VJ ULTRA 3 – SHOE REVIEW

Posted on April 23, 2025 by talkultra

In a world of the big shoe brands, think adidas, Brooks, Asics, Nike and of course, the list goes on. I love the fact that, without doubt, the best trail and mountain running shoes come from a small Finnish brand, VJ SPORT.

It’s a bold statement huh? But, if you have been reading shoe reviews on this website for many years, you will know, that I have a love for VJ shoes.

I am not going to write an article here about the brand, its history and do a PR job for them, I honestly don’t feel I need to. I feel safe in the knowledge that if anyone purchases a pair of VJ’s based on one of my reviews, they very quickly agree with me. Over the years I have received countless messages in the vein of, ‘I had no idea about this brand until I read your review and now I have theses shoes, it’s a game changer, the fit and in particular, the outsole are amazing!’

With a strong history and foundation in Orienteering, VJ made a name for itself in Scandinavia as the ‘go-to’ shoe. Jon Albon (yes, the TNF athlete) helped shift the awareness to a worldwide platform with his success in OCR using the iRock shoes and then in the world of trail, ultra and skyrunning with the XTRM, MAXx and the ULTRA.

In all honesty, despite huge growth, huge success and repeated accolades around the world for having ‘the best grip on the planet,’ VJ are still a niche brand and a secret weapon. I honestly believe, that in technical, mountain, rocky, and slippery terrain, a runner with VJ shoes has a distinct advantage that may well make a difference between gaining a podium place or not. This is especially rings true, here, in my home of Norway, where the mountain terrain is harsh, slippery and very demanding.

With all the above in mind, VJ keep their shoe line up simple for trail/ mountain and Ultra:

iRock4 – Mega grip, precision feel, for intense mud when grip is a priority. The 8mm lugs are like claws.
Spark – Minimal race shoe with 5mm lugs, 11mm/16mm cushioning.
Lightspeed – Fast and light, a racing trail shoe with the ‘new’ SuperFOAMance cushioning at 23/29mm and 3.5mm lugs.
XTRM2 – A fast mountain shoe for short to middle distance with 6mm lugs and 10/14mm cushioning.
MAXx2 – Cushioning and grip with a lower profile, ideal for the mountains. With the ‘new’ SuperFOAMance cushioning at 25/31mm and 4mm lugs.
Ultra 3 – As the name suggests, a long distance shoe with cushioning. With the ‘new’ SuperFOAMance cushioning at 30/38mm and 4.5mm lugs.
Flow – A new shoe for all terrain which I have yet to test. 25/35mm and 4.5mm lugs.

In addition to the above there is a winter shoe, the XTER that is also available with spikes, called the ACE, for ice and snow. There are countless spike/ winter models HERE.

VJ ULTRA 3

This is not the first ultra shoe for VJ, on the contrary, they released the ULTRA and the ULTRA2. Both of these shoes I have run in and tested over the past few years. They both had all the perfect VJ characteristics, namely, amazing grip and incredible foothold with Fitlock. However, for me, the cushioning never felt ‘bouncy,’ and this always shifted me to use the MAXx.

In 2023, VJ released a winter shoe called the ACE, this shoe was a spiked shoe for snow/ ice etc. It was a complete game changer! The shape of the shoe was completely different, the toe box was wide and expansive (just like ALTRA) to allow the toes to move and keep warm during winter conditions. In addition, the ACE had new cushioning called SuperFOAMance. I said in my 2023 review, and I quote, ‘I want this shoe without studs for dry trail running.’

Well, I gave that feedback to VJ and they listened, the VJ ULTRA 3 comes from the ACE development.

However, I need to mess up this and segway to the LIGHTSPEED and MAXx2. Between the ACE and the release of the ULTRA 3, we had the Lightspeed and MAXx2 launches. Again, two amazing game changers for VJ. The LIGHTSPEED is a super fast and responsive trail racing shoe, think the Golden Trail Series. The MAXx2 (think skyrunning) builds on everything that was great in the original MAXx but takes it one step further. Both these new shoes had the SuperFOAMance cushioning, which, for me, it is incredible. I have done big mountain days in Spain, Italy and Norway in the MAXx2, always great comfort, great foot hold and of course, amazing grip. The MAXx2 is for me, without doubt, the best mountain running shoe out there. I just can’t wait for VJ to bring the cushioning to the XTRM too so when I need a more aggressive outsole, I have the option and the same cushioning.

