I find these to be exactly what I was looking for. Lightweight, well built with great grip and an effective rock plate. I use them for hiking and backpacking in Southern California up to the rocky eastern sierras. I found them to be a little stiff out of the box but after a few uses they feel great. Just roomy enough in the toe box and they lock in my heal perfectly. US sizing was a little weird for me. I’m typically an 11.5-12 and needed a 12.5. Exchanging the wrong size was super easy.

The traction is great! The outsole is super sticky. The lace saddle takes some lace finesse me to make it comfortable.

I have been using the MaxX and have loved them. This season I decided to branch out and give the Ultra 2 a try, and they have not disappointed. The grip is amazing like all VJ shoes, the fit of the shoe is wide enough in the toe box for me. Not quite as large of toe box as the MaxX, but still really comfortable. Lastly, the quality of the shoe is unlike any other shoe out there.

Not sure how VJ Shoes continues to improve all of their already amazing shoes / product lines. If you’ve not tried any of them yet - do it today!

Didn’t mind the stiffness as much as the firmness. Was expecting a little more cushion. Already had the XTRM and wanted something more cushioned. Not as comfy as I’d hoped.