THE NORTH FACE's "Summit VECTIV Pro 3" Review: A pair of shoes that break through the limits. The moment I put them on, I felt like I could win!

THE NORTH FACE's "VECTIV" trail running shoes series released "Version 3.0" in March 2025. As the coined word "VECTIV," which combines velocity and efficiency, this is truly a "serious" gear that aims to bring out athletes' performance to the limit.

the Summit VECTIV Pro 3 the most aggressive and top-notch . It has been evolving for four years since the first VECTIV was released in 2021, and is now the third generation model. Equipped with an innovative five-layer sole unit and dual carbon plates. The overwhelming rebound and outstanding lightweight woven together give the impression that it is the ultimate weapon that does not feel compromised at all, as top athletes perform at their best in ultra-distance races.

This time, I was fortunate to be able to review Summit VECTIV Pro 3 How can this "offensive" design philosophy change the running style of runners and become the best partner of any athlete or situation? We will thoroughly examine the secret.

Main features of THE NORTH FACE "Summit VECTIV Pro 3"

The Summit VECTIV Pro 3 is characterized by its structure that brings out the fullest advantage of THE NORTH FACE's unique technology, the "VECTIV 3.0 System," and embodies the essence of this technology.

Of particular note is the dual plates with two-piece structure, which is unparalleled in trail shoes. The upper plate is a blend of TPU and recycled carbon, supporting stability when landing and smooth load transfer. The lower layer is equipped with a high-rigidity 3D carbon plate, creating overwhelming rebound performance and powerful propulsion. This carefully calculated dual plate system combines the opposing elements, "propeling force" and "stability," at an unprecedented level.

The midsole is an extremely thick design with a heel of 39mm and a forehead of 33mm, which has been significantly thicker than the previous model. The five-layer structure includes DREAM Foam, a supercritical foam material, provides excellent cushioning and incredible rebound performance, dramatically reducing the burden on your feet over long distances. Furthermore, the wing shape of the upper plate prevents deformation of the midsole on the forefoot, further increasing stability. The sole shape is an aggressive rocker shape that begins with a curve from a deeper position, allowing you to experience efficient center of gravity movement and the feeling of "rolling" that naturally moves your feet forward.

Main Specifications and ratings

Detailed review

 Fit: Perfect unity accelerates performance

Feeling like putting on the feet

The heel pads are gentle on the skin and hold the heel firmly

The openings are made of material so thin and lightweight that it is indistinguishable from road running shoes, and even before I put my feet in, I was excited by the extremely Spartan and lacy impression. When I actually put my feet in, the sense of unity and lightness that would be hard to imagine from the five-layer sole, which raised my expectations for the potential of this shoe. The fit made me immediately convinced that the finished product was well-balanced and well-balanced, suitable for a top model. The tight feeling of sticking to you is more like wearing it than wearing it. The pads are tightly placed inside, and the pads placed on the part that protects the heel are especially breathable and give it a comfortable feel to the touch.

Wingtan structure

The wing part that connects the tongue and shoes is soft to the touch and breathable, while the tongue part has a hole for ventilation.

The "Lightweight Support Frame Wing Tan" was designed to gently wrap around the midfoot part of the foot. Even when I actually ran long distances on the trail, the tongue was comfortable and didn't slip, which is a really nice feature, although it was plain. I strongly felt that this was a consideration that was intended for practical trail running races in the details.

The tongue material is highly absorbent and breathable, so there is no discomfort that makes your feet sweaty. What was even more impressive was that the area that interfered with the shoelaces were given an appropriate thickness. This detailed approach has kept the comfort at a high level without compromising its lightness.

Upper fit

A fit that does not shake back and forth, back and forth

The upper is made of breathable mesh, which is highly breathable. The material feels hard when you hold it in your hand, but once you put your feet in it, the impression will change completely. Soft material was placed on areas where blisters were worried, and supple, holding the entire foot firmly without any gaps.

This is a great feature, especially for runners with wide feet and high insteps, as the forefoot is designed to be slightly wider. I was truly impressed that even if my feet swelled after long driving, it didn't feel cramped and the comfort didn't stop. I realized every time I ran, the high degree of freedom in my fingertips also contributes to reducing fatigue.

Also, regarding heel holds, although it is made of flexible material, it provided an extremely good hold on the feet. Thanks to this, even when attacking at high speed, I never felt my heels shaking inside my shoes. It was a very reliable hold.

