First Look: Arc’teryx Vertex Speed Trail Running Shoe

Arc'teryx has released the Vertex Speed as a high-octane edition of its Vertex Alpine approach shoe. Here is what is new and different with this technical trail shoe made for running up (and down) mountains.

The Arc'teryx Vertex Speed is a follow up to the Vertex Alpine, which was one of the first shoes designed at the Arc'teryx footwear office in Portland, OR. In the year since the Alpine's release we're seeing more innovation in the brand's footwear line, like the newly updated Norvan 4 long-distance trail running shoe (see our first look at the Arc'teyrx Norvan 4).  As an approach shoe, the Vertex series is aimed specifically at technical climbing and rocky terrain. The newly released Arc'teryx Vertex Speed takes the concept of a technical approach shoe and blends it with a trail runner. This shoe is made for going fast over loose, rocky, and steep terrain.

The only difference between the Vertex Speed and Vertex Speed Low is the ankle collar. The Vertex Speed offers a taller stretch gaiter, while the Vertex Speed Low has a shorter stretch collar.

Arc'teryx Vertex Speed: First Impressions

The Vertex Speed is noticeably different from its alpine sibling, with 1mm less drop and a lower profile zonal lug pattern. The lightweight construction of this shoe has a definite wow factor. The dual-density midsole and angled heel are laser targeted on performance on steep mountains and you notice them when wearing the shoe. It feels lively and ready to go, with a firmness that you don't feel in something like the Arc'teryx Sylan or Norvan 4. I like the Precision Fit of this shoe and am looking forward to seeing how it performs ascending and descending.

Arc'teryx Vertex Speed & Speed Low: Features

Materials

The takeaway on materials is that Arc'teryx has spent a lot of effort on shaving weight and focusing this shoe on steep mountain running. The Vertex Speed feels very light on my foot. The upper breathes well while being surprisingly durable for the light weight.

The upper on the Vertex Speed uses the lightweight Matryx® woven polyester, which is also featured on the Arc'teryx Sylan (see our full review of the Arc'teryx Sylan). You'll also find Matryx® used in top shoes from Salomon, Hoka, Scarpa, and more. If you're curious, you can find more about it on the Matryx website. I've done numerous trail runs in the Sylan and have found Matryx® to be comfortable, even if it feels quite stiff at first touch. It's also constructed to have high resistance to abrasion.

On top of the fabric, Arc'teryx has added zones with a TPU laminate for additional protection. You can see the shiny black rubberized laminate on our pair of the Vertex Speed Low over the toe, across the outside of the shoe, and wrapping the heel. For proper Arc'teryx styling the laminate matches the colorway on each shoe.

The Vertex Speed features an integrated stretch gaiter. The Vertex Speed Low has a stretch collar instead, another similarity with the Arc'teryx Sylan. I have found the lower stretch collar to be helpful in preventing pebbles and debris from getting in the shoe. If you're running on steep terrain that is exceedingly loose, I can see where the Vertex Speed's taller gaiter would be useful. But I can't imagine myself needing it, even for the rocky summits I run in my corner of Colorado, like the Hahns Peak trail. 

Like all Arc'teryx trail running shoes (and frankly, most out there from any brand), the Vertex Speed uses the Vibram® Megagrip with Litebase technology. The Megagrip compound is very tacky. Combined with the thin and light Litebase tech, I find this sole to be confidence-inspiring. New for the Vertex Speed is a zonal lug pattern designed specifically for forefoot grip and to smear over rocks. Compared to the updated Norvan 4, the lugs on the Vertex are bigger and with less space between them. This makes sense for a shoe focused on rock. Check out our full review of the Arc'teryx Norvan 4 for pictures of that sole.

Stack height and cushion

Arc'teryx Vertex Speed and Vertex Speed Low stack height: 23mm : 16mm 

The 23mm cushion at the heel and 7mm offset put the Vertex Speed in the midrange for stack and drop. To me, any more cushion would really sacrifice stability on steep, rocky terrain. I'm not a product designer, but I'm surprised this shoe has a 7mm drop. That's not huge relatively speaking (and slightly less than the Vertex Alpine), but I can see a shoe for steep terrain being low- or even no-drop. Something like the Altra Timp comes to mind. We'll report back as we test this shoe. 

There are two features on the midsole unique to the Arc'teryx Vertex Speed. The first is the dual density foam used in the midsole. The foam at the heel and midfoot is softer than the forefoot, for shock absorption when running. The forefoot is firmer to provide stability and protection from rocks. You can feel this difference by pressing on the forefoot and heel of this shoe; the front is noticeably stiffer. It is noticeable on your foot as well. Stiffness underfoot and a rockplate are super important when backpacking or running on rocky terrain. I like that Arc'teryx isn't afraid to make gear for very specific uses, rather than trying to create do-everything products.

The other unique feature of the Vertex Speed and Vertex Speed Low is their angular heel, shaped to improve downhill braking. The sharp lines on this shoe were one of the first things I noticed when taking them out of the box. Not only does the heel give the shoe a modern look, it's a performance-focused change.

Fit

The Arc'teryx Vertex Speed featured Arc'teryx's Precision Fit.

Here is a link to Arc'teryx's shoe size chart:
https://arcteryx.com/help/sizing/footwear

I talk about fit in more detail in my review of the Arc'teryx Sylan trail running shoe. Take a minute and jump to that section of the article to learn about the Precision Fit in more detail.

The TL;DR is that I go up half a size U.S. for any Arc'teryx shoe that defaults to a Comfort Fit, but stay true to size for a Precision Fit. I wear a 10.5 U.S. (44.5 Euro) in Altra, Hoka, Nike, and Brooks. For any Precision Fit shoe from Arc'teryx, like the Vertex Speed, I'm a 10.5. For Comfort Fit, like with the Norvan 4, I wear a size 10.

Other features

• Tech lacing - The lace pattern alternates wider lacing with standard width to secure the midfoot and prevent backslip. 
• Lace garage - This is found on most trail running shoes from Arc'teryx and I've found it to be useful for keeping the shoe clean and free from dangling lace loops. I've talked to other runners who never use them, but I like them.

Stay tuned ...

We'll be putting a lot of miles on the Vertex Speed Low as soon as the alpine snow melts here in Colorado's high country. And as we do, we'll update this article with firsthand feedback from the guys and gals on trail.

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