The VECTIV Enduris 4 is a shoe from THE NORTH FACE's VECTIV series that was developed to provide strong support for long trail tackling with excellent cushioning and stability .
While the VECTIV series has always focused on the flagship "Summit VECTIV Pro," the rest of the lineup is also packed with meticulously crafted masterpieces, even if they target different audiences. This time, I had the opportunity to test out a pair of these shoes, which have hidden potential, and I thoroughly examined their capabilities, sharing my real impressions from running on mountain and forest trails. I'll delve deeper into the VECTIV Enduris 4 has evolved from its predecessor, how it demonstrates its true value during long mountain runs, and what kind of runners it's the best choice for.
table of contents
Key Features of THE NORTH FACE VECTIV Enduris 4
The VECTIV Enduris 4 features THE NORTH FACE's proprietary VECTIV 3.0 system, a design philosophy that enhances propulsion, stability, and cushioning. The biggest improvement from the previous model is the 4mm increase in sole thickness, which significantly improves cushioning and updates comfort during long-distance runs.
The VECTIV 3.0 system features a plate and rocker structure that enhances propulsion from landing to take-off. The Enduris 4 features a softer, more stable TPU plate. This design is focused on "everyone being able to run further and more comfortably."
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | THE NORTH FACE “VECTIV Enduris 4” |
|---|---|
| weight | Approximately 285g (one foot 27cm) |
| Stack Height | 35mm/29mm |
| drop | 6mm |
| upper |
|
| Midsole |
|
| Outsole | SurfaceCTRL™ Rubber (4mm lug, 10% natural rubber) |
| Outdoor Gearzine Review | |
| Comfort | ★★★★★ |
| Lightness | ★★★★☆ |
| grip | ★★★★☆ |
| cushion | ★★★★★ |
| protection | ★★★☆☆ |
| stability | ★★★★★ |
| Propulsive force | ★★★★☆ |
Detailed Review
Fit and comfort: Feel secure the moment you put your feet in
Fit
The padding around the ankles is soft, so you don't have to worry about blisters
The thick padding on the collar and tongue made the shoes extremely comfortable when putting them on. The soft, straight collar made it feel like my foot was being sucked into the shoe, and it went in really smoothly. Thanks to the firm padding on the inside, the fit wrapped around my entire foot comfortably, and I immediately felt a sense of security
Before putting my feet in, I was concerned about the sizing of these shoes. They seem to be made slightly small (slim?), though not extremely small. I usually fit comfortably in a US 9 (27cm) size, but this model fit perfectly in a US 10 (28cm). However, there was no excessive extra space in the toes, and as long as I adjusted my feet properly and chose the appropriate size, there was no problem. However, I do have a unique foot shape, so I recommend trying them on before purchasing to make sure the size is right for you
The first impression I got when I actually put my foot in was a snug fit from the arch to the instep, and a firm hold on the heel. At the same time, the mesh fabric stretches just enough so it doesn't feel too tight, and there's plenty of room for the toes to move in the forefoot, giving it a good balance of precision and play, which is not a bad feeling. Even though they're designed for long distances, there's no need to worry too much about it; they'll lead you on a comfortable trail no matter what distance or terrain you wear them on
Wing tongue structure
The wing that connects the tongue to the shoe is made of a comfortable, non-stretch material
The wing tongue design, a major feature of the shoes, made me say "Wow!" the first time I put my feet in. It gently wraps around the top of my foot, yet provides a secure hold. Thanks to this, even on the steepest downhill trails, my feet never slipped forward or moved sideways inside the shoes, allowing me to run with confidence from start to finish
It feels as if the shoes are glued to your feet, and there's no need to tighten the laces any more than necessary. I feel this is a major factor in minimizing stress on my feet and maintaining comfort even during long runs. It's no exaggeration to say that the fit feels as if it was made for my feet
However, because the Wing Tongue encases the entire midfoot and forefoot, if gravel or mud gets in through the tongue, it can be difficult to remove. This is a weakness unique to this design. Incidentally, the Summit VECTIV Pro 3, which is in the same series, only encases the midfoot, eliminating this issue
Upper fit
Seamless so you can wear thin socks without worry
The seamless upper is impressively flexible. This meant I didn't experience any pain from blisters, even after running for long periods of time. The wide toe box also allowed for greater freedom of movement for my toes, allowing me to confidently exercise precise control on the trail. My feet tend to swell, especially when I run long distances, and the wide design is a huge help in significantly reducing stress on my feet. Runners who regularly wear wide shoes will likely agree with me: "This is it!" I'm confident that the high level of comfort offered by these shoes will be a major contribution, even in my first long-distance race
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 made it incredibly easy to adjust the fit during my test runs. These laces will be extremely useful in long races where the course is very uneven and you often need to fine-tune the fit due to swelling in your feet. I felt that being able to easily loosen or tighten the laces was a very reassuring feature for runners, as they can maintain the optimal fit for their feet in any situation
Cushioning and stability: thoroughly reduces fatigue on long runs
Shock absorption and gentle on the feet
It is made of a thick material with excellent cushioning properties
