VJ XTER Review
The VJ XTER is a well-cushioned, waterproof trail running shoe designed for versatile use in changeable winter conditions. Its substantial cushioning makes it suitable for both tarmac and hard-packed trails, making it ideal for road-to-trail routes and mixed terrain that includes sections of tarmac, hard-packed trails, and softer ground.
The Finnish brand VJ Sports is renowned for the grippy outsoles of their shoes. Originally developed for orienteering, VJ’s shoes often feature tungsten spikes for enhanced traction on rugged surfaces. The Xter’s outsole is made from durable butyl rubber, known for excellent traction on wet surfaces like rocks and wood while being resilient enough for occasional tarmac use without excessive wear.
The Xter’s butyl rubber outsole features 4mm lugs, which are designed to dig into soft ground yet provide a stable ride on firmer surfaces. While not as grippy as VJ’s soft-ground models like the VJ XTRM, Irock 4, or Irock+, the Xter offers sufficient traction for muddy single tracks, field edges, and even snow, making it perfect for winter trail running.
On soft or uneven ground, ground feel is essential to allow your feet to respond to changing surfaces, enabling safe and efficient progress. Shoes like the Xter have thinner, flexible midsoles that adapt to the ground’s contours. For pure soft terrain, this type of shoe is excellent; however, for routes that include firmer ground, a softer, more flexible shoe can feel harsh. The Xter strikes a balance, with a midsole thick enough to handle tarmac and hard-packed trails while still maintaining some ground feel on softer terrain.
The Xter’s midsole is thicker than that of VJ’s softer ground models like the XTRM 2 or Irock. The heel is 35mm, and the forefoot is 25mm. The midsole is made from VJ’s PerFOAMance foam, a nitrogen-infused foam that resists water and dirt entry, maintaining consistent bounce and cushioning throughout your run. This keeps the shoe lightweight and consistent in feel, regardless of conditions, while enhancing durability.
The cushioning provides a soft initial impact but firms up for a responsive toe-off. The heel feels cushioned, yet there’s ground feel in the forefoot, allowing nimble movement on steep uphill climbs. The midsole has a rocker shape, promoting forward motion and reducing braking forces, helping runners maintain an upright posture and quicker cadence. The Xter’s midsole is stiffer than VJ’s soft-ground shoes but retains flexibility for comfort on broken ground and uphill runs.
On steep descents, the 10mm heel-to-forefoot drop presents some challenges, especially for midfoot strikers. With a higher drop, only the heel makes contact with the ground on steep slopes, limiting traction and making descents feel less smooth compared to a lower-drop shoe.
My Sunday runs often follow the River Derwent, with varied terrain including muddy single tracks and field edges—conditions that push the Xter close to its limits.
VJ typically prioritizes durability over comfort, but the Xter’s upper is softer and more pliable than other VJ models, with added padding around the heel and tongue. This enhances comfort while keeping the foot secure. VJ designed the heel cup without a plastic insert, allowing it to shape to your heel and flex with the Achilles for comfort on rugged terrain. The medial and lateral sides of the heel feature a plastic insert for added stability, keeping the foot centered on the midsole.
The Xter’s toe box is rounded, similar to Topo, Altra, and newer Inov-8 models, allowing the foot to spread naturally. This design promotes stability, cushioning, and natural propulsion, encouraging foot strength and reducing strain on the rest of the body. The snug heel fit, combined with the VJ Fitlock and laces that extend further into the toe box, ensures a secure fit even on steep descents.
The toe cap is stiff, providing adequate protection, and the waterproof, gusseted upper keeps out dirt, debris, and some water. While waterproofing has its limits—puddles or dew-covered grass are fine, but socks may still get damp from sweat on milder days—the Xter’s upper is warmer and more comfortable than thin mesh models. In winter, the Xter helps keep feet warm and clean inside, despite muddy conditions.
The VJ Xter is a versatile choice, with enough cushioning for comfortable road use and smooth performance on hard-packed trails. Although the butyl rubber outsole can sound a bit like football boots on tarmac, it delivers solid traction on varied terrain. This shoe is an ideal winter training option for many UK runners.
Other Considerations
Hoka Speedgoat 6: There will be a waterproof version available in the new year. The ride is firmer and the Speedgoat is a lot stiffer. Smooth on the harder packed terrain but, not a good as the Xter on more broken ground. Available in two width women’s and men’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/hoka-speedgoat-6-review/
Topo Terraventure 4 Waterproof: A similar broad rounded toe box. The lugs give a similar level of traction. The 3mm heel to forefoot drop made then feel better on steep descents but, the midsole isn’t as cushioned and bouncy. So, they didn’t feel as smooth and cushioned on tarmac or hard packed trails. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-terraventure-4-wp-review/
Brooks Cascadia 18: A similar heel to forefoot gives the shoes the same issue on steep descents. Not quite as much traction on soft ground but, close. Straight big toe line but, not as roomy in the upper. Available with a mesh upper in two width women’s and men’s and a waterproof (Gore-Tex) upper in one width. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-cascadia-18-review/
Scarpa Golden Gate ATR 2: A similar level of versatility. A little stiffer so not as good on the more technical trails. A firmer feel to the cushioning but, still feels like a well cushioned shoe on hard pack trails and tarmac. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scarpa-golden-gate-atr-2-review/
Scott Kinabalu 3: A straight big toe and prominent rocker coupled with a high stack height makes the Scott Kinabalu 3 a trail shoe for hard packed trails and some tarmac. So, it’s not as versatile as the Xter. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/scott-kinabalu-3-review/
Inov-8 TrailFly: 6mm heel to forefoot drop makes these easier to run down steep hills in. The broad rounded toe box has more width than the VJ Xter. The cushioning provides a good level of protection but, more ground feel and a more natural ride than the Xter. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-trailfly-review/
La Sportiva Akasha II: A narrower fit with a more pointed toe box. The traction level is a little better on soft ground as the lugs are 6mm in length. The ride on harder tracks and trails is comfortable but, they aren’t as softly cushioned or smooth on tarmac. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-akasha-ii-review/
Altra Timp 5: A zero drop shoe with a broad rounded toe box gives these a similar fit in the toe box. The grip isn’t as good on soft ground. The cushioning is soft and smooth on tarmac and hard packed trails. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-timp-5-review/
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