New release shoes

Putting your next trainers through their paces

|| If you’re in the market for a carbonplated fast trail running shoe, these are a great shout||

BEST IN TEST TRAIL Shoes

THENORTHFACE Summit Vectiv Pro II

£140|Weight 238g|Drop 6mm|thenorthface.co.uk|TesterKate

We tested these fast trail shoes and found them perfect for both speedsters and those looking for a more sedate pace.

What are they for?

These shoes are for trail runners looking for speed on race day. I’d argue that these are also great for more recreational trail runners looking for a shoe that gives good energy return. Some carbon-plate trail shoes have been super-speedy but a bit too aggressive for more relaxed training runs but these responded well to both normal trail running as well as harder efforts when I picked up the pace.

The fit

They fit like an absolute dream! I am completely obsessed with the heel support system, which features little pads near the entry of the shoe. As a chronic heel-blister sufferer, these changed my life from the moment I put them on. They give me an extra comfy fit and my heels feel like they are getting a little hug throughout my runs.

The comfort

Really comfy. While I haven’t tried the original version myself, I’ve heard that comfort around the carbon plate was a bit of an issue. No such issue in these ones. The inner lining is seam-free, so there is no rubbing or chafing. I literally put them on and ran straight out of the door the first time, with no adjusting or wearing-in required.

On the run

These shoes have been my trail running go-tos for over a month of testing. I took them out on my faster runs, of course, but also more relaxed runs. The geometry of the rocker and the carbon plate provide a beautiful amount of energy return that feels noticeable but controlled. And as I pick up the pace, they respond well, which gives me a lot of confidence that we can get through faster race efforts together.

I was surprised at how good they were at more relaxed running, too. I wouldn’t dream of taking some of my other carbon-plate shoes out for slower-paced runs, as they feel a bit unstable. These, by contrast, feel supportive and comfortable. They give me a little bit of pep in my step, but not so much that I can’t sustain a more gentle speed.

I mostly wear these on dry days over rocky and stony terrain, but I did manage to find a morning shower to see how they handled rain and mud. They offered great grip and traction in slippier conditions, and didn’t slip when I was leaping over puddles en route.

Should you buy them?

If you’re in the market for a carbon-plated fast trail running shoe, I’d say these are a great shout. I found them to be more versatile than other carbon-plate trail running shoes that I’ve tried, which gives you more bang for your buck. If you’re more of a casual trail runner looking to level up your non-plate shoes and money is no concern, I’d also recommend these.