VJ MAXx Trail Running Shoes for Men & Women - Durable Rocky Mountain & Technical Trail Shoes for OCR & Obstacle Course Racing - Perfect for Trail Running, Hiking & Outdoor Adventures

I wanted to review these shoes for those who are considering buying them, but are not completely sold. Let me start by saying I own or have tried a ton of trail shoes in the last year or two. I currently have the Endorphin trail, the Altra Olympus 4, Lone Peak 5, and the Speedcross 5. I could not fit the Peregrine 11 or 12 because they were too narrow. The Speedcross are also narrow, but I got the wide and added shoe stretchers because I obviously have wide feet. I tried the VJ Spark, they were also way too narrow. So, I got the Maxx in both my regular size and a half size up to see which ones felt the best. The half size up was a must for wide feet.I took them out on the trail for a 5k after it rained to really test them out. I jogged through everything I could just to see how they would react. All I can say is, when they claim to have the best grip ever, they are serious. I went down hill on wet rock and never slipped once. I stuck my foot in deep mud, came right out of it. I got them in wet grass, mud, and water before going on more wet rock. They stick like glue. I don't think I've ever had a pair of shoes with this much grip.Let's be honest. All trail shoes now days have their pluses and minuses. They all have something we love, but wish the shoes did better. My only negative on these are they run small, and they don't have the cushion of an Olympus or Endorphin, but that is strictly personal preference. Some people prefer to feel the trail under them. Some want cushion. For shoes that are not meant to be too soft, I will say my feet did not hurt after three miles on an initial run. But that grip, that is something you have to feel for yourself if you don't believe me.The rock plate, and the toe bumper saved my rear a couple times on the run. Hit a tee root, toes felt fine. Hit some sharp rocks, no problem.As far as durability, I don't know yet. One three mile run certainly won't tell, but I will say the upper is pretty solid. It will take a bit to break in, if it does.Overall, I highly recommend these shoes. They are the best grip you'll find on a pair of shoes, and the upper will protect your feet just fine. They are best suited for the slop, and are a must-have for any wet rock. I wish I had run in these on a recent 10k trail race, but you know you don't race in shoes you haven't worn yet....just get them, add then to your rotation, and you'll thank me later...