Rossignol Vezor Review: A Well Tuned, Fun to Run, All Around Trail Runner

Rossignol Vezor ($180/ 180 €)

Introduction

Iconic winter sports activities model Rossignol shocked at UTMB 2024, introducing its first excessive efficiency path operating shoe, the Vezor and in my testing this pleasant, agile, quick and nicely cushioned throughout path runner had not disenchanted!

3 years in improvement with over 150 testers concerned, the Vezor contains a twin foam midsole (excessive rebound EVA under the foot, supercritical EVA in the direction of the bottom. The froth layers sandwich a versatile skeletal composite Diapazon+ “tuning fork” that gives midfoot stability and ahead propulsion. On the floor we have now Michelin Method rubber in a multi directional array of 3-4 mm lugs.

The higher known as “Dragonfly” is a single layer particles/air mesh with an intensive array of inner overlays. 

Affordable in weight for my pattern at 278g / 9.7 oz US9/EU42 for its 30mm heel 24 mm forefoot stack top (single sockliner, a second 2mm one additionally supplied) it has confirmed to be one versatile, tremendous enjoyable shoe to run in my testing which included quick climbing, trails, gravel paths and even pavement. It’s uncommon {that a} absolutely succesful path shoe additionally has no actual compromises on firmer smoother terrain and highway and the Vezor is simply such a shoe. 

Professionals:

Versatile: all terrains and distances welcome, even potential for extremely distances

Quick and enjoyable: versatile, full of life, agile  good floor really feel 

Properly cushioned with famous softer rebound on firmer surfaces whereas remaining steady on extra tech terrain because of tuning fork plate

Extremely breathable and water draining

Cons:

Sized up a half dimension because of pointy if not constricting toe field

Most comparable sneakers 

Salomon Genesis

NNormal Tomir 2

Saucony Xodus Extremely 3

Brooks Catamount

Terrex Agravic 3

Stats

 Pattern Weight: males’s  278g / 9.7 oz US9/EU42

Stack Peak: males’s 32 mm heel /  26 mm forefoot (with single sockliner -2mm) 

Platform Width: 85mm heel / 65mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot 

First Impressions, Match and Higher

One instantly notices the “strategy shoe” to the toes lacing and tubular higher form and excessive rear “elf” sort heel counter. Vibrant orange and black in colours with the inexperienced plate poking out of the midsole the look says “velocity”.

The higher is a single layer pliable and reasonably skinny particles mesh with in depth underlays, what Rossignol calls the Dragonfly and is designed to wrap numerous foot shapes. 

When mixed with the non padded tongue with stretch mesh gusset the midfoot wrap is superb, safe and comfy if not all out tech trails tremendous safe,

The heel space is stout and steady with out overdoing it with rigidity, The excessive achilles collar is semi inflexible above the black overlay and extra inflexible under. The collars are reasonably padded and comfy.

I observe that on the medial aspect for extra assist the overlay extends greater up.and is longer. A  intelligent contact that’s efficient in offering extra medial assist to the sunshine higher.

Total heel maintain is superb with the heel space tying into the fairly gentle and pliable lace up space very nicely.

The Vezor higher has an honest if not excellent proportion of recycled supplies

The entrance of the shoe… After all one instantly notices the “strategy shoe” fashion prolonged lacing on the toe. 

A bit uncommon in a path operating shoe. The first concern is commonly rigidity on the flex level excessive of the rear of the toes with such designs. Not so right here for me because the mesh could be very pliable and the decrease portion of the tongue is a gentle skinny mesh.which is broader than what’s seen from the surface of the shoe. 

Mixed with this, the eyelets reinforcements are skinny and narrower throughout the foot on the entrance the place the laces finish than normally seen thus pinching lower than a broader finish of laces piece with all of the stitching may. 

It really works and that is particularly vital because the Vezor could be very versatile there.

The rubbery toe bumper is reasonably agency and definitely protecting however not overdone or too low over the toes.

Appearances apart, there may be loads of toe field room for my medium to slender toes noting that I’m a half dimension up from my regular US8.5 which I feel is the best way to go right here for many. If it’s essential take up some quantity one can use the included further 2mm sockliner. I’ve not used it

Midsole & Platform

The Vezor has a twin foam midsole with the highest layer a excessive rebound EVA and under its plate a nitrogen infused supercritical EVA. The order, with EVA above and supercritical under is considerably uncommon for a path and even highway shoe, normally the supercritical foam is under the foot with a firmer EVA under for stability.  Right here the decrease N+decrease foam is perhaps a contact softer than what’s above is 30% lighter than common EVA and I really feel it as growing floor really feel and contouring whereas being straightforward on the legs.

The platform full stack top is 32mm on the heel 26mm on the forefoot with each sock liners. The platform width is a reasonably commonplace for path sneakers 85mm heel / 65mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot noting that the midfoot is sort of slender however nicely stabilized by the Diapazon+ plate as proven under.

The composite fiber “plate” not solely gives midfoot to rear stability however its entrance tuning fork form delivers some clear mild propulsion to what for a path shoe with a 24-26mm entrance stack top is a notably versatile but steady shoe with good torsional rigidity. Typically path shoe plates are fuller upfront for rock safety and make the sneakers stiffer. Right here there may be ample rock safety however a way more agile really feel than customary.

The complete system is nicely cushioned and leg pleasant with out being extreme in top, steady and on the identical time mildly propulsive as a result of plate and stays versatile whereas decently torsionally inflexible. You’re feeling the path right here with the toes within the recreation over obstacles  whereas on the identical time with loads of softer rebound. The Vezor is very well “tuned” for any path or floor past essentially the most excessive for me.

