Racing shoes
Product 2025
Woman, Man
The Arc’Teryx Vertex Speed weighs a light 232 grams in size 42 2/3 on our scale, making it efficient for trail running. When it comes to tackling elevation gain, it is indeed effective: you barely feel it on your feet, and the Vibram sole offers convincing grip. However, this grip is not ultra-aggressive, designed for mud, but rather for rocky slabs or rolling terrain.
It’s an unusual product that can stand out in trail running when worn by an experienced runner. Why? The cushioning is minimal, so you need to be precise with your foot placement and have a technical forefoot stride to avoid discomfort. The sole does filter some of the terrain feedback, especially from pebbles underfoot, but the Arc’Teryx Vertex Speed sole is firm (yet flexible in torsion at the forefoot for good proprioception): this can be seen as an advantage since the connection to the ground encourages propulsion.
The Arc’Teryx Vertex Speed has a 7mm drop. Is that too much? Was this height necessary to offer a rocker at the front for a better roll in the stride? The 7mm drop isn’t bothersome on rolling terrain, particularly when pushing off from the forefoot during ascents. It’s more on side slopes where you lose a bit of confidence. That said, when running at full speed, the Arc’Teryx Vertex Speed is effective on rolling sections.
The rock plate seems relatively flexible at first glance, but the forefoot is well protected by the toe cap of the shoe, which is reminiscent of some approach shoes designed for light climbing. This feature doesn’t add any inertia to the front of the Arc’Teryx Vertex Speed.
The knitted collar prevents debris from infiltrating and ensures a comfortable wrap around the ankle. This collar allows for easy foot entry when putting on the shoe, but once on, at the midfoot, the process becomes less straightforward: you really need to pull the heel strap.
The flat laces provide excellent hold. However, be careful not to tighten the laces without first preparing the mini pocket to store the excess laces. It would have been better if this storage space were a little higher on the tongue.
The fit is close to the foot for better precision.
The craftsmanship is meticulous, and the Matryx mesh inspires durability. The design, as often with Arc’Teryx, is striking.
A lightweight, minimally cushioned trail shoe, fast for those who know how to take advantage of it. However, it’s not the easiest to put on…
16 mm7 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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