tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post3884035802419224714..comments2024-03-28T21:52:44.835-06:00Comments on Road Trail Run: VJ Ultra 2 Multi Tester Review. 11 ComparisonsSam Winebaumhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17969086391170473784noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-9043886603574121112023-01-18T13:46:24.711-07:002023-01-18T13:46:24.711-07:00O this is great news- thanks! And hopefully an imp...O this is great news- thanks! And hopefully an improved upper that doesn’t rip at 150mi!<br />CheersAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-36771272906592544542023-01-18T09:22:43.239-07:002023-01-18T09:22:43.239-07:00Hey Evan-
You might want to keep an eye out for o...Hey Evan-<br /><br />You might want to keep an eye out for our upcoming Peregrine 13 review. They've got a 1.5mm stack increase, and so far in my testing they feel noticeably more cushy underfoot. I'd defer to Jeff V to determine if any security/agility is lost on the specific terrain you mentioned. He also has test pairs. <br /><br />Keep an eye out for the ST version as well - I'm loving that one so far. <br />Mike Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13981870314602171757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-70262818657013231012023-01-18T07:54:29.043-07:002023-01-18T07:54:29.043-07:00Maybe Cascadia 16 would be a good Peregrine altern...Maybe Cascadia 16 would be a good Peregrine alternative for these runs?Evannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-56969654201802253202023-01-17T19:29:04.497-07:002023-01-17T19:29:04.497-07:00This is probably mostly for Jeff V. I live in Denv...This is probably mostly for Jeff V. I live in Denver and run weekly in Boulder skyline mountains and Mesa trail and Golden area hills (Apex, White Ranch), and CO mountains in the summer. I guess you’d say on the net those trails are moderately technical, with some of the Boulder mountains being most tech. I have loved the Peregrine 12s for <2hr runs but am starting to feel a little worn by the firmness of the cushion/ride. I love how fast and nimble they are for runs around here, though longer runs in the mountains I reach for something more cushion. Wondering if the VJ would be a good alternative, sounds like it has a little more cushion. Or if you’d recommend something else? I tried the Xodus ultra and SG5 and both didn’t work for me.. ankle bone rubbing on XU and lockdown on SG. Many thanks!Evannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-14443673420665644432022-11-10T07:55:29.216-07:002022-11-10T07:55:29.216-07:00On the subject of blisters, I had them REALLY badl...On the subject of blisters, I had them REALLY badly in V1 of this shoe. I had sized up a half size, which did compromise foot hold slightly (foot slipping forward on downhills). I tried different insoles, but that didn't help. I don't think V1 had good breathability on hot days, and definitely didn't drain well on wet days. This was a big contributing factor to blisters, even on shorter runs. I don't think that's all down to the insole, sadly. I hope V2 has improved this, but the upper looks identical. It's a shame, as there's much to like about the shoe. The XTRM for example, has excellent breathability and drains really well.Joe S.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-89578394554510635962022-09-14T16:14:39.005-06:002022-09-14T16:14:39.005-06:00rypatjo-
Sounds like the G300 may be a good pick ...rypatjo-<br /><br />Sounds like the G300 may be a good pick for you. I did find them extremely stable for the stack height. As 'Unknown' mentions - the foam is very dense, yet not firm, so you get a lot of cushion, but still a decent amount of ground feel at such a big stack. If you're mainly just trying to save the legs during training, the weight factor become less of an issue. That dense foam is likely what makes them so heavy. They do use a rocker design for forward impulse - so that does help them roll along smoother than their weight would suggest. I'm really looking forward to trying the G280s. <br /><br />Check the Mafate Speed 4 review comments - I was just answering some questions there about SG5 vs MS4. Mike Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13981870314602171757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-76212395589604565932022-09-14T14:41:47.824-06:002022-09-14T14:41:47.824-06:00Thank you both for the comments!!
