Customer Reviews

Good cool weather light hiking boot. BUT since I wore the SpeedHiker the first time on wet grass I noticed water coming in within 1 minute until feet are soaking wet within 5 minutes.
From my experience not good for wet conditions - and that’s what I bought them for. I have other VJ shoes that I 100% like for their fit, durability & grip.

22 miles of difficult uphill and technical downhill and I didn’t slip once. Best grip and control on the market.

I’m a competitive OCR athlete and was really excited for the XTMR2 from my Ultra2 (which I do love), but the lower drop, lighter weight, and higher lug was what I was going for with these newer pair of shoes. But SO, SOOO much more narrow!! Why?! And the laces are a different make; aren’t as locked in as the ultras (which never came untied) but they do on the XTRM2. They feel compromised and less stable. I mean, look at the size difference! Shave 1/3 the shoe off and sell it for more. So disappointing.

Much improved from original

These socks are super comfortable and take the abuse of an OCR no problem! Can’t wait to grab some more pairs.

I had to replace a pair of Asics that prematurely fell apart. I had purchased a pair of Xtrm a couple years ago so I looked into purchasing another. The MAXx shoes are comfortable, durable, and built to last more than 6 months. The fit is perfect. Although the shoes are a bit more pricey than I am usually willing to pay, these are well worth it since the shoes are sturdy. Great for walking, running, and cycling :)

Between the grip, the feedback from underfoot, the perfect fit from the fitlock system, the XTRM2 is a beast of an OCR shoe. Highly recommended this shoe to anyone that wants to be able to go full attack at any obstacle or trail run without losing confidence in their footing. This shoe continues to exceed what I ask of it!

Pick the "Top 10" trail shoes and I have run in them all. The MAXX is hands down THE BEST trail shoe I have ever had on my feet. Just enough cushion to keep it light and easy for long runs. Excellent drainage, perfect buoyancy to hold my feet up on the "swims" with a life vest letting my legs float to recover.
Being able to easily control my steps and not be forced to speed run down steeps was huge! I could pass huge swathes of people because my footing was sure while they had to be cautious or fall.
Climbing steeps - engage monster truck mode and power up! No hands or knees needed! Grip and GOOOOOOOOOO!
10/10.
I changed my training, self care, salt intake, cold plunges - the shoe change to the MAXX's was the greatest icing on the cake I could have imagined.

The grip is amazing! The only downside is they are a little narrow and my pinkey toe developed a mean blister.

I really liked my original Ultras and wore them for several Spartan Beasts. My new ones are AWESOME! The wider toe box really improved the comfort of the shoes.

So comfy. I like the weight and grip of these.

I do a lot of trail running here in the wet and muddy green mountains. I needed a pair of trail runners for mud and puddles and a pair for deeper standing water or stream crossings. The Salomon’s are great for puddles and mud, but the Ultra 2’s are my go to shoes. They drain quicker, the soles are grippier on the wet rocks and I love that the Ultra 2’s sole, is actually 1/2” wider than the Speedcross, which mean’s significantly more foot stability on the trail. Wider sole means wider foot bed also, making the shoes extremely comfortable for your toes.

Obsessed with these shoes! Grippy and comfortable. Really allows great footing and give me an extra push with every step. Love the rock guard.

XTRM 2

Love running in the VJ MAXx shoes for short distances races! They have amazing grip, don't slide around on your feet, and feel super comfortable!

MAXx

I'm new into Adventure Racing, Obstacle Course Racing and Triathlons with a trail run. I did a lot of searching for a waterproof, comfy hiking shoe that is waterproof and has a grippy sole when wet. Upon receiving my shoes, I decided to put them to the test. First hike was in a torrential downpour. I wasn't wearing gaitors, so my pant legs were totally saturated. Returning home, I found my socks were wet! Hmmm, I thought they were supposed to be waterproof? Overnight, I dried the shoes, and next day, headed back out into the wet Green Mountains of Vermont. I stopped at a moving brook to put the shoes into the brook, up to about an inch from the upper top, and stood there for 3-4 minutes (See pic). End result is, dry feet. Prior day wet socks was caused by water saturation of my clothing and rain running into my shoes. I recommend these shoes!

These socks are the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. Bought for hiking and trail running in the Green Mountains of Vermont, I can encounter standing water, mud, rocks. No blisters and the wick away water and dry quickly. You can’t go wrong with these!

I heard VJs were the best grip in OCR and they bet well might be. Wet rocks, river crossings etc are no match for these shoes but I may have to remove a toe to enjoy them. I heard they were narrow but these are the narrowest shoes I've ever worn. I had to go a full size up and they still really bother my feet. I don't know that I can manage any more than a 5K in them because they just hurt too much. I do have wide feet and I generally run in Altras but I've worn Solomon and Innov8 and Saucony without too much trouble but these were narrower than evern my Ice Bugz which I also can't wear. I think these would be amazing if they were just a bit wider for us Hobbit footed people.

Not as good as advertised. My Saucony Perrigrins have a much better rope climb grip. Overall grip between the Peregrine and xtrm2 is about equal, Saucony may even be better for less money. We shall see about durability.
Ken, Spartan age group racer

Bought these on a recommendation from my friend. Seriously good shoes, ran the Chicago Savage blitz in them and they were a huge help with grip. Definitely recommend.

Great shoes

The new extreme is a better OCR shoe with the same sticky sole but a better pattern that provides more surface area on obstacles. The toe box is more comfortable but you may want to size up. Don't worry, their exchange policy is easy.

Wow! The 6 mm teeth on the outsole bite into the earth leaving no doubt about whether you’ll stay on your feet—these shoes are grippy and secure in all conditions. Definitely order a half-size up from normal, as they do run small. Perfect for shorter distances on the most ruggedly unforgiving terrain!

I used these shoes for the HURT 100 a notoriously technical 100 miler. They preform so well on wet and technical terrain.