From the moment they slipped onto my feet, I was hooked! The fit was excellent (order 1/2 size smaller, perhaps even 1 full size if you always wear very thin socks; 1/2 size worked great for me), securing snuggly yet comfortably around my entire foot. As soon as my feet began to hit the ground, I could feel a noticeable return in energy with each foot strike, and I felt encouraged to push the pace quicker and quicker, with each step feeling like it came more and more easily. Traction was excellent, with the only slippage coming on smooth, off-camber river rocks, which I'm not sure anyone can do much about, and at the end of the run, my legs felt noticeably more fresh than they had in a long time post-run. This shoe not only encourages quicker running, but also staying out there for longer. I'm not sure it would be great for slogging slow, recovery miles, just because it's so much fun to run fast in- the shoes just make running quickly feel good! I use them for all my quality speed training, especially when the terrain gets more and more technical- you don't feel 100% impervious to rocks with these shoes, but you do feel like you can run over an awful lot at a high pace. They even run well should you have to run some pavement to link between trails! This shoe is a huge leap forward from the VJs of old, and they work great under virtually any circumstance, which is why I've been steadfastly encouraging all my running friends to get a pair for themselves. Well done VJ, the Maxx 2 is a 9.5/10 shoe in my book.
The newest versions of VJ shoes are the best yet! The Lightspeed’s are super light, as advertised. They fit the foot so much better, as in are much wider than other versions of VJ’s. This version feels like it propels me forward while wearing them and as always they have #thebestgripontheplanet ! I will definitely be buying more.
Amazing grip and support for miles!! get a half size smaller than your regular trail shoes.
cannot love em enough
Lightspeed is the best trail running in VJ products lineup, but the insole make my socks into red.
Not as much ankle support as I hoped. I’m used to wearing White’s Smoke Jumper, but I do like the flat sole.