VJ Irocks

[Travs]

After a bit of a footwear related disaster yesterday, I ventured into Keswick on the hunt for some new Fell shoes. After a bit of internet research I had my mind set on the VJ Irocks, and after a brief try-on I handed my money over.

They look very similar to Xtalons on the sole, but the uppers do seem to be made of very tough material.

My first impressions were very good. It's a very snug, slipper-like fit, true to size for me. Grip was very good, although on a hot dry day I'd expect it to be. I've never used the xtalon-like grip, having always had the big 'pyramid' type studs typical of a Mudclaw, and always been a little sceptical that they'd be as good, but they were fine today. Whether they can do it in some real winter mud I don't know. But I did cover varied ground today including rock, grass, tussock and some mild boggy sections.

I couldn't completely "give it some hammer" as my feet are still in a bit of a state from Ennerdale, but the sides of the heels are low-profile enough to not rub against even my misshapen bony ankles, and when contouring and running across tussocks they seemed very snug and stable.

They are in my opinion, a pure race shoe, very light, very little cushioning. It was only 4 miles today but first impressions were very promising. I'll post a fuller review when I've ran them in a bit more, and after Buttermere which will be a stern test for them!