ISPO Award Winner 2025: The North Face Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3 trail running shoes

The Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3 was developed by The North Face as the ultimate trail running shoe for ultra distances, i.e. specifically for all those routes that go beyond marathon distance and mean long days on the trails. While the first two versions have already won numerous podium places in recent years, the latest edition of the ultra shoe features improved technology and adjustments based on athlete feedback from the brand's international team, based on extensive competition and training experience.

The improved third version of the shoe has newly integrated VECTIV™ 3.0 technology with a double-layer VECTIV™ carbon plate system and a lightweight super foam specially designed for high rebound and cushioning over long distances.

The Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3 is primarily aimed at longer activities and ultra-distances, both in terms of fit and cushioning. The wider toe box provides enough space to prevent pressure points, while the shoe fits like a glove thanks to a stabilizing support frame and integrated tongue wings. The jury was also impressed by the excellent heel support: despite its comfortable feel, the shoe stays where it should, preventing chafing and blisters. The seamless, breathable upper material also hugs the foot and is supportive, water-repellent, and quick-drying. 

A grippy outsole with 3.5 mm lugs ensures the best grip even in difficult conditions, ideal for technical trails, but also performs well on a variety of terrain types.

The sole construction is the innovative heart of the shoe, combining patented VECTIV™ propulsion technology with optimized high-performance midsoles and newly designed outsoles to provide runners with the best possible support on any terrain. The shoe's resilient nitrogen DREAM foam has been reinforced, meaning that compared to its predecessor, the midsole cushioning made from a high-performance PEBA/EVA blend has been increased by 4 mm. This brings the total stack height of the Summit VECTIV™ Pro to 37 mm. The rockered sole ensures a smooth roll, good propulsion, and an agile running feel, as does the 3D plate construction. “The stack plate system uses a full length carbon fiber propulsion plate embedded into the middle of the DREAM-foam midsole,” explains Brett Rivers, Senior Product Manager Footwear at The North Face, describing the sole's construction.

“Then, directly under the foot is a 10 mm DREAM-foam drop-in for added long distance comfort and the recycled carbonfibre stability top plate to give you added support.” All improvements to the shoe were developed based on direct feedback from The North Face's international team of athletes and have already been race approved.

The ISPO Award jury was also impressed by the overall package of The North Face Summit VECTIV™ Pro 3: a shoe that stands for innovative development with state-of-the-art technologies, ensuring real performance in training and competition

• Improved sole construction with carbon and TPU plates for propulsion and stability
• Nitrogen Superfoam for cushioning and comfort for ultra distances
• Grippy and durable outsole for reliable grip on technical trails and slippery or loose surfaces
• Comfortable fit and less friction thanks to strong heel support and plenty of room for the toes