The North Face (TNF) launched its VECTIV trail-focused footwear system this month. After two years of R&D, more than 6,000 miles of athlete testing and on-trail success, TNF has introduced what it describes as ‘soling architecture for running and hiking on demanding technical, mountainous terrain.’
According to studies conducted by third-party research for TNF, the Flight VECTIV reduces downhill tibial impact by 10%, allowing runners to log more miles without compounding impact. Traditionally reserved for road running footwear, TNF saw an opportunity to bring carbon fibre and composite plate technologies to the trail running and hiking categories.
Positioned beneath a mesh upper, VECTIV is a soling architecture made of a 3D VECTIV plate against the sole, a VECTIV rocker midsole and SurfaceCTRL outsole. The construction is designed to deliver stability, grip and shock absorption without reducing energy efficiency.
“The Flight VECTIV is fast, light and responsive,” said Kaytlyn Gerbin, a runner for The North Face. “The plate gives the shoes a responsive and high-performance feel, and the streamlined upper keeps the shoes lightweight while maintaining the ‘fits like a glove’ feeling. From the 93-mile Wonderland Trail in the Pacific Northwest to racing the 80-mile Transgrancanaria course, I’ve trusted and relied on these shoes to propel me forward.”
Since the inception of VECTIV, 14 athletes from TNF team have set 17 worldwide records including Kaytlyn Gerbin’s 18 hours, 41 minutes, 54 on the Wonderland Trail, Coree Woltering’s 21 days, 13 hours and 35 minutes on the Ice Age Trail and Pau Capell’s solo UTMB attempt of 21:17:18.
“The Flight VECTIV has quickly become my favorite race shoe,” said Capell, a TNF runner. “It feels fast but also provides real stability and grip on the descents, and these are the moments that make all the difference.”