Im down the rab...Thank you both for the comments!!<br /><br />Im down the rabbit hole of shoes and cant decide. My neurosis is in full force from the search efforts. :)<br /><br />Ill keep the VJ sizing info in mind. Thank you for being so detailed! <br /><br />I thought about trying different laces with the Saucony XU but the tippy thing made me pass. I did love the dual density midsole though!<br /><br />Im still curious about the G300s bc of that stable ride in a max cushion shoe. Im also a fan of inov8 b my first pair of trail shoes were the terraultra g270 and I loved them for their nimbleness and ground feel. I know the G300 are totally different beast though.<br /><br />I just want a good comfy shoe to put lots of miles on and give my legs/feet/ankles a break, but they have to be able to handle the Utah trails I go on which at times aren't always buffed out. If the shoes can can do more than just go straight comfortably, thats a plus bc I always come across some uneven/off camber rocky stuff, and Im always tempted to climb and run down hills.<br /><br />I think Ill try Mafate Speed 4 (unless Speedgoat 5 would be better?) VJ Ultra 2, and the inov8 G300 and hop around the house and see how I feel since I cant afford them all.<br /><br />I appreciate the conversation and input!!<br />rypatjohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06501634193460556412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-66444293088248855662022-09-14T13:52:15.596-06:002022-09-14T13:52:15.596-06:00I hear what you're saying about the Xodus Ultr...I hear what you're saying about the Xodus Ultra - definitely one of the most accomoddating uppers out there. I like the added space as I have them tabbed for very long stuff (I already raced a 50M in them).<br /><br />MS4 is great, really comes down to feel, and how much you plan to push them in unstable conditions. You get big time cushion which is great for the legs, and the traction is best in class as far as super stacked trail shoes.<br /><br />Re sizing- I go 1/2 size up in all VJs (even beyond my normal ultra sizing), as do most others and even I've seen the same in their website comments. For reference - I wear 9.5 in Xodus Ultra and MS4 for most running. I'd go 10.0 if I was running 100M in both shoes. My VJ Ultras (and Spark, XTRM 2) are all 10.5s for most running - comparable to my 9.5 sizing in XU and MS4. <br /><br />As for the Inov-8 - I'm 1/2 size up for most running so 10.0 (comparable to 9.5 in XU and MS4). But keep in mind - my G "300s" in US 10 were 362g on the scale. But I did think they cruised very well though and the Adaptflex really helps them work well in technical terrain. If you're not concerned about the weight, for training runs they're a good shoe.<br /><br />Inov-8 also has an Ultra G 280 coming out (not sure when) so keep an eye out for that. Hopefully it could be a good compromise by providing a lot of what the G "300" offers, at a lower weight.<br />Mike Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13981870314602171757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-31210765300329348182022-09-14T13:36:07.775-06:002022-09-14T13:36:07.775-06:00rypatjo-
I haven't tried the VJ but I have bo...rypatjo-<br /><br />I haven't tried the VJ but I have both the Xodus Ultra and inov-8 G 300.<br /><br />I agree the XU is tippy, although not the worst I've seen. The lockdown is far, far better if you switch the laces to non-stretchy ones. I did have issues with the outsole durability and high heel collar on my Achilles so I've stopped wearing them for now. Might perform some surgery on the heel.<br /><br />The inov-8 is definitely heavier, but it doesn't feel heavy when running (nor does it feel feather-light like the G270). It's VERY stable, the complete opposite of the XU. Although the stack and offset are similar, I actually felt more planted/closer to zero drop with the inov-8. In addition, the XU are much bouncier and softer. The inov-8 is a much more dense foam. It's hard to describe but it's soft yet firm at the same time and has better ground feel than other shoes with this amount of stack. Grip is stellar except on wet rock. I sized up half a size and still found the toebox restrictive (I prefer the Timp 2 toebox). Maybe as a result, I had to cinch down the laces quite tight to avoid sliding on technical terrain. So far, the G300 is likely going to be my shoe for ultras until I find something better.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16633343011644535288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-44506435382961966292022-09-14T12:44:10.919-06:002022-09-14T12:44:10.919-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.rypatjohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06501634193460556412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-6048513322469643762022-09-14T12:41:19.571-06:002022-09-14T12:41:19.571-06:00Wow Mike! Thanks for the feedback!