Outsole

The outsole is Michelin’s Method rubber is Michelin’s most sticky compound and stated to be similar to MegaGrip. 

The lug sample of 3mm-4mm lugs has the decrease 3mm up entrance and deeper 4mm in the direction of the rear with to mitigate the considerably decrease than traditional heights an aggressive multi directional sample. 

I like that Rossignol stored the entrance lugs decrease as this results in a smoother journey on agency terrain and to keep up the shoe’s flexibility whereas on the rear for descents we have now extra substantial lugs which additionally help with stability. I observe in a wise contact that the furthest rear touchdown zone lugs are decrease and broader for a easy steady preliminary contact down and put on. All of this clearly felt and particularly on smoother agency terrain.

My testing has been on drier terrain of all kinds thus far with moist to return.  

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

What a debut path runner from Rossignol!  I suppose it’s not a shock from a model identified for know-how and podiums in nordic and alpine snowboarding and this for many years. It’s logical that they’d make a robust push into path operating as their rivals corresponding to Salomon and Dynafit have as winters have gotten “shorter” and path operating an increasing number of common.

After an extended and cautious improvement course of, the Vezor emerges as a high throughout path runner, slotting very nicely between extra minimal racers and extra maximal cushioned extremely sort sneakers. Versatility and a quick enjoyable journey are the highlights. Decently mild, energetic, steady and in addition versatile with a plate that isn’t overly springy aggressive however has loads of fast snap, I’m glad they went with a non carbon plate.  I’ve hiked them within the Alps and run them on Park Metropolis single tracks and extra mellow groomed paths. They climb exceptionally nicely as a result of mixture of barely propulsive tuning fork plate up entrance and adaptability, have pleasant softer however in now means sloppy cushioning, and deal with downhills and flats easily.

A real single path shoe in a path runner’s quiver they stability velocity and agility with safety and cushion very nicely permitting for his or her use on all however excessive mountain rocky trails for me whereas ranging over to highway and agency exhausting easy surfaces very nicely.  They find yourself an honest worth at their pretty excessive value level of $180.

Sam’s Rating: 9.4 /10

(Minor deductions for weight and for sizing/match)

5 Comparisons

Index to all RTR opinions: HERE Roadtrailrun 

Salomon Genesis (RTR Overview)

Barely lighter with a considerably thinner forefoot stack top and basically the identical heel top the Genesis is a little more steady on the rear, because of its rear midsole wings and has a considerably safer higher. It’s extra inflexible torsionally and fewer versatile with an extra ahead much less springy flex level than the Vezor. Total it’s considerably extra protecting, technical trails and extremely targeted shoe than the Vezor and fewer enjoyable to run than the Rossignol which has a extra dynamic midsole and journey. Match is comparable with the Salomon, extra exact and dialed in largely because of its Matryx higher materials .

NNormal Tomir 2 (RTR Overview)

Very related sneakers. The Tomir in contrast to the Vezor has an all supercritical foam midsole. It weighs virtually the identical with 1mm extra  heel stack top and 3mm much less stack top. A bit much less propulsive because it has no plate  The Tomir finally ends up a bit extra versatile for slower paces and climbing as it’s much less springy however can maintain its personal on the run whereas the Rossignol is extra dynamic and quicker feeling. The Tomir match is extra beneficiant up entrance and about as safe because the Vezor. 

Saucony Xodus Extremely 3 (RTR Overview)

The Xodus Extremely 3 is about 0.5 oz / 14g heavier but in addition significantly greater stacked at 36 mm heel /  30 mm forefoot. Its midsole has an outer service of firmer EVA with an interior core of supercritical foam with a woven rock plate upfront. I hiked it extensively in France this summer time and it was an amazing shoe for that. As with the Tomir comparability it’s not as dynamic and doesn’t have as pleasing a journey because the Rossignol whereas it could be a greater lengthy distance alternative. It’s higher is much less structured and extra roomy than the Vezor’s and true to dimension whereas I used to be sized up a half within the Rossignol

Brooks Catamount (RTR Overview)

Lighter by 1 oz /28g  at 9 oz  / 255g (US9) with about the identical stack top, the Catamount is stiffer and its all supercritical foam midsole is firmer and fewer pleasingly dynamic and bouncy. It too has a plate however a extra inflexible in depth one targeted on safety greater than the Vezor’s extra versatile plate and foams that are extra velocity and agility targeted. The Catamount will lean extra technical trails whereas the Rossignol ranges from reasonably technical trails to exhausting easy surfaces, 

Adidas Terrex Agravic 3 (RTR Overview)

Barely heavier 10.25 oz / 290g US9 however with an even bigger 34 mm heel /  26 mm forefoot stack top, the Agravic 3 has a equally pleasing softer journey if not one not fairly as dynamic as its foam is much less energetic, it has no plate and is stiffer and is much less snappy in flex making ti a higher hiker than the Vezor. The Rossignol is clearly quicker on easy terrain. The Terrex is considerably extra protecting total and slower paces targeted than the Rossignol. Its higher is an analogous mesh with in depth underlays with a extra beneficiant total but nonetheless safe match. At $130 it’s a higher worth however not as a lot enjoyable or as versatile

The Vezor might be obtainable March 2025

Tester Profile

Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Street Path Run. He’s in his 60’s  with 2024 Sam’s 52th yr of operating roads and trails. He has a many years previous 2:28 marathon PR. Nowadays he runs halves within the simply sub 1:40 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week principally at reasonable paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, climbing or on nordic skis. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he isn’t having fun with too many high-quality New England IPA’s

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