After greater than 100 textured miles, together with a enjoyable and quick path half marathon, on this evaluate I’m specializing in how the VJ Spark ($150) ignites a fireplace on the ft and within the physique.
This shoe is aptly named. Within the instantaneous of lacing up and stepping out on the path, there’s an instantaneous snap of connection and confidence. With out exaggerative parlance, the VJ Spark is a remarkably light-weight dependable stable velocity shoe, with a corresponding blazing orange aesthetic.
As a typical Topo and Altra runner — on each the path and street — I discover the VJ Spark exhilarating with a purposeful area of interest as a brief distance, quick, and mildly technical terrain path shoe. I want the spaciousness of the aforementioned manufacturers’ shoe fashions, however as a former aggressive soccer participant and bike owner, I can simply slip right into a blade-like efficiency shoe so long as the toebox is forgiving, and it’s.
VJ footwear is probably not new to you particularly if in case you have an affinity for all issues gear, are an ultra-adventure athlete, or are concerned in impediment course racing. I beforehand reviewed each the VJ Extremely and VJ Extremely 2 — you possibly can look again at each our VJ Extremely evaluate and VJ Extremely 2 evaluate — and skilled their aptitude, grip, and materials efficiency, however nonetheless felt some key alterations have been wanted for total prime endurance operating efficiency. Then, voila, the VJ Spark crammed these gaps.
The VJ Spark persistently exhibits up for coaching and race day. My latest Lithia Loop Half Marathon held in Ashland, Oregon, was virtually 6.5 miles up after which 6.5 miles down an extended sinuous singletrack. There have been about two miles of pavement on this race, which isn’t superb for the Spark, however throughout race mode I missed it for the quick downhill efficiency. The brief distance is right for the VJ Spark.
It has a 5-millimeter drop with a corresponding low claimed stack peak of 27 millimeters on the heel and 22 millimeters on the forefoot, and a comparatively gentle precise weight of 8.4 ounces (239 grams) for a U.S. males’s dimension 9.
These parts increase my path sense and confidence particularly when the purpose is to maneuver swiftly whereas navigating slick and reasonably technical grounds.
The VJ Spark. All photographs: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
VJ Spark Higher
The VJ Spark higher is designed off a slender, blade-like shoe final. This building promotes midfoot to forefoot operating for swift turnover and restricted floor response forces. Albeit and described extra extensively beneath, the bottom of the shoe is outfitted to grip. Though the shoe’s footprint is slender — the place it meets the bottom — there’s ample friction for bounding, traversing slab slopes, and mountain bike-esque descents.
I like to recommend you put on a half dimension up out of your regular sizing for an optimum VJ Spark expertise. This additionally permits the toebox to really feel snug and versatile with none restrictions or undesirable rigidity. I write this as a staunch supporter of huge toebox footwear for practical ft and pure toe splay.
The Spark snugly warps the foot from the midfoot to the heel. The medial arch is built-in with what VJ refers to as their FitLock design for midsole stability. The FitLock thermoplastic extends up from the midsole to the laces, which profoundly retains the foot safe via the gait cycle. The comfortable match and low heel collar design additionally help in a no-slip match.
Nothing is overly cushioned on the Spark. Nonetheless, the open nylon mesh masking many of the shoe, with exception of the toebox, is comfortable and very breathable — this lets path particles in, but additionally lets water and warmth out.
The tongue is partially gusseted with minor downward slippage, however is comfortable and will be harnessed by the thick but too lengthy laces and lacing system. I’m an enormous proponent of the plastic eyelets and laces that stayed tied. Nonetheless, there is no such thing as a slipping these footwear on and off often due to the sturdy heel collar.
The toe bumper poly-plastic is thick, however slender. On condition that this blazer is near the bottom and appropriate for rocky and rooted areas, a bit of extra safety could also be warranted, though on the expense of weight. The Spark is dubiously protected on each the lateral and medial heel. The bolstered poly-plastic provides to the additional heel help when there are stretches of agility operating and technical bounding.
A lateral view of the VJ Spark.
VJ Spark Midsole
The VJ Spark is outfitted with a full-length dense EVA midsole. The midsole permits for respectable floor really feel and suppleness coupled with sufficient cushion for the terrain.
The development of the midsole together with the low stack peak makes the Spark a really perfect performer for shorter distances and on reasonably technical substrate. There isn’t a rock plate built-in into the forefoot, due to this fact longer period runs on rubble routes could trigger foot and decrease extremity fatigue.
After my laborious half marathon race, I felt a tinge of soreness in each calves. It was fully price it for the safety and surety. The midsole building is certainly on the minimalist aspect, however one thing I actually recognize in a path shoe as of late.
A medial view of the VJ Spark.
VJ Spark Outsole
The VJ Spark shines throughout the board for its area of interest, however the signature efficiency of the VJ model begins the place the rubber meets the path, and it actually lives as much as the model’s motto: “One of the best grip on the planet!” The outsole is comprised of 100% butyl rubber and that is in all probability probably the most exceptional attributes concerning the Spark.
The outsole grabs the bottom with surety and confidence — making it superb for slick and diversified path situations and never for street operating.
The outsole design has 5-millimeter diamond formed lugs for additional seize, with arrow formed midsole foam uncovered down the middle of the forefoot, and with a singular mountain formed uncovered foam part on the lateral aspect. I reckon VJ designed the outsole to have these midsole sections to scale back weight, enhance the pliability of the experience, permit for uneven landings, and to separate the forefoot from the heel.
A word on the latter, this shoe is extra for midfoot and forefoot runners, however operating downhill and whereas bounding the entire base was crucial in my expertise. I used to be capable of cost laborious up and down granitic soil singletrack and confidently down steep and technical downhills. I’m trying ahead to extra winter miles within the Spark.
The outsole of the VJ Spark.
VJ Spark Total Impressions
Once I slip on the VJ Spark, I really feel a surge of pleasure from the bottom up. It’s a shoe that has been designed particularly to navigate robust trails with heightened agility and swiftness. The safe match, responsiveness, and light-weight really feel offers an athlete permission to essentially step into that rugged zone and to do it with confidence — the outsole is a recreation changer.
You will need to word that the VJ Spark is a nimble short-distance path shoe. I’d push it to a path marathon or perhaps a 50-kilometer race relying on situations, however I’ve discovered that 10 to twenty miles of textured terrain is perfect to get essentially the most out of what the Spark has to supply and what my physique is able to stand up to from a extra minimalist perspective.
Total, the midsole is dense and offers again what it will probably with out an excessive amount of firmness or rigidity.
I’ve been impressed with the VJ model and what they provide all-terrain athletes. I’m trying ahead to not solely operating extra within the Spark, however testing the VJ XTRM 2 additionally.
Name for Feedback
- Have you ever tried the VJ Spark? What have been your ideas?
- If you happen to put on VJ footwear, how does the Spark evaluate to different fashions for you?
[Editor’s Note: If you’re affiliated (i.e., an employee, ambassador, etc.) with a brand, please share your relation in each of your comments on this article. Thanks!]
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A high view of the VJ Spark.
