Trail Shoe Spotlight: VJ Shoes, Tony Leonard (Episode 185)

  In this episode of Canicross Conversations, Louise and Michelle welcome Tony Leonard of Shoes to talk about the brand’s growing connection with the canicross community.   Tony shares his journey from competitive running to sports‑industry marketing and shoe development, explaining how VJ evolved from orienteering and fell shoes, into making models that canicrossers are now choosing. The discussion covers the technical details behind their designs — from studs and heel‑profiles to materials like butyl rubber and Schoeller Keprotec® uppers — and how this connects with the demands of running with dogs across muddy, mixed terrain.   Tony helps differentiate between the current line‑up (the MAXx 2, Ultra 3 and IRock 4) and previews a new “home to hill” model coming soon. He touches on sizing guidance, gender/fit considerations, how they are entering the canicross market, and how input from the community is shaping future development. Listeners are encouraged to try shoes with local retailers and feed back their experiences, as VJ hopes to eventually make a specific canicross‑shoe.   It's clear that for canicross runners — navigating slippery fields, wet rock and dog‑pull dynamics — the right footwear matters. Whether you’re seasoned or new to canicross, this is a welcome deep‑dive into how one brand is listening to the sport and adapting. Expect practical advice, product insight and a strong nod to community feedback.   Key take‑aways

• VJ Sports has moved from orienteering into trail/fell and now canicross‑relevant shoes by focusing on terrain‑specific grip (e.g., butyl rubber outsoles, variable stud lengths).
• Fit matters: multiple lasts (foot shapes) plus stud‑length differences (3 mm → 9 mm) mean choosing the right shoe for terrain and individual foot shape is important.
• Two contrasting models: a firmer, lower‑profile “race/technical” shoe (e.g., Max) vs a softer, higher‑cushion “longer run” shoe (e.g., Ultra) — both relevant, depending on run style.
• Canicrossers often face muddy, mixed‑terrain conditions with a pulling dog, so shoe demands differ from road running; community feedback is driving a bespoke “monster truck” future model for this niche.
• Try‑before‑you‑buy remains important, especially with trail/canicross shoes. Online reviews help but foot shape / terrain matter.
• Shoe care counts: wash with hot soapy water and air dry (avoid radiators/dryers) to extend lifespan of technical outsoles.
• Sizing guidance: VJ is “true to UK size” except one model (MAXx 2) which comes up a half‑size larger — always check empirically.

Timings 1.04 – Introduction: Tony’s background & running history 2.00 – Transition into sports industry & VJ entry 3.30 – Why VJ is resonating in the canicross / off‑road world 4.20 – Grip, studs and terrain: key shoe features 6.00 – Material innovation: butyl rubber, uppers, durability 7.30 – Sizing, fit and foot shape concerns 9.10 – Fit guidance: road/trail crossover, cushioning vs studs 11.00 – Canicross entry and why VJ decided to engage the sport 13.00 – Current best‑selling models for canicrossers: iRock 4 etc 15.10 – Sponsoring the British Sleddog Sports Federation (BSSF) series and community feedback 17.00 – Practical shoe care advice and do’s/don’ts 18.30 – Potential for future dedicated canicross shoe & how listeners can input 20.00 – Final summary & how to contact VJ Sports / locate retailers     Links 

• VJ  Shoes Website
• @vjsportsshoes on Instagram
• BSSF race series