So, here we are with the VJ ULTRA 3.

The ULTRA 3 has what I loved in the ACE and the MAXx2 and has given me a shoe that merges these two shoes into a product designed for long, big, ultra days in the mountains and on trails.

The ULTRA 3 is the most cushioned shoe VJ have made, 30mm at the front, 38mm at the rear and an 8mm drop puts this shoe in an area that all the other big brands are dominating – think Hoka.

So, why would VJ try to penetrate this market?

Quite simply, they are offering a shoe that the other brands do not offer… They are bringing their unique USP’s of foot hold and grip, adding cushioning and providing a very specific mountain/ ultra shoe.

The ULTRA 3 was tested at the 2024 UTMB on the feet of Juuso Simpanen, he placed 19th.

The 4.5mm lugs make the shoe ideal for trail and mountains, especially when encountering wet and slippery rock. The Superior Contact outsole featured on every VJ shoe is the best on the market – no other shoe or brand has the grip of VJ.

The toe box is wider, a ‘4’ on the VJ fit scale, 5 being the widest.

The SuperFOAMance cushioning is a game changer, it has elevated the VJ shoes to a different feel and responsiveness that was not there previously. That is not to say that there was anyting wrong with the MAXx or Ultra 2, that is reflected in that these shoes are still available to purchase. However, the new cushioning, for me, has given the MAXx2 and the ULTRA 3 the ability to ‘always’ use these shoes. Previously, I would think about my run and the terrain and decide what was the best shoe, the SuperFOAMance has eradicated that problem.

So, when would I use the ULTRA 3 and when would I use the MAXx2?

It’s a good question and one I find easy to answer. If I am heading out for a trail run be that in the mountains or say, in the forest, the ULTRA 3 would be my choice. The cushioning help smooths out the trails, provides comfort and despite the extra stack height, I have no worries over stability. Should I go to the mountains, with far more challenging and technical terrain, the MAXx2 is my choice. The caveat with both the ULTRA 3 and MAXx2 is neither of them will offer super grip in mud, this when the XTRM is the option and why (please VJ) I hope they release an XTRM with MAXx2 cushioning and XTRM outsole.

THE SHOE

Next level cushioning without losing the core basics that make VJ shoes special, basically, great foot hold and an awesome outsole.

On first appearance, the ULTRA 3 looks rather bulky and heavy. They are not heavy at all, my UK10 weigh under 290g.

Drop is 8mm, perfect for a long distance ultra shoe and the cushioning is 30mm at the front, 38mm at the rear and the fit is slightly small, so, if you are usually a UK9, I would recommend a UK9.5 etc. As is always the case, you need to try on and make sure of the fit for yourself.

I have found with VJ shoes I always lock lace. I did my first run in the ULTRA 3 without lock lacing and the second with lock lacing, I prefer to lock lace. Just a heads-up as I feel you should try both options to see what works for you!

One of the key selling points of any VJ is how the shoe holds the foot, this comes from Fitlock which, when the laces are tightened and adjusted correctly, holds the foot perfectly, especially noticeable when on technical and demanding trail.

The upper is in one piece made of multi zone woven mesh with varying density. They are breathable but equally, in colder weather, they are not too cold. There is excellent protection at the front with a great toe bumper.

The rear collar is where a noticeable change has been made from the ACE winter shoe. The ACE was well padded and very comfortable. Here, the rear collar is lightly padded with a slight raised section inside to stop heel slippage. On the MAXx2 I initially had an issue with the right side of the heel cup being a little high which irritated my ankle bone, that is present here in the ULTRA 3. I have found that after a few runs this softens and becomes no problem. On my first run in the ULTRA 3 I got a hot spot at the rear – I never get blisters! So, this rang an immediate alarm bell. However, I changed socks for my 2nd run and then had no issues, so, sock choice may well be an important consideration.

