THE NORTH FACE Summit VECTIV Pro 3 Review: Pushing the limits. The moment I put them on, I felt like I could win!

The North Face's VECTIV trail running shoe series released its latest evolution, Version 3.0, in March 2025. As the name "VECTIV" suggests, a portmanteau of "velocity" and "effective," this is serious gear designed to maximize athletes' performance

Among them, the most aggressive and pinnacle is the Summit VECTIV Pro 3. Since the first VECTIV was released in 2021, it has continued to evolve over the four years, and this model is now in its third generation. It features an innovative five-layer sole unit and a dual carbon plate. The overwhelming rebound and exceptional lightness these combine to create the ultimate weapon for top athletes to perform at their best in ultra-distance races, without any compromise.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to review the Summit VECTIV Pro 3 , so I'll share with you my full experience of its true value as I ran through the trails. How does this aggressive design concept transform the way runners run, making it the perfect companion for any athlete and in any situation? I'll explore its secrets in detail.

Key Features of THE NORTH FACE Summit VECTIV Pro 3

The Summit VECTIV Pro 3 features a structure that maximizes and embodies the essence of THE NORTH FACE's proprietary technology, the VECTIV 3.0 system.

Of particular note is the unique two-piece dual plate design found in trail shoes. The upper plate is a blend of TPU and recycled carbon, supporting stability upon landing and smooth weight transfer. The lower plate is equipped with a highly rigid 3D carbon plate, which generates overwhelming rebound performance and powerful propulsion. This meticulously calculated dual plate system balances the opposing elements of "propulsion" and "stability" at an unprecedented level

The midsole is extra thick, measuring 39mm in the heel and 33mm in the forefoot, a significant increase of 7mm from the previous model. Its five-layer structure, including the supercritical foam "DREAM Foam," provides superior cushioning and incredible rebound performance, dramatically reducing strain on the feet over long distances. Additionally, the wing-shaped upper plate suppresses deformation of the midsole in the forefoot, further enhancing stability. The sole features an aggressive rocker shape that begins its curve at a deeper position, resulting in efficient center of gravity shift and a natural "rolling" sensation that propels the foot forward

Main specifications and evaluation

Detailed Review

 Fit: Perfect fit for enhanced performance

Fit

The heel pad is gentle on the skin and holds the heel firmly

The collar is made of a thin, lightweight material that is indistinguishable from road running shoes, and even before I put my foot in, I was excited by its extremely Spartan, racy impression. When I actually put my foot in, the sense of unity and lightness was unimaginable from the five-layer sole, and my expectations for the potential of these shoes grew. The fit immediately convinced me that they had a refined, well-balanced finish worthy of a top model. The tight, clinging sensation is more like "wearing" the shoes than just wearing them. The interior is meticulously padded, and the padding in the area protecting the heel is particularly breathable and feels pleasant against the skin

Wing tongue structure

The wing that connects the tongue and shoe is comfortable to the touch and breathable, and the tongue has holes for ventilation

The "Lightweight Support Frame Wing Tongue" is designed to gently encase the midfoot. Even when running long distances on the trail, the tongue remained in place and remained comfortable, which is a subtle but truly pleasing feature. This strongly demonstrates that the shoe is designed with the actual experience of trail running races in mind, down to the smallest details

The tongue material is highly moisture-wicking and breathable, so your feet won't feel stuffy or uncomfortable. What impressed me even more was the appropriate thickness in the area that comes into contact with the shoelaces. This subtle design ensures a high level of comfort without compromising the shoe's light weight

Upper fit

A stable fit from front to back and side to side

The upper is made of breathable mesh, which is extremely breathable. The material feels stiff when you hold it in your hand, but that impression changes completely once you put your feet in. Soft material is placed in areas where blisters are a concern, and it flexibly holds your entire foot firmly without any gaps

The slightly wider forefoot design is a particularly welcome feature for runners with wide feet or high arches. I was truly impressed by the fact that even when my feet swelled during long runs, I never felt cramped and the comfort continued. I felt every time I ran that the high degree of freedom in my toes also greatly contributed to reducing fatigue

And in terms of heel hold, even though the heel cup is made of a flexible material, it provided an extremely good hold on the foot. Thanks to this, even when attacking at high speed, there was no feeling of the heel moving inside the shoe. It was a very reliable hold

Lacing System

The shoelaces are flat and have a textured outer surface, which works well with the eyelets and allows for stress-free adjustment

