If you’re looking for trail shoes that are lightweight, flashy, and fun, look no more because the Arc’teryx Vertex Speed checks all of those boxes.
Upon receiving the Arc’Teryx Vertex Speed in the mail, I really wasn’t sure what to expect since I have never run in this brand of trail shoe before.
This well known Canadian company has a great reputation for outdoor and climbing gear, but is somewhat newer to the trail and running shoe community, so I was ready to put them to the test!
The Vertex Speed, Arc’teryx’s new trail runner optimized for climbing through technical terrain, is a quirky mashup of aggressive traction features and a minimal upper, all in a surprisingly lightweight package.
Did they pass the test of this ultra runner? Keep reading to find out.
Who is it good for?
Who is the Arc’Teryx Vertex Speed a good fit for? Let’s break it down with some common categories:
- Wide Feet: This shoe has a roomy toe box but may not be the best choice for wide feet
- Technical Trails: The design was made for technical trails and has excellent grip and flexibility to move over tough terrain with speed.
- Long Runs: Definitely made to go the distance over rugged trails.
- Front of the Pack: Such a light shoe and designed for speed and agility.
Arc’teryx Vertex Speed Overview
I knew exactly the types of trails I wanted to put these shoes to the test on to get a sense for the fit, durability, ground feel, and grip over loose rocks and dirt while tackling some serious vert!
They’re flashy, fun, and feel fast due to how light they’re on your feet! If you like super cushioned shoes, these may not be your first choice though.
The Arc’teryx Vertex Speed has just enough cushion to protect from sharp rocks while giving the runner great ground feel.
I ran 18 miles with 6,000’ of vert in the first week with these and loved the fee- excellent grip and no sliding on the loose rocks.
Compared to other trail shoes, these felt moderately responsive on the trail. The lightness of the shoe will allow you a quicker turnover and you will definitely feel like you’re moving faster!
The second week I ran another 15 miles or so over rolling hills and some sections that were more like hilly dirt roads.
Again, the Arc’teryx Vertex Speed felt light and fast and I really didn’t have to think about them much. They just seemed to move with me as I traversed through the foothills and mountains!
I ran very little on asphalt and was pleasantly surprised how good they felt on that transition from dirt to asphalt. They did not have that typical stiff feeling of a trail shoe hitting the road.
My only issue was that my heels didn’t always feel secure, and I had to try lacing them up a few times to feel like I was getting them to stay in place without making them too tight on the forefoot.
It lacks a true heel cup with some padding like in a more traditional running shoe. I did eventually make my own heel lock by re-lacing the top laces and it did help.
However, I want to make it clear that I had zero issues with my heels rubbing so that was a really nice surprise!
The built in gaiter may not be for everyone because of it’s small opening and because it takes a little effort to put the shoe on, but it is well worth it for the comfort and convenience.
There is also a nicely placed little pocket fo the laces to tuck up into to keep them from getting caught on vegetation or from untying.
I will say that if you do not really stuff them up inside that pocket they will work their way out and start flopping around. Not a huge issue but there are times you may not want to have to stop, like in a race or group run.
Also, you have to consider the types of socks you are going to pair with these shoes. Crew length or longer work great!
Arc’teryx Vertex Speed Specs:
- Weight: 8.5 oz Men’s, 7 oz Women’s
- Heel drop: 7 mm
- Stack Height: 23 mm heel, 16 mm toe
- Usage: trail running
- 2 colors available
- Not available in wide
- Available from Arcteryx.com for $190
This is a great looking shoe and definitely grabbed the attention of other trail runners and hikers out on the trails! If you would prefer this shoe without the gaiter there is also a low top version!
Arc’teryx Vertex Speed Fit
I was taken aback when I saw that the shoebox listed a full size smaller than what I normally run in! However, the shoe fit just fine! So buyer beware…order one size smaller than what you normally run in!
The built in gaiter is a nice feature for both hikers and runners. It’s great to keep out debris and it is very soft and sock-like which some may prefer over a stiffer hiking boot style.
However, it is a very narrow opening which can make the shoe difficult to put on and take off…meaning you actually have to untie the shoes and not slip them off after a long run. In fact, you might even have to take a seat!
Since the Vertex Speed has the built in gaiter it does not have a tongue. The gaiter does have a little pocket to tuck the laces into which is a nice feature!
If you don’t tuck the laces up in there, they will work their way out and start flying around. An easy fix but a little inconvenient during a race or when you feel like you’re flying on the trails.
The toe box was perfectly roomy but definitely not as wide as some other brands, like Altra.
I felt like the heel was not the most secure fit, yet I had no issues with my heels rubbing or getting any hot spots. This kind of baffled me, but I was pleased overall with the fit.
Our other tester, Maia, after wearing them for about an hour, started feeling irritation on the back of her ankle from the heel counter. Not sure if this is because it actually goes up higher than other shoes or if it’s just more rigid. Easily assuaged with some strategic tape placement, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind for longer distances.
If you like the feel of the ground when running on trails, you will like the feel of the Arc’teryx Vertex Speed!
Arc’teryx Vertex Speed Feel
When I opened the box I was impressed by the vibrant yellow on black colorway and the built in gaiter on the shoe. Taking it out of the box I immediately noticed how light the shoes were!
As I turned them over in my hands to look at the outsole and lugs I noticed that the forefoot had larger lugs for grip and more open lugs in the midfoot for better traction. What a clever design!
The shoes felt flexible as I folded them to test out the stiffness in my hands. The upper is made of Matryx fabric which is known for being lightweight and durable. There is also a TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) over certain zones of the shoe which enhances the durability and structure of the shoe.
These shoes felt soft underfoot, not overly cushioned but enough to have protection from sharp rocks due to a hybrid dual-density midsole.
The forefoot is firmer and more supportive compared to the heel that has more rebound and a cushiony feel.
Maia thought that the sole is quite firm, which definitely helped prevent wobbling and potentially overworking my ankles (something she’s liable to do on account of aforementioned hypermobility). It took her a little bit of time to get used to the lack of bend under the forefoot.
They’re far from bulky feeling and quite durable. I was pleasantly surprised by how a shoe so light could feel so supportive on my feet. That type of confidence upon landing really allows you to pick up the pace and go for some speed!
Similar Shoes to Arc’teryx Vertex Speed
- Hoka Tecton X3 – (has a carbon plate and a little more cushion)
- Arc’teryx Norvan LD 4 – (similar lightweight feel with no gaiter)
- Saucony Peregrine– (lightweight, low profile trail shoe)
Ready to run? Go check it out at arcteryx.com for $190
Who Tried It?
Coach Laura here from RTTF who is happiest out on the trails running free or training for some crazy ultra race! I usually run 35 miles or more per week on both roads and trails in and around the Sonoran Desert in Southern Arizona. I’ve run distances from 5K to 48 hour races and almost all the distances in between while loving every step! I love sharing my knowledge of running and racing with all of my athletes and get such joy seeing them succeed while finding a little fun and adventure along their journey!
April “We Tried It” Gear Testing | Snazzy Sunglasses to Redlights
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