Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Vertex

First off, if you, like me, were looking for a replacement for the discontinued Sense 8 SG, this is not it. And if that shoe fit you well, it's likely that this won't... at least without a little worknamely an insole to fill up the extra volume. It's also a heavier, clunkier shoe and doesn't lock in the heel as securely. It doesn't breathe nearly as well, but it's also warmer as a result, and keeps out more dust. It has deep, hardwearing lugs that'll probably last much longer. There's a nice edging surface (not a dedicated climbing edge though) at the toe for better purchase on technical rock scrambles/climbs. And with the room for a supportive insole, has the potential for being a true, all-day shoe in the mountains. The sock gaiter around the ankle also feels very similar to the Salomon's, and does a good job keeping out scree and sand. It looks fantastic in a very different way than the Sense 8 SG (i.e. streetstyle approved). As for sizing, I took a full half size down from what I wore in the Sense 8 SG (which fit me so perfectly that I didn't need to tighten down the retaining cords). In the same size, the Vertex was nearly a centimeter longer in BSL and far too roomy for me. If the shoe fits, it's a great distance mountain shoe, but it's completely different from the Sense 8 SG.

I love these shoes! They provide enough cushion to protect your feet from sharp rocks, but are light enough to wear even on a trail run. Super grippy and the gaiter attached is super helpful in preventing rocks from getting inside your shoe. I recommend for runners who enjoy long days in the mountains on mixed terrain!

I've been enjoying these shoes on the trails! The built in gaiter is great for keeping rocks, dirt, snow out. And also keeps my ankles warm during brisk morning runs. The shoe has a lot of support, and I appreciate the thicker toe material since I seem to like to kick rocks a lot. The grip is great - I've been running on trails where the snow is quickly melting over the rocks, and the vibrate soles hold up pretty well on the slick rock. The fit is a little tighter than Norvan LDs. This allows my feet to feel more supported, and they don't slip in the shoe. The shoes are also a lot lighter than I expected them to be, and I don't feel like I'm wearing giant blocks when I'm running. They also keep my feet warm when running through snow, while still allowing for breathability.

Great tred but probably more suitable for Alpine trails than boggy moors. Lot of cushioning so good for long ultras like 100 milers. The gators attached is a great addition as stuff always manages to find its way into my trainers. The shoe could be a little wider as I have quite wide feet.

This is sort of "the perfect shoe" imo. The sole is sturdy and cups my foot, the fit of the shoes pattern is just big enough to make it comfortable and just snug enough to be a serious work horse for movement. The ankle thing is great, hard to beat this in the winter. Also regulates temperature very well, doesn't need to live in super cold. Now we just need an actual Gortex version in solid black. Great job.

I have worn this shoe a few times in PNW wet and winter conditions and it handled really well on the ascents. I use a heel lock to keep the ankle stable and did not run into the running issues mentioned in the other reviews. The shoe isn't super wide, but was wide enough for me, and I think too wide and you'd lose some of the agility on rockier terrain. Grip was good on dirt and rock due to the wider but still fairly deep lugs. I really like the gaiter, snug and didn't notice it other than no snow or debris got in my shoe. It is a little on the stiff side though so I think more appropriate for moving fast uphill in the mountains than for longer flatter days on the trails. All in all I think this is a fantastic mountain running shoe!

I am using them for mixed and technical terrain with small climbs and the feeling is very good. The tread and adhesion are excellent.

As far as Arc'teryx shoes, I've had the Norvan VT, Norvan SL, Aerios, Norvan LD 3, (and 3 pairs of boots) and these feel the best on my feet along with the LD3s. All day hikes aren't painful any more and I love the knit collar that keeps the cinders out. No more stopping to dump small sticks and rocks out.

This is a pretty technical running and scrambling shoe, while not being too niche. The gaiter is a little intimidating, because it makes one wonder if it will be comfortable, useful or just get in the way. But it works really well actually, and it hasn't caused any problems for me! The gaiter keeps out rain or snow as well as it does scree. It keeps my ankles from getting cold in the rain or wind, and it in turn keeps my feet warmer while not having to make the shoe bulkier. It's very agile and versatile. The grip AND the traction is good, and it it really does shine at traction in the slippery terrains.

