👇Click to view affiliate discounts and socials 👇 VJ Shoes: alnk.to/58pSLCs All Links: linktr.ee/SeeChadRun ✨ Support by becoming a channel member ✨ ua-cam.com/channels/XuaIGUWj4PHNQDK0rGRb-A.htmljoin
I have pair of these, and they have great traction on steep rock. It takes a while to learn how much you can trust them so you can take full advantage of their stickiness.
Thanks Chad for being one of the first UA-camr, if not the first, to publish a thorough video on this much anticipated shoe. I own the VJ Ultra, Spark and XTRM2. Like you I loved the Adidas Speed Ultra (now on my second pair). In 2025 I am planning to fastpack le Tour du Mont Blanc with my son. I am a light runner (151 lbs) and always prefer lighter shoes. My runs are typically 7-12 miles, but Mont Blanc will be 18-25 per day with lots of elevation. In terms of shoes, I hesitate between the Maxx2, Genesis (SLAB), Catamount 3 or maybe the SLAB Ultra 3. Any thoughts you would share to help my decision?
Thank you so much! I'm definitely enjoying the MAXx2. I just took it out again for yesterday's long run (almost 26 miles, 5700' vert) and was quite impressed it (video from that run publishing tomorrow). As for comparing it to the other shoes that you mentioned, the MAXx2 won't have quite as much cushioning but it's also probably the most nimble of the bunch. The Genesis line of shoes (I reviewed the Genesis recently) would be great for trail running, hiking, and backpacking in my opinion. I'm not sure what shoe would be best for fast packing, so I guess I'm not much help there. Sounds like a pretty awesome adventure that you have planned!
5 місяців тому+1
I have run in ultra3 and maxx2 but not in genesis. I would say that maxx2 has bouncier and more comfortable midsole. Under foot protection is pretty similar and good for sharp rocks. VJ has quite a lot better traction. Ultra3 has more comfortable but still very much foot hugging fit where maxx2 might be more sturdy but also very comfortable it just hughs your foot stronger. VJ has more room for straight big toe. Salomon wins clearly on upper breathability, which might make it a winner if you are wearing the shoes all day. For shorter stints on any kinds of trails I would choose VJ since I prefer how it runs. But for you the slab genesis might be the best choice since it should have the benefits of the ultra 3 but also more comfort under foot and better running dynamics.
I ran a 5 mile easy trail run and a hard 13.5 mile training run for The Rut race in Big Sky, MT. I had to return them. The medial post (ankle) dug in just under my ankle bones causing major chafing and bleeding. I also got a substantial blister in my pinky toe. I chalk the blister up to the shoes being “new” but the ankle rubbing ruined my world during the hard 13.5 mile run. Also, foam soles took a major beating during the aforementioned training run. The grip was phenomenal, as advertised, however if the foam doesn’t hold up for a decent amount of time, it’s all pointless. I wanted to love these shoes and hope my experiences aren’t common.
Sorry to hear that you had less than a stellar experience with the shoe. I hadn't heard of other's having any similar issues and certainly didn't experience it myself with the ankle rubbing. Even after my 50 mile trail race I didn't have any hotspots, rubbing, or blisters.
Lots to like about this but the comments about grip really caught attention thin. Very interesting shoe that I hadn’t heard of before. Thanks for this review!
5 місяців тому
VJ is a Finnish company that is known for rugged and durable shoes for technical terrain and off trail running. They use butyl rubber that differs from all the other outsoles made nowadays. But if you really want the best grip on slimy rocks and roots , they also offer some orienteering shoes with steel studs which can make a huge difference.
Want to love these shoes but having two issues. 1) heel lock is not great with my narrow heel. Even lace lock is not keeping my heel locked. 2.). The material inside the shoe is very grippy and it slowly pulls my injinji’s down. Never had this issue with a shoe before. Very strange. Otherwise, the midsole and grip are amazing.
Interesting feedback. Haven't had any issues with my socks falling down or being pulled into the shoe but I do wear a sock that is a little more compression fitting. Great feedback nonetheless! Thanks for checking out the video!
5 місяців тому
How much have you run in the shoes? VJ's soft heel tends to mold to you foot shape better after a few runs. I usually tie them down quite a lot harder than other shoes and they still feel comfortable.
Im experiencing the same heel issue. Got a blister on the first run in these. I’m hoping they will break in or I may try some heel tab inserts to tighten it up around the heel.
Hmm... I like both! 😆 The Salomon Genesis is the better all-rounder but the MAXx2 is more agile and feels quicker. If I had to choose one, it would probably be the Salomon but I did just run a 50 mile trail race in the MAXx2 and feel that that was a good choice of shoe to wear. Here's the race video if you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/RaAOYjfNayQ/v-deo.htmlsi=3kxJ0vtZQ2BA0baY
👇Click to view affiliate discounts and socials 👇
VJ Shoes: alnk.to/58pSLCs
All Links: linktr.ee/SeeChadRun
✨ Support by becoming a channel member ✨
ua-cam.com/channels/XuaIGUWj4PHNQDK0rGRb-A.htmljoin
I have pair of these, and they have great traction on steep rock. It takes a while to learn how much you can trust them so you can take full advantage of their stickiness.
This was one of the best reviews for a shoe I’ve ever watched . Thank you and glad I found your channel!
