Have you ever wanted a trail or mountain running shoe that performed better on scrambles and moving quickly on rock? Or, on the other hand, have you ever wanted an approach shoe that you could run in comfortably over long stretches? If you answered yes to either of these questions, the brand new Arc’teryx Vertex Speed shoe might be for you.

The Vertex Speed merges the worlds of mountain running and climbing. New for Spring 2025, the shoe follows the Vertex Alpine, an approach shoe Arc’teryx released last year. The Vertex Speed is essentially a lightweight mountain running shoe with a few features and adjustments that allow it to handle the rigors of moving quickly up rocky terrain.

I just got my hands on a pair and I took them out for a spin. Out of the box, the first thing that surprises you is the ultra low weight. The design and construction is top-notch. The shoe is comfortable essentially right out of the box, although it does feel a little different than a mountain shoe designed solely for running. The forefront is stiffer than you’d expect but you quickly get used to it. This stiffness combined with the sticky rubber and tread pattern provide confidence when scrambling up rock.

The feature that makes the Vertex Speed unique is its hybrid dual-density midsole. The firmness of the midsole varies from toe to heel. The forefoot is firm for support and precision while climbing and scrambling on rock features. Compared to this forefoot, the heel is considerably softer with more cushion and rebound for comfort while running and moving quickly through soft and loose terrain.

This hybrid design is also found in the outsole. The outsole is made of Vibram Megagrip and LITEBASE technology, which strikes a balance between durability, grip, and a lightweight construction. The lugs differ from the front to the back of the shoe. The forefront of the outsole has large flat lugs to provide grip on rock, while the midfoot and heel have angular lugs more typical of a trail running shoe.

The body of the shoe, the upper in shoe-speak, is constructed of Matryx fabric, which is very lightweight and breathable. It appears delicate to the eye but it’s surprisingly resistant to abrasion and wear and tear. The Vertex Speed doesn’t have a tongue, instead using a stretchy opening that provides a sock-like fit. A lace pocket is a nice addition for preventing the laces from getting caught while running. The shoe is available in both low- and mid-height versions, with the mid featuring a gaiter to prevent rocks, sticks, mud and other debris from entering the shoe.

The post A Look at the New Arc’teryx Vertex Speed Shoe appeared first on Gripped Magazine.