Trek Through This Review of The North Face Vectiv Futurelight Hiking Shoes
Today’s footwear review takes a look at The North Face Vectiv Futurelight hiking shoes, or in my mind, a trail conqueror. Blending cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and superior performance, these hiking shoes are set to conquer any type of terrain you throw at it.
Last year, I was in Kunming preparing for a next-day hiking trip in north Yunnan, when the thought of how dependable my adidas Ultraboosts would be on steep, rocky uphill climbs crossed my mind. It was worrying enough to get me thinking that I should at least go check out my options. I shut the door and took a Didi to downtown Kunming, where a sleek North Face store showed up ahead. Though, I’m not a big hiking-shoe person, I came across an olive-color pair of The North Face Vectiv Futurelight, sitting untouched in the shoe section and started giving them a test-walk. A few minutes later I was out the door with them, and they have since gone on more at least a dozen outdoor trips with me. Here’s my feedback half a year later on why they have become my go-to hiking shoe for all my outdoor trips.
The North Face Vectiv Futurelight’s Futuristic Design
One trait I really enjoy about the Vectiv Futurelight is that it embraces a design that’s both futuristic and aesthetically pleasing. Often many hiking shoes I come across look all the same, clunky, boxy, unappealing, with a noticeable lack of design. Yet, the designers of the North Face Vectiv Futurelight did seem to ponder over the aesthetics of this model, as the shoes successfully blends technical features and a modern silhouette into a fashion-forward hiking shoe. The dark-olive shade mixed with black and subtle silver details is a nice color combination. Crafted with a seamless and lightweight upper, these shoes feature a captivating blend of colors and patterns that make heads turn on the trail. The sleek lines and modern silhouette effortlessly combine style with functionality.
Are the North Face Vectiv Futurelight Comfortable?
Say goodbye to sore feet and embrace the plush comfort provided by the Vectiv Futurelight shoes. The responsive dual-density midsole cushions are there every step, absorbing impact and delivering a responsive bounce. From hiking up rocky hillsides to rummaging over piles of wood, the rockered midsoles are noticeable, providing comfort on every type of terrain. With the combination of comfort and support, you’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds, even after hours of exploration. Additionally, I found the padded collar and cushioned tongue add an extra layer of comfort and prevent unwanted rubbing or pressure points. The TPU-toecap also adds on a nice layer of defense and cushion for your toes when taking up more treacherous hikes.
The only point of when I felt any prick of pain was from the top inside eyelet area, which would occasionally seem it would poke the inside part of the ankle area. Though I never looked into the pain source too in depth, I would just bend the area back and forth and the small prickling pain point would disappear. Up to now, it has only happened 2-3 times and hasn’t become a issue since it last occurred a few months ago.
Lightweight and Durability
Despite their impressive features, the Vectiv Futurelight shoes are remarkably lightweight. The thoughtful design and high-quality materials make them easy to wear for extended periods without weighing you down. The durable construction ensures longevity, allowing you to explore countless trails while maintaining their exceptional performance. I’ve found them also to be very lightweight, and waterproof for the most part.
All-Terrain Traction
Grip, traction, and stability are essential when it comes to conquering unpredictable trails. The Vectiv Futurelight shoes boast an aggressive, multidirectional lugged outsole, featuring the Vibram Megagrip compound. This exceptional rubber compound provides unparalleled traction on wet, slippery, and rugged surfaces, giving you the confidence to tackle any adventure that comes your way. The Surface CTRL™ rubber outsole is terrific and its 4 mm lugs add on even more traction.
I’ve hiked walkway with icy surfaces, snowy mountains staircases, and slippery rocks by streams, with no sliding issues whatsoever. Since wearing the Vectiv Futurelight’s I’ve felt very confident in the shoes overall traction and don’t hesitate to put them to test with any variety of extreme outdoor environments.
Are the North Face Vectiv Futurelight Breathable?
When the going gets tough, breathability becomes paramount. Thanks to the Futurelight technology utilized with the North Face Vectiv Futurelights, these shoes excel in keeping your feet dry and comfortable, preventing moisture build-up and reducing the risk of blisters. I’ve worn them for a whole day’s stretch and my feet always came out pain-free. The well-ventilated upper allows for optimal airflow, making those hot and sweaty summer hikes much more bearable.
Trailblazing Performance
The Vectiv Futurelight shoes are specifically engineered to deliver outstanding performance on the trail. Equipped with the innovative and energy-saving rocker midsole, these shoes promote a smooth and efficient stride, reducing fatigue during long treks. I commonly hike for a whole afternoon, sometimes even a whole day and haven’t noticed any type of discomfort. The Vectiv plate technology adds stability and propulsion, enabling you to conquer steep inclines and rocky terrains with confidence.
North Face Hiking Shoes Fit and Sizing
Finding the perfect fit is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience. The Vectiv Futurelight shoes come with a secure lace-up system that allowed for precise adjustments, ensuring a snug fit tailored to your individual needs. The shoes provide plenty of width in the toe width, preventing any crunching or aching fro unneeded pressure on the sides of the foot. Even if you have wider feet, you should find the Vectiv Futurelights to be plenty comfortable.
I am usually 9.5 with most my footwear and I stuck with the same sizing on these as well. Some people, who enjoy wearing thicker shoes or layers may find going up a half size to be better fit for them. Otherwise, I would say to go with your standard sizing.
Final Thoughts on the North Face Vectiv Futurelight Hiking Shoes Footwear Review
The North Face Vectiv Futurelight is a trailblazing hiking shoe that combines futuristic design, state-of-the-art technology, and unparalleled performance. From its eye-catching aesthetic to its remarkable waterproofing, cushioning, and traction, these shoes are built to conquer any trail with style and ease. This pair has become my go-to for all my outdoor adventures here in China. So, gear up, grab your backpack, and let your feet guide you to new adventures while embracing the unstoppable performance of the Vectiv Futurelight. Happy trails!
