The North Face Vectiv Infinite 3 Review: Limitless Versatility

Introduction to The North Face Vectiv Infinite 3

TAYLOR:  This shouldn’t be a surprise at this point in time, but The North Face has confidently returned to their former glory of being a juggernaut in the outdoor performance biz. They have proved it with years of returning to form and blowing away expectations. 

Just this year, they’ve released multiple trail shoes that are in contention for the top of the podium in their respective categories. Their apparel and gear are actually pieces I grab for because they simply make me feel good on runs. Even special collections like the Flora Alpina line echo their desired existence within the space. 

This type of consistent performance carries high expectations – which is why I really wanted to get into their fourth major update of 2025.

Similar to many road running lineups, The North Face has pairs of shoes that are meant to complement each other for training, racing, and adventuring. For example The Summit Vectiv Pro 3 (ultra race model) and the Vectiv Enduris 4 share similar design and technologies. 

One of our favorite technical performers of the year, The North Face Summit Vectiv Sky 2, also has a buddy. The Vectiv Infinite 3 is built on the same last, has a similar foam concoction, complementary plate design, the same outsole, and a familiar upper comparatively.

What’s different is that the Infinite 3 has a higher stack (37/31 mm / 6mm drop) and a more robust build. This shoe actually has a unique construction for the current marketplace. There are not many shoes out there that have a more technical fit while being built up enough to go the distance. A few similar options are the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro, Arc’teryx Sylan Pro, and the Salomon S/Lab Genesis – all are primetime competitors.

What we like about THE NORTH FACE VECTIV INFINITE 3

TAYLOR: Versatility will absolutely be the theme throughout this review. 

The capabilities of The North Face Vectiv Infinite 3 starts with the overall fit. 

A familiar but more robust Dual Warp upper (compared to any other Vectiv model) laid the foundation. It has more material, more structure throughout, a finer weave, and a full-length inner sockliner. The semi-slim width through the midfoot/heel and semi-gusseted tongue notch the fit up even more. Then, a moderate amount of padding in the heel and tongue with serrated laces give the fit a chef’s kiss. 

The overall fit felt like a gentle yet secure hug throughout the foot – you know, the not too tight but not too loose kind of embrace.  My foot simply stayed put and remained comfortable. This is the type of fit that really sets a performance standard more than any other component.

Sometimes a more robust upper and secure fit can cause some irritation but I had zero hot spots or discomfort. Of course this fit reminds me of the Vectiv Sky 2. Other shoes with a similar fit are the Merrell MTL Long Sky 2,  La Sportia Prodigio Pro, and Saucony Peregrine 15. 

Durability is going to increase the value of this shoe as well. . I have no inclination that this upper will wear out with the strength of the Dual Warp TPU yarns and strategic overlays. 

Underfoot is what continued to set this shoe apart from most others in its categories.  This  shoe also received the Dream treatment with a supercritical TPU/EVA midsole. Even though there’s not quite as much character felt compared to the other Vectiv models, there is still enough to be fun. Honestly, I’m perfectly okay with this because the medium/soft density is one of my favorites for the tails anyways.. Since it is blended, you can get some true cushioning, a bit of energy return, and an appropriate density for running on technical terrain confidently. 

In some respects, this combination felt much lower to the ground than it actually was (37/31mm stack). I felt very in control of this ride. Even though it lands in the high-stack category, the Vectiv Infinite 3 could easily take on the more tumultuous terrain of the Rocky Mountains.

At the same time, the high-stack of Dream foam was felt in both cushion and protection aspects. This is absolutely a shoe I could go the distance in. Even on a 6 hour outing on gnarly terrain and 20+ miles, my feet felt just fine during and after.

Truth be told, it’s not just the foam influencing performance. “Vectiv” means that there is some sort of plate technology at work too. I believe this is what really allows for the array of performance and comfort. The Vectiv 3.0 plate is a TPU material that has forefoot and midfoot wings. Like the Skyvault plate in the Brooks Catamount 3 and 4, this plate leverages dynamic stability and encourages a smooth ride. I say “encourages” because it doesn’t necessarily feel uber propulsive, but it is certainly efficient. 

Even though this is a shoe that obviously leans towards the technical/aggressive side, the smooth ride makes it easy to run on relaxed terrain as well. The recipe of everything already mentioned and a subtle forefoot rocker made Vectiv Infinite 3  a true do-it-all-er. 

The only thing left to check off the list is grip, really. The Vectiv Infinite 3 has it. 41 five mm multi-directional chevron lugs of Surface Ctrl rubber definitely do the trick. I found that the rubber was quite tacky and the lugs dug into softer surfaces. They dug into scree, dirt, and stuck to rock nicely.

What we don’t like about The North Face Vectiv Infinite 3

TAYLOR: A common complaint among The North Face users is the outsole durability. While this new version of Surface Ctrl rubber has taken a leap in the longevity department, it is still taking a beating here in the mountains. The rugged granite takes no prisoners. My forward-most lugs, near the toe bumper, and the exposed foam in the midfoot/heel are noticeably disturbed after 30 miles.  The back two-thirds of the outsole looks great, though. If you live in a soft-ground environment, I wouldn’t worry about this durability, TBH. 

Also, while experience didn’t show it within my miles, the Dream Foam is noticeably creasing. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s losing life, it just looks like it. I do have my reservations, though, after how quickly the foam died in the Vectiv Pro 3.

Final thoughts on the THE NORTH FACE VECTIV INFINITE 3

TAYLOR: Versatility is one of the common denominators of the highest performing trail shoes of 2025. The North Face Vectiv Infinite 3 is versatile. This type of technical prowess and underfoot comfort is almost unheard of. Very rarely can a shoe feel so good on a subtle singletrack or high on the peaks. 

Doesn’t this all sound like what the original Hoka Speedgoat fans loved about the shoe? Exactly! The North Face Vectiv Infinite 3 is a one shoe quiver that will satisfy just about any runner on any terrain even though its bread and butter is the more moderate to technical stuff. 

If it means anything, many of The North Face’s athletes are using this shoe for more technical training and race day scenarios that may (or may not) include significant distances. 

At $160, it’s definitely one of the best value shoes available.

You can pick up the The North Face Vectiv Infinite 3 for $160 by using the buttons below.