VJ iRock 4 Review
The VJ Irock 4 is a running shoe designed to provide exceptional traction on soft, wet, and uneven terrain, making it ideal for cross-country running, fell running, and mountain running. Shoes of this type need to fit snugly to prevent your foot from slipping inside, especially when navigating uneven ground or sticky mud. The outsole must feature aggressive, long lugs that bite into soft ground and shed mud effectively to avoid adding unnecessary weight as you traverse wet, muddy terrain. Additionally, the rubber should grip well on wet surfaces, allowing for secure footing on rocky sections and uninterrupted forward progress. The upper must be durable enough to resist tearing from rocks or abrasion from heather. The VJ IRock series has built a reputation for meeting these requirements, and the latest version, the Irock 4, introduces several design improvements to enhance performance.
The upper is constructed from Schoeller Keprotec, a highly durable yet pliable material that molds comfortably to the foot. Breathability is less critical for running shoes designed for the wet, often cold conditions typical of UK cross-country courses, moorlands, and mountains. The tight weave of Schoeller Keprotec helps keep water out, reducing the risk of cold, wet feet. Moreover, it does not absorb water, ensuring the shoes remain lightweight throughout a run. The heel cup is designed without a central plastic insert to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon, while lateral and medial plastic inserts provide structural support. This design helps secure the foot in the midsole when navigating uneven terrain.
The heel cup features an anti-slip material that grips the runner’s socks, ensuring a firm fit with no noticeable slippage, even on steep climbs or rough terrain. Padding around the heel and cuff is minimal to prevent water absorption. Similarly, the tongue is made from a tough, durable material with very little padding, conforming closely to the top of the foot.
The shoe includes an Arch Lock system on the medial side of the upper, near the base of the arch. This plastic component connects to the laces, tightening securely when the shoe is laced up. The Arch Lock prevents the foot from sliding forward, even on steep descents. A thick, durable toe bumper wraps around the front of the toe box, transitioning into a thinner overlay around the shoe’s base to reduce abrasion.
The fit is narrow and pointed, resembling cross-country or track spikes, and is narrower than the IRock 3. However, VJ now offers a wider option, the VJ Irock +, suitable for runners with broader feet. While I typically prefer shoes with a rounded toe box for better toe splay, the IRock 4’s snug fit felt acceptable on soft ground, likely due to its increased flexibility compared to previous models. This flexibility allows the shoe to adapt to the terrain’s curvature, improving traction and reducing strain on uneven surfaces. Additionally, the flexible design ensures more of the outsole contacts the ground, enhancing grip and stability in muddy conditions.
The outsole, made from a single piece of Butyl rubber, features 6mm pointed studs that bite into soft ground and resist clogging. The natural rubber compound offers excellent grip and durability, inspiring confidence on wet rocks and slippery surfaces, especially during descents.
Testing the IRock 4 on a hilly grass loop during Saturday training sessions highlighted its strengths. Shoes with insufficient studs fail to provide adequate traction, while inflexible models can strain the ankles on uneven terrain. The iRock 4’s features allowed for smooth, confident runs without sacrificing speed on tight corners or steep climbs.
It’s worth noting that the VJ IRock 4 prioritizes function over comfort. The minimal padding in the heel cup and tongue eliminates unnecessary weight, focusing on durability and performance in tough environments. When I lace up the IRock 4 on a cold, wet morning, I feel confidence and security, knowing these shoes enable me to tackle terrain that would be nearly impassable in more cushioned, stiffer trail shoes.
Sizing: VJ shoes are comparable in length to models from Scarpa, NVii, Brooks, Saucony, Topo, and Altra. If you wear Hoka, Karhu, Inov-8, Walsh, La Sportiva, or Scott, consider sizing down by half a UK size for a similar fit.
In summary, the VJ IRock 4 is a lighter, more flexible update to the iRock series. It delivers outstanding traction on wet surfaces and soft ground, is highly responsive, and boasts excellent durability, making it an exceptional choice for challenging terrains.
Other Considerations
Inov-8 Mudtalon Speed: Like all the new Inov-8 shoes the Inov-8 Mudtalon Speed has a more rounded toe box designed to give the feet the space to spread and function inside the shoes. The Mutalon Speed has a similar level of flexibility to the Irock 4. The upper isn’t as durable. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-mudtalon-speed-review/
Scarpa Spin ST: Not as flexible as the Irock 4 because it has a thicker midsole. This gives a bit more underfoot protection that makes the Spin ST a bit more versatile in that it is comfortable on some firm ground. The cuff of the shoe has an extended gaiter to help prevent debri from getting in the shoes. The laces tuck into a pocket on the tongue which helps stop them getting muddy or untied by the undergrowth. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scarpa-spin-st-review/
La Sportiva Cyklon: The built-in gaiter and BOA fastening seal the top of the shoes to help prevent debris getting in the shoes. It also seals the gap between your running tights and the shoes which helps you stay warmer on cold days. The flexibility is similar to not quite as flexible as the Irock 4. The traction is good but, the less pointed studs don’t bite into the soft ground quite as well. The flatter stud does ride better on firmer terrain and there is more underfoot protection which like the Scarpa Spin ST makes these a bit more versatile.
https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-cyklon-review-boa-lacing-system/
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