Wow Mike it’s so cool to see you on video for the first time after reading your reviews for so long. I am also a lightweight runner so your views matter to me. I have been using an old Innov-8 Arctic Talon 275 as my spiked shoe of choice for the Montreal winters. Otherwise the original VJ Ultra has served me very well as a winter shoe when spikes are not required. The Ultra is built like a tank as you know. I decided to PASS on the Ace and just ordered a pair of their Ice Hero at 30% off. The weight of the Ace is a turnoff for me and my feet are very narrow so the Ice Hero will fit better. Overall I feel that spikes are essential at freezing temperatures where it is too cold to rain anyhow. Hence the value of waterproofness on a spiked shoe is limited for me… also maybe because my trails are typically packed. I would rather use a non-spiked waterproof winter shoe when there is freezing rain. In these scenarios I use the Ultra with waterproof socks. Please keep up your great work. I thoroughly enjoyed your balanced review and the great running shots!
Thanks for the feedback! I wouldn't say the Ace is necessarily a wide shoe, it's just very comfortable and nice & rounded up front. A big departure from most of their other models. But Ice Hero - lighter and narrower could definitely work better for some. As far as the waterproof upper - I'm not really concerned about moisture that much either, aside from some slush at times. But it does add a good level of warmth. It's a really good shoe if you have cold feet.
Thanks very much. My favorite ice spike on melted and refrozen trails is the Inov-8 OROC Ultra 290. Soft and more minimalist with 30 spikes per shoe! Norda also makes a good snowspike but it’s comparatively heavier. The North Face has a Summit series over the ankle winter shoe for deeper snow and I usually prefer to the clunky yet comfortable Merrell Agility Zero. Happy trails! Colorado? I’m above Morrison.
The OROC Ultra 290 looks similar to the ICE Hero - both narrower than the ACE. RTR fellow tester Jeff V is out in Colorado and I know he uses and has tested spiked shoes extensively. I'm in Boise so I get more limited periods of ice than you guys.
You could try their XTRM2 model. Slightly narrower fit but amazing grip. I have also used the VJ Ultra for running on snow. It feels more « built like a tank » with a broader, more stable base and less pliable upper.
We have an in depth multi tester review in written form here. It is a great shoe! www.roadtrailrun.com/2024/02/vj-shoes-maxx2-multi-tester-review-pure.html
My VJ Ace size 9 came in at 300 g. 10-20 g lighter than the Nike ZEGAMA 2, and the Brooks Caldera 7. Both obviously don’t even have studs nor are waterproof.
Yes! I did mention that a little bit .. The lacing, the two-tone color of the midsole, even the little bit of swallow tail. But aside from the looks its a totally different shoe
Agree, VJ has the tools to work with, just need to put together the right combo. I really like the XTRM2, but I can really only use them in very rocky, off-trail terrain. Otherwise they feel too harsh and less runnable than other, lighter options on the market.
Wow Mike it’s so cool to see you on video for the first time after reading your reviews for so long. I am also a lightweight runner so your views matter to me. I have been using an old Innov-8 Arctic Talon 275 as my spiked shoe of choice for the Montreal winters. Otherwise the original VJ Ultra has served me very well as a winter shoe when spikes are not required. The Ultra is built like a tank as you know. I decided to PASS on the Ace and just ordered a pair of their Ice Hero at 30% off. The weight of the Ace is a turnoff for me and my feet are very narrow so the Ice Hero will fit better. Overall I feel that spikes are essential at freezing temperatures where it is too cold to rain anyhow. Hence the value of waterproofness on a spiked shoe is limited for me… also maybe because my trails are typically packed. I would rather use a non-spiked waterproof winter shoe when there is freezing rain. In these scenarios I use the Ultra with waterproof socks. Please keep up your great work. I thoroughly enjoyed your balanced review and the great running shots!
Thanks for the feedback! I wouldn't say the Ace is necessarily a wide shoe, it's just very comfortable and nice & rounded up front. A big departure from most of their other models. But Ice Hero - lighter and narrower could definitely work better for some. As far as the waterproof upper - I'm not really concerned about moisture that much either, aside from some slush at times. But it does add a good level of warmth. It's a really good shoe if you have cold feet.
Like from 🇪🇸. Thanks for this description about the VJ. A nice friday for everyone.
Love VJ Sport, can't wait to see their new models
Stay tuned !
Thanks very much. My favorite ice spike on melted and refrozen trails is the Inov-8 OROC Ultra 290. Soft and more minimalist with 30 spikes per shoe! Norda also makes a good snowspike but it’s comparatively heavier. The North Face has a Summit series over the ankle winter shoe for deeper snow and I usually prefer to the clunky yet comfortable Merrell Agility Zero. Happy trails! Colorado? I’m above Morrison.
The OROC Ultra 290 looks similar to the ICE Hero - both narrower than the ACE. RTR fellow tester Jeff V is out in Colorado and I know he uses and has tested spiked shoes extensively. I'm in Boise so I get more limited periods of ice than you guys.
Very nicely done video review. Good alternative to written review. Is it just me or there is no sound during the running parts?
Copyright stuff... I'm new to this 🙃
Sorry we had to take music track out for this video due to YT restrictions. Next time for sure!
I wish they made this show without the spikes and lighter upper.
You could try their XTRM2 model. Slightly narrower fit but amazing grip. I have also used the VJ Ultra for running on snow. It feels more « built like a tank » with a broader, more stable base and less pliable upper.
Stay tuned for upcoming models & reviews 😀
Will you be reviewing the MAXX 2 ? I hope so!! (oh I do see it on the site, apologies. I look forward to video reviews tho!)
We have an in depth multi tester review in written form here. It is a great shoe! www.roadtrailrun.com/2024/02/vj-shoes-maxx2-multi-tester-review-pure.html
My VJ Ace size 9 came in at 300 g. 10-20 g lighter than the Nike ZEGAMA 2, and the Brooks Caldera 7. Both obviously don’t even have studs nor are waterproof.
They look remarkably similar to the hoka tecton x...?
Yes! I did mention that a little bit .. The lacing, the two-tone color of the midsole, even the little bit of swallow tail. But aside from the looks its a totally different shoe
I wish they would make a shoe with grip of XTRM2 and the fit and insole of the ace. The ultra just needs deeper treads for the British fells,
Agree, VJ has the tools to work with, just need to put together the right combo. I really like the XTRM2, but I can really only use them in very rocky, off-trail terrain. Otherwise they feel too harsh and less runnable than other, lighter options on the market.