The uneven shoelaces were a real help to me while running. When I was actually running, there were many times when my feet would swell on climbs or my feet would slide forward on descents, making me want to adjust the fit. At times like those, these shoelaces allow me to quickly adjust them with one hand while I'm running, so I was able to continue running stress-free. Especially in long races, I'm sure this feature, which can adapt to changes in the condition of my feet from the middle of the race onwards, will be a great help in helping me finish the race. As a runner, there's nothing more reassuring than being able to maintain the optimal fit for my feet no matter the conditions

Cushioning and stability: The thick sole combines attack and defense

Shock absorption and gentle on the feet

A well-balanced midsole with thick, cushioned DREAM foam and a carbon plate

In the ultra-thick midsole, I felt that the DREAM foam was truly the heart protecting my feet. This supercritical foam material absorbed the impact of landing incredibly powerfully, dramatically reducing the strain on my feet, from roads to strenuous climbs and descents on technical trails with a strong impact. Even after running long distances, fatigue accumulation was suppressed, and I repeatedly questioned whether I was imagining the feeling that my legs had more energy than usual, but it was definitely a benefit of these shoes. At the same time, despite the thick sole, there was no sinking sensation that would slow me down. It achieved an exquisite balance with minimal vertical movement

High-level compatibility and stability

The 3D plate on the thumb side is enlarged to prevent overpronation

The common belief that "thick-soled shoes are unstable" is completely overturned when you wear the Pro3. The two-layer carbon plate and advanced 3D structure provide rock-solid stability underfoot. In particular, the upper layer of the wing-shaped 3D plate, a hybrid of TPU and carbon, supports weight transfer between the big toe and little toe in an incredibly natural way, firmly suppressing lateral movement, so even on unstable trails, the limit range is remarkably high, allowing you to continue running with confidence. I was convinced that the riding feel, which is similar to that of road shoes, is the true value of the Pro3

This sense of stability is also due to the wide contact area that the bike is designed to have. The benefits of this are particularly evident in technical situations, such as long descents over gravel, where I was able to attack the bike with varying speeds without any hesitation. I was truly surprised at how stable it was, yet so easy to handle, and how much fun it was to be able to control its overwhelming potential to the fullest

Propulsion and running efficiency: The carbon plate unlocks the fastest speeds

Carbon plate propulsion 

The power of the carbon, which allows you to fully enjoy the repulsive force, is impressive

The double-layered carbon plate structure provides a high level of rebound from the ground, which can be clearly felt even when pressing down with your hand

The two-layer carbon plate converts every ounce of ground reaction into power, propelling you powerfully forward. Especially on forest roads and groomed trails, I felt a direct, "boom!" sensation of forward movement that I couldn't get with other shoes. It felt as though my feet were being carried forward on their own, and the sensation of "moving forward just by placing my foot" was truly breathtaking. The "sandwich effect" of the two-layer carbon plate supported me from the start of my run through landing and pushing off, creating a unique propulsive force. On long descents, gentle climbs, and road sections, I experienced an exciting ride that made me wonder, "How far can I accelerate?"

Rocker shape for a rolling ride

The VECTIV rocker shape rises from near the center of the sole of the foot, giving it an efficient rolling feel

The rocker shape, where the sole rises at a natural angle from just under the ball of the foot at the toes and rises subtly towards the heel, has revolutionized running. The shift in the center of gravity from landing to pushing off is extremely smooth, giving the feeling that the foot is "rotating on its own," enabling efficient running with minimal energy. Combined with the synergistic effect of the carbon plate, I was able to experience a constant, natural sense of forward movement

In particular, even in situations where fatigue has reached its peak and it feels like "one more step is too difficult," the feeling of your feet being carried forward without you even realizing it is something I have never experienced with any other shoes before

Grip performance: A carefully designed lug pattern that grips the road

Grip strength by road surface

The outsole is hollowed out to reduce weight, just like the previous model, but the clear difference is that the lugs have been increased

The outsole is made with our trusted SurfaceCTRL™ rubber, with a lug depth of 3.5mm. Looking at these numbers alone, I thought, "Isn't this a little shallow?" But when I actually ran on a variety of surfaces, those concerns were quickly blown away. Whether dry or wet, the shoe provided ample grip

We tested the grip in a variety of conditions, including mud (top left), gravel 1 (top right), gravel 2 (bottom left), and fallen leaves (bottom left)

