The North Face Summit Series VECTIV Pro 3: Built for Speed, Designed for Distance
Trail running is an incredible way to experience the outdoors, but when you’re pushing big miles over rugged ground, your shoes become a crucial part of your gear. For those long-distance efforts and ultramarathons where every step counts, The North Face Summit Series VECTIV Pro 3 Shoes are built to help you go the distance. These shoes combine clever design with features aimed at making your longest runs feel more comfortable and efficient.
When you’re running for hours, comfort is key. The VECTIV Pro 3 features DREAM superfoam, which is a nitrogen-infused blend of PEBA and EVA. This isn’t just one layer, but two: a full-length bottom layer that provides a lot of bounce and durability, and a thinner top layer for extra softness right under your foot. Compared to its previous version, the Pro 3 has 4 mm more midsole cushioning, making those long hauls feel even more forgiving. This added foam is designed to absorb impact while also giving you a lively feel with each stride.
One of the most inventive parts of this shoe is its VECTIV 3.0 plate system, which actually uses two plates. There’s a full-length carbon fiber plate underneath that helps propel you forward, almost like a spring for your foot. On top of that, there’s a separate plate made from recycled carbon or TPU, which focuses on stability. Together, these plates work to give you both forward drive and a secure feeling, especially helpful when you’re navigating varied trail terrain. This dual-plate approach helps ensure that while you’re getting a push, you’re also staying stable on uneven surfaces.
Adding to that forward momentum is the shoe’s rockered geometry. This essentially means the sole is curved, which helps you roll through your stride more efficiently, making each step feel a bit easier and aiding in long-lasting propulsion.
On the trails, confident footing is non-negotiable. The SURFACE CTRL rubber outsole provides grip on all kinds of terrain. With 3.5 mm lugs, these shoes are ready to tackle everything from smooth singletrack and fire roads to hard, rugged trails made of shale, granite, or sandstone. Whether it’s dry and dusty or a bit slick, you can focus on your run, not worrying about slipping.
Wrapping your foot is a lightweight upper made from seamless engineered mesh. It’s designed to be breathable and quick-drying, so it won’t absorb water and weigh you down, even in wet conditions. Plus, a light internal skeletal support frame and integrated tongue wings work together to give you a snug, supportive fit, keeping your foot comfortably in place.
With a 43 mm heel stack and 37 mm forefoot stack, giving it a 6 mm heel-toe offset, the VECTIV Pro 3 provides a lot of cushioning for those truly epic distances. The North Face designed these shoes for ultra-distance trail races and training, where comfort, propulsion, and stability are all incredibly important. Team athletes have even worn them to podium finishes in competitive races around the world.
If you’re looking for a shoe that can keep up with your longest trail efforts and help you feel strong from start to finish, the North Face Summit Series VECTIV Pro 3 is certainly worth considering. It’s built to support you as you chase down those big mileage goals.
