Discussion: VJs

How can I get VJ Integrators in the US?

This question has some obvious answers. Those are OK, too, but I would be even more appreciative of non-obvious ones.

Thanks in advance.

I don't know the answer to your question but I just want to say that I will never again wear another VJ shoe. I tried both integrators and twisters and both gave me bad blisters after 3-4 times out in the woods. Changing socks, putting on band-aids, using tape, and trying to soften up the shoes all failed to help me. So now I'm wearing a different brand and it seems to be working fine for me so far.

I hope you have a better experience with VJ shoes than I did!

It must be rubbing off of Boris, as he had a similar VJ experience. I've had no probs with the newest integrators. Or is it twisters? Derivatives? Partial derivatives?

Haha. Boris is using Falcons these days and he likes them so much he's already gone through 2-3 of the exact same model without bothering to experiment with other ones. If it works, stick with it!

Speaking of derivatives, here is an absolutely awesome math joke:

The cocky exponential function e^x is strolling along the road insulting the functions he sees walking by. He scoffs at a wandering polynomial for the shortness of its Taylor series. He snickers at a passing smooth function of compact support and its glaring lack of a convergent power series about many of its points. He positively laughs as he passes |x| for being nondifferentiable at the origin. He smiles, thinking to himself, “Damn, it’s great to be e^x. I’m real analytic everywhere. I’m my own derivative. I blow up faster than anybody and shrink faster too. All the other functions suck.”
Lost in his own egomania, he collides with the constant function 3, who is running in terror in the opposite direction.
“What’s wrong with you? Why don’t you look where you’re going?” demands e^x. He then sees the fear in 3’s eyes and says “You look terrified!”
“I am!” says the panicky 3. “There’s a differential operator just around the corner. If he differentiates me, I’ll be reduced to nothing! I’ve got to get away!” With that, 3 continues to dash off.
“Stupid constant,” thinks e^x. “I’ve got nothing to fear from a differential operator. He can keep differentiating me as long as he wants, and I’ll still be there.”
So he scouts off to find the operator and gloat in his smooth glory. He rounds the corner and defiantly introduces himself to the operator. “Hi. I’m e^x.”
“Hi. I’m d / dy.”

Why do you want to get VJ integrators from a non-obvious source? I always get them from what is to me an obvious source, which has worked fine. It never occurred to me to look for non-obvious sources.

With regard to Kat's earlier post, I guess it just depends on your feet. I will never wear Jalas again, and like integrators just fine. I did get some nasty blisters from them in the AZ rogaine, but that was my fault. Up to about 8 hours seems to be the limit for me.

d/dy f(x) is my absolute favorite! Well, its the only one I can ever remember the result of. I can't wear jalas either. LIke running in bear traps. Guess its all a matter of square pegs and round holes.

Clem, have you tried stealing them from Gregory? That seems pretty obvious I guess.

No blisters wearing Falcons, but I'm pretty sure my recent problems with bursitis had something to do with the super-stiff heel counter an all VJ shoes. I hope I can find a way to frix that because they fit me great. I've never had any problems with Jala's except that I seem to tear them up pretty quick.

I've been trying to get them from my normal obvious source since the Long O last fall. At this point, I just need shoes from somewhere or I will be Oing barefoot. I also tried my backup source but I have never successfully made a purchase (despite several attempts) from that one.

I've had great offshore experience last two times I dealt with a British source.

Well, I have had great sucess with Compass Point in England.
BTW, I have solved my blister issues with Silva K80s and 2 pairs of socks. And the fact that I have not been out on courses for 3 hours helps as well.

Probably that is one of the best alternatives. I used once this source for buying my Silva K80 and I didn't have any problems. The only issue I had was how to figure out correct shoe size, and after spending about an hour of research I chose smaller size than I needed:(( I managed to run with them several races and was pleased dispute incorrect size (had to wear only one pair of socks). Other than that - good shoes and good website.

Yep - I've used Compass Point several times. Excellent. I might consider trying them for shoes, but I know the fit and size of the Integrators perfectly and would be happy ordering them remotely. Not sure about Silva or other VJ styles...

I would advise that you to send your foorprint to CP if you are unsure of the sizing. Or even if you think you know your size in a pair of shoes. I bought 2 pair of the K80 about 3 years ago. This time, I wanted a little bigger size, so I went up a half size. But they sizing had changed in the meantime, and they were like clown shoes...so, I had to ship them back for the original size which turned out to be enough of a bigger fit. Got it? :)

If I recall right, other VJ styles: Falcom - for the wide foot, Twister - for the narrow one. So, you cannot just go with the different style of VJ's.

I am on my third or fourth pair of Integrators, with a pair of Twisters in ther somewhere too. I rubbed the skin off the back of my heals on both feet one year at Oringen back when I was still running without socks. Since then I have learned to always wear socks when breaking in a new pair of VJs, and it's probably best to mix a day or two in with the old pair before you completely transition over. VJs tend to be a bit stiff, but after you break them in, it definitely pays off with extended durability in the long run. I usually get a full year out of a pair.

you can get VJs from the Bermans. 20% off for CSU members.

GO orienteering was offering 20% off for US team members, on shoes at least. Not sure if Gale is still doing this or not...it was much appreciated. I see the Bermans more often at eastern meets, so I try to "spread it around" so-to-speak, by alternating among the US vendors.

Since then I have learned to always wear socks when breaking in a new pair of VJs

Interesting. It would never occur to me to wear O-shoes without socks (except for those rare occasions when I orienteer in sandals).

Suitability of shoes all depends on your feet. I have one pair of Jalas that I can wear only if I use neoprene socks or put ductape on the backs of my heels, or else I'll get blisters back there. I've been using VJs for several years now, although the first pair of O-shoes I ever got were VJs, and they were not satisfactory. For many years I wore Silvas (don't remember the model) that were terrific, except in the style department (my brother provided ample ridiclue). I also had a pair of Reeboks that were okay. But none of them last very long. Next pair of shoes I get, I'm going to try wrapping the forefoot in ductape right from the day 1, instead of waiting until they start to come apart.

Interesting. It would never occur to me to wear O-shoes without socks ...

To add to this subject I can tell you that back in the 70´s (WOC 1978, I think) there was an Aussie orienteer actually running barefoot! At least he used to do that back home, but he may have gotten a pair of shoes for Norwegian terrain. I don´t think they were VJ´s though, since I don´t think they existed that early on...

When JohnF wants to shift into overdrive he stops to take off his socks. Then he hammers. I might try it sometime.

When you travel to Europe, do shoe vendors tend to be present at big meets like Jukola, Fin5, ect... ? Or is mail order the modus operandi there too?

In Sweden almost all meets - big or small - have their local (sh)O(e) vendors present. Some of them also have mail order service, but I guess the most business is usually done in the weekends out at the O meets.