The VJ Fuzion line is a new range for with a door to trail focus and currently includes two brand two shoes: the FZN Aerofly & the FZN Tempo. Read on to find out the differences and which is best suited to you…
VJ has its roots firmly in the highly technical footwear demands of orienteering and successfully transferred this to a very impressive off-trail range including the iRock, XTRM, MaXx2 and Ultra 3.
The new VJ FZN range represents a step into the ever-growing area of road to trail shoes with a clear focus to offer comfort, protection and cushioning for less demanding trail runs and door to trail routes. Offering the well respected and developed VJ technology to a wider audience of trail runners.
Starting with two shoes in the line-up, VJ have released the FZN Aerofly which is a more cushioned offering with a slightly less aggressive outsole and the FZN Tempo which is slightly lower profile, more responsive and aimed at faster paced runs.
VJ FZN Aerofly
Based on the bestselling VJ Ultra 3, the FZN Aerofly features the same SuperFOAMance midsole with great levels of cushioning thanks to the relatively high stack heights (38mm in the heel/30mm in the forefoot) but without feeling soft and spongy. This creates an accommodating 8mm drop which will appeal to a lot of runners and especially those used to running primarily in road shoes which generally have slightly higher drops than traditional off-road shoes. Together the cushioning and drop should work well in a shoe designed for harder packed trails offering comfort, impact absorption and protection.
Looking at the outsole, it is clear that the FZN Aerofly has been designed for easier trails. The lugs are much smaller and close together than you’d find on shoes designed for full off-trail conditions. But they are well designed to provide better surface area contact on hard packed terrain & a touch of tarmac, providing exactly the type of traction you need on these surfaces.
One of the biggest changes to the FZN range is the use of a modified rubber compound on the outsole. Without doubt VJ have some of the best rubber compounds for grip we have seen, but with this model VJ have taken a step towards increasing the durability of the rubber in order to increase the resistance to the abrasion of harder packed surfaces. We have no doubt that the grip will still outperform the majority of shoes in the road to trail area, while offering increased levels of durability.
Visible through the midsole is a plate that runs the length of the sole unit to give the shoe torsional structure as well as acting as a rock plate against trail debris. When running on harder packed terrain it is important the shoe offers some level of stability and structure and the plate provides this without adding any undue stiffness or weight.
Moving to the upper and this is where the classic VJ DNA has been retained with the very effective Fitlock positioned across the midfoot to provide an excellent hold and add support to what is generally a very soft, flexible upper. VJ have stripped out some of the more structured features seen in their off-trail shoes, such as the stiffer heel cup, as they are not as necessary in a shoe designed for less challenging terrain. What this means is you have a very soft, comfortable shoe that provides support where its needed, but nothing excess.
Weighing just 245g, the VJ FZN Aerofly is designed to offer cushioning and comfort for daily training and provide smooth transitions between surfaces during mixed terrain runs.
Check out the full details of the VJ FZN Aerofly and buy on our website.
Built with the same intentions as the FZN Aerofly, the FZN Tempo comes in a touch little at 240g and with a slightly lower stack height of 34mm in the heel and 28mm in the forefoot giving a 6mm drop. This points to the Tempo’s slightly faster focus but still offers a great deal of cushioning compared to many road to trail shoes.
The FZN Tempo is the lightest, most dynamic shoe in the new VJ FZN range designed for speedier outings on relatively tame terrain. That said we’ve been impressed with the grip offered by the well-spaced 3mm lugs. They grip well on a surprisingly diverse range of surfaces while the new rubber compound remains on of the stickiest offerings we’ve tested yet is also very durable to stand up to the more abrasive harder trail surfaces.
The feel of the FZN Tempo is one of wanting to push the pace, the shoe offers excellent responsiveness making it feel like you’re getting everything back from the ground. A lot of this is thanks to the new midsole, SuperFOAMance+ which uses advanced nitrogen-infuse technology for a super shock absorbing feel.
The upper is a relatively simple design with a lightweight, multi-zone engineered mesh that provides a balance between durability and excellent breathability. It also drains water really well, so you retain a light shoe whatever the weather.
The ever-present VJ FitLock around the midfoot provides the reliable support and hold we’ve come to know and love without feeling over designed.
As with the FZN Aerofly the Tempo features a full-length branched rock plate embedded inside the midsole which not only protects your feet against the sharps of the trails, but also torsional stability and reduces energy loss making the shoe feel even more snappy and dynamic with each stride.
The FZN Tempo is going to appeal to runners looking for a well cushioned trail shoe for harder packed, less technical trails but don’t want to compromise on speed. You’ll enjoy the shoes light feel, responsive ride and protection.
Check out the full details of the VJ FZN Tempo and buy on our website.