I’m planning o...Wow Mike! Thanks for the feedback!<br /><br />I’m planning on using these more for training days and racking up miles than for that specific route again and this is all great information. I tried the Xodus Ultra around the house before and they wanted to tip over and out on me during toe off so I never took them on the trials bc of that. Plus the upper wouldn’t lock down at all and I was afraid of of sliding around in them on anything remotely uneven. <br /><br />I’m curious to try the mafate speed 4. Since they have them at REI with their awesome return/exchange policy I may have to give them a go. <br /><br />As far as the inov8 and VJ I may have to get a couple pairs and try them around the house and see if I can get an idea of what they’d be like. I just want to give me feet and legs a break from the Speedlands and just cruise in some cushion but I’d like to have something I can use outside of long slow flat miles of possible. <br /><br />I wear 10.5 in most road shoes, but I typically like a 10 in trail shoes so they lock down good and and I don’t have a bunch of toe space upfront. Should I try 10.5 in VJ or 10? <br /><br />Thanks again Mike!rypatjohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06501634193460556412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-81885917894431459582022-09-14T09:41:24.806-06:002022-09-14T09:41:24.806-06:00rypatjo-
Strictly between those two shoes - I'...rypatjo-<br /><br />Strictly between those two shoes - I'd absolutely go with the VJ Ultra 2. The G300 is extremely heavy and bulky - I couldn't imagine dragging those up 5k in 5M. They're nice, stable, and cushioned though if you were hiking the route. <br /><br />The VJ Ultra is a great pick for that route and distance. Just be aware there is a pretty sturdy front rockplate - great for protection but you do have to manage it a bit in uneven terrain. It can throw you if you hit something at the wrong angle. I like it and think it works great for my style and ability, but I could see how some might consider it tippy.<br /><br />Other options I would think of (I'm thinking mainly about that steep descent) would be either the Peregrine 12 or the VJ XTRM 2 which I just reviewed. They lean more of a firm ride though, so maybe too much overlap with your Speedlands?<br /><br />I'd also mention the Xodus Ultra - I would say its the next best pick for you for that route if you wanted more cushion. I do have to mention there have been reported issues with their outsole durability. Another one is Mafate Speed 4 - but it may be too much cushion for the descent and too unstable. Mike Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13981870314602171757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-28153381991045462062022-09-14T09:00:14.958-06:002022-09-14T09:00:14.958-06:00Thanks for another great review!!
I live in Utah ...Thanks for another great review!!<br /><br />I live in Utah just south of Ogden and I like to run the trails of the Wasatch and surrounding mountains. Recently I made the trek up to my local peak, Thurston, at 9706 in my Speedland HSV. It was a 14 mile loop and I did about 5k of vert in 5 miles then flattened out for a bit then went back down. The Speedlands were awesome but my feet, ankles, lower legs were pretty beat when I was heading down and I didnt trust myself to run much on the technical and uneven parts. I love those shoes, but Im thinking I need something with more cushion to go with them and rack up some miles and Im debating the VJ Ultra 2 and The inov8 Trailfly G300.<br /><br />Which one would you recommend out of those 2 (or do you have other recommendations) for racking up miles on rocky technical trails and just in general for a more cushioned shoe. Ill probably stick to straighter paths with these, but I do love to climb up a couple thousand feet and then bomb down and think Ill have a hard time not doing so in whichever pair I get. Which one would be the most stable/least tippy for my amateur legs and ankles and would compliment the Speedlands the best. I appreciate any input!rypatjohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06501634193460556412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-84664951109469414672022-08-23T16:22:03.173-06:002022-08-23T16:22:03.173-06:00Unknown - They're generally similar shoes wit...Unknown - They're generally similar shoes with a few differences. G 270 feels bouncier to me (at least initially), partly due to the TPU insole. VJU2 has a bit more cushion, and also more protection especially up front with the rock plate. G 270 lends itself more towards agile-style running with more ground feel and overall a better connection with the ground. You have to be a bit more cautious to avoid rock hits with the G270's thinner stack and no rock plate. Overall, and this is my personal feeling, the VJU2 feels better suited to straight line or up/down running in technical/rocky terrain, and the G270 handles twisty and turny stuff better. <br /><br />I think they both have equally good traction, but the VJ rubber probably grips wet rock better. Both are very durable but probably a slight edge to the Inov-8's graphene. <br /><br />Another obvious difference is G270 is zero drop. Definitely helps with balance and ground feel, but your lower legs have to be up to the task.Mike Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13981870314602171757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-86248221258736616242022-08-22T10:28:27.695-06:002022-08-22T10:28:27.695-06:00Thanks for the detailed review as always! Any thou...Thanks for the detailed review as always! Any thoughts on comparisons to the Inov-8 Terraultra/Trail Fly G 270? Seeing as that shoe had rave reviews two years ago and Inov-8 hasn't seen the need to update the model yet.