The new Flight VECTIV (available in men’s and women’s) is a light, fast and responsive trail shoe with a carbon-fiber plate insert that has industry-watchers abuzz. Made for high performance over long distances and designed with input from TNF Team Athletes, the Flight VECTIV optimizes energy return and reduces impact to propel you toward your goals.
With a footbed made of 3D carbon-fiber plate surrounded by ultralight foam, the Flight VECTIV offers enhanced multi-directional stability and forward propulsion. They are also designed to cut down on energy waste. The stiffness of the carbon plate reacts to the runner’s stride, returning propulsion—ie, adding actual spring to your step. We found the Flight gave us extra oomph when climbing hills. Making sharp turns on slopes felt more precise. And our heels (in the 3D-molded heel counter) felt very secure.
Our tester Amelie had the following feedback: “The shoes are extremely light and a bit hard to get in and out of, but comfortable and supportive….The shape of the sole makes the running movement natural. I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone who has wider feet than average as the supportive side design applies pressure on the side of the foot over time. However, the pressure on the side will probably lessen as I break them in.”
FEATURES IN A NUTSHELL
Reinforced toe cap provides additional durability
3D carbon-fiber plate underfoot for multi-directional stability and forward propulsion
Durable and responsive TPE footbed
Surface Control™ rubber outsole optimized for trail running
Reinforced, breathable-knit upper
3.5 mm lugs for a rugged grip across all types of terrain
Rocker midsole geometry engineered to create long-lasting forward propulsion
3D-molded heel counter for a precise fit
Reflectivity details for enhanced visibility
6 mm toe-to-heel offset
Upper: Abrasion-resistant and super-durable Matryx panel—made with Kevlar and polyamide—in the midfoot for stability
Dual-density midsole with ultra-lightweight and high-rebound foam.
More about the VECTIV series here.
TNF News: Exploration Without Compromise
As the world’s largest outdoor apparel company, The North Face recognizes its responsibility to protect the environment and leave our planet better for future generations of explorers.
This is why, in the wake of Earth Day, The North Face is proud to share new, actionable commitments that will keep them on a path of sustainability. From being more intentional and innovative in the way they create products, to helping consumers shop with sustainability in mind, to giving used gear a second life – these goals and commitments will continually hold The North Face accountable for lessening their impact on the places we all love to explore.
This is all part of the brand’s new “Exploration Without Compromise” vision, which includes – but is not limited to – the following commitments and announcements:
-More than half of TNF’s carbon footprint is generated from product creation. So 100% of the top materials used for their apparel will be recycled, regenerative or renewable by 2025.
-By 2023, 100% of the brand’s polyester and 80% of its nylon fabrics will be made with recycled content.
-TNF will accelerate the sustainability of operations, logistics and packaging. Since 2007, the brand has purchased carbon credits and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset emissions from their owned and operated facilities. They also offset greenhouse gas emissions from employee business travel, athlete expeditions, employee commuting and e-commerce shipments.
-They will eliminate all single-use plastic packaging by 2025.
Scale Circularity
In Fall 2022, The North Face will launch its own, fully circular apparel of converted franchise styles. They’ve also developed three specific initiatives designed to help combat waste and extend product life, including the Renewed collection, Lifetime Warranty and Clothes the Loop programs. Starting on Earth Day, for the first time, consumers will be able to send in their own, lightly used TNF apparel to become part of the Renewed program and engage more directly in the circularity process.
Acting Through Purchasing Power
The “Exploration Without Compromise” seal will now easily identify the brand’s most sustainable products on thenorthface.com and in-stores, as well as on Renewed circular products. To earn the badge, apparel, equipment, and accessories must be made with 75% or greater recycled, organic, regenerative and/or responsibly sourced renewable materials by weight. And if the product has a DWR finish, it must be non-perfluorinated chemicals (non-PFC) DWR.
More details here.