Shoelace system

The shoelaces are flat strings and have unevenness on the outside, making them suitable for easy adjustments with shoe holes.

The bumpy shoelaces were really helpful for me while I was driving. When I was actually running, there were many moments when I wanted to adjust the fit, such as my feet swelling when I climbed, and my feet slid forward when I descended. At times like that, these shoelaces allow you to quickly adjust them with one hand even while you are running, so you can continue running without any stress. Especially in long races, I am confident that this feature, which allows you to respond to changes in your foot condition from the middle of the race, will provide a great support for completing the race. As a runner, it's nothing more encouraging to be able to maintain optimal condition for your feet, no matter what condition.

Cushioning and stability: A fusion of "aggression" and "defense" that allows thick soles to achieve

Shock absorption and gentleness on the feet

A midsole with a good balance of thick DREAM foam and carbon plates, with a thick cushioning

With its ultra-thick midsole, I felt that DREAM foam was the heart of protecting your feet. This supercritical foam material absorbs incredibly powerfully the impact upon landing, dramatically reducing the strain on your feet from the road to the intense climbs and downs of technical trails with a strong feeling of thrust. Even after running long distances, fatigue buildup is suppressed, and I have repeatedly asked myself whether I feel like I have more legs than usual, but this shoe is definitely a boon. On the other hand, even though it is thick-soled, there is no sense of sinking that leads to slowing down. It achieves an exquisite balance with little up and down movement.

High-level, balanced stability

The three-dimensional plate on the thumb side is made larger to prevent overpronation

The common sense that "thick-soled shoes are unstable" can be completely overturned by wearing the Pro3. The two-piece carbon plate and the evolved 3D structure bring solid stability to your feet. In particular, the wing-shaped 3D plate, which is a hybrid of the upper TPU and carbon, surprisingly naturally supports the load movement on the big toe and pinky sides of the foot, and firmly suppresses lateral shaking, making it extremely high limits even on unstable trails, allowing you to continue running with peace of mind. I was convinced that the driving feel similar to road shoes is the true essence of the Pro3.

This stability is also attributed to the large ground area being designed. The benefits were apparent even in technical situations such as long walks down the scene, and I was able to attack by running with speeds without being afraid at all. It's truly amazing that it was so stable, yet so easy to handle, and it gave me the feeling of "fun" that it was able to control its overwhelming potential to the fullest.

Propulsion and driving efficiency: the fastest area that carbon plates release

Carbon plate propulsion power 

The power of carbon, which allows you to fully experience the rebound power, is impressive.

The high rebound force from the ground due to the two-layer structure of the carbon plate can be clearly felt when pushed in by hand.

The two-piece carbon plate converts all repulsion from the ground into power, pushing it forward with force. Especially on forest roads and well-established trails, I felt a direct sense of progress that I couldn't get with other shoes. It feels as if your feet are being carried forward without their own permission, and the feeling of "moving forward just by placing your feet" is truly impressive. The "sinking effect" of the double-layered carbon plate supports you from starting to landing and kicking, creating a unique propulsion. The long descents, gentle climbs, and the road section made me experience such an exciting ride that I was wondering, "How far can I accelerate?"

Rolling like a rocker shape

The VECTIV rocker shape rises from near the center of the sole, so it feels like it rolls efficiently.

The sole lifts up at a natural angle from just below the ball of the thumb, and the rocker shape, which slightly rises even when leaning over the heel, changed the common sense of driving. The center of gravity movement from landing to kicking off became extremely smooth, allowing for efficient driving with minimal energy, with the feeling of "between your feet." Combined with the synergistic effect with the carbon plate, I was able to always experience a natural sense of progress.

Especially in situations where fatigue reaches its peak and you feel like you're feeling like you're moving forward even without being aware of it, you've never experienced it with any shoe before.

Grip performance: A carefully calculated lug pattern will take you through the road surface

Grip power for different road surfaces

The outsole is cut out just like the previous model to reduce weight, but the clear difference is that there are more lugs.

The outsole uses the reliable SurfaceCTRL™ rubber, and the lug depth is 3.5mm. Looking at these numbers alone, I felt like, "Is it a little shallow?", but when I actually rode on various roads, such concerns quickly blew through. It fully demonstrated the necessary and sufficient grip, whether dry or wet.