Pleasantly surprised how well these fit on my first wear and they didn't feel like they needed to be broken in. I've worn these on really muddy hikes and because of the sock like ankle the suction form the mud didn't pull my shoes off! They fit really well and most Arc'teryx shoes I have tried don't fit like a glove like this one. These also have really good grip on the bottom sole. I would purchase these again and recommend them for various terrain.

I just tried on the Vertex U. These are very comfortable! I really like the fit and how the top sock feels. I recently started wearing Arc'teryx shoes. The sizes seem to be consistent from between models, which is not the case with many of the big brand shoes.

I purchased these for high desert running and moving up and down scree slopes. The first and most important problem is the cuff, it's too loose and allows for grit to enter the shoe, once this happens the integrated cuff turns into a grinder that slowly wears the skin down into a a bleeding mess. It's much worse than wearing a normal shoe, because instead of grit just bouncing off, it's held against the ankle. I don't understand why the cuffs aren't sock tight, it's a huge miss on these. The shoes are also difficult to tighten, and the stack feels a bit wobbly. That being said, over the course of a 41km run through mountain trails I was happy with how they performed, they're definitely good trail running shoes. On the other hand, my ankles are now both bandaged and in quite a bit of a pain.

This is my new everyday shoe. So pleased with the fit and clean design. I never have debris in my shoes and my laces stay tied all day with the lace garage. They also preform excellent as an approach shoe!

Ideal for pathless terrain and easy climbs, very light, best fit and moveability in the upper part, good design of the flexible leg connection.

Bought this shoe this summer as an alternative to my Norvan SL when running rocky terrain. Very good fit. My feet fit normal, maybe on the edge of wide. Since I like to tie my laces loosely I really like the top cuff that wraps around your ankles to keep debris out. I generally keep the shoes tied and step into them using the loops on the shoes, almost tore the stitches on the cuff so better be careful doing that. I've run these shoes on 10-20K mountain runs without any sore feet at all. Perfect traction and good protection for the feet when on the mountain. In the Norvan SL you feel each rock and a wrong step will hurt, no such problems with the Vertex which have a much sturdier sole.

The Vertex is my dream alpine running shoe. They take all the features I love and wrap em up in one sleek package that runs, climbs, scrambles, and moves well. The gnarlier the terrain, the better this shoe performs - I would not recommend this for town runs (the sole is to rockered and hard), nor would I recommend it for ultra long distance runs (the LD3 is better for that purpose). But when the going gets steep and rugged, the Vertex is the shoe I want on my foot. I've used them for snow crossings, 5th class scrambling, talus marathons, and steep, loose dirt (the gaiter is a life saver here and in snow). They do run a bit narrow, but this adds to the precision touch and is especially nice when scrambling consequential ridge lines. There are few places these will not be able tot take the right user. I wear these in the same size as my LD3 and street shoe (10.5), and a half size larger than SL3 (10).

I got these for trail running around local trails as well as in the Alpine. Love not getting rocks/dirt stuck in my shoes anymore! Lightweight, and fit great.

Really solid sole for uneven ground with a hard vibram compound to last across sharp, rocky ground. More ankle flexibility than a boot gives more confidence when traversing across angled solid stone. Integrated gaiter keeps scree and other small debris out.

Feet never felt so impenetrable on off trail runs! Dig the built in gaiters. Shoes make me look like a super hero or pro wrestler.

As far as Arcteryx shoes, Ive had the Norvan VT, Norvan SL, Aerios, Norvan LD 3, (and 3 pairs of boots) and these feel the best on my feet along with the LD3s. All day hikes arent painful any more and I love the knit collar that keeps the cinders out. No more stopping to dump small sticks and rocks out.

I just tried on the Vertex U. These are very comfortable! I really like the fit and how the top sock feels. I recently started wearing Arc'teryx shoes. The sizes seem to be consistent from between models, which is not the case with many of the big brand shoes.

I was very excited about the shoe with the rock plate. However, I found the fit around the back of the foot was to low. I own several runners from Arcteryx. I returned the shoe and hopefully they consider a fit like the norvan ld 3. Then I would buy.