The North Face Flight Vectiv Trail Running Shoes

Combining a revolutionary 3D carbon fibre footplate, midsole rocker geometry, and SurfaceCTRL grip, the new Flight Vectiv is designed will maximise energy return to give you explosive results on the trails.

Seamless Circular Knit Upper

Constrcuted with comfort in mind, the North Face Flight Vectiv Trail Running Shoes have been designed using Seamless Circular Knit Uppers. The soft yet supportive circular knit upper sits comfortably against the skin for all-day wear. The one-piece construction seamlessly integrates these areas of high breathability with stretch and support where you need it the most, adapting to the changing shape of your foot as it moves through the gait cycle and reducing slippage so that you can enjoy smooth, distraction-free strides. The breathable knit allows cool air to flow throughout the upper whilst, at the same time allowing hot, humid air to escape; this creates a perfect microclimate for your feet to thrive in. As well as this, protective TPU overlays have also been used on the upper to create a second-skin fit; they conform to the shape of the foot to provide stability and comfort. The 3D moulded heel counter locks in the heel for a secure and stable fit whilst an additional heel eyelet for a secure fit. Completing the Flight Vectiv is a ghillie lacing system that locks down the midfoot to reduce in-shoe slippage so you can enjoy distraction-free strides.

Vectiv Technology Midsole

Designed to maximise energy on the trails, the midsole has been constructed using The North Face's revolutionary Vectiv technology. The Vectiv system works to provide runners with more energy return by reducing fatigue and helping them prepare for the next toe-off. Vectiv technology minimises energy loss, increases propulsion, and delivers an abundance of structural support making running feel effortless and giving you the confidence to reach new PB's. Within the midsole, a rocker geometry is engineered to create long-lasting forward propulsion so you'll always feel ready to take your next step. The curved nature of the soles delivers outstanding energy return and works to create fluid moves throughout the gait cycle for optimal running efficiency. To ensure complete comfort, the lightweight ground-contact EVA foam helps to cushion the feet as you strike down on hard, unforgiving surfaces. The soft nature of the foam ensures complete comfort on uneven terrain so you can go further for longer. As well as this an Ortholite footbed provides added underfoot comfort as well as moisture management that works to keep your feet cool and dry. Completing the midsole is a revolutionary dual-density 3D TPU plate underfoot which offers multi-directional stability and forward propulsion.

Surface Control Rubber Outsole

Designed to be hardwearing and grippy the Flight Vectiv Trail Running Shoes have been developed using The North Face's signature Surface Control Rubber Outsole. This durable compound has been specially designed to ensure traction on both wet and dry surfaces. Not only does the outsole work exceptionally well on wet and dry terrain but it also works to ensure multi-directional traction on a wide range of surfaces. The highly durable rubber is strong enough to withstand the toughest trails yet, is flexible enough to adapt to different terrain so you can have complete control. The durable rubber provides a strong grip on the most challenging terrain; it works to protect itself from damage, and protect users from losing control and slipping. The outsole is designed to hold firm on uneven terrain so you can have complete confidence on the toughest terrains. Completing the outsole are 3.5 mm lugs that provide the optimal balance between traction and durability on the trail. The lugs dig deep into wet mud and slippery rocks to ensure added traction and control. This will also benefit you by acting as a solid base for you to push off from when taking a stride, as well as digging into the ground when braking and changing direction.

Review By Sportsshoes Trail Athlete Ben Mounsey

The FLIGHT VECTIV feels different to any shoe that I have ever tested, mainly because of its unique design, and particularly because of the carbon-fibre plate and rocker sole - both concepts I'm none too familiar with.

I love the quality and feel of these shoes. They're ultra-lightweight, but pack the punch of a heavyweight prize fighter - designed for the trail runner who craves both speed and power in equal measure. The carbon-plate and rocker sole work together in perfect harmony to give ultimate protection against sharp rocks, whilst helping to propel you forward at lightning speed. The VECTIV system provides flexibility on aggressive terrain, but most importantly, gives you maximum energy return, allowing you to run for longer and with more efficiency in every stride. They're ultra-responsive, super-cushioned and an absolute dream to wear, particularly on hard-packed trails and paths.

I think the main benefits of wearing these shoes are the unrivalled levels of comfort and cushioning that they provide. I particularly like how they wrap snugly around your feet, a sock-fit design that extends around the ankle to the very top of the heel and ergonomically finished with a small, cushioned pillow at the back of the shoe to ensure maximum comfort and support.

The FLIGHT VECTIV is arguably the most breathable shoe I've ever worn. The majority of the upper is constructed from a lightweight, stretchy and surprisingly, robust material. The front and sides of the shoe are highly ventilated; ideal in warm climates and perfectly suited to long-distance adventures.

It's important for me to point out that the FLIGHT VECTIV is a trail shoe, not an aggressive winter fell shoe. They would never be my first choice for a run where I'm shin deep in moorland bog, or when tackling extreme, muddy conditions. However, I would say that they are an excellent all-round trail shoe, with grip capable of handling a variety of terrain, but naturally more suited to trail and mountain running, as they're specifically designed to cope with hard, dry and rocky surfaces. This is also a hybrid shoe, capable of switching to solid, flat surfaces such as road and asphalt. Therefore, I think that they are suitable for all levels of athlete and those performing across a range of trail-running disciplines, over multiple off-road surfaces and particularly for anyone who wants to run for longer and maximise their performance.

In terms of sizing, I wear a UK10 in The North Face shoes, which is comparable in size to a UK10 in inov-8, Nike and Scott trail footwear.