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NEVER STOP EXPLORING™

Fernanda Maciel Chamonix, France

This shoe wants to get out there.

2 Photos: Mathis Dumas

P O W E R

THE

NORTH

FACE

F U R T H E R

VECTIV™

ELLIS

BRIGHAM

Welcome to this dedicated magazine where Ellis Brigham introduces VECTIV™, the brand new footwear technology from The North Face that brings premium technology to the trail with eight run and hike styles, designed to reduce impact and maximise energy. VECTIV™ is a breakthrough unique and visible technology, athlete tested, lab proven and has powered 14 The North Face athletes to 17 FKTs around the globe. But VECTIV™ isn’t just about making the world’s fastest trail runners even faster. It’s about turning your energy into momentum to propel you forward with 360° stability, high traction and no compromise on energy efficiency. Whatever your pace or destination you can run, hike or stride ahead in total control with The North Face VECTIV™ range of trail running and hiking footwear.

Shop online: https://www.ellis-brigham.com/vectiv

Speak to our team 0808 164 0600 or visit stores nationwide 3

V E C T I V

™

V F K T F A S T E S T K N O W N

T I M E

With Covid-19 decimating trail races around the globe, 2020 was the year of the FKT (Fastest Known Time). Athletes stayed close to home exploring their own backyard and setting their own personal challenges. It seemed that FKTs brought trail running back to its purest form. According to the FKT website, there are two things to be aware of if setting out to complete your own FKT: “The route must be notable and distinct enough so that others will be interested in repeating it” and all attempts on an FKT are not guaranteed to end in success so; “Have fun! And if you come up short, no worries - that is part of the sport”. At the heart of Athlete Tested, Expedition Proven™ is the philosophy that athlete insights propel The North Face products forward. Over two years of world-class athlete testing VECTIV™ pushed The North Face design teams to rethink the future of trail. To date VECTIV™ has powered 14 The North Face athletes to 17 FKTs around the globe.

A T H L E T E 4

V F K T s

17 The North Face athlete VFKTs (VECTIV™ Fastest Known Times) were achieved in VECTIV™ footwear. Built for speed, Flight VECTIV™ brings innovative carbon fibre soling architecture to the trail, provides propulsion with every stride and reduces tibial impact by 10%. However, all three styles in the VECTIV™ trail running range have their place in a runner’s quiver depending on their trail running requirements. From the ‘propulsion’ of the Flight VECTIV™ to the ‘smooth and stable ride’ of the VECTIV™ Infinite to the ‘optimal cushioning’ of the VECTIV™ Enduris, The North Face has embraced the future of trail.

KAYTLYN GERBIN

PAU CAPELL

Transgrancanaria FKT Trail de Menorca FKT March 7th 2020 October 2nd 2020 DISTANCE: 128km / 6720m+ vertical DISTANCE: 185km / 3500m+ vertical TIME: 15:14:40 TIME: 16:46:00 1ST PLACE & COURSE RECORD

SETH RULING

MICHELINO SUNSERI

Rock Creek River Gorge FKT June 13th 2020 DISTANCE: 16km TIME: 01:08:06 1ST PLACE & COURSE RECORD

Desolation 7 Summits FKT September 24th 2020 DISTANCE: 38km / 3000m+ vertical TIME: 06:43:45

HILLARY ALLEN

FERNANDA MACIEL

COREE WOLTERING

KAYTLYN GERBIN

L'Echappe Belle FKT August 22nd 2020 DISTANCE: 86km / 6300m+ vertical TIME: 15:39:09 1ST PLACE & COURSE RECORD

Gran Paradiso Up & Down FKT August 20th 2020 DISTANCE: 18km / 2000m+ vertical TIME: 04:06:59

Ice Age Trail FKT June 22nd 2020 DISTANCE: 1835 km TIME: 21 days, 13 hrs, 35 mins

Wonderland Trail FKT August 26th 2020 DISTANCE: 149km / 7315m+ vertical TIME: 18:41:54

STONE TSANG

WONG HO CHUNG

MICHELINO SUNSERI

DYLAN BOWMAN

Wilson Trail 78k FKT October 31st 2020 DISTANCE: 78km / 4150m+ vertical TIME: 09:59.20

Maclehose Trail 100km FKT December 4th 2020 DISTANCE: 100km / 4900m+ vertical TIME: 10:38:08

