Article by Jeff Valliere
Arc’Teyrx Vertex Velocity ($190)
Introduction:
The Vertex Velocity is designed to blur the road between path operating shoe and climbing strategy shoe, marrying the important thing options of every. It has a light-weight construct, responsive and dynamic midsole, zoned sticky rubber outsole with properly thought out lugs that stick on rock in addition to free technical terrain, a breathable higher with inbuilt gaiter and precision match with climbing shoe sort lacing.
For a quick run in technical terrain, maybe with a scramble within the combine, the place light-weight, dynamic efficiency and optimum grip are paramount, the Vertex Velocity suits the invoice.
Professionals: Light-weight, sticky rubber outsole with versatile grip, inbuilt stretch mesh gaiter, sturdiness, high quality, responsive, safe match, safety, breathable
Cons: laces come untied simply, higher could possibly be dialed in a bit extra
Stats
Spec Weight: males’s 8oz / 240g
Pattern Weight: males’s 8.9oz / 252g US 10
Stack Top: males’s 23mm heel / 16mm forefoot ( 7mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 85mm heel / 63mm midfoot / 105mm forefoot
First Impressions, Match and Higher
The Vertex Velocity instantly provides off a climbing/strategy shoe vibe, with a whopping 10 lace eyelets operating far down the in the direction of the toe, climbing shoe model outsole with climbing zone outsole and inbuilt woven mesh gaiter. The higher is fabricated from an abrasion-resistant Matryx woven polyester with Kevlar fibers. It’s sturdy, light-weight, breathable and versatile.
With 10 lace eyelets, it’s straightforward to get a fantastic midfoot lockdownvery a lot paying homage to a climbing shoe. The “tongue” has a lace storage to tuck the laces into, however I’ve discovered that when operating downhill, the laces can slip out of the storage and are available untied.
The rubber outsole curves up over the entrance of the up over the toe and across the sides at the forefoot for climbing and smearing grip, in addition to sturdiness.
The toe bumper is average and pliable, however mixed with the rubber outsole curving over, provides a whole lot of added safety.
The built-in stretch woven inbuilt gaiter snugs good and comfortably over my ankle, retaining out grime and particles and is versatile, breathable and cozy.
The booty model higher is simple sufficient to slip into, aided by a handy heel pull.
The heel counter is fairly versatile, but is de facto comfy, safe, steady and protecting, with a strategically positioned strip of padding inside on both aspect (troublesome to {photograph} with the inbuilt gaiter).
Match is true to dimension in my traditional US dimension 10, with a safe heel, midfoot and cushty, however not confining forefoot. Higher safety is excellent irrespective of the terrain or velocity.
Midsole & Platform
The midsole is what Arc’Teryx calls a Mapped twin density midsole development that mixes a softer heel and midfoot cushioning for operating consolation with firmer forefoot help for rocky terrain.
That is an efficient technique for the twin goal of this shoe, offering an sufficient degree of cushioning for a quick run down the hill after a climb, whereas the firmness of the forefoot is appreciated when scrambling on rock.
With a 23/17 stack, the stack is comparatively low and because of this the shoe is sort of steady. Safety is sweet, however I classify the Vertex Velocity as a shoe for shorter distances/period. The shoe is gentle and nimble, which in and of itself makes it really feel fast, however the midsole shouldn’t be probably the most dynamic and energetic, though once more it’s applicable for the intent of this shoe.
Outsole
The outsole is made out of Vibram Megagrip Litebase rubber that’s exceptionally sticky. The lugs, whereas low profile (~3.5mm?) are broad and flat for optimum smearing and in addition embody a entrance massive flat lugs“climbing zone” within the toe for added edging means.
For scrambling, average climbing or any steep rock, the traction, management, edging and assured stability is among the many greatest on the market, merely wonderful.
When operating on extra looser terrain, the lugs present cheap grip, higher than I anticipated, however it’s clear that this shoe is greatest suited to smearing and scrambling on rock.
Sturdiness is up to now proving to be above common.
Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions
The Vertex Velocity does a fantastic job mixing operating shoe velocity, agility and efficiency and climbing/strategy shoe capabilities and grip. I discover them very best for shifting quick over blended terrain, principally rocky with scrambling, gentle climbing, rock hopping, slab and sandstone.
They’re light-weight and fast, principally due to the load I believe, because the midsole shouldn’t be probably the most responsive, however greater than compensates with its agency, steady and predictable method. Match, rugged sturdiness and general versatile rugged terrain efficiency makes this a perfect fast scrambling shoe with quick approaches.
Jeff’s Rating: 9.38 /10
Experience: 9 – agency and under no circumstances plush, applicable although for meant use
Match: 9.5 – safe dialed match
Worth: 9
Model: 9.5
Traction: 10 – greatest for rock scrambling, slab, sandstone, talus hopping and nice when moist
Rock safety: 9.5
3 Comparisons
Index to all RTR critiques: HERE
VJ MaXX2 (RTR Evaluation)
The MaXX2 has extra cushioning that and has a bit extra nice and compliant really feel underfoot It is usually lighter and extra responsive. Whereas the MaXX2 has one of many stickiest outsoles and higher tread for technical terrain, the Vertex has a greater outsole for precise mountain climbing and smearing/edging.
La Sportiva Bushido 3 (Evaluation upcoming)
The Bushido weighs nearly 2 ounces extra and is a way more beefy up/protecting shoe for lengthy days talus hopping and scrambling above treeline, the place the Vertex is a little more fast/nimble with a superior outsole for scrambling.
La Sportiva Prodigio (RTR Evaluation)
Just like the Bushido, the Prodigio weighs about an oz. greater than the Velocity. It’s a rather more beefed up/protecting shoe for lengthy days talus hopping and scrambling above treeline, the place the Vertex is a little more fast/nimble with a superior outsole for scrambling.
Speedland SL:SVT (RTR Evaluation)
I suppose the built-in gaiter lured me into the comparability, however the SVT weighs 3+ extra ounces (particularly with its detachable carbon plate). The SVT has the simple to regulate BOA match system dials and a really aggressive 6.5mm lugged outsole and a tremendous ankle gaiter, whereas the Vertex is way lighter/faster for shorter outings and extra devoted for rock, the place Speedland excels at longer days with extra cushion, consolation and supreme safety.
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Tester Profiles
Jeff Valliere likes to run and discover the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and extra technical the higher. He has summited all the 14ers within the state, many 13ers and different peaks in Colorado and past, plus, he has summited his native Inexperienced Mountain over 2,100 occasions up to now 20 years. He could be discovered on mountain trails every day, irrespective of the climate, season, situations or whether or not there may be daylight or not. On the aspect he likes to ski (all types) bike and hike, usually along with his household, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outside. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, however has referred to as Colorado dwelling for over 25 years. He’s 5’9” and 145 lbs.
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