For decades, runners have sought a shoe with the perfect combination of cushion and rebound—that is, plenty of both in a lightweight package. Leave it to The North Face, long a leader in creating the most innovative trail running gear and apparel, to come up with the winning formula for a midsole technology that meets the ever-changing demands of both trail and runner.
The secret sauce? The all-new DREAM maximum performance midsole technology, tested and designed in partnership with some of the world’s best-known runners. It’s made using a special process where the proprietary midsole foams are injected with nitrogen, causing the foam to expand and develop unique cellular structures. As a result, these DREAM maximum-performance midsoles provide a premium underfoot experience that softens impact while offering unparalleled rebound. “Dreamy. Too cliché? I have never experienced such a plush ride,” says The North Face athlete Rob Krar.
And despite the midsole’s low weight, it’s plenty durable, even for runners who rack up miles on challenging terrain. You’ll find the new technology in the Summit Vectiv Pro 2 and the Altamesa 500, both of which come in men’s and women’s sizes.
Summit Vectiv Pro 2
Best for technical terrain and race day
Get this purpose-built tool for the most demanding technical terrain. Designed for The North Face Trail Run Athlete Team to win the world’s largest and most difficult trail races, the Summit Vectiv Pro 2 features a 3D carbon fiber plate with enhanced forefoot and heel stability elements tuned for the demands of trail running on technical terrain. “The Summit (Vectiv) Pro 2 provides an experience of effortless forward propulsion—the tool you want for your next race day,” says The North Face athlete Jazmine Lowther. All this is supplemented by its DREAM midsole for ultimate comfort and propulsion. The DREAM rockered midsole effortlessly pushes the runner forward with every foot strike. Whether tackling muddy trails or high-stepping up ledges, you’ll be sure-footed with the Surface CTRL rubber outsole’s high-traction 3.5-millimeter lugs.
There are no sacrifices when it comes to weight. Per shoe, the men’s version weighs only 9.77 ounces, while the women’s is 8.4 ounces. A seamless upper made from 92 percent recycled material is reinforced with high-tenacity yarns for durability on technical trails. To keep out blister-causing grit, a seamless internal debris bootie made from 100 percent recycled polyester is integrated into the tongue. So, when race day comes along, you can count on the Summit Vectiv Pro 2 for optimal performance with all the rebound, propulsion, and cushion you need.
Altamesa 500
Best for long training runs and recovery miles
The Altamesa 500 takes a different route to reach optimal performance. The North Face product designers listened to its athlete team and heard the need for a comfortable and cushioned training companion to the Summit Vectiv Pro 2. After all, recovery and long runs are just as important as speedwork. “It is like my feet are telling the rest of my body, ‘Keep it chill today, enjoy the views.’ For easy or recovery days, these shoes are a DREAM,” says The North Face athlete Brittany Charboneau. The Altamesa 500 forgoes the carbon plate, relying solely on its plush, full-length DREAM midsole for maximum comfort. In combination with the outsole, that’s 35 millimeters of DREAM cushion under your heel for rebound and dampening against anything the trail can throw at you.
Weighing only slightly more per shoe than the Summit Vectiv Pro 2, at 10.41 ounces for men and 9.21 ounces for women, the Altamesa 500 is still a lightweight trail crusher. Its design is steeped in durability and inherent stability. A seamless upper made of 62 percent recycled material features a ghillie lacing system and padded tongue for a secure, comfortable fit. No matter how fast you eat up the trail, the reinforced toe cap protects both you and the shoe. And there’s no sweating uneven terrain. The spacious toe box allows ample toe movement, while larger 4-millimeter lugs provide go-anywhere traction.
The North Face was founded in 1966 with the goal of preparing outdoor athletes for their next adventure. Today it’s the world’s leading outdoor brand, creating athlete-tested, expedition-proven products that help people test the limits of what’s possible. To learn more, visit thenorthface.com.