We tested grips in all conditions, including muddy ground (top left), salmon field 1 (top right), salmon field 2 (bottom left), and fallen leaves (bottom left).

The increased lug in the center from the midfoot to the forefoot compared to the previous model allowed us to feel reliable traction on the wide range of terrain, from dry roads to slightly damp trails. It is flexible in dealing with movements in multiple directions, making it really smooth to walk in.

In particular, its excellent braking performance was aided at technical downhills, rags and scree areas. It was a great advantage for me to be able to attack with peace of mind without feeling any anxiety about my feet. However, one thing to note is that in deep mud and extreme mud, you cannot expect grip.

Durability and cost performance

An outsole that combines durability and wear resistance due to natural rubber

As it is intended for use in harsh environments as a top race model, the lugs are unlikely to wear out even when used over long distances. Depending on the usage environment, I felt that it was tough enough to compete even after completing two 100-mile races. The rubber composition and lug design combine high grip and excellent wear resistance, making this a pair of shoes that can be expected to offer extremely cost-effectiveness.

Environmental adaptability and durability: Strengthy design to fight at the forefront

Breathable, drainable, and quick-drying

Mesh material with excellent breathability so that you can see the insole

Even after crossing, the drainage and quick drying were excellent.

The breathable seamless upper effectively reduces stuffiness inside the shoes and keeps your feet comfortable even on midsummer trails. The overall white coloring has been greatly contributed to comfort, especially in high temperature environments thanks to the thin material and mesh-finished tongue. Even in rainy weather, the water drains well and I realized that it dries quickly after the rain.

However, the mesh hole on the upper is about 0.6mm in diameter, so fine sand and mud can enter the shoe. However, there is no need to worry as this will not hinder your running. If you are interested, we recommend choosing black socks.

Long distance makes it lighter and lighter

Heel counters like road shoes

As a top-level race model, the Summit VECTIV Pro 3 seems to be asking, "If you're a runner who is good at adjusting your legs, wouldn't it be that you'd rub your feet against branches or rocks?" There is no noticeable guard reinforcement to protect your feet from the outside. This is the result of a trade-off with a five-layer midsole to achieve a lighter weight reduction, and I felt that it was a design worthy of the name "PRO".

The toe counter and heel counter are equipped with soft resin, but this is primarily intended to improve the fit, and it cannot be expected to directly protect your feet. However, although the upper material itself is not stretchy, it is not too hard, and surprisingly, no branches or rocks penetrate through it.

Summary and general information: The ultimate weapon for elite runners

Through this test, the Summit VECTIV Pro 3 was the confidence that it was the ultimate trail running shoe that embodies THE NORTH FACE's clear concept of "maximizing runner performance."

actually tried riding this Summit VECTIV Pro 3 on the trail, I felt the most strongly that it felt was the driving force that suddenly pops out in the direction of my feet . Even when I was in a state of dislocation, I felt my body pull in the direction my toes point to, and I realized, "This is what a race model means."

The two-piece carbon plate and the extra-thick DREAM foam midsole support this sense of acceleration. The impact from landing to kicking off instantly converts into repulsion force, and naturally pushes your feet forward and forward. Furthermore, the cushioning, stability and fit are balanced at a high level, making it an ideal design that allows you to attack with peace of mind while pursuing speed.

Despite its thick soles, there is surprisingly little shaking and the high fit wraps around the entire foot as if it were sticking to it, so I realized that fatigue can be reduced to the limit no matter how long it runs. Especially on descent of the trail, they fully demonstrate their true value, and the sense of speed in the part where you can run is exceptional. I can say this is the best option for runners who are pushing their limits in ultra-long distance races like 100 miles.

The price is 33,000 yen, which is by no means cheap. However, PRO 3 provides innovative features that go far beyond its price and powerful support to deliver results in races. I felt that this shoe would definitely be the best companion for runners who practice thoroughly and want to run beyond their limits in an emergency situation.

"Goods" and "Attention" of Summit VECTIV Pro 3

In fact, you can actually ride the mountain paths on this Summit VECTIV Pro 3, and there are a few points you can confidently recommend, as well as some things you should definitely know before purchasing.