Teton Crest Trail FKT October 5th 2020 DISTANCE: 63km / 2638m+ vertical TIME: 06:21:41

Wonderland Trail FKT August 19th 2020 DISTANCE: 149km / 7315m+ vertical TIME: 16:58:41

FERNANDA MACIEL

MIKE FOOTE & ROB KRAR

JOHN STINGRAY ONIFA

Gran Paradiso Ascent FKT August 20th 2020 DISTANCE: 9km / 2000m+ vertical Time: 02:40:14

Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim December 31st 2020 DISTANCE: 67km TIME: 11:32:09

Hong Kong Trail FKT January 15th 2021 DISTANCE: 43km / 1200m+ vertical TIME: 03:46:00

Hong Kong Trail FKT January 29th 2021 DISTANCE: 43km / 1200m+ vertical TIME: 03:26:26

PAU CAPELL BREAKING 20

Pau Capell is the 2019 UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc) champion and during 2020 was working with The North Face product development team on VECTIV™ as well as attempting to set various FKTs on trails he has a personal connection with. Pau’s biggest 2020 project was the audacious attempt to break 20 hours on the UTMB course in the absence of fellow runners and thousands of supporters that would normally line the UTMB route. From an outsider’s point of view setting out to break 20 hours for the UTMB course without other racers or the usual UTMB crowd was very ambitious. You must have a very high confidence level in your ability to perform. Are you currently in the best shape (mentally and physically) of your life? 2020 has been a complicated year and the training has been different. I trained at home during the lockdown and then, when we could start training in the mountains, I did the best adaptation I could. In this case, I think that in a normal year I could arrive in the best shape but I did everything I could to try and achieve #breaking20. You got to test the prototype of the Flight VECTIV™ during Breaking 20 (171km 10,000m+) and you were inside your target times for the first half of the challenge. Could you notice the difference between these shoes and your previous The North Face trail running shoes?

The new shoes are very different. The feeling you get when you use them is like wearing a glove on your foot. Also, the new technology allows you to move faster because they have a carbon plate and the feeling is incredible. If you want to break times you need the best technology. Can we expect another attempt on Breaking 20 in 2021? Yes! I hope to be #breaking20 in the official race, but if not, I will try it again on my own. You’ve been working closely with the The North Face footwear team while they’ve been developing VECTIV™ technology. What’s the most important feedback you gave that’s been incorporated in the finished product? For me comfort was very important. Of course, we also wanted the new technology to aid speed, but comfort over long distances without problems is crucial. What’s the biggest VECTIV™ technology highlight for you? The biggest highlight is the propulsion I feel when I run – you really notice this compared to other shoes. You seem to be a very balanced person. Can you share your approach to life with our readers? For sure. The first thing is to give value to life. We live in a society that is moving too fast, every year society is changing, and we need to stop and take fresh air. That is why I love life intensely and sharing it with the people I love. I could win all the races in the world but if I don't share the journey and the results with my family and friends, what sense would it all make? I have a sentence that I created when I started running: "Fight for your dreams and love the people around you". Step by step you can make history, but for every step I need family and friends with me. When I finish a race, after I cross the finish line, I search for my family to share together this big moment with a big hug!