The increased number of lugs in the center from the midfoot to the forefoot compared to the previous model ensures reliable traction on a wide range of terrain, from dry roads to slightly wet trails. The shoe also flexibly responds to multi-directional movement, making foot movement incredibly smooth

I was especially helped by the excellent braking performance on technical descents and on gravel and rocky terrain. Being able to attack with confidence without any worries about my footing was a major advantage for me. However, one thing to note is that you cannot expect much grip in deep mud or extremely slushy conditions

Durability and cost performance

Durable and abrasion-resistant outsole made with natural rubber

As a top race model designed for use in harsh environments, the lugs seem resistant to wear even over long distances. While it depends on the environment, I felt they were still tough enough to compete in two 100-mile races. The rubber compound and lug design provide excellent grip and excellent abrasion resistance, making these shoes a great value for the money

Adaptable and durable: Built to last on the front lines

Breathability, drainage, quick drying

Breathable mesh material that allows the insole to be seen

Even after crossing a river, the water drainage and quick drying were excellent

The breathable seamless upper effectively reduces moisture buildup inside the shoe, keeping your feet comfortable even on the trails in midsummer. The all-white color scheme, combined with the thin material and mesh tongue, contributes greatly to comfort, especially in hot environments. Even in rainy weather, the shoes drained well and dried quickly after the rain

However, since the mesh holes in the upper are only about 0.6 mm in diameter, fine sand and mud may get inside the shoes. However, this will not hinder your running, so there is no need to worry. If you are concerned about this, we recommend choosing black socks

A simple lightweight design that is effective for long distances

Road shoe-like heel counter

As a top-level race model, the Summit VECTIV Pro 3 seems to ask, "If you're a good runner, you're not going to scrape your feet on branches or rocks, right?" There are no visible guard reinforcements to protect your feet from the outside. This is the result of a bold trade-off with the five-layer midsole in pursuit of lightweight construction, and I felt that this design truly lives up to the "PRO" name.

The toe and heel counters are made of soft resin, but this is primarily for the purpose of improving the fit, and you can't expect it to directly protect your feet. However, while the upper material itself isn't stretchy, it's not too hard, and surprisingly, branches and rocks didn't penetrate through it

Summary and Overview: The Ultimate Weapon for Elite Runners

Through this test, the Summit VECTIV Pro 3 is the ultimate trail running shoe, embodying THE NORTH FACE's clear concept of "maximizing runner performance."

actually ran on the trail wearing Summit VECTIV Pro 3 the propulsive force that shot me off in the direction my feet were pointing . Even when my balance was off, I felt like my body was being pulled in the direction my toes were pointing, and I really felt like this was what a race model was all about.

The two-layer carbon plate and extra-thick DREAM foam midsole support this sense of acceleration. The impact from landing to kicking off is instantly converted into rebound force, naturally propelling your foot forward. Furthermore, the shoe offers a high level of balance between cushioning, stability, and fit, making it the ideal design for speed and confidence

Despite the thick sole, there's surprisingly little movement, and the excellent fit wraps around the entire foot, so no matter how long the run, I felt fatigue was reduced to the utmost. This is especially evident on trail downhills, where the feeling of speed on the sections where you can run is exceptional. I can confidently say that this is the perfect choice for runners who challenge their limits in ultra-long distance races like 100 miles

At 33,000 yen, they're not cheap. However, the PRO 3 offers innovative features and powerful support that will help you achieve results in races that far exceed its price. I feel that these shoes will undoubtedly be the perfect companion for runners who have practiced extensively and want to push their limits when the time comes to run

Summit VECTIV Pro 3: Good points and concerns

Having actually run on mountain trails wearing the Summit VECTIV Pro 3, I can confidently recommend them, and there are a few things you should be aware of before purchasing

