VJ Lightspeed Multi Tester Review: 4 Comparisons including new VJ MAXx2

Article by Mike Postaski and Renee Krusemark 

VJ Lightspeed ($200)

Execs:

Tremendous mild weight: Renee, Mike P

Nice vitality return: Renee, Mike P

Safe higher: Renee, Mike P

Wonderful traction: Renee, Mike P

Wonderful heel maintain – barely higher than MAXx2 Mike P, Renee

Cons:

Sizing is hard: Renee, Mike P

Thick higher – may very well be extra breathable Mike P, Renee

Laces additionally appear unnecessarily thick Mike P

Unstable rear – should be “in your toes” Mike P, Renee

Stats

Approx. Weight: males’s 8.6 oz  / 244g (US9)    ladies’s 7.01 oz / 198g US8

  Samples: males’s  8.8 oz / 250g US9.5 ,  oz / g US

                  ladies’s 7.01 oz / 198g US8

Stack Top: males’s 29 mm heel / 23 mm forefoot ( 6mm drop spec) 

$200  Accessible now

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Mike P: Out of VJ’s two newest releases-the different being the MAXx2 (RTR Overview), the Lightspeed known as out because the extra “superior” and in a way “elite degree” shoe. We have been really given this steering by VJ when launched to the brand new fashions (together with MAXx2) for testing. 

Designed for the “excessive finish runner”, the Lightspeed has some attribute options that make it speedier and extra agile, however maybe requiring a bit extra management from the runner so as to hold them reined in. We’ll get into these specifics later within the assessment.

First level, I’ve to say the sizing difficulty with the Lightspeed, and likewise as compared towards VJ’s fashions. I’ve an ideal true to dimension US 9.5 match within the Lightspeed. My take a look at pair of the MAXx2 as compared – I’ve an ideal slot in a US 9.0 (I’ve actually ZERO sneakers from any model in a dimension 9.0). 

These are two comparable sneakers, not the identical, “siblings” kind of – but the numeric sizing is approach totally different. Additionally think about the truth that I put on US 10.5 in earlier VJ fashions – Extremely 1, Extremely 2, Spark, XTRM 2, except for the Ace which I’ve in a ten.0. Evidently, I believe VJ wants to select a relative sizing and keep it up. 

With that out of the way in which – again to the Lightspeed itself. My first impression was that the higher materials itself appeared noticeably thick. We’re used to so many mild, engineered mesh uppers lately – and that is nothing of the kind. It’s considerably felty/suede on the inside as a consequence of an array of underlays, and on the surface, the fabric appears fairly thick. I assume they’re going for sturdiness right here, however breathability could also be a priority.

Regardless of the thickness of the fabric itself – it nonetheless retains some flexibility, and I discover a good and safe wrap across the foot. The form of the shoe is a bit narrower in comparison with the MAXx2, however I discover that higher materials compliant sufficient that I don’t discover any additional squeezing. No strain on the toes. 

The collar across the ankle and heel maintains that inside felty/suede materials – which is comfortable, with no inflexible edges rubbing into the ankle/heel. That is good, and higher than the VJ Extremely mannequin for instance. 

One different distinction with the MAXx2 that I’ll level out is the heel cup. I discover it extra formed within the Lightspeed – it appears to “cup” across the heel bone a bit higher. It feels only a bit extra dialed than the MAXx2, the place I did discover some slight additional house contained in the heel.

Renee: I’ll reiterate Mike’s ideas about sizing, though I’ve the alternative difficulty. I wore a ladies’s dimension 8 within the Lightspeed, and working them I believe a 7.5 would work finest. If between half sizes, the shorter is likely to be finest. 

As Mike wrote, the higher materials feels a bit thick and due to this fact considerably rigid throughout the toe field. I had points with the forefoot materials inflicting irritation on my huge toe. I believe, with a greater match (smaller dimension), that irritation would lower. In any other case, the safety and maintain throughout the midfoot and heel are wonderful.