A T H L E T E

I N T E R V I E W S

HILLARY ALLEN OUT AND BACK

Hillary’s career as an endurance athlete has not been straightforward. Through injury, setbacks and unexpected challenges, Hillary’s had to re-think what she considers impossible. Early in her career, Hillary earned the nickname “Hillygoat” when she proved her ability to run fast on steep, technical mountain terrain – a style of running known as Skyrunning. Since then, she has raced all over the world, racking up wins and course records, establishing herself as one of the best mountain ultra runners in the world. In 2017 she had a life threatening accident, when she fell 150 feet off of a ridge-line during a Skyrace in Tromsø, Norway. She was told she would never run again. After several years of rehab and recovery, Hillary made a full recovery and returned to elite level racing, racing some of her longest and most challenging events post-accident. She maintains the belief that ‘your best athletic days are ahead of you, if you’re willing to work hard for what you love.’ You were told you would never run again after your trail running accident in 2017. What was it like committing to the VECTIV™ prototypes when your body was still unsure about whether or not it was trail running ready? I was a bit hesitant. But I was committed to my recovery and finding shoes that would support that journey. Plus being involved with the prototype testing was a great opportunity to tweak shoes and find out exactly what does and doesn't work. The team behind VECTIV were great – continually making adjustments from the feedback I gave as I tested. You tested a prototype of the VECTIV™ Infinite shoes on the TDS, acronym for "Sur les Traces des Ducs de Savoie" (following the footprints of the Dukes of Savoie - 146km, 9600m+) during the 2019 UTMB week and came a very impressive second place. Could you notice the difference between these prototype shoes and your previous The North Face trail running shoes? Yes, absolutely -in the technology, the comfort and the precision. I had logged hundreds of miles and thousands of vertical feet in several versions of the prototype shoes before convincing the product development team to allow me to race in them. So, not only was I confident in these shoes, I was comfortable in them. We know that you used to work in a Run Speciality store in Boulder. What are the key characteristics you are looking for when you are considering your trail running footwear? Do you think any of these requirements are female specific? The first thing I check for is how the shoe feels. I try it on and if the shoe conforms to my foot, has no 'hotspots' or uncomfortable places on my foot, then that's a good sign. Then of course, I take it out on the trail to

see how it feels. I look for ground feel (can I feel obstacles underfoot?), good lateral stability and a grippy tread. I think women's feet are different to men's, so I emphasise the importance of trying on a shoe to check that it fits without any uncomfortable seams or stitching. You’ve been working closely with the The North Face footwear team while they’ve been developing VECTIV™ technology. What’s the most important feedback you gave that’s been incorporated in the finished product? There isn’t just one piece of feedback but the compilation of lots of feedback from me and all the other athletes who tested the shoes that has made the VECTIV range come together. I am happy there is a variety of styles, different shoes to use for different terrain and distances. What’s the biggest VECTIV™ technology highlight for you? The biggest highlight for me is working with a team to execute the development of new shoes and technology, not only this year, but for years to come. It demonstrates the importance of trail running to The North Face. It's rewarding to be part of the process and team that developed that footwear. The North Face has been asking its athletes, staff and consumers to Reset Normal as we all try and adapt our lifestyles to the new normal. What is your pledge with regards to resetting your new normal? I love this campaign. For me, resetting my normal starts with mental health. Taking the time to check in and work on fostering the best version of myself in my own headspace. Resetting that normal allows me to show up as the best I can be in all aspects of life.

Watch the video 7

W H A T

I S

V E C T I V

™

T E C H N O L O G Y ?

MATRYX® & Knit Upper

3D VECTIV Plate ™

Positioned directly underfoot, a revolutionary 3D VECTIV™ plate provides propulsion and stability.

Breathable knit provides a sock-like fit, while the MATRYX® material provides protection and support.

VECTIV™ Rocker Midsole

The rocker shape midsole optimises foot strike and forward momentum.

SURFACECTRL™ GRIP Outsole

A new high-traction outsole delivers surefooted conﬁdence on any terrain.

L A B

P R O V E N

Go further with VECTIV™ Races are won and lost on the descent. VECTIV™ technology from The North Face has been proven by third-party research to reduce downhill tibial impact, allowing runners to train longer. VECTIV™ technology includes the VECTIV™ rocker midsole and the 3D VECTIV™ Plate. The rocker midsole optimises foot-strike and forward movement, and when adding the 3D VECTIV™ Plate on top of the rocker, it creates a 'fixed rocker' for stability and shock absorption without compromising energy efficiency.

WORLD OF VECTIV ™ TRAIL RUNNING VECTIV™ Infinite

VECTIV™ Enduris

MEN'S

WOMEN'S

Flight VECTIV™

ACTIVE TRAIL VECTIV™ Hypnum

VECTIV™ Escape

MEN'S

WOMEN'S

VECTIV™ Taraval

OUTDOOR TRAIL VECTIV™ Exploris FUTURELIGHT™

MEN'S

WOMEN'S

VECTIV™ Exploris Mid FUTURELIGHT™

TRAIL RUNNING

£179.99

FLIGHT VECTIV™

With the VECTIV™ technology that turns your energy into momentum, FLIGHT VECTIV™ is built for speed. It gives you propulsion with every stride while reducing impact by 10%. Combining a 3D carbon plate, VECTIV™ Rocker Midsole geometry and SURFACECTRL™ grip, VECTIV™ technology is designed to turn energy into momentum to propel you forward. And the Flight VECTIV™ are the most responsive in this elite trail running range. Light and energy giving they are tried, tested and trusted by The North Face athletes. Made for ultra-distances, they’re incredibly durable thanks to Kevlar®, polyamide and MATRYX® fabrics, and reinforced toe caps. The knit uppers are breathable and supportive and the 6mm toe-to-heel offset propels you into your next gait cycle.

MATRYX® QUARTER PANEL MATRYX® quarter panel for midfoot lockdown

KNIT UPPER

Knit upper with PU yarns for breathability and support

3D CARBON PLATE

3D carbon plate positioned directly underfoot, the revolutionary 3D VECTIV™ plate provides propulsion and stability

DUAL DENSITY VECTIV™ ROCKER MIDSOLE

SURFACECTRL™ OUTSOLE 3.5MM

The rocker shape midsole optimises foot strike and forward momentum

A new high-traction outsole delivers surefooted confidence on any terrain

BENEFITS P ROP UL SION | 3 6 0 ° STA BIL I T Y | T R ACT I O N | D U R AB LE | LI G H T WE I G H T WEIGHT

DROP

UPPER

TOOLING

6MM

· MATRYX® quarter panel for midfoot lockdown · Knit upper with PU yarns for breathability and support · 3D moulded heel counter for excellent foot hold · Reflective details for high visibility · TPE insole for durability and responsiveness

· 3D Carbon Plate for forward guidance and stability · Rockered Midsole optimises foot strike and forward momentum · Dual density, high rebound VECTIV™ midsole foams · SURFACECTRL™ rubber compound for superior traction · Engineered 3.5mm lugs for grip

288 G 247 G

COLOURS W FLIGHT VECTIV™ TNF WHITE/ TNF BLACK

M FLIGHT VECTIV™ TNF WHITE/ TNF BLACK

W FLIGHT VECTIV™ FIESTA RED/ TNF BLACK

M FLIGHT VECTIV™ SULPHUR SPRING GREEN/TNF BLACK

£144.99

VECTIV™ INFINITE

Designed for a smooth and stable ride with the VECTIV™ technology, VECTIV™ INFINITE gives you 360º stability in every step on your longest trail days. With the smooth and stable ride of VECTIV™ INFINITE, trail runs only end on your terms. Combining a 3D dual-density Pebax® plate, midsole rocker geometry and SURFACECTRL™ grip, new VECTIV™ technology is designed to turn energy into momentum to propel you forward. And in the VECTIV™ Infinite, this translates as the perfect balance of responsiveness and protection in ultra-distance trail running shoes. Durability is courtesy of the Kevlar®, polyamide and MATRYX® while the 6mm toe-to-heel offset propels you into your next gait cycle.

PEBAX® PLATE

Pebax® is a high elastic plastic material that provides energy return

FULL MATRYX® UPPER Full MATRYX® upper with Kevlar® yarns for protection and support

MOULDED HEEL COUNTER

DUAL DENSITY VECTIV™ MIDSOLE

3D moulded heel counter for excellent foot hold and heel fit

Rocker design rolls you uphill, supports you downhill, and promotes constant forward movement

SURFACECTRL™ OUTSOLE 3.5MM

SURFACECTRL™ rubber compound for superior traction and durability

BENEFITS P R OP UL S ION | 3 6 0 ° STA BIL IT Y | T R ACT I O N | P R OT E CT I O N | B R E AT H AB I LI T Y WEIGHT

DROP

UPPER

TOOLING

6MM

· Full length MATRYX® upper with Kevlar® yarns for protection and support · Breathability for hot conditions · 3D moulded heel counter for excellent foot hold and heel fit · Padded and perforated tongue for comfort and breathability · Ortholite X55 insole for comfort

· Dual density Pebax® plate for propulsion and stability · Rockered midsole optimises foot strike and forward momentum · Dual density, high rebound VECTIV™ midsole foams · SURFACECTRL™ rubber compound delivers surefooted confidence on any terrain · Engineered 3.5mm lugs for grip

307 G 273 G

COLOURS

W VECTIV™ INFINITE TNF WHITE/ TNF BLACK

M VECTIV™ INFINITE TNF WHITE/ TNF BLACK

M VECTIV™ INFINITE SULPHUR SPRING GREEN/TNF BLACK

£124.99

VECTIV™ ENDURIS

VECTIV™ technology turns energy into momentum to propel you forward. With optimal cushioning and stability, VECTIV™ ENDURIS is your most comfortable trail ride yet. Combining a 3D dual-density TPU footplate, midsole rocker geometry and SURFACECTRL™ grip, new VECTIV™ technology is designed to maximise energy on the trail. For the Enduris this translates to the most supportive shoes in The North Face VECTIV™ trail running range. Light and cushioned they provide long-lasting comfort and support on even the most rugged terrain. There are internal heel supports offering a closer fit and breathable, flexible mesh uppers for a forgiving fit. The 6mm toe-to-heel offset propels you into your next gait cycle.

HIGHER MIDSOLE

VECTIV™ Rockered midsole to optimise foot strike and forward momentum

ENGINEERED AIR MESH

Engineered sandwich mesh for breathability and comfort

TPU PLATE

Dual density TPU plate for propulsion and stability

DUAL DENSITY VECTIV™ MIDSOLE

SURFACECTRL™ OUTSOLE 3.5MM

Rocker design rolls you uphill, supports you downhill, and promotes constant forward movement

SURFACECTRL™ rubber compound for superior traction and durability

BENEFITS P R OP UL SION | 3 6 0 ° STA BIL IT Y | T R ACT I O N | CU SH I O NI NG | B R E AT H AB I LI T Y WEIGHT

DROP

UPPER

TOOLING

6MM

· Engineered sandwich mesh for breathability and comfort · Toe and heel reinforcements for wear protetcion and support · Internal heel counter for stable heel fit · Padded tongue for plush feeling · Ortholite X55 insole for comfort

· Dual density TPU plate for propulsion and stability · VECTIV™ rockered midsole optimises foot strike and forward momentum · Dual density, high rebound and high rebound light VECTIV™ midsole foams · Wider footprint with higher midsole height for extra underfoot protection · SURFACECTRL™ rubber compound delivers surefooted confidence on any terrain · Engineered 3.5mm lugs for grip

316 G 278 G

COLOURS W VECTIV™ ENDURIS FIESTA RED/ TNF BLACK

M VECTIV™ ENDURIS SULPHUR SPRING GREEN/TNF BLACK

FAST HIKE

VECTIV™ EXPLORIS MID FUTURELIGHT™

£154.99

With a durable upper and 360º stability, VECTIV™ EXPLORIS MID FUTURELIGHT™ was born for the mountainside. Venture deeper into wild places and summit new heights in the EXPLORIS MID FUTURELIGHT™. Combining an ultra-light yet supportive 3D VECTIV™ plate, VECTIV™ Rocker Midsole geometry and SURFACECTRL™ grip, new VECTIV™ technology is designed to turn energy into momentum to propel you forward. And for the VECTIV™ Exploris Mid FUTURELIGHT™ that translates into hiking shoes engineered to go the distance. The FUTURELIGHT™ membrane is incredibly breathable and the Cordura® ripstop mesh is durable but light. The heels and toes are reinforced for protection on rocky trails and 4mm lugs hold firm on uneven terrain.

FUTURELIGHT™ PROTECTION

Breathable waterproof FUTURELIGHT™ membrane

RIPSTOP MESH

Cordura ripstop mesh upper for lightweight abrasion resistance

TPU PLATE

Single density TPU plate tuned for increased stability

VECTIV™ FOAM MIDSOLE

SURFACECTRL™ GRIP OUTSOLE

VECTIV™ Rockered midsole optimises foot strike and forward momentum

SURFACECTRL™ rubber compound delivers surefooted confidence on any terrain

BENEFITS P R OP UL SION | 3 6 0 ° STA BIL ITY | T R ACT I O N | WAT E R P R O O F | P R OT E CT I O N UPPER

TOOLING

· Cordura ripstop mesh upper for lightweight abrasion resistance · Breathable waterproof FUTURELIGHT™ membrane · No sew TPU overlays in key wear out areas · Padded tongue for comfort · Ortholite X55 insole for comfort · Midcut: ergonomically shaped heel and collar for perfect fit

· Single density TPU plate tuned for increased stability · VECTIV™ rockered misdole to optimise foot strike and forward momentum · Single density, high rebound light VECTIV™ midsole foam · SURFACECTRL™ grip outsole rubber compound for surefooted confidence on any terrain · Engineered 4mm lugs for high grip

COLOURS W VECTIV™ EXPLORIS FUTURELIGHT™ MICRO CHIP GREY/ MAUI BLUE

M VECTIV™ EXPLORIS MID FUTURELIGHT™ TNF BLACK/ZINC GREY

FAST HIKE

VECTIV™ EXPLORIS FUTURELIGHT™

£139.99

With a durable upper and 360º stability, VECTIV™ EXPLORIS FUTURELIGHT™ was born for the mountainside. Maximise control in EXPLORIS FUTURELIGHT™ to keep pushing higher even when the air gets thin. Combining an ultra-light yet supportive 3D VECTIV™ plate, VECTIV™ Rocker Midsole geometry and SURFACECTRL™ grip, VECTIV™ technology is designed to turn energy into momentum to propel you forward. And for the VECTIV™ Exploris FUTURELIGHT™ that translates into hiking shoes engineered to go the distance. The FUTURELIGHT™ membrane is incredibly breathable and the Cordura® ripstop mesh is durable but light. The heels and toes are reinforced for protection on rocky trails and 4mm lugs hold firm on uneven terrain.

FUTURELIGHT™ PROTECTION

Breathable waterproof FUTURELIGHT™ membrane

TPU PLATE

RIPSTOP MESH

Cordura ripstop mesh upper for lightweight abrasion resistance

Single density TPU plate tuned for increased stability

SURFACECTRL™ GRIP OUTSOLE

VECTIV™ FOAM MIDSOLE VECTIV™ Rockered midsole optimises foot strike and forward momentum

SURFACECTRL™ rubber compound delivers surefooted confidence on any terrain

BENEFITS P R OP UL SION | 3 6 0 ° STA BIL ITY | T R ACT I O N | WAT E R P R O O F | P R OT E CT I O N UPPER

TOOLING

COLOURS W VECTIV™ EXPLORIS FUTURELIGHT™ MAUI BLUE/ZINC GREY

M VECTIV™ EXPLORIS FUTURELIGHT™ SULPHUR SPRING GREEN/ TNF BLACK

LIGHT HIKE

£114.99

VE C TI V ™ E SCA PE With durable cushioning and traction, VECTIV™ ESCAPE is made to explore deeper into the wild.

Explore with confidence in VECTIV™ ESCAPE and find your deeper connection. Combining an ultra-light yet supportive 3D VECTIV™ plate, VECTIV™ Rocker Midsole geometry and SURFACECTRL™ grip, new VECTIV™ technology turns energy into momentum to propel you forward. And in the VECTIV™ Escape that translates into light hiking shoes for exploring new places in comfort. They feature seamless knitted uppers that are flexible and forgiving. The rockered nature of the midsole delivers outstanding energy return and the grippy sole holds firm on uneven terrain.

3D MOULDED HEEL

KNIT UPPER

Breathable knit provides a sock-like fit

3D moulded heel counter for precise fit

3D VECTIV™ TPU PLATE

GROUND CONTACT EVA MIDSOLE

3D VECTIV™ TPU plate provides propulsion and stability

Ground contact EVA for lightweight durability

SURFACECTRL™ GRIP OUTSOLE

SURFACECTRL™ Grip rubber compound delivers surefooted confidence on any terrain

BENEFITS P R OP UL SION | 3 6 0 ° STA BIL IT Y | T R ACT I O N | CU SH I O NI NG | B R E AT H AB I LI T Y UPPER

TOOLING

· Engineered knit upper for a sock-like fit optimal foot hold · Toe and heel reinforcement to prevent wear out and for support · 3D moulded heel counter for precise fit · Ghillie eyelets with extra eyelet for secured fit · Ortholite X55 insole for comfort

· 3D VECTIV™ TPU plate provides propulsion and stability · VECTIV™ rockered midsole optimises foot strike and forward momentum · Ground contact EVA for lightweight durability · SURFACECTRL™ grip rubber compound delivers surefooted confidence on any terrain · Engineered 3.5mm lugs for grip

COLOURS W VECTIV™ ESCAPE TNF BLACK/ MICRO CHIP GREY

M VECTIV™ ESCAPE TNF BLACK/ ZINC GREY

£109.99

V E C TI V ™ T A R A V A L

VECTIV™ TARAVAL packs old-school grit with superior stability to get you up the mountain in style. Combining an ultra-light yet supportive 3D VECTIV™ plate, VECTIV™ Rocker Midsole geometry and SURFACECTRL™ grip outsole, new VECTIV™ technology turns energy into momentum to propel you forward. For the retro looking Taraval Shoes, this means long-lasting comfort, stability and support.

