Best shoe vj has put out imo. Grip is awesome as always the maxx2 is prob the widest shoe they offer right now. It’s been my new fav trail shoe. I had to size down from other vj shoes. Cushion is about the same as previous model but the upper makes this shoe much better. I have the spark maxx and ultra also to compare, I doubt they will get much use now.
I've written in the past that the VJ MAXx original is the best technical trail shoe on the market. I still feel that way. I thought that they struck gold with the shoe. When I saw there was a new version, I was skeptical, but I wanted to see what updates had been made to my favorite shoe.
Unboxing the shoe, my first thought was "How is this shoe even considered in the MAXx family?". The shoe is ugly. The shoe looks like the parts were designed by different people and then sewn together.
Ok, so it's ugly. I'm going to cover these in mud anyways and all muddy shoes look the same. I ran my hands over the shoe and felt disappointed with the sturdiness of the upper when compared to the MAXx original. Again I thought, how is this in the same family as the original? I have doubts that the durability of this shoe's upper will last like the unbreakable originals which can easily make 400 miles. The upper feels like a thin sheet of paper in comparison.
Well, let's at least take these puppies for a run. As soon as I put the shoes on I had noticed the most fatal change that makes these shoes unwearable. The Fitlock had moved about 1/2 an inch towards the ankle from where it is on every other VJ shoe. Maybe I'm one of the rare people that have a bone coming out by the arch of your foot, but the new Fitlock location sits right on the bone and it is extremely uncomfortable. I'm not masochistic enough to attempt a run in these shoes as I felt pressure and pain just while lacing up.
To give some positive feedback, I do think sewing the tongue to the upper is a great idea. The original VJ MAXx's tongue twists slightly during runs and I think the additional security would result in a more comfortable run.
TLDR; Very disappointed in the direction of this shoe. If this was released as a new shoe and not part of the MAXx line, I might have been less disappointed.
Very comfortable and light weight, The best pair For long run buy far. Wearing this weekend at Obstacle wonderland 6 hr multi lap
Great shoes. Def some of the grippiest I’ve ever worn and cloudy comfort
First trail run in the VJ MAXx2 went well. They are much more cushioned than the ultra 2. I wear a 12 1/2 in the ultra 2, I ordered a 12 in the max two they are still about a half size 2 large but will work perfect for long runs in Gingy to socks with the liner. Overall my first impression on Rocky hilly muddy terrain is that the grip is excellent the shoes fit well with the fit and overall I will be wiring these on my next hundred mile trail race. The hellbender 100 in May.
