VJ Shoes Ace Review: Bring on Ice! 4 Comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere

VJ Sneakers Ace ($180)

Introduction

Jeff V:  The VJ Ace is VJ’s newest winter operating shoe, constructing upon the Ice Hero (RTR Evaluation), with key enhancements being extra pronounced and efficient studs, considerably extra cushioning, a wider toe field and a extra waterproof higher.  When VJ advertises it delivers “ the perfect grip on the planet”, they actually imply it!  When you run on icy trails or roads, the Ace is without doubt one of the greatest on the market, learn on to see why!

Execs: 

Jeff V: Traction, waterproof higher, match, cushioning, heat, stability

Cons:

Jeff V: Measured weight of pattern shoe appears out of line with what’s marketed.  It could be very nice to have a built-in gaiter.

Stats

Approx. Weight: males’s 11 oz /312g (US9) 

  Samples: males’s  11.6oz /332g (US10)  ,  oz / g US

Stack Top: males’s 38mm heel / 30mm forefoot ( 8mm drop spec) 

Platform Width: 90mm heel / 80mm midfoot / 120mm forefoot

$180. Obtainable now  

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Jeff V:  Out of the field, it’s notable how vast the toe field (and platform) seems, how a lot cushioning has been added in comparison with the Ice Hero and the way pronounced the star formed studs are.  The higher supplies are very thick and considerably stiff, with a beefy toe bumper and stiff heel counter.  Whereas that description could sound detrimental for some footwear, they’re all property for the meant winter goal of this shoe.

The higher materials may be very thick and stiff and is labeled as “Waterproof”.  Whereas it’s not Gore or some other model identify waterproofing, I’ve discovered it to be equally efficient in repelling snow and slush.  So far as breathability, as I’ve solely run them within the winter, that has not been a priority and for its winter use I do not likely search for breathability, however as a substitute heat and safety from the weather.  Even so, I’ve not skilled any clamminess or wetting out from inside, even on days that topped 60 levels.  Whereas the supplies really feel thick and stiff within the hand, I’ve not discovered it to be a difficulty whereas operating.

The toe bumper is bombproof, you would kick absolutely anything and expertise no ache.

Match has modified from prior VJ, as they’ve a large toe field that’s visually just like a Topo or an Altra (although extra Topo than Altra), to permit for a bit extra room for a thicker sock and to eradicate the necessity to dimension up a half dimension.  

Facet by facet with the Topo MTN Racer 3.  The form is kind of comparable and each have 120mm vast entrance platforms

I truly didn’t dimension up within the Ice Hero and was fantastic, however having the broader toe field within the Ace is a pleasant contact and permits for a bit extra wiggle room, but remarkably doesn’t compromise foothold even for my comparatively slim low quantity foot.  Total, I discover match to be true to dimension and foothold all through to be very locked in and safe.

Serving to with safety within the midfoot is the Fitlock strap enhancing the midfoot maintain on the medial facet of the shoe.  

The Fitlock strap actually helps lock within the midfoot and likewise gives a little bit of safety there from hitting rocks or roots.  Lacing may be very safe, as soon as and achieved.

The heel counter is tall and inflexible, however is effectively padded and cozy.  I admire the safety right here and it’s nice for while you need to add Microspikes (I do know, typically I stack traction increased on the mountain when there’s extra snow on steeper grades).

The tongue is effectively padded and gusseted, extra booty fashion even, integrating with the waterproof higher to maintain the snow and moist at bay.  

The heel collar can be very effectively padded and cozy, resting at simply the best peak.  

If I might supply one suggestion for enchancment, it will be so as to add a built-in gaiter, ideally one that’s skinny, mild and versatile, simply sufficient to maintain the snow out of the collar of the shoe.  As it’s, I have to typically add a gaiter, particularly as a result of we get loads of wind drift and variability in path circumstances.  Within the winter there typically is snow and I need to maintain it out!

Midsole & Platform

Jeff V:  VJ is utilizing an ETPU midsole materials for the Ace, which has a smooth and effectively cushioned really feel underfoot, making them comfy and compliant when operating on exhausting frozen surfaces and ice.  Not like many EVA midsoles typical in path footwear, the ETPU midsole doesn’t harden in chilly temperatures and thus gives a extra forgiving really feel underfoot, leaving me extra contemporary afterward and making it simpler to go longer distances.  The froth in all fairness responsive, however I believe a few of that response is restricted simply by the shoe weighing in over 11.5 oz in my US10. That stated, the Ace is quicker than most on slick icy trails given the nice cushioning as a way to push a bit extra on exhausting, steep descents given the nice foothold and particularly the very safe traction.

