Rossignol Vezor Trail Running Shoe Review
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Trail running shoes are one of those pieces of gear where you can feel the difference right away. Comfort, fit, grip, and cushion all matter when you are out on the trails for an hour or more. I recently had the chance to test out a completely new shoe from a brand that is better known for skis than trail shoes. Rossignol has released their debut trail running shoe, the Rossignol Vezor, and I was eager to see how it performs. I laced them up, hit a mix of trails and roads, and put in some good miles to see if this first attempt can hang with the competition.
The Basics
The Rossignol Vezor has a stack height of 29 millimeters in the heel and 23 millimeters in the forefoot, which gives it a six millimeter drop. This puts it on the lower side compared to a lot of modern cushioned trail shoes, which is something I actually enjoy. It keeps you closer to the ground and adds a sense of control.
Rossignol Vezor Construction
The pair I tested weighs 12.4 ounces in a men’s size 13 US, which makes it fairly light for a trail shoe with decent cushion.
Rossignol Vezor Construction
The midsole is built with a dual density foam setup. There is EVA foam for cushioning, stability, and control, and a nitrogen infused N Plus foam that adds more energy and propulsion. Between those layers sits a Diapason Plus insert plate, which works like a shank to add stability and help with transitions. Unlike many trail shoes, there is no rock plate, but the upper helps make up for that with protection.
The upper uses a three layer engineered mesh that includes debris protection and a TPU stone guard. The heel collars have medium padding and the tongue is flat and thin, almost like something you would find in a racing shoe. Everything about the shoe feels structured and durable. The heel counter is stiff and supportive, and the Michelin rubber outsole has 4 millimeter lugs that look aggressive enough to handle a variety of terrain.
Fit of the Rossignol Vezor
The fit of the Rossignol Vezor is one of the biggest talking points. Right away, I noticed how snug the shoe felt. The toe box tapers quickly, and for me that created pressure on the outside near my little toe. In terms of length, the fit was fine, but across the forefoot things felt tight.
The lacing is slightly offset, which also added to the squeezed feeling across the top of my foot. On the positive side, the lockdown was excellent. My heel did not slip at all, and the collars gripped my foot securely. The thin tongue did not do much to protect against lace pressure, but since the shoe already fit snugly, I did not need to pull the laces overly tight.
If you have wider feet, this shoe could be problematic. Going up half a size might help, but I think the narrow design will still be there no matter what.
Rossignol Vezor Run Experience
My first real test was at Ludington State Park in Michigan. I laced up the Vezor and headed out on the Lighthouse Trail, which takes you over ridges, through woods, and eventually out onto the beach. It was a beautiful day and I had my dogs running with me. I ended up doing about ten miles, five miles out and five back, with sections of packed sand, some pavement, and soft trail.
The shoes felt light on my feet and gave me a sense of precision on the more technical sections of the trail. On the sand and beach portions they did not bog down, and the cushion under the heel gave me a little rebound when I got tired. The main issue was still the tight fit in the forefoot. It did not ruin the run, but it was always noticeable.
Back home, I took them to Muskegon State Park, specifically the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park trails. These trails mix loose soil, small dunes, and gravel. The Michelin outsole really shined here, giving me grip on the climbs and stability on the downhills. On gravel, the ride felt smooth and stable. Again, I liked how close to the ground the shoe felt, but I wished for a little more room in the toe box.
Ride and Performance
On the road, I ran about three miles back from the trailhead, and I was surprised by how well the Vezor handled pavement. The cushion is soft enough in the heel to be comfortable but not so soft that it feels unstable. The midsole has some spring to it, which helps on longer stretches of runnable trail and even makes short road miles tolerable.
The ride reminded me of shoes like the Saucony Peregrine 15. It is not super plush or bouncy, but it has a little more energy than firmer trail shoes. If you like precision and ground feel without sacrificing cushion completely, the Vezor hits that sweet spot.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my first impression is that the Rossignol Vezor is a strong debut shoe. I really like the balance of cushion and control. The shoe feels light, sprightly, and precise, which makes it fun to run in. The outsole is excellent, and the durability of the upper looks like it will hold up for many miles.
The big drawback is the narrow fit. For runners with average to wide feet, the tapered toe box could become uncomfortable on long runs. If the fit works for you, I think the Vezor has a lot to offer as a versatile trail shoe that can handle mixed terrain.
The Verdict on the Rossignol Vezor
For me, this shoe is a positive first step from Rossignol in the trail running world. It has great grip, a lively midsole, and solid construction. The only hesitation is the fit, which could be a deal breaker depending on your foot shape. If you are curious and do not mind a snug shoe, the Rossignol Vezor is worth a look.
The Rossignol Vezor is priced at 180 dollars, which puts it in line with other premium trail running shoes. It is available through running retailers and outdoor stores, as well as online. If you want more information or are interested in purchasing a pair, you can check rossignol.com.
