Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    The North Face VECTIV Infinite Review
    Gear Reviews

    The North Face VECTIV Infinite Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellOctober 27, 2022No Comments6 Mins Read

    While some might argue that The North Face has too large of a product line to make great trail running shoes. Well, the VECTIV Infinite trail runners squash that argument with a sledgehammer by delivering the best shoes I’ve ever tested from the brand.

    The North Face VECTIV Infinite Trail Running Shoes Features:

    • Matryx® uppers made with Kevlar® and polyamide yarns
    • Perforated microfiber tongue
    • Dual-density 3D Pebax® plate underfoot
    • OrthoLite® X55™ footbed
    • Rocker midsole geometry
    • Surface Control™ rubber outsole with 3.5mm lugs
    • 6 mm toe-to-heel offset (25mm/19mm stack heel/forefoot)
    • 90-day wear test with 1-year warranty
    • Weight: 11.2 oz (actual, size 11.5)
    • MSRP: $169
    The North Face VECTIV Infinite Review
    Durable uppers and a foot-cradling fit.

    The smoothest ride from The North Face yet

    It’s been a few years since I’ve last tested a pair of trail runners from The North Face and it’s obvious that a lot has changed. So, I’m getting completely reacquainted with the brand’s latest trail running shoes. The VECTIV Infinite sits on the upper-end of the 6-shoe lineup and features their now-standard rockered sole with moderate cushioning. With durable Matryx uppers, the VECTIV Infinite also offers breathability in a lightweight package. On paper, they are checking all the right boxes.

    After a short break-in period, which consisted of a day around town and a 5 mile neighborhood walk with the dog, I was ready for the trails. Those initial miles were fuss-free and showed off the rocker midsole, ample cushioning and comfortable uppers and I had no worries about how they would perform on the trail. My running terrain is typically dry and loose with plenty of rocky sections. I wouldn’t call it technical, but you’ve got to remain nimble and attentive or loose rocks will either turn your ankle or roll underneath you. Stability is important, but trail feel is also a top priority — along with breathability.

    The North Face VECTIV Infinite Review - Humid Morning
    A rare humid morning delivered hero trails for the VECTIV Infinite’s.

    Well, onto that first run. It was a 4 mile affair on one of my typical loops. The shoes felt good and punched above what I had anticipated. Then, later that night and into the next day, my body felt oddly sore. It was weird, but it was if my muscles had to get acquainted with the unique stride, cushioning and support of the VECTIV Infinite. Subsequent runs didn’t cause that kind of muscle soreness. It honestly could have been an anomaly, but, for transparency, just be forewarned and don’t expect it on subsequent outings.

    Slipping these on, you’ll quickly notice the foot-cradling uppers. The tongue is held in place with stretchy elastic mesh on either side, which wraps your midfoot and locks it into place. Using traditional lacing, it’s easy to cinch them down to your liking. In addition, the uppers have extra eyelets for a personalized fit. I preferred to offset the uppermost eyelets, which reduced pressure on my tibialis anterior tendon and also pulled the inside cuff a little tighter. I haven’t done this with any other shoes, but settled into it with the VECTIV Infinite’s and really appreciated the way it felt.

    The North Face VECTIV Infinite Review - Lacing Pattern
    I chose to offset the upper eyelets to better pull the inner cuff.

    You’ll notice the bright blue thermoplastic cradle where the uppers attach to the midsole. This provides stability and structure. It all works perfectly together with the laminated cage (orange bands) that wraps and supports your ankle and instep. Cinched up, the shoe provides an anatomical fit and supports my low arches better than most shoes — all without feeling clunky.

    Beyond those excellent uppers, you’ll find my favorite feature — rockered soles. There was a time when rockered soles were more common, but I’m glad to see The North Face now carrying that torch throughout their lineup. With it, each step smoothy rolls to the next and supports natural, forward motion. On the trails, it results in smooth landings, even cushioning and a powerful toe-off. I love how these feel on the trails and my old bones do too. There is certainly a good amount of cushioning here, the rocker amplifies what’s there without slowing you down. I find the VECTIV Infinite to be nimble and speedy while also delivering a smooth stride, which is quite the admirable combination.

    The North Face VECTIV Infinite Review - Cold Weather
    On cold mornings, the breathable uppers can get chilly.

    Attached to those rockered soles is a capable Surface Control outsole featuring 3.5mm lugs. I have found them to be optimal for all kinds of terrain — from loose and dry to damp and tacky. Uphill and downhill traction is great on the trails and doesn’t feel clunky on road approaches either. Overall stability has been excellent as well. Of course, with 3.5mm lugs, they can get overwhelmed in mud.

    The uppers do a great job of locking my feet into place and the gusseted tongue holds my feet on descents. Those Matryx uppers are bombproof without adding weight or inhibiting breathability. In fact, on a cold morning trail run, I quickly realized just how breathable they are. But, what was initially cold became just right as the miles piled up.

    Fit: These feel true to what I’ve come to expect from The North Face shoes. I have always worn an 11.5 in their shoes and that continues to be true now.

    The Good

    • Rockered outsoles make for a smooth stride
    • Just the right balance of cushioning and trail feel
    • Excellent traction
    • Foot-cradling uppers
    • Standard lacing system allows for pinpoint fit
    • Breathability is outstanding
    • Ultra-durable Matryx uppers
    • Light and nimble

    The Bad

    • Can be difficult to remove
    • Mud can overwhelm the treads
    • Heel pocket could be deeper

    The Bottom Line: The North Face VECTIV Infinite Trail Running Shoes

    In a short amount of time, I’ve come to really dig these shoes. With foot-cradling uppers and a rockered sole, The North Face VECTIV Inflite trail runners have a winning strategy. I love how nimble they feel underfoot and how each step rolls smoothly to the next. With them, I have set new PR’s and my 40-something joints don’t complain one bit. As an added bonus, the Matryx® uppers are breathable and bombproof — not a typical combination.

    Buy Now: Visit TheNorthFace.com

     

    In Summary

    9.4 So Smooth

    The North Face has a winning formula with the VECTIV Infinite trail runners. These lightweight trail runners offer excellent support, perfect trail feel, breathability and a smooth stride. I'm having a hard time finding anything to nitpick here and have thoroughly enjoyed every mile.

    • Cushioning 9
    • Stride 10
    • Support 9
    • Traction 9
    • Breathability 10
    ShareTweet
    The North Face
    Previous ArticleStages SB20 Smart Bike Review
    Next Article Ibex Merino Tencel Short Sleeve Tee Review
    Jason Mitchell
    • Website
    • Twitter

    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

    You Might Also Like

    Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review

    March 29, 2023

    Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review

    March 27, 2023

    Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review

    March 22, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Review

    March 9, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    9.4

    Roval CL 50 Disc Wheelset Review

    September 13, 2019
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021

    After Spinal Injury, Tara Llanes Has Long Road to Recovery

    February 21, 2008
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Rain Shell Review
    • Pearl Izumi PRO Barrier Jacket Review
    • Fresh Goods: Redshift Arclight PRO Clipless and Flat Pedals
    • Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review
    • Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review
    • Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket Review
    • Santini Gravel Bib Tights Review
    • Sportneer K1 Massage Gun Review
    • Review: Giro Latch Mountain Bike Shoes
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.