Midsole & Platform

From VJ:

“The midsole materials on the Lightspeed and MAXx2 is a nitrogen infused EVA and TPU mix that we name SuperFoamance, generally referred to as a supercritical foam. The advances are apparent – lighter, extra responsive, extra snug and extra propulsive  than conventional  EVA midsole. 

Why we selected the SuperFoamance over PeBA was the truth that the SuperFoamance materials is way extra sturdy in terrain. It doesn’t rip as simply and the bonding to the outsole is significantly better. Examined in lab the rebound of PeBA and our foam is inside 1% vary, so let’s imagine that the rebound is equal.

For the Lightspeed plate we examined 4 totally different supplies: carbon fiber, nylon and two particular polymers. We ended up with a type of particular polymers fabricated from renewable castor bean oil. 

For the plate form we determined to go together with Y-shape which supplies the stiffness and rebound lengthwise however on the identical time makes the shoe secure crosswise. The plate is growing the rebound and including working economic system which results in final result that you would be able to run sooner and do for it longer time frame.”

Mike P: The Lightspeed shares the identical SuperFoamance midsole foam as within the MAXx2. It has an analogous very comfortable, bouncy, mild and energetic really feel. 

VJ supplied particular midsole specs with the MAXx2 listed at 19/23mm and the Lightspeed at 18/22mm. We measured an efficient complete stack of 31mm on the heel for the MAXx2, so the Lightspeed is equally within the vary of 30mm beneath the heel, so mid-range when it comes to cushion.

Regardless of the identical foam and nearly similar stacks, the 2 sneakers are fairly totally different in really feel underfoot. The Lightspeed sits on a a lot narrower platform – notably beneath the midfoot. There are additionally variations within the plate development. 

We didn’t get a precise diagram of the MAXx 2 plate, however to me it felt extra like a skinny, versatile, impact-deflection fashion plate, just like Salomon’s flex movie and stated by VJ to be practically similar to the plate of their Extremely, a better stack broader platform shoe with a non supercritical foam within the present model. The Lightspeed plate (fabricated from a renewable castor bean oil polymer ) is forked up entrance, and extra propulsion-oriented.

The Lightspeed stack can really feel considerably slender and tall underfoot – particularly when simply standing round in them. With the slender platform and propulsive plate mixture – it’s clearly designed to work finest when shifting (quick). 

One different notice – the signature Fitlock strap feels notably helpful within the Lightspeed mannequin – with such a slender base immediately beneath the arch. It noticeably hugs the within of the foot (in a great way) and appears to actually assist with stability on touchdown. 

Surprisingly my Lightspeed really is available in heavier than the MAXx2 – 8.8 oz within the Lightspeed vs. 8.6 oz within the MAXx2. The distinction is negligible on the run, however it’s stunning as a consequence of the truth that the shoe is noticeably narrower underfoot and visually slimmer throughout the higher. Probably a distinction in plate thickness, or simply the thicker higher materials of the Lightspeed? Talking of which – the Lightspeed additionally makes use of oddly thick laces – form of jogs my memory of hockey skate laces. 

Renee: My MAXx2 weighs 22g extra than my Lightspeed in the identical dimension, so a special expertise than Mike’s. I discovered the midsole to be prime notch when it comes to really feel:  like an excellent model of Skechers Hyberburst foam. The plate is speedy, and there’s little doubt the shoe is supposed for skilled and quick path runners. 

The slender platform beneath the midfoot plus the tremendous foam could make the touchdown quick on uneven terrain a bit unstable if the runner isn’t ready. I by no means misplaced stability, however felt like I might at any time when I used to be pushing the tempo. 

I perceive the market being elite runners. The midsole and plate are what I’d count on from a highway plated racer, and that additionally means some instability if the foot touchdown isn’t fast and certain. I’m a midpacker on path, for reference. I attempted strides getting all the way down to a 4:30 min/mile tempo, and the shoe is quick. That stated, the trip felt fairly uncontrollable.

