
Running these analyses costs money. Buy through my links to help keep lights on! I may get a small commission.
Reddit Reviews
North face vectiv enduris 3 and 4s are some of my favorite shoes of all time. Vectiv sky 2s look sweet too.
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.
That's absolutely a great pick - low to the ground which sounds like what you like, and no plate interference. It's an extremely flexible shoe. At that price point, very much worth it. The ankle collar is a bit loose, so I find debris gets in - you might have to rig up a gaiter if that's an issue for you. Other potential options for that terrain: Norvan LD 4, Salomon S/LAB Genesis or S/LAB Pulsar 4. I also really like the Sky 2 from TNF - it does have a plate but it's very flexible. About as much cushion/protection underfoot as the LS 2 Matryx, but a noticeably wider forefoot.
I just switched to North face vectiv sky 2 from the speedgoats and they are AMAZING. Light, better traction, still stabilizing
TNF shoes weren’t on my radar before. I randomly found someone who reviews shoes and then sells them after to make extra cash. I bundled some enduris, vectiv sky’s and a pair of vectiv enduri pros for an amazing price for all three. I’ve haven’t used the pros but the other two pairs are amazing. Would definitely purchase tnf shoes after trying them. But like I said I had never thought of trying them out before.
I have a pair of skys and they are tts. Fun shoe for shorter runs. Wouldn’t want to wear it more than for a half marathon or on super jagged terrain. They are super light and have great traction with tall lugs.
I tried these on in store and they were waaay too firm for me (I like soft and bouncy)
I’ve really been liking the fit of the north face range. You could try the Vectiv Sky 2 for short distance and the Vectiv Infinite 3 for longer distance. The Vectiv Enduris 4 would be great for long distance but a little clunky for your kind of terrain I suspect.
Next to the hoka store (they don’t have a treadmill btw) in covent gardent you have Saucony, Salomon (probs not for you to be fair), Cotswolds outdoor, the north face all within a handful of minutes of each other. On Oxford streeet you have (starting west) asics, adidas, puma (no real trail offering though), new balance, Nike and the bigger the north face store. If I were you I would try as many shoes as you can until something feels good. The north face enduris 4 and sky 2 (which is quite firm) have had good heel lockdowns for me even when sizing up.
Vectiv Sky 2 I imagine can go longer and are more protective. The Speeds feel quite minimal despite the stack as there is no rock protection, and you need to be up on your toes for them to work. It's more a tempo trail shoe. I can't run slowly in them.
I'm willing to buy shoes online from brands that I have good experience with (and I can compare the new shoe to their older model from some online review) or I need to try them in a store or ideally during some club run event. In Czechia TNF running shoes are hard to find in person. I've tried old Vectiv model in some skyrunning expo. I had to downsize (ie. risk for any future online purchase - downsize or normal size?) and the midsole was quite unstable and harsh. I'd need to firstly get convinced by trying them out before really considering them. On the other hand from the years of running I'm comfortable with buying online shoes from many other brands, so there is no need for me to risk it with TNF.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Deep mud and soft ground

Top pick
Salomon - Speedcross Series
Best for Quick draining and drying for wet trails

Top pick
Hoka - Speedgoat Series
Best for Road-to-trail transitions

Top pick
Nike - Pegasus Trail Series
Best for Steep technical descents

Top pick
Salomon - Genesis Series
Best for Technical rocky terrain

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series
Best for Ultra-marathon racing

Top pick
La Sportiva - Prodigio Series





