The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2 Review: A Carbon-Plated Trail Shoe for Hard, Fast Terrain

Introduction

The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2 is a carbon-plated trail running shoe priced at £225 or $250, aimed squarely at runners who race longer distances over hard, compact trails. It weighs 208g (9.9 oz) for men in a UK size 8, has a 6mm drop, and carries 3.5mm lugs. The headline story here is not raw speed but efficiency: this is a cruising shoe that helps you hold a consistent pace over long, firm terrain.

Fit and Sizing

In a UK size 8, the fit is comfortable from the first wear. There is plenty of room in the forefoot, and the ankle collar has a nice amount of padding that keeps the heel settled without pressure points.

One reassuring detail: the shoe was raced in a half marathon on its very first outing with no issues at all. The advice is simple: stick to your usual size.

Design and Updates Over the Vectiv Pro 1

The Vectiv Pro 2 keeps the qualities that made the first version a good fast-trail shoe, while addressing its best-known complaint: the carbon plate sitting too close to the foot. The redesigned Vectiv 2.0 carbon fiber plate now sits lower in the midsole, with more foam between the plate and your foot, which makes the ride noticeably more comfortable on hard surfaces.

Other updates include a recycled engineered mesh upper for improved breathability and comfort, an internal debris booty for protection, and a redesigned heel collar for better lockdown. The midsole uses the brand’s Dream foam for a high level of bounce, paired with rocker geometry for a fluid transition, while a healthy layer of Surface Control rubber on the outsole provides grip and protects the foam.

On the Trail: Where It Excels

This shoe thrives on hard, compact trails that behave almost like road. In a half marathon trail race over dry, hard-packed ground, it worked perfectly, delivering a comfortable, efficient ride without needing serious traction.

It is easy to picture this shoe in hotter countries where trails are dry and firm, such as Spain or California, where a road-style shoe does the job. The carbon plate is subtle rather than aggressive: you do not get the sharp pop of a road racer, but the plate helps the shoe turn over smoothly and keeps the ride flowing on longer efforts, making it a genuine candidate for ultras and trail marathons in good conditions.

Where It Falls Short

The Vectiv Pro 2 is not built for mud. On wet, soft ground the 3.5mm lugs simply cannot cope, and the shoe slips around badly. If you run in a climate with wet winters and soft trails, this will not work as your one trail shoe, and the grip and protection levels are not designed for tricky terrain.

There is also a value question. On fields and easy ground you get little benefit from the carbon plate, and at this price the shoe only makes sense when the terrain actually suits it. For shorter, faster trail events, a lighter, nimbler option such as the Merrell Matrix Skyfire may serve you better.

Buying Advice

Think of the Summit Vectiv Pro 2 as a specialist. If you race ultras or trail marathons on hard, rocky, compact trails in warm, dry weather, it is a very good option: comfortable, efficient, and pleasant to cruise in over long distances.

Comparisons favor it too. It is regarded as a better ride than the Saucony Endorphin Edge, which felt less comfortable and harder to settle into a rhythm in. The HOKA Tecton X and Tecton X 2, however, are still considered slightly better and more comfortable, with a softer, more enjoyable midsole. If you are deciding between them, the Tecton X 2 retains the edge; but if you want a comfortable, efficient carbon-plated shoe for firm trails, the Vectiv Pro 2 is firmly in that conversation.

Conclusion

The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro 2 is a solid, comfortable carbon-plated trail shoe with a very specific purpose: fast, efficient running over hard, compact trails in dry conditions. Buy it if that describes your racing, and pair it with a grippier shoe if your training includes mud and wet ground. For the right runner, it is an easy recommendation.