The North Face VECTIV Enduris Trail Running Shoe Mens, THE NORTH FACE Men's Venture Fasthike II WP, The North Face Men's Ultra 111 Waterproof Hiking Shoes, The North Face Men's Ultra 109 Waterproof Trail Shoe (Wide), The North Face Men's Hedgehog Fastpack II Waterproof Hiking Shoes. We systematically put each type of shoe through certain runs prior to review. FREE 2 Day Shipping EASY No Sweat Returns, Join VIP Family, Get Free Shipping and 15% in VIP, All Reviews: Road & Trail Run Shoes, Gear & Tech By Brand, Latest Run Shoe and Gear Reviews & Articles, 2022 Running Intros and Previews. Please try again. Jeff runs 30 miles per week on roads and trails around Denver, CO (and sometimes on the treadmill when the weather gets too much for a Phoenix native). While the flagship of the VECTIV fleet is at the forefront of incorporating carbon fiber into running shoes, the shank of the Vectiv Infinite LTD is molded from Pebax. The North Face's Surface Control outsole design is tacky and responsive, but the butterfly-shaped lugs are too shallow and spread too widely apart to provide sufficient traction in loose condtions.
For those with medium width feet looking for a stable trail trainer/ultra marathon racer (50 mile +) with a rockered ride for efficiency, the North Face Vectiv Infinite may be worth a look. This feeling of being on stilts only gets worse on downhills. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients. The upper isnt quite waterproof, but it is very water resistant - my first run was the day after a decent snow storm, and while the shoes got very muddy and wet, my socks were completely dry at the end of the run. Jeff B: Evidence that you dont need big lugs to get lots of traction, the Skechers has better grip and has a much more pronounced plate feel. PERFORMANCE (RIDE / SPEED) FURTHER READINGCompareAsics FujiTrabuco Lyte - Lightweight trail runner from Asics361 Taroko 2 - A favorite war cry of the DOR team, and a fun offering in general from 361Newton BOCO AT 5 - Contributor David Sala's trail shoe of 2020Recently at Doctors of RunningAsics EvoRide 2 ReviewPuma Ultraride ReviewSaucony Ride 14 Review Podcast Episode 36: Karhu's Jordan Kinley on the History of the Finnish Running BrandThanks for reading! (Check back soon for our comparison to the North Face Flight Vectiv), GRADING (SHOE CATEGORY) A frequent question that we get but haven't answered for many footwear models: Is this shoe worth $170? If you are going to be encountering lots of rocks, TNF would be the better way to go, otherwise, go with the Nike. The 3D molded plate incorporated into the heavily-rockered VECTIV platform is designed to transfer downward energy from each foot strike into forward propulsion. Perhaps these shoes perform better in the rocky loam of the high alpine, but we consistently found ourselves slipping in the dry and loose conditions of the high desert. And it works, offering superior foot protection and a gliding ride over rolling terrain. Drop: 6 mm Then, at the appropriate places where you want motion, ie the forefoot under the MTP joints to allow some flexibility, it does not do this. The North Face Vectiv Infinite does not have a post, but is a very unbiased stable shoe. This proprietary rubber is soft and responsive and certainly helps with locomotion. A pebax plate, rockered sole and VECTIV design provide a smooth ride from heel to toe. Toe box could be a bit better with less aggressive toe guard limiting space), (I keep reaching for this shoe because it is reliable and I trust it. My only challenge with this shoe is the toe guard. : : Jeff B: Nikes chill trail (or road to trail specialist?) Matt: The North Face Vectiv Infinite fits me true to size in my normal men's size 10. This allows for appropriate control of flexibility along the sole WITH guidance in the right places. Sadly, not much. Fit is very good and true-to-size, I have just under a thumbs width in front of my big toe, and the heel/midfoot/forefoot all fit just right, with good hold but not too tight. HOKA Mach 5 Review: Same DNA, but Better By Senior Contributor David Salas The HOKA Mach 4 took the performance training category by storm Saucony Endorphin Speed 3: Different, For the Better By Senior Contributors Nathan Brown, David Salas and Chief Editor Matthew Klein The Sa Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Review: Past Meets Present By Senior Contributor Nathan Brown and Content Manager Bach Pham The Nike Pegasus lin Hoka Arahi 6 Review: Consistent Stability By Senior Contributor David Salas, Chief Editor Matt Klein, and Social Media Manager Bach Pham Kno ASICS Noosa Tri 14 Review: Sockless Wonder By Senior Contributor David Salas, Chief Editor Matthew Klein and Contributor Ryan Flugaur The AS Saucony Endorphin Pro 3: Third Time's a charm ByChief Editor Matthew Klein and Contributor Andrea Myers The Endorphin Pro 3 has been (Medium width fit with a hair extra room. More toe box space, more comfortable upper, better rock protection, magnitudes more traction, a more fun ride, and its $50 less - all that makes for a very easy choice. It can be difficult to be on the cutting edge of technology, and this shoe certainly has a ton of potential. Ride:7 (30) Fit:9 (30%) Value:5 (10%) Style:9 (5%) Traction:6 (15%) Rock Protection:9 (10%), Skechers Performance Speed TRL (RTR Review). Never miss out on future posts by, Please let us know mileage, paces, race distances, and currently. How can we improve GearLab? Privacy | Cookies | Terms, A technologically forward ultra-runner that could use a few design tweaks to improve performance. Toe box could be a bit better with less aggressive toe guard limiting space)Personal: B+ (I keep reaching for this shoe because it is reliable and I trust it. Every single run Ive had in this shoe has resulted in me retying them at least twice, and every time I did so I double or triple knotted the shoe, and it didnt matter. . Check out Running Warehouse (Men's Vectiv Infinite / Women's Vectiv Infinite) or visit Fleet Feet (Mens / Womens). They stay tight once they are down (just be ready to fight a little bit to get the shoe off). The initial try on felt almost a hair short, but that is due to the fairly thick toe guard. Even though the heel pocket is padded around the Achilles, the thin upper doesn't offer much ankle support. : 7 Comparisons, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Multi Tester Review: Speed Meets New Comfort & Versatility! So for those sensitive to high or low drop, you will be fine in this. The pebax plate provides nice stability while there is plenty of protection and durability for long miles. , ASIN The third component of the VECTIV design is the outsole. The North Face created their Surface Control rubber to specifically integrate into the purpose of this new technology: to capitalize on the kinetic energy of every stride and transfer it into propulsion. the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Unbeatable fit, very comfortable, fantastic underfoot protection, doesnt absorb much water, ankle collar keeps out debris, very stable, Ultralight, supportive, uncharacteristically agile, Well cushioned, comfortable fit, sticky rubber grips rock very well, decent price, Affordable, comfortable ride, versatile crossover option, Expensive, hard to get on foot, must wear above the ankle height socks, hard to stuff laces into garage, Loose-fitting heel pocket, lack of trail feeling, Soft upper is unstable, lacks energy, inconsistent traction, The cream of the crop for trail running shoes delivers fine-tuned long run performance, An ultra-supportive trail runner with an agile feel that is unlike any other HOKA shoe we've ever tested, A very well cushioned shoe that is optimal for heel strikers and makes for a great option for everyday training as well as ultra distances, A comfortable, consistent, and approachable shoe for those looking to crossover from roads to trail running, TNF VECTIV: dual-density foam, 3D molded Pebax plate, Energy Save PU foam with Profeel Film rock protection. Your opinion matters to us and will help us create a better experience. For trainers and performance trainers, we take them on daily runs, workouts, recovery runs and a long run prior to review (often accumulating anywhere from 20-50 miles in the process). But as soon as the going gets tough, the specially designed outsole doesn't afford the level of grip we were hoping for on technical uphills, steep downhills, or loose terrain. Your purchases help support RoadTrailRun. But the real star of the show is The North Face's new VECTIV technology that combines outsole, midsole, and shank to add protection and propulsion to every step. The upper is made from a reinforced knit material, which does not stretch but has some flexibility in movement to it. The plate adds both to the rockered transition of the sole as well as provides great guidance medially and laterally. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Amazing foot protection, active rebound, stiff arch support, Uncomfortable upper, lack of traction and stability on downhills, pricey. Initially they pushed into my arch a little, but that sensation disappeared. Unbiased stability)DPT/Footwear Science: A- (Really great use of plate for stability along with rocker design. , Product Dimensions shoe doesnt have nearly the rock protection the Infinite does, but it does bring a more comfortable upper and more fun ride, along with more traction. It's hard to maintain momentum when you can't gain your footing. . Saucony Axon Review: A Friendly, $100, Mellow Ridi Puma Running Deviate Nitro Elite Review: The Faste Testbericht: Altra Rivera - Zero Drop fr Einsteig Tracksmith Running Spring 21 Women's Collection R Avis et Impressions: Asics Trabuco Max: une chauss Anmeldelse: Hoka ONE ONE Mach 4 (Danish). There is plenty of cushioning underfoot that is slightly firm on road and slightly soft on dirt. , Date First Available It is not the stiffest ride, so those wanting a shoe that has some kick but isn't carbon plated should look here. Even after wearing down the rearfoot lugs on my left shoe, the grip is still very good, even on technical trails. Please try again. I just wish it was a bit lighter and the toe guard was less aggressive), (Solid, consistent, durable, and trustworthy debut from North Face. Could be a bit lighter), (Elevated plate/guide rail is very effect for guidance. The upper wrap is an ultralight weave of polyamide and Kevlar it feels