The North Face Vectiv Eminus

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The North Face Vectiv Eminus: Review

β€œA trail shoe that combines comfort, stability, and traction for long-distance runs.”

Overview


The North Face Vectiv Eminus is a trail running shoe engineered to enhance performance on mountainous terrain. It is a part of The North Face's acclaimed lineup, known for its innovative approach to outdoor gear.

Key Features:

  • Midsole Technology: Features a single-density, high-rebound EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) material for cushioning.
  • Stability: A three-dimensional TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) plate and exclusive VECTIV technology work together to provide stability and energy return.
  • Traction: Outfitted with SurfaceCTRL rubber and 3.5mm lugs for superior grip across various terrains.
  • Comfort and Breathability: A breathable mesh upper and seamless TPU lining offer a comfortable fit and temperature regulation.

The Vectiv Eminus is tailored for runners who seek a maximalist shoe with reliable cushioning and grip for long-distance races. Its lightweight design and rocker geometry cater to those aiming for a dynamic and propulsive running experience.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just above the median price of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the The North Face Vectiv Eminus


The North Face Vectiv Eminus has garnered attention for its exceptional comfort, superior traction, and dynamic performance on mountain trails. Its midsole, constructed with high-rebound EVA and a multidirectional TPU plate, provides reliable cushioning and stability. The shoe's VECTIV technology and rocker geometry contribute to efficient energy return and propulsion, making it suitable for long distances. The breathable mesh upper ensures a comfortable and well-ventilated experience. However, some users may find the shoe's stability lacking on lateral movements, and there are concerns about the durability of the upper materials over time. Despite these critiques, the Vectiv Eminus stands out for its good build quality and approachable price point. Overall, it is a commendable choice for trail runners seeking a balanced blend of comfort, grip, and performance.

Comparable Shoes


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The North Face Vectiv Enduris II shares many features with the Vectiv Eminus, such as the focus on cushioning and traction. However, the Enduris II is known for a more dynamic and reactive behavior, making it a potential alternative for runners seeking a different ride quality.

6 The North Face Vectiv Eminus Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Offers exceptional comfort and superior traction on trails.
Features a well-cushioned midsole with efficient rocker geometry.
Includes exclusive VECTIV technology for enhanced energy return.
Breathable mesh upper ensures temperature regulation and comfort.

2 Cons

Some concerns about the durability of the upper materials over time.
Lacks stability, particularly on lateral movements.

In Depth


Upper

The Vectiv Eminus features a flexible mesh upper with 3D printed toe protection and thicker ankle materials, evolving from the previous Vective line. This design choice enhances the shoe's breathability and comfort, making it feel like a slipper on the foot. The upper's construction aims to provide a snug fit while allowing for temperature regulation during runs.

Midsole

The midsole of the Vectiv Eminus is noted for its 'super bouncy' and cushioned feel, attributed to the single-density, high-rebound EVA material. This component is crucial for absorbing shock and providing a responsive ride, especially on uneven mountain trails.

Outsole

Equipped with North Face's new SurfaceCTRL rubber, the outsole of the Vectiv Eminus offers serious grip, essential for navigating the unpredictable terrain of trail running. The 3.5mm lugs further enhance the shoe's traction, ensuring stability and confidence with every step.

Size/fit

The Vectiv Eminus is designed to fit like a slipper, offering a comfortable and secure fit. It accommodates runners with a medium toe box, ensuring enough room for natural foot movement without compromising on support.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Vectiv Eminus, with its flexible upper and cushioned midsole contributing to a pleasant running experience. The shoe's fit and feel cater to those looking for a trail shoe that doesn't sacrifice comfort for performance.

Cushioning

The Vectiv Eminus's cushioning is highly reliable, with the midsole's advanced compounds and technologies working together to provide effective shock absorption and propulsion. This makes the shoe an excellent choice for runners tackling long distances.

Breathability

With its lightweight fabrics and mesh upper, the Vectiv Eminus excels in breathability. This feature is crucial for regulating body temperature and maintaining comfort during runs, particularly in warmer conditions.

