Two years of intensive research and development has gone into the latest innovation from The North Face, channelling over 9,000km of athlete testing and a sturdy trail-friendly approach into the new Vectiv footwear system, best represented by the new Flight Vectiv.
The bold move is a clear response to the significant uptick in trail running around the world during 2020-21, when the activity took prominence over other forms of exercise during COVID-19 lockdowns. Primarily, this has involved making use of a carbon-fibre plate – an innovation that’s historically been used to help road runners maintain better form over long runs and provide better energy return.
Tuned specifically for the demands of running and hiking on varied, technical terrain, the entire Victiv lineup reflects The North Face’s reputation for unparalleled outdoor gear. The Fight Vectiv is the top-tier model, designed to reduce downhill tibial impact by 10% (compared to standard midsole platforms) to allow runners to log longer distances without compounding any impact.
The specific architecture of the Flight Vectiv consists of a 3D plate against the sole, the finely tuned signature rockered midsole, and SurfaceCTRL outsole. The structure is positioned so to offer superior stability, grip, and shock absorption without sacrificing any energy efficiency.
An exceptionally lightweight, protective, and streamlined mesh upper sits over the top of the plate, contrasting The North Face’s high-performance approach with equal attention put on comfort. The knit upper has a Matryx panel that’s woven from a breathable, abrasion-resistant blend of Kevlar and polyamide.
Seven key Vectiv styles will be launching this year, starting with The North Face Flight Vectiv and Flight Infinite dropping on March 16th. Pricing for the trail running and hiking friendly styles are set between $220 and $330, with all available from The North Face and select specialty run shops in Australia.
