VJ Ghostrator - Too delicate for Midlands Forests?

[OldManHOC]

Bought a pair of V-J Ghostrator shoes this summer - from the orange "colour coding" I took them to be the replacement for the Twister.

After a couple of races (Czech Republic - bramble free) I noticed the material going a bit "fuzzy" and on my return to UK I switched back to my 2009 model Twisters for training races as the material had begun to wear at an alarming rate.

Now after maximum 25 runs the material over the toes has worn thin and holes will soon start to appear. Is this to be expected? - have I accidently bought a pair of "elite racing shoes"?

The Twisters are also now holed in the toe area. Both my previous VJs failed only because of stud wear/dobb damage after much use and only because of competition in rocky areas - no damage to the uppers at all.

Have VJ downgraded their material in the interests of lightness and competing with Inov8? Perhaps previous models were too tough and this is some form of designed in wear limit to stimulate the need to repeat purchase?

Suggestions for repair or tougher alternative?

[IanD]

I share your disappointment with the Ghostrator - the first proper O shoe I have had to discard with the sole little worn. It can't cope with southern forests either!

The 2011 version from VJ looks a lot tougher on top - I guess they realise they had gone too far in search of lightness.

[OldManHOC]

The 2011 version from VJ looks a lot tougher on top - I guess they realise they had gone too far in search of lightness.

Sadly - no it is not tougher - I have had a pair of green VJ Integrator since Xmas - they have been used in alternation with an older pair of VJ. The plastic coating has worn away from the woven fabric on the front part of the shoe. The fabric has now gone "fuzzy" and on both feet has now been penetrated. The fabric has also split next to one of the plastic ribs (inside by base of big toe) and the hole now goes right through.

Other runners in my club are experiencing similar problems.
I have emailed VJ twice "user over quota" and from the alternate address - no reply.

What a shame - such an excellent sole and shoe let down by poor materials. Is this by design I wonder? The advice I received from the supplier was "better get another pair before they fail completely":

I hear the INOV8 are wide fitting - which is no good for me - but am I likely to get more than six months part time service out of a pair of OROC or something from Jalas?


In the past VJ shoes had indestructible uppers: http://ddwilliams.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/imelda-marcos-moi-non.html

[King Penguin]

I had to abandon new green Integrators ater 3 runs each crippled my upper feet - the stitching along the plastic strips was just on the crease point and rubbed badly. Apparantly several others had the same problem, and VJ have since modified the design.

I always wear through the uppers - I must run with my big toe pointing up and the end of the nail rubs through (no, it is not over-long). My current "fix" which seems to be working is to stick a cycle inner-tube repair patch on the inside when the wear begins and I can be sure of the positioning.

[HarryO]

I can recomend Jalas. I have the ankle boots - they are fantastic for people like me with dodgy ankles. They haven't worn out - used for four years / approx 120 races - although they probably dont do any many miles as some of you.
On my second pair now - only because of a wet scottish 6 day when I stupidly put them on the radiator each night to dry and the soles separated. Still got the first pair which i plan to glue back together to keep as spares as the rest of the boot in good condition.

[Big Jon]

Glad I haven't tried them in Deeside Forests!

[OldManHOC]

I have attempted a holding repair with shoe goo... 5 races in and it seems to be OK - would be better if I could have found a bit of tough nylon mesh or gauze to give some tear resistance



Still no reply from VJ - when I contacted INNOV8 with a problem - came back to me that afternoon and sent replacement part FOC. I can't believe that VJ are unaware that their latest models have toughness issues - while goo-ing the 'toe box' I tried to fix the splits where the 'silver ribs' had been sewn on - not confident fix will survive another race.

[Freefall]

You are lucky - I bought some Icebugs and on their second outing something cut straight through the fabric. Rick at Compasspoint kindly replaced them for free and the replacement pair lasted one run! Branch straight through the front of the shoe. Moved onto a pair of Walshes now! The Icebugs were very light and would make nice shoes where you are unlikely to meet a rock or twig.

[Gross]

IceBugs are not an orienteering shoe.

I remember years ago with the first Jalas brought into GB (the pink Champion) that they lasted ages... next lot not so long time... a definite marketing ploy