Good points

• Overwhelming propulsion and highly efficient running!
  The two carbon plates and strong rocker shape create a bouncy rebound from the soles of your feet with every step, propelling your body forward at speeds beyond your imagination. It feels like your feet are "turning on their own," and I feel it's the perfect weapon to set yourself apart from your rivals, especially in sections where you can run.
• The high level of stability and snug fit make you forget that the sole is thick!
  It offers amazing stability, overturning the common belief that "thick soles are unstable." Thanks to the 3D plate in particular, your feet won't wobble, allowing you to attack any road surface with confidence. Combined with the snug fit you get the moment you put your feet in, I realized that my feet don't move around inside the shoe even over long distances, and fatigue is reduced to the utmost.
• Dependable durability that can withstand tough races!
  As a top race model, it's designed to withstand the rigors of long-distance racing. The upper and sole are tougher than you'd expect from their appearance, and the SurfaceCTRL™ rubber on the outsole is particularly resistant to wear, giving you the confidence to compete in two or so 100-mile races. With both high grip and excellent abrasion resistance, these boots will serve you well for years to come as your trusted companion for achieving results in races.
• Comfortable even in high temperatures! Excellent breathability and drainage!
  The thin, seamless upper effectively reduces stuffiness inside the shoe, even in the middle of summer. The white-based coloring also reduces heat absorption, so my feet felt less uncomfortable and I was able to maintain my concentration even when running in the blazing sun. They also drain water well, and they dry quickly after rain, which is a big help.

Concerns

• At the jogging level, it's honestly overkill!
  If you're casually enjoying trail running, you won't be able to fully utilize the Pro 3's potential, and its true value may actually backfire. I was bothered by the stiffness of the carbon plate and the thickness of the extra-thick midsole, and I found it difficult to handle. Because it's a model specifically designed for racing, it's best to accept that it's not suitable for everyday use.
• It may take some getting used to for maneuverability on technical descents.
  Because of the thick and wide sole, it was difficult to get a feel for the soles of my feet on steep descents, which are common on rural single tracks that require very technical and precise footwork, and there were times when I couldn't attack as well as I wanted. This is a common issue with thick-soled shoes with high cushioning, but since the Pro 3 is specifically designed for "attacking," you'll need to get used to it and use delicate footwork on technical sections.
• The "firm" feel on the foot caused by the plate needs to be checked by trying them on!
  The TPU + recycled carbon plate on the upper layer emphasizes the "forefoot wing shape" of the toe, which may cause slight discomfort in the little toe or sides for some people. Due to the influence of this plate, I myself sometimes felt it was "firm" depending on how I landed. I recommend always trying them on before purchasing, and if possible, doing some light jumps on the spot to check the feel of the landing.
• Deep mud and traverses are still not their forte!
  The relatively shallow 3.5mm lugs are optimized for high-speed running and are not specifically designed for deep mud or extremely muddy terrain, so they may struggle on such rough terrain. I would likely choose a different shoe for rainy, muddy conditions. Also, due to the thick sole and high cushioning, it was difficult to get a feel for the soles of my feet on steep traverses, and I sometimes felt a bit uneasy about lateral stability. It's important to the Summit VECTIV Pro 3 is not an all-around model, but rather an aggressive model designed to maximize speed and propulsion.

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

The Summit VECTIV Pro 3 is a groundbreaking trail shoe designed for aggressive riding. It's a collection of refined, serious race specs that sets it apart from models with simple thick soles or carbon plates.

The moment you start running, you'll naturally smile. Come experience that propulsive force for yourself!

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

For more information on THE NORTH FACE's "Summit VECTIV Pro 3" product, please visit the official website

Written by: Kazuya Tojo

Born in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. After entering the workforce, he started triathlons, and while struggling with his weakness in running, he became addicted to endurance mountain races and completed the first Japan Endurance Mountain Race (commonly known as Hasetsune). From there, he entered the world of mountain sports. After moving to Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture in his 30s, he became addicted to ultramarathons, and spent his days racing around the country in trail races while completing a series of grueling long races such as the Shinetsu Five Mountains, Joshu Hotaka, and KOUMI100

Based on the belief that "having fun in nature" and "protecting that beautiful nature" are inseparable, he joined Outdoor Gearzine with the desire to share his experiences in the field and truly reliable gear information with everyone. He currently serves as the representative of the NPO "Sainokuni Ultra Project" ( https://npo-sup.org/ ), and is busy promoting the outdoor world outside of running by producing races and holding local events.

Please consider a paid membership to support Outdoor Gearzine while enjoying exclusive articles and events!

   

Related reading

THE NORTH FACE VECTIV Enduris 4 review: "Run longer and more comfortably" - We check out the true value of this versatile trail shoe!

THE NORTH FACE HST Hume 6 Review: Is this really a backpack? The ultimate lightweight running vest's surprising lightness and fit make all the difference

THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Lyell Jacket Review: A versatile hard shell that packs the benefits of evolved GORE-TEX PRO

Review: The North Face Hyperair GTX Hoody: A must-have for serious runners. This ultra-high-performance rain jacket repels rain