The North Face Flight VECTIV™ trail running shoes promises to turn your energy into momentum. At £179.99, I was hoping they would give me wings, too!
I was sent the running shoes to test by Sports Shoes. I also get a small commission for any sales generated through this blog.
Features of The North Face Flight VECTIV™ trail running shoes include:
- Seamless circular knit uppers
- TPU overlays for added support
- 3D moulded heel counter to secures the heel
- Lacing system to “lockdown” the midfoot
- Vectiv Technology that “increases propulsion and delivers structural support”
- Rocker Geometry for “a smooth gait”
- EVA Foam – Provides comfort and cushioning
- Ortholite Sockliner increases underfoot comfort
- 3D TPU Plate for “multi-directional stability”
- Surface Control Rubber Outsole to “ensure traction on uneven terrain”
- 3.5mm lugs
- Weight: 269g (average).
- Drop: 6mm.
- Colour: White (male and female)
- Sizes: Female UK4 to UK8.5; Male UK7 to UK13
Review: The North Face Flight VECTIV trail running shoe
The North Face’s new Flight Flight VECTIV is likely to turn heads for two things: Price (high) and the claim it has been worn by 14 athletes who set 17 running records.
When testing them, I found the shoes are lightweight and comfortable. The seamless sock upper is a good idea and although fairly wide at the forefoot (I have a narrow foot), the upper fabric and lacing system mean they fit well and they are supportive.
The heel cup rises up quite high at the ankle, which might or might not be an issue, and there is an unusual internal pad inside the heel cup. This must be the 3D moulding. I am not really sure what the point of this is and I didn’t notice any major benefit over other heel cups.
The soles are most suitable for hard-packed trails, rather than hill mud, and they are pretty grippy. The cushioning and grip is not as good as other trail shoes but for most trails that are not too wet and muddy, you will likely enjoy the experience of running in these shoes.
The 6mm heel to toe drop feels pretty good, as does the slight rocker motion of the sole from heel to forefoot. Cushioning is medium; not too solid and not too soft. The soles look and feel quite deep. I am fine with this but I am aware that other trail runners prefer to feel more ground under their feet.
I confess I didn’t notice any “increased propulsion”. For £179.99, which seems a lot of money, I wanted to fly along the trails. Sadly, I’ll need to improve my fitness for that!
The colour white is bonkers, in my opinion. This is the worst choice for UK trails and they have turned mud-grey after only a couple of runs. I don’t see another colourway on offer.
Overall these are nice trail shoes. They fit well and they perform well, giving comfort and traction on dry trails. But I am not sure how keen I would be to pay the full price for them. Plus the white puts me off.