I was a Merrell guy till 2019, but this is my 3rd pair of VJs and no other shoes I've tried matches them. The traction is amazing during Spartan and Tough Mudder event or a trail running training in all weather condition. Awesome fit as well.

I found the show to perform well, traction is awesome as many reviews have pointed out. However, a short non-padded tongue is a major drawback and keeps this show from getting 5 stars. I will reconsider buying additional shoes of this brand when I hear this has been addressed.

I trail run in the Colorado mountains every day. I've gone through many trail shoes like Hoka, Brooks, Altra, you name it. I've tried so many shoes and these come out ahead by a country mile. This is the only trail shoe on the market I think truly deserves a 5/5. And that's why I've bought this shoe over 10 times in the last 2 years.
First, the look is great. I'm a big fan of the green and black. Next, the grip is as you would expect. And finally, the rock plate is a necessity to run on technical trails. I will not run in a shoe without a rock plate any longer as I've gotten rock bruises so often. With the Maxx, never.
The toebox is much roomier when compared to the VJ Ice Hero, but not as roomy as you might expect from Altra. The Maxx is also WAY more comfortable than the VJ Ultra 2. I honestly consider the VJ Ultra 2 multiple steps down from the Maxx.
I hope they honestly never stop making the Maxx because they have struck gold here.

Nice shoe but the arches are too much for me. I wish the reviews had mentioned this prior to me purchasing. Like the tread tho.

I own all of the different styles of VJs but the MaXX is my go to shoe! I wear them for all my training runs. I wear them for all my trail races. I wear them for most of my OCR races. I love the fit. I love the grip. I love the rock plate.