The North Face VECTIV Enduris 2 Shoe Review

Updated: October 12, 2022

The North Face Enduris 2 Offers Protection and Versatility for Long Trails

Likes

High level of protection with softer upper
Smooth rockered ride
Reliable stability and traction

Dislikes

Lockdown could be improved
Felt heavy
Less responsive than the previous model

What's New

The North Face VECTIV Enduris 2 is a protective, highly-stacked trail shoe that offers runners all the performance they need to get the most out of their long trail efforts. The dual-density midsole with TPU VECTIV plate promises excellent underfoot protection and a highly efficient ride that ensures consistent performance on every trail run.

The VECTIV Enduris also boasts a surprisingly high level of stability thanks, once again, to the VECTIV plate and wide platform, delivering reliable footing on even the most precarious trails. The newly updated, softer upper promises further comfort and security while rocking an aesthetic that will surely catch some eyes out on the trails.

The Bottom Line

The North Face VECTIV Enduris 2 blends plush cushioning with stable efficiency to offer a smooth and balanced ride that's perfect for long runs on the dirt. As the most cushioned shoe in The North Face's VECTIV trail lineup, the Enduris 2 is built to accommodate runners who want reliable protection, comfort, and efficiency over different types of terrain.

The Enduris' dual-density midsole delivers on its promise by providing quality protection that feels fantastic when paired with long distances and easy paces. The shoe's signature VECTIV plate helped create super-smooth heel-to-toe transitions, ensuring that runners are not leaking any energy and staying fresh deeper into their run. Though it is on the softer side, the midsole here is not the softest underfoot, and if pure plush comfort is what you are looking for, then there are cushier trail options, like the HOKA Speedgoat and ASICS Trabuco Max. Though, if stable protection is more your jam, then the VECTIV Enduris 2 will have you covered.

In terms of fit and feel, the Enduris' air mesh upper is comfortable and reliable even on moderately technical stretches of trails. The wrap provided comfort and additional protection from trail debris with the help of a well-designed toe bumper. Unfortunately, the lockdown around the ankle created some difficulty for our testers and could be improved moving forward, but this relatively minor issue did not interfere with the overall performance of the shoe, and the VECTIV Enduris 2 is well worth a try if you need a new long-haul trail shoe in your rotation.

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Our In-Depth Look

Upper

Risa: "As a runner with slightly narrow feet, I enjoyed the fit of the VECTIV Enduris, as it was narrower through the midfoot. I had no trouble finding a secure lockdown, and sliding around was a non-issue. I was a little worried that the upper would lack breathability given the VECTIV Enduris' emphasis on protection, but I did not have any issues with overheating while running in this shoe, and I always remained comfortable throughout testing."

Kaitlin: "The upper fits almost like a second skin, but with the lack of overlays in the forefoot and wider toe box, it feels spacious. The toe bumper provides excellent protection in the front of the shoe from stones and roots, and overall, the upper performed well against all trail debris. Unfortunately, the lockdown wasn't great around the ankle for me, and I struggled to find my ideal fit in the VECTIV Enduris."

Midsole

Risa: "The VECTIV Enduris 2 had a plush step-in feel, and the shoe's softness remained present throughout testing. It had more of a sink-in softness than a bouncy cushioning. In my shoe rotation, I enjoy wearing the Nike Terra Kiger for most of my trail runs, but I found myself looking forward to putting the Enduris on for long runs and hikes because it was so comfortable underfoot.

The VECTIV Enduris 2 was not super responsive, but it also didn't feel dead. It has a rocker geometry and TPU VECTIV plate for energy return to help elevate responsiveness, but I just did not get much from it. However, I don't need a bunch of responsiveness for cruising on my long runs or hikes, so the Enduris worked well for those purposes.

The underfoot protection was another highlight of this shoe, and I was always comfortable on my long trail runs. Although the stack was high at 38 mm in the heel, the shoe had a wide base and did not feel unstable."

Kaitlin: "The shoe feels very protective underfoot, but I would describe the cushioning as on the firmer side. It is not going to provide the soft, energetic feel of a HOKA Speedgoat, even though VECTIV is known as the "soft" shoe in The North Face's lineup. The Enduris' rocker geometry creates a semi-propulsive feel for easier turnover, but the foam does not feel like it has a lot of energy return. That said, given the fit of the shoe and rocker geometry, the shoe still feels nimble.

The level of protection the Enduris 2 offered made it easier for me to focus on the run, and I never had to worry about trail hazards throughout testing. I felt confident taking the VECTIV Enduris on my long runs."

Outsole

Risa: "I thought the VECTIV Enduris 2 provided excellent traction over the majority of my testing runs. Also, the Surface Control rubber has shown no signs of wear, and I see nothing to worry about in regards to the Enduris' durability."

Kaitlin: "I thought the Enduris' outsole performed well on a variety of surfaces and trails, delivering grippy traction run after run. The shoe was also a very capable road-to-trail option for me, and I had no issues running segments on the pavement leading to the trail."

Comparable Models

Risa: "The VECTIV Enduris 2's slightly softer midsole, rockered geometry, and high stack height make it more comparable to shoes like the Brooks Caldera 5 and HOKA Speedgoat. They all offer versatility and excellent protection ideal for long runs, but I do not think the Enduris is as soft underfoot as the two shoes listed above. It does deliver a similar level of protection, and I thought the Enduris felt more stable than the HOKA and Brooks models."

Kaitlin: "The VECTIV Enduris is a high-stack trail shoe, so the HOKA Speedgoat and ASICS Trabuco Max immediately came to mind in terms of comparisons.

The Enduris is not as energetic or soft as the HOKA Speedgoat, but it offers excellent protection and more versatility thanks to its slightly firmer footbed. Compared to the ASICS Trabuco Max, I thought the Enduris felt lighter on foot with better protection over long distances. Also, I thought the upper was more comfortable than the Trabuco."

Individual Thoughts

RisaOverall Score: 9/10

I did not know what to expect trying out the VECTIV Enduris 2, as I have heard mixed reviews on The North Face shoes, but it ended up being a shoe that I would happily consider adding to my rotation!

I typically like wearing the lightweight, bouncy Nike Terra Kigers on my shorter trail runs, but I appreciated the Enduris' high stack of protective foam for long trail efforts. It could also work well for runners looking for do-it-all versatility, as the Enduris has an impressive balance of attributes to meet the demands of various trail runs.

Some people may be wary of higher-stacked trail shoes, as they often lack the stability necessary to make runners feel confident on technical trails. In contrast to some other trail shoes on the market, the Enduris 2 has a wide base and an inherently stable design, so I did not find stability to be an issue. The Enduris 2 is a shoe I would happily recommend to those looking for a long-distance training option for the trails.

KaitlinOverall Score 7/10

This was a great road-to-trail model for me, and the Enduris also performed well on moderate trails. On more technical trails, I could not find my perfect lockdown, and I felt unstable on the most technical sections. I think having a gusseted tongue and a different lacing system would have given me the secure fit I was hoping for. I enjoyed the rocker-like feel of the ride, and the fit felt generous while remaining nimble. Overall, I think that the VECTIV Enduris is a quality trail option for long distances or for those who regularly like to go from road to trail.