Good point

• Overwhelming driving power and highly efficient driving!
  The two carbon plates and the strong rocker shape created a bouncy rebound from the soles of your feet with every step, pushing your body forward at a faster speed than you could imagine. It feels like your legs are spinning on your own, and I feel that this is a great weapon to stand out from your rivals, especially in the part where you can run.
• A high level of stability that will make you forget that it has a thick sole and a sticky fit!
  It has amazing stability, overturning the common sense that "thick soles are unstable." In particular, thanks to the 3D plate, your feet do not wobble, allowing you to attack safely on any road surface. The fit that sticks to your feet the moment you put them in makes it less likely to shake inside the shoes, even at long distances, and I realized that it reduces fatigue to the limit.
• Reliable durability that can withstand tough races!
  As a top race model, it is designed to withstand long-distance racing. The upper and sole are tougher than you would imagine from the appearance, and the SurfaceCTRL™ rubber on the outsole in particular is resistant to wear and has the confidence to compete in just two 100-mile races. It has high grip and excellent wear resistance, so it will be a reliable companion for achieving results in races and will last a long time.
• Comfortable even under high temperatures! Excellent breathability and drainage!
  The thin, seamless upper effectively reduces stuffiness inside the shoes even in the middle of summer. The white coloring also has the effect of suppressing heat absorption, so there was less discomfort at the feet even when running in the hot sun, allowing me to maintain my concentration. It drains well and dries quickly even after the rain, which is helpful.

What's bothering me

• To be honest, it's over-spec at the jog level!
  When enjoying trail running casually, you may not be able to fully utilize the Pro 3's potential, and in fact its true value may backfire. I was concerned about the hardness of the carbon plate and the thickness of the extra-thick midsole, and I felt that it was not easy to handle. Because this model is specifically designed for lace, it is best to consider it as it is not suitable for everyday use.
• Maybe it takes some getting used to the technical ability to operate on a downhill trip?
  Due to the thick sole and wide sole shape, the sudden descent, which is common in single tracks in Satoyama, where extremely technical and requires fine foot control, makes it difficult to grasp the soles of the feet, and there were times when I couldn't attack the whole way I wanted. This is something that is common to thick-soled shoes with high cushioning, but the Pro 3 in particular is specialized for "offensive", so the technical section requires accustom and delicate footwork.
• Try on the plate to check the "hardness" that touches your feet due to the influence of the plate!
  The TPU and recycled carbon plate installed on the upper layer emphasize the "forefoot wing shape" of the toes, so some people may experience slight discomfort on the little toes and sides. Due to the influence of this plate, I also felt that it was "hard" depending on how I landed. We recommend that you try on before purchasing, and if possible, lightly jump on the spot to check the landing feeling.
• I'm not good at deep muddy soils and traverses!
  The relatively shallow 3.5mm lugs are optimized for high-speed driving and are not specifically for deep mud or extreme mud, so they can be a bit of a struggle on such rough roads. If you were to choose a different shoe in rainy weather and muddy conditions, you'd most likely choose a different shoe. Furthermore, due to the thick sole and high cushioning properties, it was difficult to grasp the sensation of the soles of the feet when traverses were steep, and I sometimes felt a little worried about the stability in the lateral direction. You should understand that the Summit VECTIV Pro 3

My recommendation level: ★★★★★ (5-point rating)

The Summit VECTIV Pro 3 is a truly "attack" trail shoe that overturns common sense. Here we bring together some refined, serious race specs that set them apart from models with simple thick-soled and carbon plates.

The moment I start running, I naturally smile. Please try to experience this driving force!

Details and purchase of THE NORTH FACE's "Summit VECTIV Pro 3"

For more information about THE NORTH FACE's "Summit VECTIV Pro 3", please check the official website

Written by: Tojo Kazuya

Born in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. He began working as a member of the company and started a triathlon, and while struggling with running he was not good at, he became addicted to mountain endurance races and completed the first Japan Mountain Endurance Race (commonly known as Hasetsune). From there, we head into the world of mountain sports. After moving to Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture in his 30s, he has become addicted to the new swamp of Ultra Marathons, where he has completed a series of harsh long races such as the Shinetsu Five Mountains, Joshu Takeru, and the KOUMI100, and has been running around trail races all over the country.

Based on the belief that "playing hard in nature" and "protecting that beautiful nature" are absolutely inseparable, we want to bring you information about what we have actually experienced in the field and truly reliable gear! He joined Outdoor Gearzine. Currently, he is the representative of the NPO "Sainokuni Ultra Project" ( https://npo-sup.org/ ), and is working hard to promote the outdoor world, producing races and holding local events.

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