Outsole:

Jeff V:  The outsole is the “star” right here, because the VJ Ace options VJ’s Superior Contact rubber with aggressively formed 4mm lugs, with 17 of them on every shoe have carbon metal star formed studs.  Whereas the Ice Hero has 18 studs on every shoe, the studs on the Ace are extra pronounced and thus present considerably higher grip on icy trails.  

I discover I can run confidently on steep icy trails, exhausting packed snow and some other winter surfaces and circumstances.  

They’re additionally nice on steep filth and off path, with the studs offering further chunk with out getting in the best way.  

The studs are after all noticeable on rocky surfaces or pavement, scratchy, however not overly obtrusive.  To date sturdiness is proving to be excellent, with no considerable put on or degradation after ~40 tough miles.

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

Jeff V:  The VJ Ace is likely to be the perfect studded path shoe in the marketplace , offering spectacular grip on icy, packed snow and frozen trails, a roomy match within the forefoot to permit for thicker socks, spectacular cushioning that doesn’t harden within the chilly and it’s topped with a sturdy, protecting and waterproof higher.  The journey is easy and effectively cushioned and in all fairness fast and responsive regardless of the general weight of the shoe.  When you run on steep, frozen icy trails and off path, the VJ Ace is a prime decide.

Jeff V’s Rating:  9.6/10

Experience: 9.5, Match: 9.5, Worth: 9.5, Fashion: 8.5, Traction: 10, Rock Safety: 10  

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4 Comparisons

Index to all RTR evaluations: HERE Roadtrailrun 

VJ Ice Hero (RTR Evaluation): 

Jeff V:  The Ice Hero is lighter and quicker feeling due to its lighter weight, however isn’t as effectively cushioned and isn’t as waterproof, neither is traction nearly as good.  If uphill solely, I might select the Ice Hero, however for an up and down, particularly if particularly icy and slick and eager to go quick, the Ace is a greater decide.

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Gore Tex Spike (RTR Evaluation)

Jeff V:  The Ace is lighter, has 6 extra mm of stack, 5 extra studs and a wider match within the toe field.  That stated, the Speedgoat Spike feels mild and fast on the foot and at the least equally, if not higher cushioned underfoot.  I do discover the Ace gives a barely higher grip on ice.

Norda 001 G+ Spike (RTR Evaluation)

Jeff V:  The Norda has barely much less stack, however actually superb cushioning and is about an oz lighter than the Ace.  The Norda feels notably quicker and lighter, however the higher isn’t as protecting or as waterproof.  The spikes on the Norda are good for frozen snow and average ice, however when the ice will get steeper and more durable, the Ace has superior grip.  Additionally of be aware, the Norda is double the value.

La Sportiva Blizzard (RTR Evaluation)

Jeff V:  The Blizzard is considered one of my favorites, as I really like the in-built gaiter, consolation and total winter performance of the shoe.  Match of the Blizzard (or any Sportiva shoe) is difficult and for winter footwear you could dimension up.  The Blizzard is sort of an oz heavier (however once more, does have the gaiter),  with its stack peak  roughly half of the Ace and isn’t as smooth.  Whereas the Blizzard is studded, the studs are solely reasonably efficient on reasonably slippery frozen trails and require including hobnails (a further $50) to make them an efficient choice on actually icy steep mountain trails.

Kahtoola EXOspikes (RTR Evaluation)

Jeff V:  Whereas not a shoe, the EXOspikes deserve point out right here.  For a mere $65, the EXOspikes are important for any path runner or hiker who usually negotiates icy trails, and even simply exhausting packed snowy trails.  The EXOs can match on any shoe and it’s good to have the choice of taking them off on a street method or what shall be a protracted dry part of path.  The grip on ice is best than something on the market and they’re exceptionally sturdy, as I’ve a pair that’s 5+ years outdated that I’ve beat on and so they nonetheless probably have one other 5 years left in them (or extra).

The VJ Ace is obtainable at VJ Sneakers HERE

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 and will be discovered on mountain trails day by day, regardless of the climate, season, circumstances or whether or not there’s daylight or not.  On the facet he likes to ski (all types) bike and hike, typically along with his household, as he introduces his 12 12 months outdated 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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