VJ Ultra 3 Shoe Review | Running Warehouse

Individual Thoughts

LoucasOverall Score: 9.5/10

My most demanding run was an 18-mile time trial with 4,000 feet of elevation gain, which I easily PR’d. With ample technicality, wet granite, patches of mud, and ice crystals in the summit trees, the Ultra 3 never missed a beat. My feet felt great the whole way, and I finished ready for more.

I couldn’t be happier to have the VJ Ultra 3 in my quiver, and it’s the definition of a quiver-killer. I could use it for all of my normal daily training, as well as go long in it and pick up the pace in it. I’ll still go with a racier super shoe to go REALLY fast, but those are still limited by either stability issues, grip issues, or stiffness issues. I’ll reach for the VJ Ultra over and over again for a long time. It’s the total package. VJ wanted to make a do-it-all trail shoe for everyone and anyone. They wanted it to go long and far, and they nailed it.

Our In-Depth Look

Upper

Loucas: "The upper is essentially perfect. Despite my narrow foot and the relatively tall height volume of the upper, I had excellent lockdown for my midfoot and heel. It’s on the narrower side at the bony bump at the lateral base of my fifth metatarsal, but caused zero issues. Crucially, my metatarsal heads and toes had ample comfortable room. This is now tied for my favorite fitting shoe of all time. I never had a hint of discomfort, hot spots, rubbing, slipping, or over-tightness while running. I also got them soaking wet with a long run in the rain – they drain, breathe, and dry nicely, helped by the thoughtfully non-absorbent insole."

Midsole

Loucas: "It’s intentionally firm, which suits my preference for efficiency and stability. If you crave an indulgently soft shoe, probably look elsewhere. This midsole gives me the impression that it could break in (soften slightly) over a long period of time, which is a good thing for long-lasting durability. Nothing about this midsole WOWS you because it doesn’t give a sink-and-bounce impression, but… it just plain WORKS. It’s the perfect stack height and density for protecting your feet from impact. I didn’t feel the unpleasant rocks and roots, but I still felt connected to the trail as if I was in a lower-stacked shoe. Plus, it’s impressively lightweight."

Outsole

Loucas: "Perfect score – everything I’m looking for in an outsole for my East Coast/Appalachia preferred playground. It’s one-piece and full coverage for bombproof durability. And nothing helps me feel more confident on wet rock than VJ’s 100% butyl rubber compound. It’s at the top of my list, shoulder-to-shoulder with only Vibram Megagrip. Chevron lugs that are broad, deep, and widely-spaced? Check, check, and check."

Comparable Models

Loucas: "My first inclination was to group with very well-known quantities like the HOKA Speedgoat 6, Altra Timp 5, and Topo Athletic MTN Racer 3. However, while the Speedgoat 6 is a close enough match to the VJ Ultra 3 on stack height and drop, the other two models are at least 5-10 mm lower in the heel. Plus, this first group is $150-155, while the VJ comes in at $190. Perhaps that’s a little understandable for a much smaller brand that might not have the manufacturing volume discounts of bigger players, but it’s still up there. In any case, the VJ is lighter weight than the Speedgoat, plus it has a more enjoyable and comfortable midsole ride.

Of all of these shoes, the Timp has been my go-to favorite for the longest, but the VJ Ultra 3 is taking its place as my new favorite for all-around performance, versatility, fit, and longevity."