Thank you so much! 🙏😊 I've got some other recent solid/fun review videos. Feel free to check those out too 🙂😉
Dude! Thank you for joining the channel membership! Really appreciate your support!!! 😎
thanks chad, your vibe is awesome
Thanks man! 😊 Much appreciated!
Thanks Chad for being one of the first UA-camr, if not the first, to publish a thorough video on this much anticipated shoe. I own the VJ Ultra, Spark and XTRM2. Like you I loved the Adidas Speed Ultra (now on my second pair). In 2025 I am planning to fastpack le Tour du Mont Blanc with my son. I am a light runner (151 lbs) and always prefer lighter shoes. My runs are typically 7-12 miles, but Mont Blanc will be 18-25 per day with lots of elevation. In terms of shoes, I hesitate between the Maxx2, Genesis (SLAB), Catamount 3 or maybe the SLAB Ultra 3. Any thoughts you would share to help my decision?
Thank you so much! I'm definitely enjoying the MAXx2. I just took it out again for yesterday's long run (almost 26 miles, 5700' vert) and was quite impressed it (video from that run publishing tomorrow). As for comparing it to the other shoes that you mentioned, the MAXx2 won't have quite as much cushioning but it's also probably the most nimble of the bunch. The Genesis line of shoes (I reviewed the Genesis recently) would be great for trail running, hiking, and backpacking in my opinion. I'm not sure what shoe would be best for fast packing, so I guess I'm not much help there. Sounds like a pretty awesome adventure that you have planned!
I have run in ultra3 and maxx2 but not in genesis. I would say that maxx2 has bouncier and more comfortable midsole. Under foot protection is pretty similar and good for sharp rocks. VJ has quite a lot better traction. Ultra3 has more comfortable but still very much foot hugging fit where maxx2 might be more sturdy but also very comfortable it just hughs your foot stronger. VJ has more room for straight big toe. Salomon wins clearly on upper breathability, which might make it a winner if you are wearing the shoes all day. For shorter stints on any kinds of trails I would choose VJ since I prefer how it runs.
But for you the slab genesis might be the best choice since it should have the benefits of the ultra 3 but also more comfort under foot and better running dynamics.
I ran a 5 mile easy trail run and a hard 13.5 mile training run for The Rut race in Big Sky, MT. I had to return them. The medial post (ankle) dug in just under my ankle bones causing major chafing and bleeding. I also got a substantial blister in my pinky toe. I chalk the blister up to the shoes being “new” but the ankle rubbing ruined my world during the hard 13.5 mile run. Also, foam soles took a major beating during the aforementioned training run. The grip was phenomenal, as advertised, however if the foam doesn’t hold up for a decent amount of time, it’s all pointless. I wanted to love these shoes and hope my experiences aren’t common.
Sorry to hear that you had less than a stellar experience with the shoe. I hadn't heard of other's having any similar issues and certainly didn't experience it myself with the ankle rubbing. Even after my 50 mile trail race I didn't have any hotspots, rubbing, or blisters.
VJ Ultra v1 had the same issue.
Lots to like about this but the comments about grip really caught attention thin. Very interesting shoe that I hadn’t heard of before.
Thanks for this review!
VJ is a Finnish company that is known for rugged and durable shoes for technical terrain and off trail running. They use butyl rubber that differs from all the other outsoles made nowadays. But if you really want the best grip on slimy rocks and roots , they also offer some orienteering shoes with steel studs which can make a huge difference.
Want to love these shoes but having two issues. 1) heel lock is not great with my narrow heel. Even lace lock is not keeping my heel locked. 2.). The material inside the shoe is very grippy and it slowly pulls my injinji’s down. Never had this issue with a shoe before. Very strange. Otherwise, the midsole and grip are amazing.
Interesting feedback. Haven't had any issues with my socks falling down or being pulled into the shoe but I do wear a sock that is a little more compression fitting. Great feedback nonetheless! Thanks for checking out the video!
How much have you run in the shoes? VJ's soft heel tends to mold to you foot shape better after a few runs. I usually tie them down quite a lot harder than other shoes and they still feel comfortable.
Im experiencing the same heel issue. Got a blister on the first run in these. I’m hoping they will break in or I may try some heel tab inserts to tighten it up around the heel.
Hi Chad! Curious about the sizing, how do they compare to salomons? or to the VJ ultra 2 if youved tried them?
These are similar, though just a tad wider compared to Salomon's.
@@SeeChadRun Thanks for the quick response!
I couldn’t use the affiliate discount :(
That's odd... Seems to be working for me: alnk.to/58pSLCs
Which do you prefer these or recently reviews Salomon Genesis?
Hmm... I like both! 😆 The Salomon Genesis is the better all-rounder but the MAXx2 is more agile and feels quicker. If I had to choose one, it would probably be the Salomon but I did just run a 50 mile trail race in the MAXx2 and feel that that was a good choice of shoe to wear. Here's the race video if you're interested: ua-cam.com/video/RaAOYjfNayQ/v-deo.htmlsi=3kxJ0vtZQ2BA0baY
VJ was the go to shoe for OCR pros a few years ago before the industry, at least at the Pro level, tanked. Grip was supposed to be insane.
The grip really is insane and it seems that they're slightly reinventing themselves with this pretty solid offering.
@@SeeChadRun I knew a couple of racers that were sponsored by VJ and they raved about them.