By 
The RW Takeaway: Though not plush or bouncy, the Ultra 2 is an extremely protective and durable shoe with unrivaled grip on both wet and dry terrain.
Preceded by: VJ Ultra
Key Tech: Sneakers CP07-01445-16IVCH Dark Orange
Place the Ultra 1 and 2 side by side, and you’ll think you’re looking at a real life “Spot the Difference” brain teaser. But get the shoe laced up and running, and the v2’s updates materialize.
Pros
- B Alben Girl Sneaker
- Tom Wood x Sukicoke Moto platform sandals
- Durable upper with secure midfoot lockdown
Cons
- Black leather and suede Lowland boots from Stuart Weitzman
- Laces feel cheap for a $170 shoe
Key Specs
| Type | Trail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.6 oz (M), 7.9 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
The Ultra now has a rock plate. The stiffer forefoot protection was a favorite feature for testers navigating tricky portions of the Appalachian Trail. “My feet felt secure and protected over Pennsylvania-style, rocky treachery,” said one tester who regularly logs his 30-mile weeks on a buffet of gravel, grass, and concrete. “These are right at home on big boulders, little jagged ankle-busting rocks, and everything in between.”
All-Terrain Grip
For our tester mentioned above, “everything in between” includes quite a bit of water crossings, during which the Ultra’s outsole clung to slippery rocks on a two-plus hour excursion. VJ added more rubber between the lugs for the v2, though it’s hard to say how much the grip improved, given the debut’s already stellar traction. (Walking across a shiny wood floor at home, one tester heard soft popping like the sound of a suction cup.) The more significant benefit is a boost in durability for high-mileage mountain runners.
Durable Mesh and a Secure Fit
The Ultra 2 also feels wider in the toebox and more comfortable through the midfoot and lacing. One tester of the v1 who struggled with a pinching upper said the v2 now “laces up smoothly over the tongue, without any excess movement or bunching when running tight switchbacks and rock gardens.”
Still, the general consensus is that the Ultra remains a utilitarian tool built for those who prioritize grip over plushness. The midsole foam is firm and not especially bouncy—in fact, it’s near lifeless compared to Pebax. The trade-off, according to multiple runners, is that VJs have the best traction they’ve experienced.
Testers’ Feedback
Brian F. | Tester since 2017
Arch Height: Medium | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot
“Besides the VJ XTRM, this is the best shoe I’ve ever worn for truly technical and gnarly trail terrain. However, for anything other than just a 100-percent-technical course, the Ultra 2 is just too stiff and clunky for me. I tested this shoe on several different trail types (ranging from truly technical to very tame). The grip is superb and the traction is unparalleled. But if I am going on a long run, I’ll choose Hoka Speedgoat or Hoka Mafate over the VJ Ultra 2. While the Hokas do not have the grip or traction of the VJs, they are far more comfortable with a much better ride.”
Andy M. | Tester since 2021
Arch Height: Medium | Pronation: Neutral | Footstrike: Midfoot
“I’ve recently run in the Ultra v1, and the Ultra 2 feels like VJ listened to feedback and implemented it in this iteration. The butyl rubber studs still provide a level of traction and grip that make me feel like Spiderman—even on very wet and muddy terrain. But version 2 feels slightly wider and now fits my foot perfectly. (The last version was very snug and became uncomfortable when my feet swelled.) I felt very secure and stable in the Ultra 2. The lacing system really locks you in over gnarly terrain. Taking corners was a breeze knowing this shoe simply will not slide.
“While I generally like stiffer cushioning, the Ultra 2 takes some time to break in. The combination of firm foam and grippy rubber make it feel very hard underfoot. For a shoe called ‘Ultra,’ the foam needs more softness. My feet felt pretty rough after a few hours on the trail.”
