This post is in collaboration with PRO:DIRECT Running.

Spring is well and truly on its way, and what better way to enjoy the changing seasons (and weather!) than hitting the trails?! I love spending time in nature at this time of year, every week there’s something new to see as the world wakes up after the winter and starts to bloom. It’s the perfect time to ditch the pavement and run wild.

The North Face sets the bar when it comes to adventure kit that not only performs, but also looks really good. We swear by The North Face Basecamp duffle bags when we travel (and have them in 3 sizes) and it was a North Face fleece that kept me cosy during long cold nights in the desert during The Speed Project. I also really love the work the company does around supporting more people to get out and enjoy the outdoors, particularly women (check out The North Face Explorer team here for some really inspiring stories), so I was thrilled when PRO:DIRECT asked if I wanted to try out The North Face Summit VECTIV Pro trail shoes.

Despite loving their products, this was my first time trying out The North Face footwear AND it was my first time wearing a carbon plated shoe, so slipping these shoes on was insanely exciting! Here’s how they measured up….

Not Your Average Trail Shoe

The North Face Summit VECTIV Pro trail shoes are not your average trail shoes. These are super advanced race-day shoes with a new VECTIV 2.0 carbon-fire-plate design. Designed with input from professional athletes and testing results, these are the ultimate trail-running shoe. Packed with innovative technical features when you slip these babies on you’re getting top-level cushioning, stability and propulsion that’ll help you perform at your very best come race day.

The North Face were the first to introduce carbon technology in trail running, and the VECTIV 2.0 is the next step in this innovation combining lightweight materials and technology to really elevate performance at ultra-distance. It’s a super shoe for trail runners.

First Impressions

I absolutely love how these shoes look. The red and blue colour way is really distinctive and there are lots of little design details that set the shoe apart aesthetically.

Beyond the design of these shoes, the most striking thing about them is how light they are - 286g to be precise - and how airy they feel when you put them on, which is down to the super-breathable mesh upper thats equally lightweight, tough and durable. These are shoes that will really come into their own on hot summer days when you need a bit of extra ventilation.

How They Feel On The Run

Light, breathable and firm without being restrictive. My flipper like feet appreciated the space in the toe box (if anything there was a bit too much space, but again if I’m running in warm conditions I want extra room for swelling), and by feet felt comfortable and well supported.

The North Face Summit VECTIV Pro is the first carbon plated shoe I’ve tried (yes, I’ve been living under a rock for some time), and I enjoyed the slightly firmer feel underfoot and the way the shoe ‘rocked’ as I ran, it felt like I was gliding and I’m sure these shoes will come into their own on race day. Although these shoes are stiff, they’ve still got a bit of ‘pop’ about them thanks to a super soft mid-sole. While a bit of extra propulsion is always nice, the big bonus of carbon plating in a trail shoe is added stability, and I definitely noticed the added support when I tested these shoes out.

One of the most noticeable things about these shoes is the sole. It’s much bigger than your average trail shoe, and it does take a bit of getting used to. I’ve not run anything really technical in these shoes yet, but I imagine it might be a bit disconcerting (at least initially) not to have the same close contact with the trail I’m used to.

I tested The North Face Summit VECTIV PRO on a wet, muddy day in the UK, and while they were good they’re really a shoe designed for hard, dry trails, again making them perfect for some summer trail running - I’m really looking forward to putting them to the test in Spain in a few months time!

Price Point

The shoes are £££.

Retailing at £225 they’re one of the most expensive trail shoes on the market and are an exceptional technical shoe, but perhaps not a shoe for everyone. If you’re going to be running long miles in hot, dry weather then they’d be well worth the investment, but if you’re looking for an 4-season trail shoe that will take on the wet and cold of UK trails then perhaps another shoe would be a better fit.

The Bottom Line

An exceptional tech-heavy shoe perfect for a hot trail summer.

The North Face Summit VECTIV Pro is available at Pro:Direct Running.

I was gifted these shoes for review by Pro:Direct Running, all opinions are my own.