The North Face VECTIV Infinite Review
Battle-Ready Trail Protection and Performance
Likes
- Super protective upper
- Excellent grip
- Fast feeling on the trails
Dislikes
- Firm midsole
- Poor traction in wet conditions
- Restrictive fit
- Rough heel collar
What's New
Plated shoes have started to hit the trails, and The North Face's VECTIV Infinite is intent on making a statement with its Pebax plated midsole design. These speedy trainers have all-trail, all-pace versatility thanks to their firm, responsive midsole and sticky rubber outsole. The Infinite is also designed to protect runners from any hazards the trails may throw at them. The secure and breathable reinforced knit upper with ultra-protective Matryx and Kevlar panels add to the rock-solid allure of the VECTIV Infinite.
The Bottom Line
The Infinite sits right between the Flight and the Enduris in The North Face's new VECTIV line-up. It is not quite as protective as the Enduris, but also not quite a fast as the Flight. Rugged and protective, the Infinite offers a firm, responsive ride with the combination of dual-density foam and Pebax plastic plate midsole construction. Unfortunately, the ride is surprisingly underwhelming in terms of energy return and is not as propulsive as you would expect from a plated shoe. However, the rockered midsole geometry does help roll runners through their gait and adds a level of excitement to these trail trainers.
Outsole traction is another area that could use some improvement moving forward. Although durable, the grip of the Infinite's outsole falters slightly in wet and sloppy conditions. Moving to the upper, the Infinite features a reinforced knit design with Matryx and Kevlar panels that provide runners with substantial protection from trail debris. The upper also offers a structured fit that locks feet securely in place, however may not be an accommodating fit for wider feet. Unfortunately, the ribbon lacing system struggles to remain tied, so runners may have to find a creative solution to keep these laces from becoming a nuisance on their runs. On a more positive note, when it comes to style, the Infinite gets a gold star, as the black-and-white colourway with its orange accents is sure to grab people's attention.
Bottom line, The North Face VECTIV Infinite is a mid-tier trail shoe that possesses a lot of high-quality features that enable it to handle a variety of trail runs and conditions. At $250, the price tag is a little steep compared to similar trail shoes with comparable performance, but runners will undoubtedly get a lot of quality mileage out of the Infinite.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium to wide | Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium to high |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.4 oz (size 9) | Women's: 8.9 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 34 mm (Heel), 28 mm (Forefoot) - includes removeable sock liner |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | Fits Large; purchase 1/2 size down |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
The VECTIV Infinite features a dual-density foam midsole that delivers a firm underfoot feel that is highly protective. A Pebax plastic plate embedded in the midsole contributes to the Infinite's firmness, which may be too firm for those who prefer plush cushioning for long trail runs. The VECTIV Infinite is a fantastic shoe for those who enjoy protective cushioning that does not inhibit too much speed.
Matt: "The VECTIV Infinite has a dual-density foam with the top layer being a little firmer. Between the firm foam and the plate, I didn't find this shoe to be too soft. I took it for over 16 kilometres a few times, and the ride was great, but I wish it was a little softer for my longer efforts."
Ride/Energy Returni
The North Face designed the VECTIV Infinite to be fast and nimble on the trails, but sadly it does not quite live up to the hype. The shoe is firm underfoot, but the plate is almost unnoticeable through the gait cycle and does not produce the speed you would expect from a plated trainer. On a more positive note, the Infinite does offer a smooth well-rounded ride that makes these workhorse trail shoes a suitable option for a variety of trail runs, as well as a functional road-to-trail option.
Matt: "The energy return of the VECTIV Infinite is not the most impressive, but the shoe rolls nicely from heel-to-toe. I have always loved shoes with rockered midsoles, so it is no surprise that I have really enjoyed running in the Infinite. The VECTIV Infinite is also designed with a plate in the midsole, which I felt further helped me push faster paces, but wasn't the most responsive plate on the market. Overall, I really appreciated the responsiveness of the midsole and had a lot of fun running in these trail-specific trainers. I was even able to hit some new trail PRs while testing these out, which is always a huge positive."
Underfoot Protectioni
Not only can the VECTIV Infinite pick up the pace for those who want to fly on the trails, but they will keep runners protected from trail hazards as well. The firm midsole works harmoniously with Matryx and Kevlar panels in the upper and the reinforced toe cap to provide runners with exceptional protection that will have no problem withstanding the test of time. Unfortunately, the Surface Control rubber outsole is not the best in sloppy conditions and does not offer the high level of traction seen in other trail shoes.
Matt: "I am never worried about my feet when running in this shoe. I took the VECTIV Infinite on some technical trails, and between the firmer foam and the plate, there was never an issue with protection. No matter what terrain I hit, I was confident and felt great."
Flexibilityi
The firm midsole foam, high stack height and Pebax plate all contribute to a rather rigid shoe, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Despite being inflexible, the Infinite's rockered geometry creates a smooth heel-to-toe transition that is fun for any trail experience.
Matt: "The VECTIV Infinite is not a very flexible shoe. Since the plate runs through the midsole, and the foam is decently firm, the Infinite is relatively rigid, but this did not take away from the shoe's fun ride."
Upper Supporti
Our tester found the reinforced knit upper to be more structured than adaptable, providing a comfortable, breathable and surprisingly protective wrap. Matryx and Kevlar panels throughout the upper keep runners protected from trail debris and add midfoot stability. Designed to be water-resistant, the upper also does well at keeping feet dry in wet conditions, but the Infinite could be improved to drain better when water does manage to get in.
Matt: "This upper is pretty cool and has some awesome materials. It feels strong and protective, and it really held my feet when I had to stabilise myself over some roots and rocks."
The North Face Men's VECTIV Infinite
The North Face Women's VETCTIV Infinite
Individual Thoughts
The Infinite stands right in between the Enduris and the Flight in The North Face's VECTIV shoe line, which is where I thought they belonged in terms of their performance quality. The Infinite is balanced between a speedy trail racer and a cushioned daily trainer. I really enjoyed wearing this shoe for my trail run days, and I always knew I was in for a fast, efficient and protective ride while the Infinite was on foot.