French outdoor equipment giant Rossignol enters the trail-running arena.
Rossignol may be best known for its snowbound alpine roots, but with the launch of the VEZOR trail running shoe (for men and women) the brand proves it’s just as serious about rocky paths. Introduced at last year’s UTMB Mont-Blanc in Chamonix, the VEZOR is the result of years of design and testing.
Engineered for Gnarly Terrain
This trail shoe is built to take on tech terrain with confident traction, reliable cushioning and a precision fit. From the first wear, it feels responsive and light underfoot but never flimsy. The layered midsole—a combination of nitrogen-injected foam over EVA, with a flexible composite insert sandwiched between—delivers an efficient blend of energy return and protection. The result is a ride that’s firm, but not harsh, and ready to keep up across rocky, root-heavy trails.
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Where this shoe really shines is on ascents and descents. Every step feels connected to the trail, especially when climbing or ‘dancing’ across jagged rocks. Even on longer, flatter runs, the VEZOR’s midsole proved resilient and consistent, with no sagging in performance over distance.
A Secure Fit
The upper is built with a three-layer design: breathable mesh, a dirt-blocking filter and a wraparound stone guard. Add in a generous moulded heel for asymmetric support and a three-part footbed system, and you get a dialled-in fit, especially for runners with lower-volume feet. (Other reviews online have emphasized that the VEZOR runs narrow, but our tester has medium-wide feet and found the VEZOR fit perfectly true-to-size; his foot flexes comfortably with the right amount of snugness and lockdown.)
Michelin Formula Grip
The Michelin Formula rubber outsole features a mix of six distinct lug patterns for multi-directional traction. Whether it’s loose soil, slick rocks, wet roots or frozen mud, the VEZOR bites in and holds on tight. On damp and muddy days, it never missed a beat, and on dry, hardpack sections, it felt smooth and fast.
The Verdict: A Strong Debut
For a first trail shoe, Rossignol has nailed the execution here. The VEZOR handles a wide variety of trail conditions and surfaces with aplomb. While not a plush max-cushion cruiser, the VEZOR is a solid option for runners tackling tricky trails or racing mid-length courses—especially if you prefer a firmer ride and a race-ready fit focused on agility.
Highlights
- Cushion + Energy Return: Dual-layer midsole (EVA + nitrogen-injected foam) with Rossignol’s patented composite Diapazon+ insert for propulsion and impact absorption.
- Grip You Can Trust: Michelin rubber outsole with 4mm lugs and six traction zones for varied trail conditions.
- Dialed Fit: Slim last, customizable tri-zone footbed system, and asymmetric heel design for precise lockdown.
- Protective Upper: Three-layer construction with reinforced TPU toe cap and stone guard.
- Responsive Ride: 30mm heel stack, 6mm drop for a balanced blend of comfort and control.
- Built Sustainably: Upper and footbed materials feature up to 50% recycled content.
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