Outsole

Mike P: Not a lot so as to add right here – you get the identical 100% Butyl rubber outsole typical of all VJ fashions. Compared to the MAXx2 – lugs are 0.5mm shorter at 3.5mm and they’re sq. formed versus the chevrons of MAXx2. There are comparable minor cutouts beneath the forefoot, however typically we now have full protection. Maybe these slits are there to allow a bit little bit of lateral flex, given the plate and the softness of the midsole.

Traction and grip is superb in all situations. I obtained to check them on dry floor, sand, comfortable mud, and even some snow. (BTW, I might not suggest them in snow, as a consequence of their narrowness – go together with the spiked VJ Ace for these situations (RTR Overview).  As common, nothing to be involved about within the outsole division, all good, as with all VJ fashions. 

Renee: I ran on muddy terrain and a little bit of snow. I’ll agree with Mike that the sneakers may not be the most suitable choice for snow, principally as a result of the snow dulls the plate to the place it’s not as efficient. The outsole labored nice in mud and is the standard nice grip you’d count on from VJ. The match of the shoe itself does not really feel slender on foot, however the outsole and platform are clearly slender. The grip is nice however the slender touchdown itself is likely to be a difficulty for stability.

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

Mike P: I’ve largely targeted on evaluating the Lightspeed to the MAXx2 all through the assessment, as they share so many comparable options and traits. However they’re fairly totally different sneakers. The Lightspeed proved to be the faster shoe in my testing. The plate made the most important distinction, as there’s a barely firmer really feel beneath the forefoot, and a bit extra ahead spring.

Once I say “firmer” – I do imply compared to the MAXx2, as this isn’t an objectively agency shoe by any means. 

The SuperFoamance foam might be one of many lightest/softest feeling foams in any path shoe. That is notably evident within the lateral heel. It’s extraordinarily comfortable there, to the purpose of instability. This shoe actually encourages you to be up in your toes, even throughout descents. Laborious mashing of the heel, particularly the very rear, can typically really feel a bit harrowing.

That results in the soundness issue. The shoe is slender, tall, and bouncy. This mix doesn’t result in inherent stability. The MAXx2, with its wider base, does a greater job there, however even that shoe remains to be so comfortable underfoot, that it’s not essentially the most rock-solid secure shoe underfoot both. However you actually need to concentrate in uneven terrain with the Lightspeed. That tremendous energetic bounce is nice when going full velocity forward, however may be tough for those who place your foot in a unsuitable, uneven spot.

That is the place VJ was completely right in describing this as a shoe designed for the “excessive degree runner”. It’s essential be agile, ahead leaning, and fast in your toes so as to get essentially the most out of the trip whereas nonetheless feeling protected and secure. Given the dialed in, well-wrapping higher, I discovered them actually enjoyable to run in. I’d want them in conditions after I’m feeling energetic and need to exit for a quick run. Typically talking, the MAXx2 is the safer possibility, and definitely the extra versatile shoe, however the Lightspeed is a blast!

Mike P’s Rating:  9.63 / 10

Experience: 10 – Enjoyable, quick, energetic, energetic – all the great issues

Match: 9.5 – Tremendous safe, conforming wrap with no hotspots. Good heel cup

Worth: 8.5 – $200 is steep, however there may be the inexpensive, extra versatile MAXx2 possibility

Fashion: 9.5 – Love the brilliant midsole and the crisp white higher

Traction: 10 – VJ’s trademark (copied from MAXx2 assessment)

Rock Safety: 9.5 – Good and ample, suits the profile/trip of the shoe (copied from MAXx2 assessment)

Smiles 😊😊😊😊😊

Renee: Mike P has an amazing conclusion concerning the trip of the Lightspeed. The shoe is quick and finest for runners who can management the slender platform. The shoe isn’t uncomfortable underfoot at reasonable or straightforward paces, it’s simply that the plate works finest for race paces. In any other case, the MAXx2 is the higher possibility. 

I didn’t lose my footing however I felt unstable when working quick. I’m type of mediocre, so runners searching for podium finishes at fancy racing occasions may disagree. When you can run quick from a constant forefoot takeoff regardless of uneven terrain, then the shoe shall be nice. A barely wider platform would make the shoe implausible for mid packers. I had points with irritation on my huge toe due to the thick, fairly rigid higher. I’m additionally in all probability between half sizes in them so I think about that’s a me difficulty and never an issue most runners will encounter. 

