VJ iRock+ Review

The VJ iRock+. All pictures until in any other case famous: iRunFar/Bryon Powell

As somebody who jumps on the alternative to check any VJ working shoe, I discovered that the VJ iRock+ ($175) proved to supply superb versatility because it triples as a trusted path working, impediment course, and orienteering shoe. It feels at residence on softer floor the place its aggressiveness shines, nevertheless it additionally withstands the challenges of something from blended mountain terrain to summer time snow working. VJ shortly grew to become one in all my favourite shoe manufacturers after donning the VJ Spark, and the model understands efficiency, grip, and athleticism. This next-generation iRock is a rugged working shoe constructed on a wider final with a pared-down outsole that grips like the perfect, but additionally presents consolation throughout the lands. The higher has been up to date with ample safety for all-day working, however not at the price of an excessive amount of weight. I wasn’t stunned that my working mechanics felt pure and easy from step one. I used to be stunned, nonetheless, that the footwear may easily transition between various kinds of surfaces with out hesitation.

Like most VJ footwear, the iRock+ is obtainable in unisex sizing. Nevertheless, I like to recommend going a half measurement up on this mannequin. It runs comparatively mild for an armored shoe with an precise weight of 8.3 ounces (236 grams) for a U.S. males’s 9. Apparently, the technical specs report 33- and 27-millimeter heel and forefoot stack heights for a 6-millimeter drop. Since I’m a low-stack and low-drop runner, these numbers instantly threw me. I received out my metric ruler, and I can report that these stack numbers embrace the 5.5-millimeter lugs. The shoe is low-slung with a rocker and studded with butyl rubber lugs that seize the bottom like cleats.

The VJ iRock+ are a sensible alternative for fell runners or those that do severe orienteering occasions in excessive environments, particularly in vegetated hilly lowland areas. The VJ iRock+ proved to be a exceptional shoe for moist shoulder seasons — together with on snow — and may stand up to the take a look at of various terrain. The outsole and protecting higher lend to regular efficiency on singletrack. Gentle floor is the place it thrives, however even on average trails — with rocks and roots — it stays alive.

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VJ iRock+ Higher

A lateral view of the VJ iRock+.

Aesthetically, the VJ iRock+ is mountain modern. It sports activities a deep charcoal colour highlighted with a yellow midsole and seamless overlays with simply sufficient colour to not overdo it. This can be a working path shoe, and the higher protects. The mesh is constructed out of armored nylon, a tricky and tightly woven materials used to guard towards rough-and-tumble landscapes. To enhance abrasion resistance, thick overlays line each the underside lateral and medial borders. This design characteristic additionally provides further lateral stability on uneven terrain like scree and rocks.

Not too long ago, fellow iRunFar reviewer Annie Behrend and I visited an space referred to as Mountain Lakes in southern Oregon, recognized for quick technical descents and scree fields. The iRock+ delivered a enjoyable, safe, and protected day. It is usually vital to notice that surrounding the toebox is an extra-thick bumper much like the VJ XTRM 2, which turns out to be useful when the technical trails attempt to smash your toes.

The mix of VJ’s hallmark Match Lock system and the iRock+’s heel cup design gives substantial help and a precision match, particularly if the laces are tied excellent. The Match Lock system is a large piece of thermoplastic that integrates the midsole arch to the lacing system, thereby enhancing midfoot match and safety. Merely put, it helps wrap the higher across the foot.

Writer Molly Schmelzle testing the VJ iRock+. Photograph: iRunFar/Molly Schmelzle

The cosy match extends to the heel, which is fortified with moldable plastic alongside the collar and the flanks. The heel cup is low and matches so nicely that I wasn’t anxious about particles intrusion, even on free granitic soils. The heel cup makes use of a non-slip materials to amplify a grounding expertise and permits for shoe-foot oneness. The VJ XTRM 2 additionally has this characteristic, which helps preserve the foot within the shoe in tender and muddier grounds.

Take into account that this newer era of the iRock+ has been constructed on a wider shoe kind than earlier fashions. Which means that there may be extra room for the toes up entrance. Moreover, the tongue design permits for growth to accommodate bigger-volume ft, largely partially as a consequence of its semi-gusseted design and connection to the Match Lock system.

VJ iRock+ Midsole

A medial view of the VJ iRock+.

The VJ iRock+ integrates a LightEVA foam into the shoe’s efficiency stack as a tried-and-true and reasonably priced foam. The midsole’s EVA gives sturdiness, agency cushion, and work-horse capability. The latter is precisely what I really feel after I traverse each tender and extra rugged landscapes alike. It provides to the flexibility of the shoe since it could possibly final hours within the mountains and the softer hinterlands. I’m not searching for max cushion or an excellent bounce, particularly within the situations the place this shoe thrives, and this midsole is reasonably responsive and dependable.

In a few of VJ’s extra technical footwear — their area of interest footwear as I usually consult with them — the outsole and the uppers are the main target. It’s the encapsulating safety and safety of the touchdown that’s of significance. Absolutely the midsole issues, and I’m not downplaying its key function in creating an ideal and sustainable shoe, however it’s maybe not the spotlight characteristic of VJ footwear.

VJ iRock+ Outsole

The outsole of the VJ iRock+.

The brand new era of the VJ iRock+ outsole exhibits as much as the paths somewhat in another way than its predecessor. The floor space of the lugs is bigger, but at 5.5 millimeters, they’re shorter. The outsole remains to be constructed out of the identical grippy 100% butyl rubber VJ is thought for — known as their Superior Contact Outsole. It’s a contact softer than the outsoles of the XTRM 2 or the unique VJ Extremely, permitting for extra full-shoe pliability and adaptability.

The modifications help working on tougher path surfaces whereas additionally working for fell working and softer terrain. VJ opted for somewhat extra versatility reasonably than making a deep-lugged mud shoe. With that in thoughts, the spacing of the lugs nonetheless facilitates first rate mud and particles shedding and agency full-ground contact.

The arrogance rides excessive in these footwear because of the outsole.

VJ iRock+ General Impressions

A high view of the VJ iRock+.

By now it goes with out saying that the footwear from the model are notable for his or her distinctive grip, and the VJ iRock+ locations a give attention to acting on softer floor and orienteering in rugged terrain the place each piece of substances could also be assaulted by rocks, vegetation, and dust at any second. It actually does have superior contact and darn nice grip.

These footwear have the power and capability to navigate the challenges of variable terrain from sea stage to the very best mountains and every little thing in between. The outsole steps again only a skosh from different choices from the model to open the door to much more path working environments. I examined the iRock+ throughout — even in snow the place it dealt with the summer time storm like a champ.

This up to date model is wider and simply as armored for lasting sturdiness. I actually pushed the gap — general mileage was excessive, and length for single journeys averaged 12 to fifteen miles — and it nonetheless has much more to offer and discover. Will probably be an ideal addition to the spring shoe line-up when extra climate rolls in to saturate the bottom.

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