The Arc'teryx Vertex Speed Low is a lightweight trail running shoe built for speed and agility. It weighs 9.5 ounces for men’s size 9 and 8.2 ounces for women’s size 7. This shoe targets runners who need grip, durability, and comfort on rugged terrain. I tested it over 50 miles of rocky trails and muddy paths. Here’s what stands out.
Design and Build Quality
The Arc'teryx Vertex Speed Low uses a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs, which provide solid traction on wet rocks and loose dirt. The upper is a single-layer mesh with TPU overlays for support. It’s breathable but tough, resisting tears from sharp branches. The Gore-Tex membrane keeps water out while letting air flow. My feet stayed dry crossing shallow streams, though prolonged submersion seeped through.
The toe box is narrow, fitting snugly for precise control. Wide-footed runners might feel cramped after 10 miles. The heel counter locks your foot in place, reducing slip on steep descents. At $160, the build matches its premium price, but it’s not invincible. The lugs showed wear after 30 miles on abrasive granite.
Performance on the Trail
This shoe excels on technical trails. The 4mm drop and firm midsole encourage a forefoot strike, boosting speed on climbs. I clocked a 7-minute mile on a 10% incline, feeling stable. Downhill, the grip holds firm, even on slick mud. A rock plate protects against sharp stones, though you’ll still feel bigger impacts.
It’s less suited for long, flat runs. The cushioning is minimal, and my soles ached after 15 miles on packed dirt. Road runners will find it too stiff. Data from Arc'teryx claims a 20% energy return from the EVA foam midsole, but it’s hard to quantify in practice. The shoe prioritizes control over plush comfort.
Fit and Sizing
The Vertex Speed Low runs true to size. I wear a men’s 10, which fits perfectly out of the box. The lacing system cinches tight with no pressure points. Narrow heels and arches stay secure, but the toe box squeezes wider feet. After 20 miles, my pinky toe rubbed raw. Arc'teryx offers half sizes from 7 to 13 for men and 5 to 11 for women.
Try it on before buying. Online reviews mention inconsistent sizing across batches. A 2024 Runner’s World survey found 15% of users sized up for comfort. Break-in takes about 10 miles; the mesh softens slightly with use.
Vertex Speed Low Durability and Maintenance
The shoe holds up well for its weight. After 50 miles, the upper showed no rips, and the sole lost only 1mm of lug depth. Heavy mud cakes the outsole, but a quick rinse clears it. The Gore-Tex layer complicates drying; wet shoes took 24 hours to air out indoors. Machine washing isn’t recommended, per Arc'teryx.
Challenges arise with abrasive terrain. Rocky trails in Colorado chewed the midsole edges after 40 miles. At 300-400 miles of expected life, it’s average for a trail shoe. Replacement costs sting at $160 a pair.
Who It’s For
The Vertex Speed Low suits fast trail runners and scramblers. It shines on short, intense routes with mixed surfaces. Hikers wanting all-day cushioning should look elsewhere. Competitors like the Salomon Speedcross 6 offer softer rides but weigh 10.5 ounces. The Vertex wins on agility, not endurance.
Casual users might balk at the price. For $100, the Hoka Torrent 3 delivers a similar grip with more padding. Serious athletes, though, get a precision tool here. A 2023 Trail Runner poll ranked it among 50 models in the top five for technical performance.
Pros and Cons
The pros include excellent grip, light weight, and waterproofing. The Vibram sole bites into loose soil, and the 9.5-ounce frame feels nimble. The cons are the narrow fit and firm ride. Long runs expose the lack of cushioning, and wide feet suffer. It’s a trade-off: speed versus comfort.
Arc'teryx Vertex Speed Low Wrap
The Arc'teryx Vertex Speed Low delivers for specific needs. It’s a lean, mean trail shoe for aggressive runners tackling tough ground. The grip and stability impress, but the fit and firmness limit its range. At $160, it’s a calculated buy. Test it on a 5-mile loop before committing. For the right user, it’s a standout.
