Vasque Juxt Men’s Hiking Shoe
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Our Conclusion
'Inspired by history, driven by innovation', the notion that the Vasque brand lives by. This relatively young footwear brand has continuously delivered exquisite boots to enhance hiking performance and in appealing styles.
It can be difficult to find a capable hiking shoe, rather than a boot, that will give you all the features a boot will and you can walk in for endless miles.
So, you can imagine my surprise when I was asked to review the Vasque Juxt Hiking Shoe, a shoe that offers a lightweight ride with a sturdy and stable outsole, a molded EVA midsole, and a plush EVA Dual Density Footbed. The Vasque Juxt is a great option should you wish for a less invasive shoe for hiking.
Like all hiking shoes, there are a few pointers that you need to be aware of before purchasing and the main one with the Vasque Juxt is their narrow fit. If you are a hiker you will understand that fitting is everything when it comes to hiking shoes, that slight pinch or too roomy boot can be the difference between comfortable and happy feet or sore sad feet.
Let's take a closer look...
It can be difficult to find a capable hiking shoe, rather than a boot, that will give you all the features a boot will and you can walk in for endless miles.
So, you can imagine my surprise when I was asked to review the Vasque Juxt Hiking Shoe, a shoe that offers a lightweight ride with a sturdy and stable outsole, a molded EVA midsole, and a plush EVA Dual Density Footbed. The Vasque Juxt is a great option should you wish for a less invasive shoe for hiking.
Like all hiking shoes, there are a few pointers that you need to be aware of before purchasing and the main one with the Vasque Juxt is their narrow fit. If you are a hiker you will understand that fitting is everything when it comes to hiking shoes, that slight pinch or too roomy boot can be the difference between comfortable and happy feet or sore sad feet.
Let's take a closer look...
Where to Buy
See Deal
Pros & Cons
Pros
Extremely Lightweight
Great level of comfort
Dual Density EVA footbed
Tough build
Supportive Arch Zone
Cons
Slightly Narrow Fit
Several reports of the heel area being problematic
Key Features
Comfort
A pivotal factor that makes or breaks a hiking shoe, the comfort. The Vasque Juxt is made with suede leather uppers, a beautiful material that is great for offering a soft yet strong construction for your feet to pound the trail in. They also have a 'barely there' break-in period, so you can purchase, lace-up and off you go.
The dual-density EVA footbed provides a nice cushion for your feet to rest in and will offer them comfort with every stride. EVA is an important factor to bear in mind when buying hiking shoes, it offers you a bounce-back comfort and will help mold the shoe to your foot giving it that personable feel.
The high-supportive arch zone is a really appealing factor with these hiking shoes, offering that bit more comfort for the underneath of your feet. It offers that more contoured feeling and helps when you are meeting with rougher terrain.
A thick toe rand wraps around the outer toe box which helps protect your feet from trips over loose ground or rocks that may obscure your path. The lacing system is another beneficial point of the Juxt Hiking shoe, the eight traditional altering eyes and webbing loops give you more room to tighten the shoe to your preference, and are slightly more personal than other hiking shoes.
The dual-density EVA footbed provides a nice cushion for your feet to rest in and will offer them comfort with every stride. EVA is an important factor to bear in mind when buying hiking shoes, it offers you a bounce-back comfort and will help mold the shoe to your foot giving it that personable feel.
The high-supportive arch zone is a really appealing factor with these hiking shoes, offering that bit more comfort for the underneath of your feet. It offers that more contoured feeling and helps when you are meeting with rougher terrain.
A thick toe rand wraps around the outer toe box which helps protect your feet from trips over loose ground or rocks that may obscure your path. The lacing system is another beneficial point of the Juxt Hiking shoe, the eight traditional altering eyes and webbing loops give you more room to tighten the shoe to your preference, and are slightly more personal than other hiking shoes.
Outsole
This is an area that the Vasque Juxt could improve on. The Vasque OTG outsole is a light-duty sole that is fine for walking over less harsh terrain but will not do you much justice over tougher and more prominent terrains such as rocks.
It is, however, a comfortable sole that flexes well, so your foot will have a good amount of movement in the Vasque Juxt. If you are looking for sole performance there are better hiking shoes that are more equipped.
It is, however, a comfortable sole that flexes well, so your foot will have a good amount of movement in the Vasque Juxt. If you are looking for sole performance there are better hiking shoes that are more equipped.
Value vs. Price
Given the extreme lightness and great amount of support, the Vasque Juxt has to offer I think they justify the already reasonable price tag they have.
This low ankle rise shoe is great for less evasive hiking and I would say that the price tag is in line with this. Vasque uses quality materials with regards to their shoes, so I shan't think they will steer you wrong. Paying for good quality is always the best way.
This low ankle rise shoe is great for less evasive hiking and I would say that the price tag is in line with this. Vasque uses quality materials with regards to their shoes, so I shan't think they will steer you wrong. Paying for good quality is always the best way.
Comparison To Other Trail Shoes
Now if you are looking for a hiking shoe that is maybe more robust or has a slightly different style then fear not, the Vasque Juxt isn't the only hiking shoe on the market that can offer you extreme lightweight comfort, take a peek and see if they might be more appealing;
Adidas Outdoor Terrex Swift R3 GORE-TEX - These are beauties, both to look at and with regards to the technologies they have. Featuring GORE-TEX breathable uppers, a continental rubber outsole for extreme traction, textile lining, and a molded sock liner, these hiking shoes are the perfect option for a heavy hike.
They look the part and offer versatility too, you could easily wear these hiking shoes with jeans as well and if you felt the urge, you could break into a run and still feel like your feet are comfortable and well supported. The price is reasonable for these delightful hiking shoes, give them a look.
Merrell Moab 2 Vent - Stylish, comfortable, durable, and a great performer, the Moab 2 hiking shoe is more of a trainer-like shoe that offers some top technologies.
This extremely nicely priced hiking shoe benefits from an EVA contoured footbed with added zonal arch for plush comfort, a protective toe rand, and a foam insole. The price of these lovely hiking shoes is another winner!
They look the part and offer versatility too, you could easily wear these hiking shoes with jeans as well and if you felt the urge, you could break into a run and still feel like your feet are comfortable and well supported. The price is reasonable for these delightful hiking shoes, give them a look.
This extremely nicely priced hiking shoe benefits from an EVA contoured footbed with added zonal arch for plush comfort, a protective toe rand, and a foam insole. The price of these lovely hiking shoes is another winner!
Our Verdict
The Vasque Juxt is a lovely hiking shoe and well worth the price that it markets at, especially given how lightweight they are. They are attractive, and if you are looking for a weekend hiking shoe, I see no reason you wouldn't give these shoes a try.
Keep in mind the narrow fit, as this may hinder your decision, though. I think, being honest, there are alternative hiking shoes that offer more technologies for just as reasonable a price, but they do tick all of the right boxes for a light hiking shoe.
Keep in mind the narrow fit, as this may hinder your decision, though. I think, being honest, there are alternative hiking shoes that offer more technologies for just as reasonable a price, but they do tick all of the right boxes for a light hiking shoe.
Where to Buy
See Deal