The tongue is thin. But I have had no issues with any tension, hot spots or pain.

The toe box is, for VJ, wide and this will be a game changer for many people who have found VJ too narrow in the past. It allows great toe splay and comfort without losing a precision feel when required.

Cushioning is a breakthrough for VJ. As I found on the ACE, the SuperFOAMance was something very special, here in the ULTRA 3, it takes the shoe to another level of comfort without being squidgy or losing ground feel.

There is a rock plate which in many ways has three purposes: It protects the foot. It helps protect the cushioning. It also provides some torsional rigidity (a little like a plated shoe) without having the downsides of a carbon plate or similar.

Outsole, it is easy, best grip on the planet. Nothing grips like the VJ butyl outsole. The 4.5mm lugs are maybe a surprise? Would I prefer 5mm or even 6mm? Yes! but maybe the 4.5mm is the best choice for a shoe to manage ‘all’ surfaces. Ultimately, the foot print is wide, front, middle and rear making contact with the ground superb. VJ also realise that if you increase stack height, you need to increase footprint size for stability. A lesson that adidas Terrex need to learn with there woefully unstable Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra which is on technical terrain dangerous IMO.

IN USE

After three runs, I had to tweak certain elements to make the ULTRA 3 perfect for me. Firstly, I lock laced. I changed socks to Injinji. I tweaked the lace tension for the comfort/ feel I prefer.

One I had the three items above dialled, the ULTRA 3 became perfect.

The cushioning is a game changer for VJ but it sits in its own place. Two current outstanding shoes I love, the Hoka Tecton X3 and the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro both have lively, bouncy cushioning. The ULTRA 3 is not like this. It’s more controlled and therefore, I prefer the ULTRA 3 in more mountainous and technical terrain. I find there is more precision and reassurance. Any roll from the additional stack height is balanced and controlled, this also comes from the amazing Fitlock.

Grip is the best, and I say that with complete confidence. I would compromise cushioning and comfort for VJ grip. I have done this in the past, for example, using the MAXx for really big mountain days when I knew I needed grip due to wet rock or similar. Now, the ULTRA 3 gives me the cushioning and comfort with grip.

CONCLUSION

The ULTRA 3 is a game changer for VJ. This shoe will now make VJ grip available for longer races such as those in the UTMB calendar or similar. I do feel the ULTRA 3 slots in the more mountain ultra terrain than just ultra trail. There is a durability, a strength, a build quality to the ULTRA 3 that says, ‘I am here to take a battering and protect you!’ One thing is for sure, if you are looking for a shoe with cushioning, grip and comfort, the ULTRA 3 should be at the top of your list.

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Hoka One One Torrent 2 Cotopaxi Review

Posted on June 29, 2021 by talkultra

It has been a long time since I slipped on a Hoka One One shoe, 2012 to be exact. Almost 10-years ago and while I could write my reasons why, it’s best to read an article I wrote called ‘Minimal, Maximal or the curious question of Drop.’

So, I have avoided Hoka One One and maximal cushioned shoes ever since.

However, when you test as many shoes as I do, I didn’t feel it correct to neglect Hoka, however, I also felt that no matter how impartial I try to be in reviews, I probably would still hark back to the pre 2012 days.

Recently though, I have been testing and loving trail shoes that somehow sit in the middle, not minimal cushioned or maximal, a nice middle ground. Currently, my shoe of the year is the adidas Speed Ultra and if I need more grip and an aggressive outsole, the VJ Sport Ultra has been great.

With this in mind, many who read my reviews suggested that I try the Torrent 2 by Hoka One One. One thing was universal in all the comments, ‘It is the least Hoka like shoe that they do.’ Ultimately, it is the least cushioned and bouncy shoe currently in the Hoka range… This may change with the new ‘Zinal!’

So, Hoka One One in Norway kindly sent me a Torrent 2 Cotopaxi to test. Cotopaxi is ‘an innovative outdoor product and experience that funds sustainable poverty relief, move people to do good, and inspire adventure.’

