Article by Jeff Valliere
Arc’Teyrx Vertex Speed ($190)
Introduction:
The Vertex Speed is designed to blur the line between trail running shoe and climbing approach shoe, marrying the key features of each. It has a lightweight build, responsive and dynamic midsole, zoned sticky rubber outsole with well thought out lugs that stick on rock as well as loose technical terrain, a breathable upper with built in gaiter and precision fit with climbing shoe type lacing.
For a fast run in technical terrain, perhaps with a scramble in the mix, where lightweight, dynamic performance and optimum grip are paramount, the Vertex Speed fits the bill.
Pros: Lightweight, sticky rubber outsole with versatile grip, built in stretch mesh gaiter, durability, quality, responsive, secure fit, protection, breathable
Cons: laces come untied easily, upper could be dialed in a bit more
Stats
Spec Weight: men's 8oz / 240g
Sample Weight: men’s 8.9oz / 252g US 10
Stack Height: men’s 23mm heel / 16mm forefoot ( 7mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 85mm heel / 63mm midfoot / 105mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
The Vertex Speed immediately gives off a climbing/approach shoe vibe, with a whopping 10 lace eyelets running far down the towards the toe, climbing shoe style outsole with climbing zone outsole and built in woven mesh gaiter. The upper is made of an abrasion-resistant Matryx woven polyester with Kevlar fibers. It is durable, lightweight, breathable and flexible.
With 10 lace eyelets, it is easy to get a great midfoot lockdownvery much reminiscent of a climbing shoe. The “tongue” has a lace garage to tuck the laces into, but I have found that when running downhill, the laces can slip out of the garage and come untied.
The rubber outsole curves up over the front of the up over the toe and around the sides at the forefoot for climbing and smearing grip, as well as durability.
The toe bumper is moderate and pliable, but combined with the rubber outsole curving over, adds a lot of added protection.
The integrated stretch woven built in gaiter snugs nice and comfortably over my ankle, keeping out dirt and debris and is flexible, breathable and comfortable.
The booty style upper is easy enough to slide into, aided by a convenient heel pull.
The heel counter is pretty flexible, yet is really comfortable, secure, stable and protective, with a strategically placed strip of padding inside on either side (difficult to photograph with the built in gaiter).
Fit is true to size in my usual US size 10, with a secure heel, midfoot and snug, but not confining forefoot. Upper security is very good no matter the terrain or speed.
Midsole & Platform
The midsole is what Arc’Teryx calls a Mapped dual density midsole construction that combines a softer heel and midfoot cushioning for running comfort with firmer forefoot support for rocky terrain.
This is an effective strategy for the dual purpose of this shoe, providing an adequate level of cushioning for a fast run down the hill after a climb, while the firmness of the forefoot is appreciated when scrambling on rock.
With a 23/17 stack, the stack is relatively low and as a result the shoe is quite stable. Protection is good, but I classify the Vertex Speed as a shoe for shorter distances/duration. The shoe is light and nimble, which in and of itself makes it feel quick, but the midsole is not the most dynamic and energetic, although again it is appropriate for the intent of this shoe.
Outsole
The outsole is made from Vibram Megagrip Litebase rubber that is exceptionally sticky. The lugs, while low profile (~3.5mm?) are broad and flat for optimal smearing and also include a front big flat lugs“climbing zone” in the toe for added edging ability.
For scrambling, moderate climbing or any steep rock, the traction, control, edging and confident stability is among the best out there, simply amazing.
When running on more looser terrain, the lugs provide reasonable grip, better than I expected, but it is clear that this shoe is best suited for smearing and scrambling on rock.
Durability is thus far proving to be above average.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
The Vertex Speed does a great job blending running shoe speed, agility and performance and climbing/approach shoe capabilities and grip. I find them ideal for moving fast over mixed terrain, mostly rocky with scrambling, light climbing, rock hopping, slab and sandstone.
They are lightweight and quick, mostly because of the weight I think, as the midsole is not the most responsive, but more than compensates with its firm, stable and predictable manner. Fit, rugged durability and overall versatile rugged terrain performance makes this an ideal quick scrambling shoe with fast approaches.
Jeff’s Score: 9.38 /10
Ride: 9 - firm and by no means plush, appropriate though for intended use
Fit: 9.5 - secure dialed fit
Value: 9
Style: 9.5
Traction: 10 - best for rock scrambling, slab, sandstone, talus hopping and great when wet
Rock protection: 9.5
3 Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
VJ MaXX2 (RTR Review)
The MaXX2 has more cushioning that and has a bit more pleasant and compliant feel underfoot It is also lighter and more responsive. While the MaXX2 has one of the stickiest outsoles and better tread for technical terrain, the Vertex has a better outsole for actual rock climbing and smearing/edging.
La Sportiva Bushido 3 (Review upcoming)
The Bushido weighs almost 2 ounces more and is a much more beefy up/protective shoe for long days talus hopping and scrambling above treeline, where the Vertex is a bit more quick/nimble with a superior outsole for scrambling.
La Sportiva Prodigio (RTR Review)
Similar to the Bushido, the Prodigio weighs about an ounce more than the Speed. It is a much more beefed up/protective shoe for long days talus hopping and scrambling above treeline, where the Vertex is a bit more quick/nimble with a superior outsole for scrambling.
Speedland SL:SVT (RTR Review)
I guess the built-in gaiter lured me into the comparison, but the SVT weighs 3+ more ounces (especially with its removable carbon plate). The SVT has the easy to adjust BOA fit system dials and a very aggressive 6.5mm lugged outsole and a fine ankle gaiter, whereas the Vertex is much lighter/quicker for shorter outings and more dedicated for rock, where Speedland excels at longer days with more cushion, comfort and supreme protection.
Tester Profiles
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
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