SYNTHETIC OVERLAYS

Stitched synthetic overlays for durability

BREATHABLE MESH

Breathable air mesh overlays

3D VECTIV™ TPU PLATE

3D VECTIV™ TPU plate provides propulsion and stability

VECTIV™ ROCKER FOAM MIDSOLE

VECTIV Rocker foam midsole to optimise foot strike and forward momentum ™

SURFACECTRL™ GRIP OUTSOLE

SURFACECTRL™ Grip rubber compound for surefooted confidence on any terrain

BENEFITS P R OP UL S ION | 3 6 0 ° STA BIL IT Y | T R ACT I O N | P R OT E CT I O N | B R E AT H AB I LI T Y UPPER

TOOLING

· Inspired by early 2000 trail running style Ultra 100 · Stitched syntetic overlays for durability · Breathable air mesh overlays · Midguard for additional reinforcement · Padded tongue and heel for comfort · Ghillie lacing for trail DNA · Ortholite X55 insole for comfort

· 3D VECTIV™ TPU plate provides propulsion and stability · VECTIV™ rockered midsole optimises foot strike and forward momentum · VECTIV™ rocker foam midsole for cushioning and responsiveness · SURFACECTRL™ grip rubber compound for surefooted confidence on any terrain · Engineered 4mm lugs for excellent grip

COLOURS

W VECTIV™ TARAVAL TNF BLACK/ TNF WHITE

M VECTIV™ TARAVAL TNF BLACK/ TNF WHITE

W VECTIV™ TARAVAL MICRO CHIP GREY/ FIESTA RED

M VECTIV™ TARAVAL AGAVE GREEN/ BURNT OCHRE

V E C TI V ™ HY PNUM

£124.99

Designed specifically for women, VECTIV™ HYPNUM provides stability and long lasting comfort to explore further. Get pulled into wild places and explore further than ever before in VECTIV™ HYPNUM. Combining an ultra-light yet supportive 3D VECTIV™ plate, VECTIV™ Rocker Midsole geometry and SURFACECTRL™ grip, new VECTIV™ technology turns energy into momentum to propel you forward. And in the VECTIV™ Hypnum that translates into light hiking shoes for exploring new places in comfort. They look and feel like your favourite pair of trainers, but aside from the VECTIV™ technology, they also have breathable mesh uppers and women-specific shaping including slimline heels and midfoot bracing. The heels and toes are slightly reinforced for protection on rocky trails.

TPU QUARTER BRACE

3D MOULDED HEEL

TPU quarter brace for a midfoot lockdown

3D moulded heel counter for precise fit

AIR MESH

Breathable sandwich mesh in the vamp

3D VECTIV™ TPU PLATE

3D VECTIV™ TPU plate provides propulsion and stability

SURFACECTRL™ GRIP OUTSOLE

GROUND CONTACT EVA MIDSOLE

SURFACECTRL™ Grip rubber compound delivers surefooted confidence on any terrain

Ground contact EVA for lightweight durability

BENEFITS P R OP UL SION | 3 6 0 ° STA BIL ITY | T R ACT I O N | CU SH I O NI NG | LI G H T WE I G H T UPPER

TOOLING

· Breathable sandwich mesh in the vamp · Knitted ankle for a sock like fit · Toe and heel reinforcements for wear out and support · TPU quarter brace for a midfoot lockdown · 3D moulded heel counter for precise fit · Ortholite X55 insole for comfort

· 3D VECTIV™ TPU plate provides propulsion and stability · VECTIV™ rockered midsole optimises foot strike and forward momentum · Ground contact EVA for lightweight durability · SURFACECTRL™ grip rubber compound for surefooted confidence on any terrain · Engineered 3.5mm lugs for grip