Cotopaxi joins brands, such as Hoka One One to ultimately ‘do good’ and they bring some unique colours and designs. The Torrent 2 celebrates the kaleidoscopic wonders of this great planet in what I think is a stunning colour way, but I fully appreciate that this may well be too much for some. I love the uniqueness, the colours, and the fact that the left shoe is different to the right.

THE SHOE

Love the colour way, it’s a winner for me.

The Torrent 2 is light, 278g from an UE44/ UK9.5.

The tongue is well padded and comfortable, the lacing excellent and additional eyelets exist should you need to lock lace or similar.

The upper is extremely durable and yet breathable using a mesh upper that utilises recycled post-consumer plastic waste to make a Unifi REPREVE yarn. Reinforcing exists to help protect the foot but there is little to no toe protection.

Heel box is padded and holds the foot well with no slippage when climbing.

The outsole is a nice middle ground trail grip that is extremely comfortable on dry trails and road but yes has enough grip when the trails become sloppy. The lugs are multi-directional which work exceptionally well and even on wet rock, the grip has been reassuringly good.

Toe box is on the wider side and allows good toe splay and comfort over longer distances. On a 1-5 scale, 1 being narrow, the Torrent 2 is a 4 for me.

Cushioning is somewhat a revelation, and, in all honesty, I expected to not like the feel or the ride. I was completely wrong. The Torrent 2 feels nothing like the Hoka’s I used pre 2012 and I understand why many say, ‘It is the least Hoka like shoe.’ The cushioning was firmer, had less roll and quite simply provides wonderful comfort over any distance. Cushioning is PROFLY.

The footprint of the shoe is wider, and this helps compensate for additional stack height reducing any inward or outward roll, and thus provides more precision and stability when the trails become more technical. The reason I defected from Hoka was I got way too much roll from the super soft cushioning and maximal nature of the shoes – note here.

IN USE

Well, I never thought I would be writing this, but, the Torrent 2 has become a real favourite shoe and has been in a regular rotation with my adidas Speed Ultra, which I love! The Hoka and adidas are in many ways similar but at the same time, very different. The adidas without doubt better on more technical terrain and excellent if not superb on the road.

The Torrent 2 is just a great everyday shoe that works on most terrain and provides comfort over short or long distance. The landing and cushioning from PROFLY is excellent and the propulsive phase are not lacking. There is a firmer feel to the Torrent 2 and I can anticipate that Hoka One One fans (who like the maximal bounce) will find this shoe maybe not to their liking. For me, it’s perfect!

A neutral shoe it allows my foot to respond to the terrain in a natural way and the shoe has great response, the 5mm drop adds to that ‘at one with the ground’ feel despite this being a more cushioned shoe with 18mm at the front and 23mm at the rear. The female version has less cushioning, 16/21 and I applaud Hoka for understanding that women need their own specific shoes, not smaller versions of the men’s shoe. Roll is present, especially when on rocky terrain, tree routes and so on, however, it’s completely manageable and within parameters I would want and expect from a shoe with more cushioning. The wider footprint goes a long way in providing more comfort and less roll. There is no rock plate in the shoe and in all honesty, I found no issues or problems. My regular trails are littered with rocks, tree roots and demanding sections. Nothing came through to impact on my foot.

On a scale of 0-100% for rigidity, I would say the Torrent comes in around the 50% mark offering reassured comfort that sits in a perfect middle ground. By contrast, the adidas Speed Ultra is considerably more flexible sitting around 75/80%.

The outsole I am assuming is ‘in-house’ but does have some resemblance to Vibram. Apparently, the outsole has been re-worked from the original Torrent and while not mega aggressive, it performs exceptionally well on most terrain but excels on dry trail. The grip works well in soft ground but if heading into muddy terrain, you will no doubt need a more aggressive outsole. Some compromise comes on wet rock.

Fit for me was excellent providing plenty of toe room and the lacing held my foot well. They are true to size.

The upper is a little hot, especially on hot days and in the wet, I found that the shoe drained well but the upper did retain some water.

