VJ - Lightspeed

Nice! I recently snagged a pair of those (light speed) too for only $30 (probably same place you found yours) just to try out. When first trying them on I was astonished at how different they felt to the maxx2, especially in the heel. On the trail, they don’t feel as different from the maxx2 as they did standing in my kitchen. But ultimately I prefer the maxx2. Maxx2 feels a bit more flexible and lively while at the same time feeling more stable and in-tune with the environment. I’d recommend the maxx2 over the lightspeed, but probably not enough to suggest tossing the lightspeeds in favor of them. Upper on both shoes kind of sucks, so I’m really hoping for a maxx3 with improved upper. Upper on the Ultra3 is decent.

I have tried on the Lightspeed and they are super narrow. I feel like my feet are normal width and there wasn’t a chance in hell I was even going to try to run in them. You can see in photos how narrow the mid foot is. That is not an illusion!

I didn’t try Maxx2 but was told by VJ the midsole is wider on Maxx2 and that you can see in photos. It appears much more narrow to me. If Maxx2 is snug at all, the Lightspeed is likely to be uncomfortable.

Nnormal Kjerag 2 (24/18mm) and VJ Lightspeed (29/23mm) are my favorite shoes for technical trails (up to 21 km). For 42 km runs, I have used VJ Maxx2 (31/25mm) and Hoka Tecton X3 (40/35mm) for some extra cushion. The new Kjerag 2 is really good! I would probably have the Tomir as well in my rotation, if not for the 8mm drop ... (There is always VJ Ultra 3 (38/30mm), Mafate 5 (44/36mm), Mafate X (49/41mm), Rocket X Trail (50/44mm) for even more stack ... but good luck to your ankles if you wear those on technical trails ...)

Nnormal Kjerag 2, VJ Lightspeed. The latter has a plate, so a bit more control with the Kjerag.

Yes I know, I usually run in VJ Lightspeed and Nnormal Kjerag in my local mountain area in Bergen, Norway. But I have pretty strong / good mobility ankles after many years as a barefoot runner, and good balance from a lifetime of XC skiing, and this race is not supertechnical (not climbing mountain ridges), most of it is «runnable», and I did run it last year in X3 without problems. But the X3 was not the perfect match, 40/35 was maybe a bit too much, hence this thread.

Ultra 3 weighs around the same as X3, so I am looking for something lighter. I did the race in Maxx2 in 2024, and the shoes felt ... well, slow, kinda like I wasn't flying. Might have been the runner, not the shoes, of course. But if I am going VJ, it'll be Lightspeed, which I have run a lot of half marathons in. (The 43k race has been won in Lightspeed every year since Lightspeed came out, but I fear five hours on 29/23 is a bit low stack for me.)

Lightspeed is more narrow - definitely in comparison to the MAXx2. I have reviewed both shoes for RTR and testing the Ultra 3 now. They told us the Lightspeed was kind of a niche shoe - it has the same foam as the MAXx2 but its a narrower platform and less stable due to that. It's not a shoe for short technical stuff - despite what they may show in promo pics. I think they actually had pics mostly in forested trails, which it would be fine for.

MAXx2 is a better and far more versatile shoe than the Lightspeed. After testing, I only really use the Lightspeed sometimes for trail speedwork on flat dirt. Both shoes use SuperFOAMance which is nitrogen-infused TPU/EVA. There are questions about foam durability, and I've experienced packing out with both shoes. But I still find it ok in the MAXx2 as they feel a bit more stable in technical terrain. Initially they were softer and more bouncy, and they've lost that feel. I don't think it's a reasonable long ultra distance shoe though, most people want more protection and cushion underfoot. But for those that prefer a firmer, thinner ride, I supposed it could work. I'm just speaking generally.

If you're primarily concerned about stability, I'd steer clear from the Lightspeed. You'll do better with your MAXx2 . If you did want to step up in cushion, the Ultra 3 is good. Lots of people complaining about the foam compressing over time, but they've been great for me so far (30 miles in). You seem to have a good handle on how the VJ foam feels, so that shouldn't be a problem for you - if you did want that extra cush.

VJ Lightspeed is exactly what you're looking for. Puma had the Deviate Nitro Elite Trail but I believe it is discontinued now.

Funny to see multiple adidas shoes listed here, they don't get mentioned a lot in this sub. My rotation: * VJ Lightspeed: OCR training (interval based so the running sections are faster) * VJ Spark: OCR races (continuous slower pace) * Inov8 parkclaw g280: road to trail runs, I only have non-technical trails where I live, those only require mild trail shoes in autumn and winter (eyeing to replace this with Salomon Aeto Blaze GRVL or other mild trail shoes) " New Balance More V4: road runs and summer trails * New Balance Hierro V6: retired, now used for hiking

Trail shoes with bounce: Puma Deviate Nitro Elite Trail & VJ Lightspeed. Those are both plated shoes with modern foams meant for fast running. The VJ Maxx2 is the more allround version of the Lightspeed that uses the same bouncy foam but has no plate

VJ Maxx 2 or VJ Lightspeed would be fit for purpose. Especially considering the terrain you described.

+1 for VJsports. I have a pair with spikes that I keep boxed up to come out on the odd icy / snowy run. When they do come out, they’re great. Would recommend non spiky ones for the mud also, they do some good shoes.