I’ve been running in The North Face VECTIV Infinite 3 all-mountain trail running shoes on everything from fire roads with jagged rocks and loose stones, to forested singletrack, and I’m excited to share how they’ve been performing out there.
These trail running shoes build on what The North Face established with their previous model (the VECTIV Infinite 2), but there are a few tweaks that set them apart, some welcome, some less so.
Alright then, hopefully set that sets the scene, let’s get to it.
Key Specifications
- Price: $160 at REI.com / £145 at Sportsshoes.com
- Weight: 9.6oz / 272g (men’s size 9). The Infinite 2 was 10.9oz / 309g
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6 mm
- Stack Height: 29mm at the heel, 23mm at the forefoot
- Midsole: Moderately cushioned DREAM nitrogen-TPU midsole with a rockered geometry and a full-length 3D TPU (VECTIV 3.0) plate for protection and propulsion
- Outsole: SURFACE CTRL™ rubber with 5 mm lugs
- Upper: Seamless, engineered dual-warp mesh (57% recycled)
How they fit and feel
Right out of the box, the Infinite 3 has a comfortable, true-to-size fit for me that feels very similar to the Infinite 2.
However, the midfoot area is a bit loose, so I had to re-lace them after a few kilometers to stop the tongue from slipping down.
Once I figured out the sweet spot, they felt secure enough for technical descents, but I do wish the tongue was slightly longer and the laces weren’t quite so lengthy – more on that in a moment.
What’s good
Let me preface my performance review by saying how. much I loved running in the VECTIV Infinite 2 last season.
Alastair Dixon
One highlight for me is the lighter build of 9.6oz / 272g (it’s about 12% lighter now), which makes the shoe feel more agile when tackling rolling trails or steep climbs.
I also appreciate the lively ride that the nitrogen-TPU DREAM midsole provides (seen also in the new TNF VECTIV Sky 2), it’s more energetic than a typical EVA setup, and the VECTIV 3.0 plate works well to enhance propulsion without feeling overly stiff.
This is especially nice on long runs where help maintaining momentum is welcomed.
Additionally, the rockered profile makes steady cruising more efficient, keeping me from fatiguing too soon on moderate climbs and fast rolling trails.
The outsole remains a huge pro, with 5mm lugs providing surefooted grip on wet rocks and loose dirt – it is not dissimilar to the previous version thank goodness as I rated traction very highly on the Infinite 2.
The breathable dual-warp mesh allows me to regulate temperature with in the shoes well, and it will drain quickly if you get caught in a sudden downpour or need to cross a stream.
Another benefit is the secure heel fit, once I dialed in the laces, the integrated tongue wings and updated heel shape held my foot in place well.
Even though I prefer the cushioning design of the heel counter from the Infinite 2’s heel counter, the Infinite 3’s design still manages to keep me locked in for technical terrain.
The bad
For me, the biggest issue is the midfoot fit, you have to really focus on lacing technique to eliminate excess movement, and the short tongue can slip down if you don’t get it just right.
The laces are a little too long, which leaves extra material flapping around if you don’t double-knot – The North Face should add an elasticated loop above the tongue for stowing them away in the next version – of make the laces shorter.
I also miss the additional heel padding from the older model. The Infinite 3’s leaner design is good for weight reduction, but it means slightly less comfort around the rear foot, which might bother some runners on rugged or high-mileage days.
Is the new version better? [Vectiv Infinite 2 VS Infinite 3]
The North Face Vectiv Infinite 2 / The North Face VECTIV Infinite 3
The North Face VECTIV Infinite 3 takes some significant steps forward from its predecessor, the Infinite 2, while also making a few compromises.
The most noticeable upgrade is the 12% weight reduction. At 9.6 oz, the Infinite 3 feels noticeably lighter on foot, which is a big win for longer runs or faster-paced efforts.
The DREAM nitrogen-TPU midsole also adds more energy return compared to the EVA foam in the Infinite 2, giving this new version a bouncier, more dynamic ride.
That said, the Infinite 3 sacrifices some comfort in the heel area, where the Infinite 2 had more padding for a snug, plush feel.
While the updated heel counter and integrated tongue wings provide decent lockdown, the reduced heel support padding may be noticeable for those tackling ultra-long distances or particularly technical descents.
The outsole remains a consistent strength, with both versions use SURFACE CTRL rubber compound with 5mm lugs, offering excellent grip across varied terrain.
The Infinite 3 retains a similar rockered geometry, making it just as efficient at maintaining smooth transitions on undulating trails.
My verdict
If you liked The North Face VECTIV Infinite 2 but wished it was lighter and more energetic, the VECTIV Infinite 3 is definitely worth trying – heck it’s worth trying anyway as its one of my top 5 all-mountain trail running shoe recommendations right now.
Alastair Dixon
It still has reliable traction and a pretty stable ride, plus a noticeably lower weight that helps you move faster through varied terrain. Just be prepared to spend some time getting the laces right on your first run, and don’t expect the same heel counter feel from before.
Overall, it’s a solid pick for someone looking for a nimble, all-mountain trail running shoe that can handle technical sections no problem.
You can pick up a pair now for $160 at my favorite online retailers below:
