The North Face Vectiv Enduris II
A lively, supportive trail running companion and my favorite shoe
My well-loved pair still going strong
The North Face Vectiv Enduris II: Review
I bought the North Face Vectiv Enduris IIs on a whim during a sale at my local Sports Basement. As soon as I put them on, I became a massive fan and can’t help but rave about them to anyone who will listen. I’ve put them through hundreds of miles and at least one race, and my Google search history reveals a consistent interest in whether or not the North Face will unveil a road counterpart so that I can wear these shoes on every single run.
Here’s why the North Face Vectiv Enduris IIs have won me over:
➯ The Positives
Arch Support
What sets these shoes apart is their exceptional arch support right out of the box. For me, the arch support in the North Face Vectiv Enduris IIs rivals the expensive after-market inserts I should purchase for my shoes, but rarely do. Having my arches supported helps me feel more efficient and stable on the trail, and I’m especially grateful for every bit of support I can get when my form starts to fall apart near the end of a challenging run.
Rocker Design and TPU Plate
These shoes feel lively and fast. The rocker design combined with the TPU plate generates an addictive spring in my step that is especially noticeable on relatively flat trails and when climbs level out. I used to think phrases like “power transfer” were just fancy jargon (and wishful thinking!) until I ran in these shoes and felt as if I was being propelled forward with each step.
Construction
I’ve run toe-first into many rocks, so I very much appreciate the coated fabric across the toe box and generally sturdy construction on the upper part of the shoe. Admittedly, the stiffness of these shoes, especially compared to road shoes, did lead to some initial discomfort with my calloused feet, but investing in plushier running socks sorted that out. And despite not being waterproof, these shoes have held up well on muddy trails, which is a big plus when training during California’s winter months.
Design
I personally love the navy, purple, and yellow color scheme of my pair. The colors add a fun touch to my runs, and I also enjoy standing out a bit on the trails.
➯ The Meh
Traction
The traction, while better than a standard road shoe, falls short compared to my experience with Vibram-soled shoes, especially on tricky terrain. It's more than manageable on most runs, but I do notice the difference when slowing down to navigate more challenging surfaces, such as a rock face, which truly doesn’t happen often.
