The North Face - Summit Series VECTIV™ Pro 3 Shoes

Congrats on the new role! Speaking from a consumer/racer perspective, the main hurdles are: * Aesthetic/Brand Perception: For serious trail runners, TNF is seen as 'hiking' or 'lifestyle' first, not a technical running brand, which impacts perception vs. Salomon, Hoka, etc. * Fit Consistency: I've found older models lacked secure lockdown, especially in the heel. People stick to what fits their feet for 50k/100M races. * Stack Height/Drop Profile: The line needs clear, differentiated profiles (low stack/minimalist vs. high stack/maximalist) that target specific races better. The VECTIV plate is the key differentiator. Lean into the technical advantages of that stiffness/efficiency and get them on the feet of influential, non-sponsored runners. P.S. As an avid 50k runner, I'd happily put some miles on a VECTIV Pro 3 for development feedback! 😉

They are to narrow for my feet. I have tried the Vective pro 2 and 3

Narrow in the toe box. On the 2 the winglet bit into my foot and the 3 seemed narrower than the two. I run a lot in the Hoka Tecton x3 so my foot is not that wide but it just didn’t fit in Vective. To bad as I had hopes for that shoe - especially the 3 seems well thought out.

Prodigo Pro destroyed my big toenails on long technical descents. Don’t know why, but the hard toe box just shattered them. They were great until I took them to a race in the Pyrenees with 1hr+ descents. For me, North Face Vectiv Pro 2 or 3, it Sky 2 are better shoes.

North Face Vectiv Pro 3

A lot — firm but springy — good for fire roads and forest trails — not for technical terrain

“Comfy” is relative — they are high stack but firm — would definitely be my goto for a race like that. I’m 6’ / 200# and run a 1:45 relatively flat trail HM

About 13 years ago, I had some NF trail shoes that I really liked, so I got the Vectiv Pro 2. I enjoy that model and raced a 100k in it where it performed really well. So I got the Vectiv Pro 3, but that model doesn’t work for me. It‘s uncomfortable on the ball of my foot, especially uphill. I have been curious about the Enduris but because the Pro 3 was expensive and didn’t work out, I have been reluctant to invest more money in NF shoes.

LaSportiva Prodigio pro or The Northface vective enduris 4 or The North Face Vective pro 3 or Adidas Agravic speed (ultra) love them all. At the Moment the vective 4 is my daily, long run, max comfort shoe and able to do faster paces

I would not recommend the Vectiv pro 3 for this type of effort. H1 would be a really good place to start - amazing foam and overall durability if it fits your foot shape. Caldera will feel heavier and clunkier and will wear quite quickly on the tarmac. Another suggestion would be the Salomon Aeroglide 3/4 grvl. 3 can probably be found on sale while the 4 is just an upper update.

I love the Enduris 4 and I will get the pro 3 when the weather gets better again. I walked past the london store and tried a pair and they just fit my foot really well. I’d never seen them in any of the runnings stores and I really don’t like to buy shoes without trying different sizes on. So may be to do with retail presence.

I had the Pegasus trail 4 and I would not use them for any real trails. Only road and light gravel/ well groomed paths. No lugs, very soft sole. I assume the 5 are similar but might not be the case. I really like the North Face Vectiv line up. I have the Enduris 4 but have tried on and really like the Infinite 3 and Pro 3 also. Would look at Sky, Infinite or Enduris for steep stuff.

I would try out: North Face Vectiv Enduris Has a nylon plate and gets great reviews. $160 Otherwise you can try more expensive… North Face Vectiv Pro Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra I have the Pro and the Ultra. Like them both. I plan to try the Enduris as I know a lot of people who love it

I avoid asphalt as much as I can and I don’t think I shuffle too much. I’ve put a decent amount of miles into my Zegama 2s, north face vectivs, Salomon’s, and ultrafly before retiring them and they held up pretty well. This is the first pair of trail shoes that looks like they took a beating early on. It is a great shoe though