Stability

Stability is a key focus in the Vectiv Eminus design, with technology integrated into the heel to improve foot positioning. This results in a more stable stride, especially on uneven and challenging trails.

Grip

The Vectiv Eminus boasts a superior grip thanks to its SurfaceCTRL rubber outsole and 3.5mm lug pattern. This combination ensures traction on both dry and wet surfaces, providing runners with a secure footing in various conditions.

Who should buy the The North Face Vectiv Eminus?


The Vectiv Eminus is ideal for trail runners who prioritize a shoe with maximalist cushioning and a strong grip for long-distance events. It is particularly suited for those with a neutral pronation and runners weighing up to 75 kilos seeking a lightweight yet responsive shoe.

Who should not buy the The North Face Vectiv Eminus?


Runners who require a shoe with enhanced lateral stability may want to consider other options, as the Vectiv Eminus has shown a tendency to lean to the lateral side. Additionally, those concerned about the long-term durability of the upper materials might explore alternatives with a reputation for robustness. For those seeking a more stable ride, the The North Face Vectiv Enduris II may be a better fit.

The North Face Vectiv Eminus: What's it good for?


The Vectiv Eminus is well-suited for trail running, particularly on mountainous terrain where its cushioning and grip can shine. It's also a strong contender for long-distance races such as 10k, half marathons, and marathons, where comfort and endurance are key.

4 The North Face Vectiv Eminus FAQs


Is the Vectiv Eminus suitable for runners with high arches?

Yes, the Vectiv Eminus can accommodate runners with high arches, providing them with the necessary support and cushioning for comfortable runs.

How does the Vectiv Eminus perform on wet trails?

The Vectiv Eminus performs well on wet trails, thanks to its SurfaceCTRL rubber outsole and 3.5 mm lugs that provide excellent grip and traction in damp conditions.

What type of pronation is the Vectiv Eminus designed for?

The Vectiv Eminus is designed for runners with neutral pronation, offering a balanced and stable ride without specific corrective features.

Can the Vectiv Eminus be used for daily running?

While the Vectiv Eminus is primarily a trail running shoe, its comfortable fit and responsive cushioning make it a viable option for daily running on less technical terrain.

The North Face Vectiv Eminus alternatives

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released
Released
Jul 2022
Apr 2021Jun 2016Nov 2015Apr 2017Jul 2014
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Expert Review Score
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Weight
Weight
M: 298 g
W: 255 g
170 g
M: 269 g
W: 241 g
M: 249 g
W: 207 g
M: 238 g
W: 190 g
M: 213 g
W: 179 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
24 mm
7 mm
22 mm
20 mm
M: 20 mm
W: 18 mm
17 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
4 mm
4 mm
8 mm
6 mm
Heel
Heel
30 mm
7 mm
26 mm
24 mm
M: 28 mm
W: 26 mm
23 mm
Brand
Brand
The North Face
MerrellSauconyNikeNikeNike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Maximalist
LightweightLow dropZero dropLow dropLightweightLow dropLightweightLightweight
Techs
Techs
Nike Flyknit
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan β“‹
0

The North Face Vectiv Eminus: 1 Expert video review

The North Face Vectiv Eminus characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+1943)
TerrainRoad (+1316)Trail (+514)
UsagesDaily running (+1122)
BrandThe North Face (+13)
Support TypeNeutral (+1523)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1503)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1079)Heel strike (+1155)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1450)
Shoe TypeMaximalist (+519)
FitMedium toe box (+843)
MaterialsMesh (+883)
Events10k (+688)Half marathon (+688)Marathon (+688)
ColorwaysBlack, Black / Orange, Green, Grey, Multicolour, Orange, Pink, Tnf Navy Banff Blue, Tnf White Trail Mark, White
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Jul 2022
Measurements
Weight
M: 298 g
W: 255 g
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
Heel
30 mm
Forefoot
24 mm

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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