One year ago I was writing a review about the new addition to the VJ Sport shoe line-up, the VJ SARVA ACE.
This was a new departure for VJ. Of course, the shoe had the trademark VJ USP’s, amazing butyl outsole and fitlock foot hold. As a specific winter shoe, it also had the excellent star studded winter studs for reassuring grip on ice.
However, the new additions were extremely notable. Firstly a wide, foot-shaped toe box, very wide by VJ standards that would allow space for the toes to move and therefore aid keeping feet warmer in sub zero temperatures. Secondly, new cushioning called PerFOAMance. Thirdly, a one piece waterproof upper.
I wrote at the time that this was without doubt the most comfortable and best studded winter shoe I have tried. That still stands today.
Notably I said, ‘Light-weight, cushioned, wider fit, great foothold and superb comfort, the VJ Sarva ACE takes the previous VJ SARVA shoes to a new level. This shoe is so comfortable, I have already emailed VJ asking for this shoe to be made without studs. It would be a perfect shoe to run alongside the ULTRA, especially with the wider toe box.’
Well, VJ listened and they have now released the VJ XTER.
The XTER is quite simply the ACE without winter studs. With 40mm cushioning at the rear, 32mm at the front and an 8mm drop, the XTER is a dream shoe. The butyl outsole with 5mm lugs gives incredible grip on all terrain and better than normal outsole grip even on ice. Note, this is NOT an ice running shoe, you need the ACE for that.
The XTER is all about comfort and slipping them on they had all the great feelings from the ACE, notably is the space up at the front and the cushioning. These shoes feel incredible. So good that VJ need to make this shoe without a waterproof upper for all-season use. I have no doubt that this shoe would be my day-to-day trail shoe choice in spring and summer if it had no waterproof upper.
The success of the ACE and perFOAMance cushioning also made it’s way to the new MAXx2 which for me is THE best mountain running shoe in the market. The combination of features, grip, fitlock and cushioning make this a stunning shoe. However, it’s a more precision fit shoe, so, an XTER version would fulfil many requests for a ‘wider’ VJ shoe for the mountains.
KEY FEATURES
Those who have used VJ before will know how amazing the foothold is from FITLOCK, a feature on all VJ shoes. It provides a tight and secure feel and offers support and stability. It makes the shoes feel like part of the foot. This is probably even more noticeable here in the XTER with the wider toe box. The hold and feel are superb.
VJ’s SCR (Superior Contact Rubber) is the best on any terrain, be that wet or dry. The tagline for VJ is #bestgripontheplanet and that is justified. No other trail/ mountain shoe matches the outsole of VJ. 5 mm studs provide grip in all conditions, but also allow you to enjoy running on easier trails.
The upper is seamless, lightweight and waterproof with added durability. This has been tried and tested in my ACE which are now 1-year old and still look like new. You may be thinking that you do not need a waterproof upper, maybe think again. For sure, there are some downsides to a waterproof shoe, especially if you get water inside as it cannot escape. However, if you are running in extreme cold, snow and ice, a waterproof upper with good merino wool socks makes a huge difference for foot warmth.
The wide toe box is foot-shaped and to draw comparisons, it is very much in the mold of Altra or Topo. It’s very much of a departure for VJ as nearly all their shoes have a more precise/ precision fit. It’s extremely comfortable and allows excellent toe splay. As I said, love to see the XTER develop in a non-waterproof version.
SUMMARY
The added cushioning is a highlight for me, and they are ideal for longer outings, particularly when running on harder / frozen trails. The comfort level is high, not something that is usual for winter shoes. The wider toe box only adds to this package. Toes are able to move allowing for increased blood flow and therefore warmth, also helped by the waterproof upper. The wider footprint also adds to a more stable footprint on snow. Butyl outsole is amazing and sets the bar for other shoes to match. The ACE had one issue, hold in the heel area was not ideal, that has now been addressed. The XTER comes highly recommended.
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IAN CORLESS 