CONCLUSION

Everything is personal and I love the Torrent 2, I will be clear, I didn’t expect to! I like them ultimately because they are not what I expected, and I am used to from a Hoka One One shoe. They are firmer, lower to the ground, provide adequate cushioning and allow great comfort over any distance and pretty much any terrain. They are a great everyday shoe.

If I wanted to race or move faster, I wouldn’t choose the Torrent 2. It’s a comfort shoe that allows me to relax and run over longer distances on easier run days or say when running a multi-day or fastpacking.

Hoka One One fans will like the Torrent 2 less I would imagine, I can hear the comments now, ‘They are too firm for me!’ And that is fine! What I like is that Hoka as a brand are looking beyond what made them famous (max cushioning) and understanding that many people (like me) would like what Hoka offer in a more ‘conventional’ shoe, the Torrent 2 does just that! The new Zinal looks to take that to a new level and I am keen to try them.

The collaboration with Cotopaxi is excellent providing a great colour way and some extremely positive ‘eco’ stats. Cotopaxi ties its earnings to impact by allocating 1% of annual revenues to the Cotopaxi Foundation. The foundation awards grants to outstanding nonprofit partners who are carefully selected for their track records at improving the human condition and alleviating poverty. This year alone, the foundation has awarded 34 individual grants, directly assisted 750,000 people, and donated over $400,000.

Ultimately, a great all-rounder over any distance and any terrain. It’s not a perfect shoe but there is little to complain about. It has low weight, comfort, toe splay and cushioning. Compare this to the latest Trailfly from inov-8 and we are talking chalk and cheese, I still struggle to understand how inov-8 could make such an awful shoe… But then again, some love it. Ultimately though, is the Torrent 2 as good as the adidas Speed Ultra? It’s a tough call, but the Speed Ultra would be shoe of choice. Trust me though, I have been rotating between the two and I am happy in both. The adidas gets the nod as it has more response, feels nimble, lighter and makes me want to run faster. If I compared the shoes as though cars, the Speed Ultra is nimbler and faster, say a Porsche, whereas the Torrent 2 is more a family saloon designed for comfort over the long haul, say a Toyota Rav4.

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inov-8 Trail Talon 290 V2 Shoe Review

Posted on March 18, 2020 by talkultra

inov-8 TRAIL TALON 290 V2

TRAIL TALON 290 (8mm drop) is one of my favourite all-round trail shoes of all-time, the previous incarnations were always a ‘go-to’ for everyday running and when travelling, they were the perfect shoe to take as they managed to cover a multitude of uses, be that road, hard trail, rocks and yes, even some mud and very soft-ground.

The new version of TRAIL TALON, named TRAIL TALON 290 V2 is all that the previous incarnation was with a new upper.

The plus side from the off, is the new TRAIL TALON 290 V2 has that all important 8mm drop that is great for everyday use, not too low and too high. Therefore, it’s perfect for those longer days.

The outsole has 4mm lugs with a classic configuration, the TRAIL TALON 290 V2 is very much a dry trail/ mountain shoe that can handle a little sloppy stuff if required.

The TRAIL TALON 290 V2 is wide (fit 4 – Shoes with the higher numbers on our scale will suit athletes with a wider foot and those wanting that extra comfort in the toe box) and it has plenty of room and it allows the toes to move and splay just as in the previous model but not at the loss of a secure feel and reassurance when on more technical trail.

When running long your toes have room to move and should you be prone to swelling, the shoes have room for the foot to expand. This ‘standard fit’ is something that inov-8 have worked on and by contrast, some shoes in the inov-8 range can be purchased on ‘precision’ fit which offers a tighter and narrower toe box. The TRAIL TALON V2, when running on long, flat and consistent terrain excel with a plush ride, great return in the push-off phase and all-day comfort.

