The North Face VECTIV Infinite 2 Review: There’s So Much To Love Here!

I’ve been testing out The North Face VECTIV Infinite 2 all mountain trail running shoes for the last week on some of my favorite rugged mountain trails and forest paths here in Northern California, and I’m really excited to share my findings with you in this review.

In this Vectiv Infinite review I’ll outline the key specifications, the features that matter, how they fit and feel, my practical performance review, whether they’re worth the price tag, and I’ll also share some alternative all mountain running shoes to consider buying.

Key specifications

• Price: $168 at Zappos (US) / £130 at Sportsshoes.com (UK)
• Weight: 10.9 oz / 309g (US Men’s 9)
• Drop: 6mm (stack height: 28mm at the heel, 22mm at the toe)
• Midsole: EVA foam with Pebax plate
• Upper: Breathable engineered mesh
• Outsole: Surface CTRL rubber compound
• Lug Depth: 5mm
• Fit: True to size, medium width

First impressions on fit and feel

The fit of the Vectiv Infinite 2 is spot-on, and in-line with some of my favorite fitting trail shoes out there right now. They have a true-to-size fit and a medium width that hugs your foot in all the right places.

The plush interior delivers on comfort and provides a secure feel, especially around the heel, thanks to a cleverly designed heel counter that’s both flexible and firm where it counts – the cushioning that frames your heel is a nice touch too. You can see the area I mean in the photo below.

I’ve not come across this before but it certainly contributes to a really nice heel lock while maintaining a comfortable fit.

The breathable, engineered mesh upper adds a touch of stretch, which is ideal for those long runs where your feet start to swell. Combine that with a smart notched lacing system, and these shoes stay locked in for miles without having to fuss with the laces mid run.

I’ve noticed Brooks Running using these a lot in their trail running shoes lately, some examples include the Catamount 3, and the Catamount Agil.

Curious about how these shoes compare to your current favorites? Drop your thoughts/questions in the comments below!

VECTIV Infinite 2 performance review

On flat terrain

For more informations and a closer look at their performance, watch my Vectiv Infinite 2 video review. Some trail running shoes can feel like bulky deadweight when you hit those flat sections where you ideally want to be opening up your legs and gaining speed – not the VECTIV Infinite 2. This shoe is built to glide, thanks to its Pebax plate and rocker geometry. You get a noticeable bounce in your stride, and the smooth heel-to-toe transition makes each step feel fluid, almost effortless.

The midsole cushioning is well-balanced too – it’s cushioned ride offers protection and comfort for long miles, whilst the EVA foam and Pebax plate provides responsiveness and speed which is perfect for keeping up the pace without feeling bogged down.

Climbing

For those who love the uphill grind like me, this shoe is a total beast on inclines. On less steep grades, the Pebax plate flexes just enough to give you that extra push off the ground allowing you to maintain a nice steady pace throughout. Then when things get really steep, the grippy Surface CTRL rubber outsole with 5mm lugs digs into loose dirt like a dream.

The shoe’s upper also does its part by letting your feet breathe, keeping that hot, stuffy feeling at bay even on extra tough climbs, and I like that there’s room in the toe box for some toe splay, allowing for better biomechanics and extra power.

Technical downhills

Now, here’s where things get a bit more nuanced. While the Surface CTRL rubber on the outsole gives you unmatched grip, especially on rocky or slick terrain, the upper’s lateral support could be improved. But I have to just highlight how good this outsole is because it’s just as good as the epic Vibram Megagrip rubber compound. The traction is insanely good – they give you so much confidence on the downhills, and those aggressive lugs will be great in wet muddy conditions too.

On highly technical, high frequency rocky descents, you might notice some lateral roll if you hit a rock at the wrong angle due to the design of the upper not having a huge amount of structure/support towards the rear.

It’s not a deal-breaker for most runs, but something to keep in mind if you tackle super technical routes often. I feel bad for even calling that out because this shoe is so damn good for 90% of trails.

What types of terrain do you encounter on most of your runs?

Durability and comfort

After several long runs, the VECTIV Infinite 2 is holding up beautifully. The cushioning is still responsive, and the outsole shows minimal wear.

The semi-protective toe bumper is a nice touch too, offering enough protection without adding too much weight – it also has a plastic overlay for added durability and to keep splash water out of the shoe.

If you’re someone who likes to put your gear through its paces, you’ll appreciate the durability here.

Are they worth buying?

At $170, this isn’t your bargain-bin trail runner, but if you’re after a shoe that can handle a bit of everything, it’s worth every cent. The energy return, grip, and comfort all work together to deliver a solid trail experience that will perform over short and long distances.

This awesome all mountain trail running shoe has earned itself an Editor’s Choice Award for its outstanding performance – and I’m going to be putting in lots more miles in these.

Alternatives worth considering

If you’re still on the fence, head over to my best trail running shoes roundup, and scroll to the all mountain category to see other highly rated alternatives worth considering.

What do YOU think?

Have you tried the VECTIV Infinite 2 yet? What’s your go-to trail shoe right now? Drop your comments below, and let’s get the chat going! 🙂

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