The first thing that surprised me was the shock absorption when landing. The combination of the softness of the DREAM foam used in the midsole and the thick sole design is truly amazing. I felt that it effectively absorbed the "thud" on any surface, from hard road surfaces to rugged rocks and technical trails with tree roots. This significantly reduced the strain on my knees and soles of my feet, significantly reduced the fatigue that usually occurs in the latter half of the run, and allowed me to maintain performance even over long periods of time, which was a huge plus for me
High-level compatibility and stability
The plate is shaped to allow the little finger to bend easily, preventing overpronation
The TPU plate built into the midsole also acts as a stylizer, effectively suppressing twisting and lateral movement of the sole, allowing me to run confidently without any wobble even on unstable trails. Even in areas where the footing was particularly uncertain, especially over protruding tree roots or pebbles, the feeling of being firmly supported was very reliable
However, there was one thing that bothered me while running. Perhaps because the plate isn't located in the center of the heel, when I accidentally landed on my heel on a steep uphill slope, the sole would sink in a lot, making it feel slightly unstable. This may vary depending on your personal landing style and running style
Propulsion and running efficiency: Supports natural forward movement
Rolling Run
From the moment I put my feet in, I felt the benefits of the rocker structure, which lifts my toes. When I stepped out onto the trail, I was amazed at the sensation of my feet moving forward on their own, as if rolling on the ground. the VECTIV Enduris 4 is softer than I expected, and has just the right amount of flexibility. Thanks to this, my center of gravity shifted surprisingly smoothly, even without any special running form. Even if this is your first time wearing rocker-shaped shoes, you'll immediately feel the ease of rolling.
This "rolling-like running" feeling, combined with the shoes' natural rebound, really pushed my feet forward with a "natural sense of forward movement." It was especially reassuring to be able to run efficiently, with my body moving forward smoothly without wasting unnecessary energy, especially when running long distances
Some people may be a little hesitant about thick-soled shoes and rocker construction. I personally tried running long distances right from the start, and had no problems at all. However, if you have any concerns, try out the unique feel of these shoes for a short distance three or four times first. I'm sure your feet will quickly become accustomed to them, and you'll be hooked on this new sensation of running
TPU plate for propulsion
I strongly felt that the fork-shaped TPU plate built into the midsole efficiently converted the rebound force of the midsole into propulsion. This propulsion force allowed me to climb more smoothly than usual, especially on uphill slopes. It gave me a positive feeling, making me think, "I can try a little harder."
Furthermore, the lack of a heel plate in the design was a boon when going downhill, making it extremely easy to adjust speed, a major benefit that allows you to confidently control your pace even on technical descents
This TPU plate is a little different from the sudden, explosive propulsion of a carbon plate. If anything, it feels like it supports a gentler, more stable forward movement. It relaxes you and makes you want to keep running forever
I got the impression that the bike can run in an energy-efficient manner overall, thanks to the way it efficiently converts the road's reaction force into forward propulsion
Grip: Reliable on any trail
Grip by trail
The outsole is hollowed out, mainly in the midsole, to reduce weight
The SurfaceCTRL™ rubber used in the outsole has a solid 4mm lug. This means that the shoes grip the ground securely on any surface. Not only on dry dirt trails, but also on rugged rocks and gravel, they "glub" together, as if they were sticking to the ground
I was particularly surprised by how reassuring the Enduris 4 was on wet trails. Even in situations where regular shoes tend to slip, the Enduris 4 provided excellent traction. I never slipped so much that I lost control, and it felt more stable than I expected
However, there were times when I lost my balance in deep, sticky mud. However, the mud was very well shed, so I didn't experience any discomfort due to mud sticking to my shoes
We tested the grip in a variety of conditions, including muddy ground (top left), gravel 1 (top right), gravel 2 (bottom left), and fallen leaves (bottom left)
The optimized lug pattern allows you to kick off the ground powerfully on climbs and feel the braking action on descents. The versatility of the tires, which provide stable grip on any terrain, makes them truly reliable
I was also impressed not only by the grip, but also by the durability of the outsole. The rubber blend and lug design are exquisite, and even after running long distances, the outsole pattern remains firmly in place. I was impressed, thinking, "I can use these with confidence even for long distances."
Environmental adaptability and durability: for long, comfortable rides
Breathability, drainage, quick drying
While maintaining the breathability of road shoes, the stitching of the upper fabric is also reinforced
The breathable mesh used in the upper certainly gives the impression of excellent breathability and effectively reducing stuffiness inside the shoe. However, what I noticed while running was that the padding on the tongue was made thicker. This made the top of the foot feel hot, especially in hot environments, and made the shoes a little sweaty. For this reason, I felt the VECTIV Enduris 4 was best used in cooler seasons rather than in the scorching heat of midsummer or in hot and humid weather.