Renee’s Rating: 9.0/10 (.-40 slender platform/instability, -.60 thick/unflexing higher)

😊😊😊😊

4 Comparisons

Index to all RTR critiques: HERE  

NNormal Kjerag (RTR Overview)

Mike P (9.5): Kjerag additionally makes use of a Nitrogen infused supercritical foam however it does really feel and is by stack top approach thinner underfoot and fewer bouncy and dynamic. It’s actually a minimalist path shoe in comparison with most path sneakers. Kjerag is equally slender beneath the midfoot and heel, however wider beneath the forefoot (and likewise within the toebox). It’s extra secure and controllable, however, as talked about earlier – thinner underfoot so that you’ll want Kilian degree toes to make use of them in overly technical terrain. When you’re okay being decrease to the bottom, it’s a extra versatile shoe. Lightspeed shall be sooner in a straight-ahead race.

S/Lab Pulsar SG (RTR Overview)

Mike P (9.5): I solely have the unique OG (grey) Pulsar. The Pulsar is amazingly a full 2+ oz lighter, and actually feels that approach. It’s Matryx higher and quicklaces should be a lot lighter than the Lightspeed higher/laces. Pulsar OG match is but tighter than the Lightspeed, borderline squeezy on the toes, the place the Lightspeed is extra compliant. Each sneakers have comparable slender platforms and are considerably unstable, counting on the flexibility of the runner for management. Lightspeed midsole feels bouncier and extra dynamic, the sheer low weight and rocker of the Pulsar in all probability retains it a sooner shoe.

VJ Spark (RTR Overview)

Renee: The Spark was a enjoyable shoe for velocity work, particularly on inclines. The midsole has some softness to it, simply sufficient to be snug given the low stack and considerably aggressive lugs. The Spark is the heavier shoe, by far. For efficiency, distance, and variable terrain, the Lightspeed is significantly better. Sizing was a lot totally different for me. I wore a ladies’s 8 within the Spark and the size was good, though shorter as in comparison with different manufacturers and with a shallow toebox. My ladies’s dimension 8 within the Lightspeed is a tad too lengthy, inflicting some discomfort over my toe the place my toes flex. 

Mike P (10.5): Notice the drastic dimension distinction right here. Spark does have one of many higher, extra footshaped toeboxes from VJ, so I might probably get away with a ten.0, however no decrease than that. The Spark toebox is wider and extra rounded – snug as a consequence of its form, whereas the Lightspeed toebox is narrower however with a greater wrap. The Lightspeed feels extra dialed in. Spark used an odd rubbery insole which gave a bit an excessive amount of motion at occasions (and heavy), whereas the Lightspeed has only a skinny liner, so you actually really feel locked in to the footbed. The Spark was tremendous versatile, in all probability having an edge in grip, however is way much less dynamic and runnable. It’s good for OCR, and a few quick technical runs, however the Lightspeed is a significantly better shoe.

VJ MAXx2 (RTR Overview)

Renee: The Lightspeed is a lightweight shoe, and extra dynamic when it comes to efficiency and velocity (each sneakers are light-weight given the nice outsoles and midsoles). The midsole geometry is extra pronounced within the Lightspeed, much more so due to the plate. For mellow working and stability, the MAXx2 may work higher, however I want the enjoyable and quick trip of the Lightspeed. Sizing for each was tough for me as somebody who is usually between half sizes. For each, if already between half sizes, I counsel the half dimension down. 

Mike P (9.0): As talked about within the assessment – notice the bizarre sizing. It’s the one shoe (highway or path) that I’ve in a dimension 9.0. MAXx2 is without doubt one of the finest all-around path sneakers out proper now, and likewise beats the Lightspeed in general versatility. It has the identical nice foam, enjoyable bouncy really feel, but it’s barely wider and extra secure for on a regular basis/quick/reasonable runs. Laborious to actually put a restrict on them, whereas the Lightspeed is actually simply constructed for going quick. One way or the other the MAXx2 is even barely lighter. When you had to decide on 1, I’d suggest the MAXx2, little doubt. However I nonetheless actually just like the Lightspeed, it’s only a totally different shoe. 

