REVIEW: The North Face Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3

Designed in collaboration with The North Face® global athlete team, the Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3 Trail Running Shoes are engineered to deliver uncompromising top-level performance during ultra races on single-track trail.

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Our SportsShoes x The North Face athlete, Josh Beaumont, has been busy putting these exciting new trail shoes to the test. Check out his review below;

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I recently had the chance to put the new Summit VECTIV Pro 3 to the ultimate test during my 80km race at Transgrancanaria. Gran Canaria was the perfect playground to test these shoes. The course threw everything at me—rocky climbs, loose descents, sharp switchbacks, and stretches of smooth, hard-packed trail. This new shoe handled it all like a pro, offering grip and stability when I needed it the most. And they didn’t just meet expectations - they exceeded them.
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Pictured: Josh Beaumont in action wearing the Summit VECTIV Pro 3

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A Seamless, Breathable Upper

The first thing that struck me about this shoe was the sleek, modern design. The North Face have really upped their game in terms of aesthetics. On foot, they feel light yet solid, offering a perfect balance of comfort and performance. The upper fits snugly without being restrictive, giving me confidence in both technical and fast-flowing sections. The seamless upper material is supportive, hydrophobic and quick-drying - perfect for racing in hot climates!

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DREAM foam Midsole with Carbon Plate system

The Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3 has a 3-layered full-length carbon-fibre plate system with a TPU top plate which provides propulsion and stability. This sits in a bed of soft DREAM foam in the midsole for super-high rebound and incredible cushioning and in all honesty, you can really feel the benefit of this, especially when moving on sections of runnable trail at speed. It really is a super shoe of the trails!

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Internal Skeletal Support Frame and SURFACE CTRL™ rubber Outsole

This latest version of the Summit VECTIV™ Pro has an even higher stack than its predecessor, so it feels even more cushioned than ever before. Thankfully, the wide base of the shoe and the Internal Skeletal Support Frame in the midsole means it still feels very stable. The only drawback of this is that you need to remember you have an extra few millimeters of shoe on both sides of your shoe - consider this when descending at speed! Fear not - once you get used to this extra width then it isn't an issue.

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As this shoe is designed for hard and rocky trails, the lug depth is only 3.5mm, which is perfect for this kind of terrain and the SURFACE CTRL™ rubber Outsole provides excellent traction.

I was really impressed with the grip whilst running in Gran Canaria. They performed well on loose terrain and gave me plenty of confidence on wet rocks. Even during slick descents in the early hours of the race, I didn’t feel like I had to hold back.

However, I will say that if you're looking for a trail shoe with a extra lug depth and more aggression to suit the soft and muddy trails of the UK, then check out The North Face Off Trail Collection.

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Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3 vs Summit VECTIV™ Pro 2

Having used the Summit VECTIV™ Pro 2 extensively, I noticed significant updates in this latest iteration. The most noticeable difference for me was the improved responsiveness. The cushioning feels more refined, offering a bit more softness without sacrificing energy return.
This is largely because of the enhanced midsole and it feels like they’ve really fine-tuned the rocker geometry for better propulsion.
For me, the VECTIV™ Pro 3 are a dream for long-distance trail races. I’d recommend them for marathon to ultra distances where comfort and performance are non-negotiable. They’re ideal for mixed terrain—rocky technical trails, dusty paths, and even the odd scramble.
This shoe is a true upgrade, especially for ultra-runners and trail enthusiasts looking for a shoe that delivers on comfort, performance, and durability. So, if you’re tackling technical or long-distance trails, then The North Face Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3 should absolutely be on your radar.

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Key features

● Seamless and Breathable Upper

For a supportive and comfortable fit. It's also quick-drying for added comfort with a cool, dry feeling.

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● Internal Skeletal Support Frame & Integrated Tongue Wings

Which provide lightweight support, extra stability and a precise foothold.

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● DREAM Foam Midsole

Super-soft lightweight superfoam for unparalleled cushioning and rebound.

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● VECTIV™ 3.0 stacked-plate system

A full-length carbon-fibre plate with a TPU top plate delivers high-level propulsion and stability.

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● Rockered Midsole Geometry

Provides long-lasting forward propulsion.

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● SURFACE CTRL Rubber Outsole with 3.5mm lugs

Delivers lightweight grip, traction and durability on both wet and dry surfaces.

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