very similar to the TPU mesh utilized on the impressively durable Arc'teryx Norvan SL 2. Fit: B (Medium width fit with a hair extra room. There is a 6mm heel toe drop, but honestly I did not notice that at all given the rockered frame. Podcast Episode 36: Karhu's Jordan Kinley on the History of the Finnish Running Brand, Doctors of Running Virtual Roundtable - Running Podcast, Shoe Reviews, Running Shoe Guides (2022) - Doctors of Running, Running Research Archive - Doctors of Running, Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 Review (2022 Release). Very secure, but toe guard and sharp heel collar cause some chaffing without good socks. Thus the toe is really smooth both at easy paces and uptempo paces. For racing flats we ensure that we have completed intervals, a tempo or steady state run run as well as a warm up and cool down in each pair prior to review. The first notable thing is the unique use of their plate design. 10 Comparisons, Brooks Glycerin 20 Multi Tester Reviews: 4 versions with energetic DNA Loft v3 supercritical foam. Some upper issues that need to be addressed, but thus far this is my favorite of the three Vectiv shoes) DOCTORS OF RUNNING Q&A ON THE NORTH FACE VECTIV INFINITE, Interested in a pair of The North Face Vectiv Infinite? This shoe is rounded out with two additional proprietary designs: the Matryx upper is a weave of Kevlar and polyamide with an exterior TPU film; the outsole is a Surface Control rubber that was designed specifically for trail running. This design change helps cut costs a bit, despite the shockingly high price tag relative to most of the market. They have a flat, almost ribbon-like build, and there isnt enough friction to keep them in place. I just wish it was a bit lighter and the toe guard was less aggressive)Overall: B+ (Solid, consistent, durable, and trustworthy debut from North Face. 12 Comparisons, Changeover of RoadTrailRun News Feed to follow.it. Specifications (per Running Warehouse)Weight: 10.8 oz / 306 g (men's size 9) 9.6 oz / 273 g (women's size 8)Measured Weight: 11.4 oz (men's size 10) It does however work very well. The rigidity and stiffness can be uncomfortable or problematic for people with sensitive Achilles insertions and/or those with Haglund deformities (which can occur for a number of reasons, including excessive pressure causing a bony outgrowth). Those with narrow feet will not notice this, but those wanting a bit more room should be a tiny bit cautious. The foam in the rear is a bit softer, while up front things are firmer. Unbiased stability), (Really great use of plate for stability along with rocker design. This provides the feeling of a very stable and guided ride throughout the shoe. But with all the hype that comes with it, as well as at about $170, expectations get much higher, and for me this shoe did not live up to the expectations. Let us know! , Department Would you please the adding comparison of vectiv series model enduris and flight? There is a ton of new technology incorporated into the Vectiv Infinite LTD. First and foremost, The North Face's new VECTIV design layers a deeply rockered midsole with a 3D plate that "turns downward pressure into forward momentum." If Id reviewed this shoe when I still lived in Phoenix Id probably be more impressed with the outsole, but dealing with Colorado weather and conditions, this outsole does not impress, and seems only a small step up from many road shoes. Jeff B: Im a weirdo, I think white trail shoes are the best. While it is protective, it narrows the toebox. Matt: The North Face Vectiv Infinite features a pebax plate, a rockered sole, a lugged outsole and a mildly firm ride. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, Learn more how customers reviews work on Amazon. For the difference in price, Id lean toward the Speed Trail. So for those used to mild to moderate stability shoes, you may feel right at home (with a slightly different feel) in this shoe. The stiff VECTIV shank also offers an incredible level of arch support, which may be a draw for those with flat feet or high arches. I am very impressed for version one of the Vectiv Infinite. RECOMMENDATIONSMatt: The North Face is off to a great debut with the Vectiv series, particularly the Infinite, although I do have a few recommendations. Partnership will not affect the honesty of our reviews. RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY Jeff only got into running in his 30s, as a result his career PR's are. Despite the relatively wide platform, the last is fairly narrow especially in the toe box and doesn't allow much room for swelling or toe splay, making these shoes feel rather confining over long distances. On flats and slight inclines, the VECTIV midsole performs beautifully. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. The forefoot has a little extra room, but as mentioned is limited from stretching further due to the thick toe guard. It isnt the widest platform, but I wouldnt categorize it as narrow either - this shoe really leans into being the middle sibling. I notice that this shoe feels the same at mile one and at 20, so those looking for both a trainer for trails and an ultramarathon shoe should take a look at the Vectiv Infinite. Hoka ONE ONE Clifton 8 vs. Mach 4 Comparison Video adidas Solarboost 3 Review: A stable performance! The tongue is made of similar material to the heel counter, and as a result it is very flexible, though it is gusseted so well that it almost resembles an interior bootie. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Tracksmith x Bill Rodgers & Company Collection, A Testbericht: ON Running Cloudultra Przise wie e Testbericht: Topo Athletic Phantom 2 - Das Raumwun Gore Wear Spring 2021 Running Apparel RTR Round Up Resea: New Balance FuelCell RC Elite V2 RTR Span Skechers Performance GO Run Razor TRL Multi Tester Topo Athletic Phantom 2 Multi Tester Review, Anmeldelse: New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2, Tracksmith Running Spring 21 Men's Collection Review, Resea: Mizuno Wave Sky 4 Waveknit Spanish Review. The Brooks has a much more lively ride, a little wider toebox, and better traction, while TNF has a much more robust upper and perhaps a little more cushioning. Matt: The North Face Vectiv Infinite does several great things footwear science. Despite the 11.4 oz weight in my size 10, this shoe feels much lighter in hand and on foot. Saucony Men's Grid Lightspeed Running Shoe, Vibram FiveFingers V-Run, Mens Training Shoes, Under Armour Women's HOVR Apex 3 Cross Trainer, Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, THE NORTH FACE Vectiv Infinite Running Shoe - Men's. No ads. So overall a very stable ride in a technically neutral shoe. But if we may pull an analogy from backcountry skiing, on uphills we couldn't help but feel like we were running with heel risers up. The avant-garde design of the Vectiv Infinite LTD certainly takes some getting used to, but after a few dozen miles, we settled into the stride of this ultra-runner. The heel counter is very flexible and unstructured, but it has some pods in the interior to help keep the foot in place. Instead, it's designed to protect your feet while running dozens upon dozens of miles at a time. A tight taper of the toe box to a point allows you to precisely touch down your toes, making it much easier to navigate technical terrain nimbly. The upper is extremely secure and will work best for those with medium to narrow feet. I think trail shoes that are clean are a travesty, and nothing shows dirt better than white shoes. How confident are you in finding a size that will fit you well? Jeff B: The midsole is a blend of several density foams (unconfirmed, but believed to be EVA) and an embedded VECTIV Pebax plastic plate (orange above) to go along with its slight rocker geometry. Definitely make sure you wear tall socks with this shoe. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Jeff has finished several ultra marathons, from 50K up to 50 miles, and is still debating if he wants to go down that road again. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. He is particular to less Durability of the outsole has been just like the upper. Matt Looking for a new pair of trail runners? Some upper issues that need to be addressed, but thus far this is my favorite of the three Vectiv shoes), Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. Finally, I challenge North Face to reduce the weight. Theres also a reinforced toe bumper that threads the needle between being protective and being flexible. Historically Ive found that when a brand releases a series of shoes, the middle shoe is usually the bright shining star, as it can cherry pick the best attributes from its siblings. I understand with trail shoes that you want protection up front in case of rocks. Ive run in a number of shoes with similar pod designs, and its very hit-and-miss if it works, and for me, these work great. Back to the Salomon, it seems to be common sense to praise the grip of the Contragrip, my experience differs quite a bit as I think it's quite average in wet 2017 Road Trail Run. $169.00. Jeff B: So with several foams and a Pebax plate, how fun and bouncy is the Infinite? The proprietary Matryx upper is super thin, but the Kevlar and polyamide weave is all but impenetrable. For those looking for a great road to trail shoe, the Vectiv Infinite can certainly handle this. cushioned shoes and close to the ground shoes, but can handle a little Matt: While there have been some North Face running shoes over the years, none have made as big of a splash as the Vectiv series. Got feedback? Shockingly, the two density foams feel very different, with the white being much softer and the black being noticeably firmer. Featuring a secure fit from heel to midfoot with just a hair bit more room in the forefoot, the fit should work for narrow to medium width feet (with a little wiggle room for wider feet). Approx.weight: men's 10.15 oz / (US9) / women's / (US8), Midsole Stack Height: 19mm forefoot, 25mm heel, 6mm drop, Available nowincluding at Running Warehouse here. Ride maintains forward moment very well. The rockered propulsion of the midsole and lack of heel lugs almost forces you to run fast downhill or entirely pump the brakes and slowly and strategically pick your path of descent.
