The North Face Vectiv Eminence Review: A Surprisingly Soft Trail Shoe at a Fair Price

Introduction

The North Face has been working its way into the trail running conversation, and the Vectiv Eminence feels like a genuine step forward for the brand. Compared with the firmerVectiv shoes from earlier years, this one feels noticeably different the moment you pull it out of the box at the trailhead. It is a neutral trail runner with a softer character underfoot, and after testing it on the trails around Colorado, it left a strong first impression.

At $129, it also lands at a price point you rarely see for a capable neutral trail shoe these days. The headline numbers: a 9.8mm drop (30mm heel, 24mm forefoot stack), a measured durometer around 33 to 35, compression-molded EVA in the midsole, and a final review score of 7.5 out of 10. Here is how it all breaks down.

Who This Shoe Is For

This is a long-run shoe first and foremost. The tester’s ideal use case sits squarely in the 10 to 20 mile range on trail, where the softer midsole compound pays off over hours on your feet.

Interestingly, the shoe weighs in at a somewhat disappointing number on the scale, yet it never felt that heavy while running. That is down to the midsole material and the energy return it delivers: heavier on paper, livelier in practice. If that weight dropped by about an ounce into the sub-9 ounce range, the reviewer thinks this would cross over from a long-run trainer into a genuine tweener for longer races such as a trail marathon or even a trail 50k.

Upper, Fit, and Lockdown

The upper uses a breathable performance mesh with what The North Face calls a protective tight weave, plus some overlay work in the vamp and toe box. The tongue lockdown is described as pretty much perfect, helped by flat laces that lay nicely across the top of the foot. The upper scores an 8 out of 10 overall.

There are two caveats. First, the toe cap is not particularly protective: pressing into it with a thumb gave easily, and the big toe felt rocks on steeper steps during testing. If your trails are rooty and rocky and you tend to stub your toes, another option may serve you better. Second, the heel counter could use a bit more strength for long trail days, where lateral heel movement inside the shoe becomes more noticeable. The trade-off, of course, is that a stiffer heel counter would likely add weight.

On fit, it runs true to size with plenty of room; there was no scrunching at all. One seasonal tip: if you run hot summer miles in thin socks, you might consider going a half size down, while thick winter socks may call for true to size or even a half size up.

Midsole: The Real Story Here

The midsole is where this shoe earns its excitement. It is a compression-molded EVA, which is standard fare in trail running, but the measured durometer came out around 33 to 35 on the scale. That is much softer than the 42 to 44 range the reviewer typically prefers, and softer than expected from the feel alone. It likely explains why the shoe felt far lighter underfoot than its scale weight suggested.

The energy return is good rather than spectacular, and there is a four-foot plate in the forefoot as part of the Vectiv design. The softer reading is a clear improvement over past North Face trail shoes, which leaned much firmer. If you have been disappointed by the brand’s older shoes, this is the reason to take a second look.

Outsole and Traction

The outsole might be the quiet highlight. It features Surface Control rubber that earned an 8 out of 10, described as pretty much perfect for grip. There is also a decoupled groove in the outsole that got specific praise, allowing the shoe to flex naturally through transitions.

This is also a shoe that commutes well. Pavement and concrete to trail is exactly the kind of mixed day it handles without complaint, which makes it a practical choice if your runs start from the doorstep.

Durability and How It Fits Your Rotation

The durability prediction is 400 to 500 miles, with a 7 out of 10 confidence rating. That is respectable for a daily long-run trainer, though a reader comment about the broader Vectiv range notes that long-term durability on some earlier models was questionable, particularly upper wear on the Enduris and fast-wearing low-profile tread. The Vectiv Eminence itself has not racked up enough miles yet to prove otherwise.

The verdict on placement: this is a 10 to 20 mile long-run trail shoe. The softer durometer is the reason it is exciting, but at the current weight it is not yet a speed-day or racing shoe. Similar alternatives worth considering include the Saucony Xodus Ultra, the New Balance More Trail v2, the Topo Athletic Terraventure 4 (a comparable category), and the Hoka Speedgoat 5, with the Xodus Ultra being the closest match.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The main drawback is the weight. It is a little heavy, and a 6 out of 10 weight score reflects that. The soft toe cap and the slightly weak heel counter are the other two compromises. None of these are deal-breakers for a long-run trainer, but they matter if you want a do-everything shoe.

On the positive side, the improved durometer from past North Face shoes stands out as a genuine step forward, and the $129 price is unusually friendly for what the shoe can do. Made in Vietnam, true to size, and comfortable out of the box, it is an easy shoe to recommend for its intended role.

Buying Advice

If your trail runs are long and steady, this shoe makes a lot of sense. It is soft underfoot, grips well, transitions to road without fuss, and costs less than most of its direct competitors. If you need a lighter shoe for racing, or maximum toe protection on technical rocky terrain, look elsewhere for now.

The North Face still is not in the upper tier of trail shoe makers, but the resources behind the brand suggest it will remain a player. The Vectiv Eminence feels like the start of something good, and more competition in the running shoe space is never a bad thing.

Conclusion

The Vectiv Eminence earns its 7.5 out of 10 by fixing the biggest complaint about earlier North Face trail shoes: firmness. The soft midsole, dependable outsole, and $129 price make it a compelling long-run trainer, with weight and toe protection as the main trade-offs. For 10 to 20 mile days on mixed terrain, it belongs on your shortlist.