Even after crossing a river, the shoes had excellent drainage and quick-drying properties (left). The layer underneath, the Straubel board, is made of a non-slip material, so there was no discomfort from the wet insole sliding around inside the shoes (right)
On the other hand, when I ran in the rain, their water-repellent and quick-drying properties really stood out. Even when I stepped in a puddle, water didn't pool inside the shoes, and they dried as I continued running, so I didn't feel uncomfortable staying wet for long periods of time. This quick-drying feature also meant I could wash them frequently after running, which was a nice plus for me. In fact, I was impressed by how easily dirt came off, thanks to the mesh material, with just a light rub with my hand
Lightness that comes in handy for long distances
It is designed to achieve high cushioning and lightweight at the same time
When I picked up these shoes, my first impression was that they were "light" for a thick-soled model. This feeling was even more pronounced when I actually started running. My steps were really light, and despite the thick sole, I was able to run up the trail with the feeling that the shoes were a part of my feet. This lightness will be an incredibly important factor in conserving energy in long-distance races and maintaining performance in the latter half of the race. It was a great benefit to be able to feel that even when running long distances, the strain on my feet was reduced and the accumulation of fatigue was effectively suppressed
Reliable protection
In addition to the toe guard, the shoes are also rubber coated, providing a soft feel while still providing reliable protection
In addition to the heel guard, the resin that wraps around the heel counter is soft, so there is less risk of blisters
On the trail, you may accidentally hit your feet on branches or rocks, but the Enduris 4 has toe and heel guards as appropriate reinforcement parts, so you can step on them with confidence. My feet and shoes were safe and sound, and I felt a strong sense of security knowing that I could rely on them for any race.
Summary and conclusion: A reliable companion
Through this test, I the VECTIV Enduris 4 truly embodies THE NORTH FACE's philosophy of the VECTIV series, which is to "maximize the runner's potential," by allowing "everyone to run farther and more comfortably."
To be honest, I was a bit skeptical about the thick sole and rocker structure of the shoes, wondering if they would really suit me. However, after actually riding on mountain trails and forest roads wearing the Enduris 4, I thought, "This is amazing!" and it was like my conventional wisdom had been overturned
The Enduris 4 is a truly versatile trail running shoe, with an amazing balance of lightness, high cushioning, high stability, and excellent grip. I've run on a variety of trails myself, and there's no doubt that it's one of those shoes that was developed with the aim of being "stress-free."
This is a shoe that I would recommend to a wide range of runners, from those new to trail running to ultra-distance challengers who want to run longer and more comfortably. At 24,200 yen (tax included), the benefits of VECTIV 3.0 technology are well worth the price
Even within the VECTIV series, stands out from aggressive racing models like the Summit VECTIV Pro 3. The Enduris 4 has a simpler structure, feels softer on my feet, and, above all, feels highly versatile. Rather than providing instantaneous propulsion like a carbon plate, it protects my feet and reduces fatigue even when running for long periods of time, truly demonstrating the design philosophy of "pursuing comfort and stability to provide strong support to the runner."
There are a lot of thick-soled trail shoes available these days, but the Enduris 4 stands out among them for its comfort and stability, with no quirks and a comfortable fit for anyone. Rather than worrying about which one to choose, I recommend just trying out the Enduris 4. I think it's a really well-balanced, "sure-fire" choice, including the price.
A summary of the "good points" and "concerns" of the VECTIV Enduris 4
Good points
- The balance of cushioning and stability is simply amazing!
Even when running for long periods of time, the impact on the soles of your feet and knees is surprisingly minimal. Even though the sole is thick, it doesn't wobble and provides a sense of stability, allowing you to move forward with confidence. - A gentle fit that's perfect for runners with wide feet and high arches!
Even for runners with wide feet and high arches like mine, the shoes don't feel too tight and are comfortable, enveloping the entire foot. It's especially helpful that they don't cause stress even when your feet swell during long distances. - My feet don't get tired easily even on long runs, which is amazing!
I can really feel the benefits of DREAM foam. It feels like my feet are being gently protected, and even when I ran on rocky terrain with ups and downs that would normally exhaust me, my feet suffered less damage and I recovered quickly the next day. - They offer excellent grip on rough terrain and long-lasting durability!
They provide a secure grip on wet trails and rocky areas. The reinforced upper means you can wear them without worry, even on tough trails.
Concerns
- Honestly, don't expect instantaneous propulsion!
You can't expect the explosive propulsion that pushes you forward like with a carbon plate. Understand that this is a model that focuses on moving forward gently and efficiently. - It may be difficult to sense the fine details of the road surface!
Because of the high cushioning, the sense of feeling the small unevenness and changes in the road surface is duller than with other thin-soled shoes. It may take some getting used to on technical sections. - Runners who are all about speed may find this lacking!
Aggressive speed runners who are aiming for the best time in a race may find themselves wanting a more direct response and agility. - I'm not so good at situations like traversing slopes!
Because the soles are thick and highly cushioned, it's hard to get a feel for the soles of your feet when traversing steep slopes, and I sometimes feel a bit unsure about lateral stability.
My recommendation level: ★★★★☆ (5-point scale)
"Trail running is fun!" We confidently recommend the VECTIV Enduris 4
Details and purchase of THE NORTH FACE VECTIV Enduris 4
For more information on THE NORTH FACE's "VECTIV Enduris 4" 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 hosting local events
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