As you can see in the photos, it comes up around the foot, creating a nice cradle in all directions. Jeff B: These two share a similarly built upper that can handle anything the trail can send at you, but the Salomon is the only one to have the outsole to match it. snug heels and medium to wide toe boxes. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. Dr. Matthew Klein is a 140 lb male with notable PRs of 14:45 for 5k and Los utilice media hora y me doli hasta dolor de cabeza ya que vi que tenan 5 estrellas y que tenan cushion desafortunadamente no After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. At easier and slower paces, the ride is very protective, stable (more on that later) and consistent. It is not new as Xtep does this in their 160X (REVIEW) to a lesser degree, but it still has some of the same concepts. Thats not always a bad thing though, because the exaggerated spring of the Vaporfly Next% could be hazardous on a trail, especially a particularly gnarly one, but this wouldnt be the shoe Id take on a gnarly trail anyway due to the underwhelming outsole performance. Having a flexible counter that still locks the foot does exactly what heel counters should do without the problem they often cause. The combination of Pebax and a dual-density midsole helps absorb the impact of the miles accumulated during an ultra-marathon not to mention adding protection from all of the other hazards underfoot. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we dont use a simple average. As far as aiding propulsion, I really didnt feel anything, either on the road or trail. : The tongue is gusseted and is locked in very well. You help support OutdoorGearLab's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners. There is a little kick from the pebax plate, but there is actually some flexibility up front for the MTP (metatarsophalangeal joints). I frequently discuss heel counters in regards to both how stable they make a shoe as well as how rigid they are. STABILITY Matt: The North Face Vectiv Infinite is technically a neutral shoe, but is one of the most stable trail shoes I have tried. My main gripe with the upper is lace related, so while it is annoying its at least a very easy fix - but these laces dont stay tied at all. The rockered profile of the Vectiv Infinite LTD doesn't really allow you to engage your whole footprint on steep uphills, and makes you feel like you're tip-toeing your way up a hillside. 4:40 per mile 1k repeats. No hesitation, go Catamount. The Flight Vectiv is the carbon fiber racing model (review soon), the Vectiv Infinite is the pebax plated lightweight trainer and the Vectiv Enduris is the TPU plated, super stack height max shoe. If you are a footwear rep looking for footwear reviews or consultations on development, we are currently looking to partner with companies to assist, discuss and promote footwear models. men's 10.15 oz / (US9) / women's / (US8), Available nowincluding at Running Warehouse, Enjoyed this post? Overall the upper is very secure and extremely durable. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. The lugs didnt give nearly enough traction for days that the trail was wet, let alone really sloppy and muddy, and the outsole seemed most at home on the road when I ran road to trail. I have used this shoe on very technical terrain and despite running through thorns, couldn't make a dent in the upper. 8 Comparisons, New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer Multi Tester Review: Carbon Plated, Super Max Cushion. The one exception is on rocky uphills, where there is a pressure point between the ball and toes of your feet that can be penetrated by sharp protrusions. Even though the Vectiv Infinite LTD is explicitly designed with stability in mind, that stability seems to be situationally dependent. Jeff B: With multiple density foams in the midsole, the Topo has better traction, more toe box room (a given), and a softer ride, while TNF has much better rock protection and a better overall hold. No sponsored content. Classification: Trail Uptempo Trainer. I decided to get my hands on the middle child as I like pebax plates AND I was really curious in the plate stability design. For a great, stable, durable trail and road to trail shoe, the North Face has made a great debut. Follow myself and the select few who contribute on our journey to help you understand your body and the shoes you wear. But in the case of the Vectiv Infinite LTD, it may be best to wait until The North Face addresses the critical issues that significantly hurt how this shoe stacked up against the rest of the competition. The toe guard is thick enough that it does limit toebox space and has the potential to cause some chaffing. Unable to add item to List. As someone who prefers a little stability, I definitely noticed this in a positive way as my feet legs did not fatigue as much over long runs. Would that continue with The North Faces Vectiv line? This shoe is simply not designed to feel the trail. He prefers firmer and responsive shoes with , Manufacturer February Round-Up: New Reviews, Extended Science F Reebok Run Fast 3.0 Multiple Tester Review. That's good news for ultra-runners, who don't want to carry any extra weight than is necessary. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews.
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