Merrell Skyfire 2 Matryx (RTR Overview)

Mike P (9.5): These sneakers are so comparable when it comes to platform and even outsole. Very slender underfoot, tapered beneath the midfoot with a slim heel, additionally slender beneath the forefoot. The Skyfire 2 has much less rubber underfoot, however good stable lugs that provide nice traction. The Skyfire is and does really feel approach thinner underfoot – you actually really feel such as you’re placing full pressure straight into the bottom in that shoe. Most likely a prime decide for one thing like a VK occasion however very agency and skinny in different situations. The Lightspeed is the alternative – very comfortable underfoot, and due to this fact has approach much less floor really feel and is approach much less secure. Lightspeed presents straight “velocity’ whereas Skyfire 2 presents zero floor interference and therefore supreme agility.

Renee: I agree with Mike. The platforms are comparable though the Lightspeed has extra midsole and is extra snug for working longer distances. The Lightspeed is quicker on mellow terrain, however the Skyfire is extra secure with a better to controllable, extra agile touchdown. I wore the identical dimension in each however had no points with consolation within the Skyfire versus a number of discomfort within the Lightspeed over my huge toe. 

New Stability SC Path

Brooks Catamount Agil (RTR Overview quickly)

Mike P (9.5): Simply wrapped up my testing on this one (assessment very quickly). I discover sizing about the identical – I’m excellent in a US 9.5 for each. The Agil is sort of a bit lighter – 8.0 oz / 227g  vs 8.8 oz / 249g The Agil has much less stack, due to this fact decrease to the bottom with nice floor really feel – however not the harshness of the Skyfire 2. It’s in all probability sits someplace in the midst of the Skyfire 2 and the Lightspeed. The Brooks DNA Flash 2 foam feels simply as responsive, there’s simply much less of it underfoot, and the Agil additionally has a wider base, notably beneath the midfoot. It’s is due to this fact the extra controllable and a way more secure shoe. I’d say much more versatile too. Speedwise, it may very well be a useless warmth – relies upon for those who want the comfortable bounciness of the Lightspeed or the responsive, nearer to the bottom really feel of the Agil. 

Renee: Sizing is analogous however I discovered the toebox wider within the Agil. Each have unflexing higher materials over the toebox, however the Agil has a lighter higher as in comparison with the thick Lightspeed. For distances, the Lightspeed midsole is healthier, and it may be unstable due to the slender platform and plate. For floor really feel, the Agil wins out. 

Index to all RTR critiques (Many 100’s of them!): HERE

The VJ Lightspeed is offered from VJ Sneakers HERE

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RUNNING WAREHOUSE US

Tester Profiles

Mike Postaski at present focuses on lengthy mountainous ultras – wherever from 50K as much as his favourite – 100M. 5’10”, 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker – he usually averages 70 mpw (totally on trails), ramping as much as 100+ mpw throughout race buildups. A current 2:39 highway marathoner, his straightforward working tempo ranges from 7:30 – 9:00/mi. From 2022-23 Mike has received the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M path ultras. He additionally set a CR of 123.74M on the Pulse Endurance Runs 24H and accomplished the Boise Trails Problem on foot in 3 days 13 hours, besting the earlier report by 7 hours. Mike’s shoe preferences lean in direction of firmer, dense cushioning, and sneakers with narrower profiles. He prefers additional forefoot house, particularly for lengthy ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe containers.

Renee is a former U.S.Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of working and writing began. She isn’t that superior of a runner, however she tries actually onerous. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles happen on rural nation roads in Nebraska, that means mud, gravel, filth, hills, and the occasional discipline. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and three:26:45 for the marathon.

Samples have been supplied at no cost for assessment functions. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought by way of buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are completely the authors’.

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