BRIGHAM

Photo: Ben Read

E L LI S

AVIE M O R E

ST O R E

R E V I E W

MARTIN FROM ELLIS BRIGHAM AVIEMORE STORE Martin from Ellis Brigham Aviemore is a keen trail and ultra-runner and has competed in many events including the 62 mile CCC (Courmayeur-ChampexChamonix) trail race at the UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc). Martin has been trying out The North Face Flight VECTIV™ shoes and here's what he had to say:

INITIAL THOUGHTS: Straight out of the box before running in them was all about the excitement of trying a pair of carbon plated running shoes for the first time! Upon picking them up they felt a stiff shoe but with plenty of cushioning and my eyes were drawn to the see-through MATRYX® side panels, which looked really thin yet felt very durable. After the first few runs, the most notable things were the rocker and carbon plate almost springing you forward, they felt faster with less effort.

FIT:

SENSITIVITY/TRAIL FEEL:

They feel like a medium/narrow width with a low volume fit. They’ve hugged my feet well, yet not felt too restrictive, the upper materials seem to give when they need to. When wearing the shoes in colder weather in the snow, I’ve needed to wear an extra pair of socks for warmth and initially they feel a little tight to get on with the instep, but when running in them you forget about that as they let you concentrate on your running.

This is the area I feel it is weakest. Whilst the carbon plate offers many positives, it does notably reduce the ‘feel’ of the shoe. I don’t feel as if I’m at one with the ground as I can’t feel or respond quickly to what I’m running on. It feels as if I’m powering my way across the terrain as opposed to nimbly reacting to the terrain. This is just a case of getting used to this style of running and isn’t necessarily a negative but the shoe has lost some sense of ‘feel’.

FOOT PROTECTION: They feel very protective from the sides and underneath. The stiffness of the carbon plate gives total protection from rocks you run over. Also the fact the 3D carbon plate sits above the midsole and wraps around the heel, this gives a feeling of added protection from the sides of the shoe. The heel does feels stiffer than other running shoes but that seems like a natural progression from the carbon plate. The reinforced toe bumper is ideal for preventing banging your toes on the rocks.

DURABILITY:

TRACTION:

STABILITY:

It’s been great to finally run in a carbon plated shoe and I do feel as if my runs are quicker whilst using less effort. The cushioning gives the impression of being forgiving on the joints which is always nice. It’s stiff underfoot but that’s what’s propelling you forward and offering that protection from rocks/stones. Certain features may take a little time to get used to for some runners, such as the gap at the top of the heel and the sock-like tongue.

Due to the firmness of the carbon plate underfoot they have felt very stable whilst running. Even with the reasonably high stack height they don’t feel as if you are going to go over on your ankle which some higher stacked shoes feel as if they might. The Flight VECTIV offers a good surface area when landing with each foot strike.

This should be a great addition to a trail runner’s shoe arsenal and would be the shoe you would pick up when time is the main focus on your run, so if it’s race day or if you want to grab the Strava segment back, then these would be the shoe of choice.

On the intended terrain they have been excellent, I don’t think I’ve felt as if I have lacked grip at all, they’ve even felt reassuringly grippy whilst running in the snow! I’ve not used them in particularly muddy terrain or heather bashing, as I know that’s not what they’re designed for.

COMFORT: It is a comfortable shoe, the fact that the materials have enough give in them, at no point have I had to think about a hot spot or any pressure from the materials.

WEIGHT: I think they are light for the technology that has gone into them but compared to the trail shoes I am used to wearing they are a little heavier. I know there’s a lot more involved with this shoe but at the end of the day, the carbon plate technology must be adding that extra weight.

With the materials used this should be a super durable shoe that will stand up to the punishment the trails can give. Little signs of wear on the pair I have tested, though the welded overlay has peeled back a little in places, but I find this is always the case on welded overlays. The 3.5mm lugs are still going strong at this point.

OVERALL VERDICT:

Pros: Carbon plated with rocker technology helps propel you forward. Very durable yet breathable upper. Cons: While the carbon plate offers many positives, for me it did reduce the ‘feel’ underfoot. There are two other shoes in the VECTIV trail running collection, the Infinite and Enduris which may be more suitable if the carbon plate model is too stiff for you.

Full page photos: Mathis Dumas, Will Saunders