“I've run in JV XTRMs (4 pairs down) and iRock 2's (pair number 3 on the go) for the last three years; from training runs to the 73 mile Great Glen ultra in 2021, and I love both shoes on their terrain. So that's my bias declared. Unfortunately the xtrm's are not currently available so I asked around and these were among the recommended shoes.
They're loud n proud in terms of colourway, and they're very comfortable. One stand out thing was how quiet they were, like ninja quiet (maybe I'm too used to the noisy iRocks and XTRMs on the trails?). Build quality appears good and tidy, and they're pretty light. First few easy runs were ok, though the shoes felt a bit sloppy despite being the right length and great for my Greek toe. But it takes time to get used to new shoes right, so I got on with hill reps, speed reps and Sunday long trail runs. (2-3 hours).
After four weeks of running they're not floating my boat, though they're still uber stealthy quiet, and comfy as a pair of slippers. And that I think is the problem, they feel a bit dull and unresponsive - there's just no life in them, no pop and crackle and I don't feel secure in them in the slush and snow we've had lately- especially on the tracks and trails. I've played with the lacing to no avail, they still felt over-sized despite being good on length. Another annoyance has been the tongue, it's not gusseted so can move about during a run.
Maybe they'll grow on me, but for now they're relegated to easy recovery trail runs and I'll eke out the now battered and worn xtrm's til the new model is available.”
“Blown away by this shoe. The balance of comfort, responsiveness, fit and control is precisely what I was hoping to find. For me, a perfect blend of trail and fell shoe able to perform either duty exceptionally well.”