The 6mm POWER FOOTBED and TWO PIECE POWERFLOW midsole provide a cushioned ride with 1imm at the front and 19mm at the rear. This only adds to the thoughts of inov-8 that the TRAIL TALON is a long-distance shoe, if going out for a long session or a day in the mountains, the Trail Talon 290 V2 would be ideal. Also, ideal if running a multi-day race like Marathon des Sables or similar. The higher drop allows more leeway and flexibility and I must add that the TRAIL TALON 290 V2 is a superb shoe to walk in. This is really important for those who are running long or doing multi-day races. Often, shoes are tested just running with no consideration of how the shoe transitions to a change of gait when walking. For me, the TRAIL TALON 290 is one of the best run shoes I have used when walking, the transition is seamless and comfortable no doubt attributable to the ADAPTERFIT met-cradle for better mid-foot comfort.

I am always wary of buzz words like ‘Powerflow’ and ‘Adapterfit’ as in real terms they can mean nothing. Breaking the words down, the TRAIL TALON 290 V2 has great cushioning and great mid-foot comfort.

When running, the feel of the shoe and the comfort level is high. In the 290 has a great ‘feel’ for the ground despite the extra comfort, really important for me, I never want to lose that connection with the surface I am running on.

As in the previous 290, the TRAIL TALON 290 V2 incorporates the unique on-the-shoe gaiter attachment so that should you require a Gaiter you can purchase the item separately and attach/ de-attach with ease.

The lacing system and a gusseted tongue are winners contributing to the great out-of-the-box comfort. I have been saying this for ages, but a gusseted tongue just makes sense; It helps hold the foot in place, it stops the tongue moving and sliding to the left or right as you run and maybe most importantly it adds an additional protection to stop debris entering the shoe.

The lacing is added ‘on to’ the shoe by what effectively is a folded plastic layer. This works so well as it allows the shoes to be laced tightly or loosely as required but it also allows the front to swell within the shoe.

Toe protection on the shoe is good but not ridiculous. The heel box is snug, cushioned, holds the foot well and caused no rubbing on long sessions, even when walking.

Grip is compromised on any muddy trails but then again, the TRAIL TALON 290 V2 is not intended for this type of terrain, you are much better looking at a Mudclaw or similar which is designed for specific off-road and muddy use.

The key change and hence the V2 title; the upper. It is lighter and more breathable without a compromise to durability. Recently, inov-8 have had some complaints re upper durability but here in the 290 V2 I have no complaints. I have put 150-miles in them on a mixture of terrain and the shoes are holding up really well, both the upper and outsole.

Finally, the TRAIL TALON 290 V2 is gladly very similar to the previous incarnation and for that I am very happy. Often a brand feels the need to tweak a shoe looking for constant improvement when in reality, what they had was already fine! Gladly here, the V2 has just an upper change and that works perfectly well.

This TRAIL TALON 290 V2 was a winner before and it still is. I would go as far to say, that it is inov-8’s best shoe. It is most certainly the best all-rounder and if you were looking for one pair of trail shoes to handle many scenarios, the 290 V2 is perfect.

Specs from inov-8 (web here)

Iconic inov-8 rubber outsoles with multi-directional claw-shaped 4mm studs, each with a wide contact area, allow the quick release of debris and provide unrivalled grip and stability over rocky terrain.
The two-piece POWERFLOW midsole, constructed from two compounds – one designed to optimize comfort and the other to maximize energy return – delivers 10% better shock absorption and 15% better energy return than standard midsoles. An inbuilt Dynamic Fascia Band (DFB) mimics the “Windlass Effect”, delivering a kick of energy with each step, helping you run faster more efficiently.
An 8mm drop offers comfort, while new highly durable lightweight upper materials offer breathability and protection. Built around the natural anatomic structure of the foot, the next generation ADAPTERFIT met-cradle adapts to the natural movement and swelling of the foot on longer runs.
An External Heel Cage (EHC) wraps around the rear of the shoe and provides support in the heel – aiding foot stability and helping maintain a better gait when fatigued.
The new upper features extended welded TPU overlays and a rubber toe bumper to protect the foot from sharp rocks and stones. On-the-shoe gaiter hooks allow you to attach an ALL TERRAIN GAITER for additional protection, keeping loose debris out of the shoe.