<br /><br />Also maybe the Norda 001? Seems like it'd be in a similar category.<br /><br />CheersAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16633343011644535288noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-7907537324172777762022-07-20T21:17:47.881-06:002022-07-20T21:17:47.881-06:00I will try switching the insoles. I really love th...I will try switching the insoles. I really love this shoe other than the blister issue. The rock plate made all the difference for me.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />V Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07198774932324376108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-87388485198220433512022-07-20T08:49:25.264-06:002022-07-20T08:49:25.264-06:00That's interesting. We all felt there was a bi...That's interesting. We all felt there was a bit more toebox space in V2. I even felt that before I was able to compare V1 & V2 side by side and also take those rough measurements.<br /><br />Maybe something about the firmer, less contouring nature of the forefoot is not matching up with your foot or stride? Also the insole is different - perhaps your foot was sitting deeper and moving around less with V1's softer ortholite-ish insole? Maybe try an insole swap?Mike Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13981870314602171757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-82158836059064892562022-07-20T07:23:41.766-06:002022-07-20T07:23:41.766-06:00Left pinky toe. Never had issues with version 1 Left pinky toe. Never had issues with version 1 Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07198774932324376108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-63564263887549715002022-07-18T07:25:43.790-06:002022-07-18T07:25:43.790-06:00I haven't had any blister issues. Where are y...I haven't had any blister issues. Where are you having issues?Mike Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13981870314602171757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-47620253269877765002022-07-17T21:46:52.596-06:002022-07-17T21:46:52.596-06:00Anyone having blister issues with the V2? I had th...Anyone having blister issues with the V2? I had the V1 no issues got the 2's and I am having blisters.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-24584126801219680072022-07-15T09:13:03.993-06:002022-07-15T09:13:03.993-06:00Unknown-
For me and I believe Jeff V, the weight ...Unknown-<br /><br />For me and I believe Jeff V, the weight gain is a non-issue.<br /><br />We should be receiving the XTRM 2 shortly for testing, so look out for that. I'll post first impressions after I receive them. Seems like they may slot in between the Spark and Ultra 2. I'm curious to see how the ride feels.Mike Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13981870314602171757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-2597229077338540062022-07-15T06:34:29.020-06:002022-07-15T06:34:29.020-06:00Wow. I somehow missed this. So good to see them im...Wow. I somehow missed this. So good to see them improve upon everything you mentioned, even if they did gain a little weight in the process.<br /><br />Do you have any plans to review the VJ XTRM 2? I'd love to see how it stacks up against the Spark/Ultra V2Eyedeahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03372724362891910915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-25140509020665352012022-07-13T11:32:34.909-06:002022-07-13T11:32:34.909-06:00Anonymous -
I haven't run any of the Bear ra...Anonymous - <br /><br />I haven't run any of the Bear races, but I just ran Scout Mountain 50M in Pocatello. It was in an adjacent mountain range just a bit north - same or very similar terrain I'd assume. <br /><br />VJ Ultra 2 would be a great pick for that terrain and distance. The rock plate would be good for any rocky parts, and I'd say 50K is right in the sweet spot for how quick they are. Of course traction is great for that type of terrain.<br /><br />I'd recommend a light gaiter - I use Altra's 4pt gaiter (just stick a piece of velcro on the heel of the shoe). It will definitely be very dry for that race - lots of dust/pebbles/sand getting kicked up.Mike Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13981870314602171757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-64936935294941091302022-07-12T21:31:48.299-06:002022-07-12T21:31:48.299-06:00Hi Guys. I'm running the 50K Baby Bear this Se...Hi Guys. I'm running the 50K Baby Bear this September in Idaho, and I was wondering if this might make a good race shoe for that course. I assume Mike P. knows the terrain well. Or is there a better shoe you would recommend for race day? Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10529476.post-48647335301517403282022-07-12T07:55:41.013-06:002022-07-12T07:55:41.013-06:00Someone’s jealous Someone’s jealous Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com