Designed for hikers seeking a blend of comfort, stability, and efficient movement on trails, The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight Hiking Shoes in Black/Grey (UK 6.5) are engineered to enhance your trekking experience. Featuring a rockered midsole for forward propulsion and a stabilizing TPU plate, these shoes support long-distance hikes with ease, though ensuring the correct fit for your specific foot shape is crucial for optimal performance.
Futurelight™ Membrane: A waterproof and breathable membrane keeps your feet dry and comfortable in various weather conditions by repelling water while allowing moisture vapor to escape.
Vectiv™ Rocker Midsole Geometry: Engineered to create a long-lasting forward thrust, this innovative design promotes efficient foot strike and helps propel you forward, reducing fatigue on long hikes.
Highly Elastic Single-Density EVA Midsole: Provides superior cushioning and responsiveness, absorbing impact and returning energy to keep your steps springy and comfortable throughout your trek.
Single-Density 3D TPU Plate: Positioned under the forefoot, this plate offers multi-directional stability and protection from sharp objects, enhancing confidence on uneven terrain.
Finely Coordinated Lacing System: A double row of perforated eyelets allows for precise and customizable lacing, ensuring a secure and personalized fit to prevent slippage and discomfort.
Enhanced Forward Momentum: The rocker geometry helps maintain a steady pace with less effort.
Superior Underfoot Stability: The 3D TPU plate provides confidence on varied and challenging surfaces.
All-Weather Protection: Futurelight™ technology ensures feet stay dry and comfortable.
Customizable Fit: Double-row lacing system allows for fine-tuned adjustment.
Comfortable Cushioning: EVA midsole offers long-lasting shock absorption and comfort.
Specific Sizing: As a UK 6.5, ensure this size is appropriate for your foot, potentially leaving less room for thick hiking socks if not considered.
Initial Stiffness: Like many hiking shoes, a short break-in period might be beneficial to adapt to the foot's contours and midsole feel.
Ventilation in Extreme Heat: While breathable, waterproof membranes can sometimes limit maximum airflow compared to non-waterproof alternatives in very hot, dry conditions.
Enhanced Forward Momentum: The rocker geometry helps maintain a steady pace with less effort.
Superior Underfoot Stability: The 3D TPU plate provides confidence on varied and challenging surfaces.
All-Weather Protection: Futurelight™ technology ensures feet stay dry and comfortable.
Customizable Fit: Double-row lacing system allows for fine-tuned adjustment.
Comfortable Cushioning: EVA midsole offers long-lasting shock absorption and comfort.
Specific Sizing: As a UK 6.5, ensure this size is appropriate for your foot, potentially leaving less room for thick hiking socks if not considered.
Initial Stiffness: Like many hiking shoes, a short break-in period might be beneficial to adapt to the foot's contours and midsole feel.
Ventilation in Extreme Heat: While breathable, waterproof membranes can sometimes limit maximum airflow compared to non-waterproof alternatives in very hot, dry conditions.
The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight Hiking Shoes are built for dynamic performance on a variety of trails, from undulating forest paths to rocky ascents. The Vectiv™ rocker midsole geometry is particularly beneficial for hikers covering long distances, as it gently guides your foot through its stride, reducing the energy expenditure typically associated with walking on flat ground. This translates to less fatigue over hours of hiking.
The highly elastic EVA midsole provides a cushioned ride, absorbing impacts from uneven terrain and sharp rocks, making these shoes suitable for day hikes and multi-day treks where comfort is paramount. Imagine trekking through a varied landscape; the cushioning minimizes stress on your joints, allowing you to maintain your pace.
Underneath, the single-density 3D TPU plate acts as a protective shield and a stabilizing force. When navigating rocky sections or shifting gravel, this plate helps prevent twisting and provides a firm platform, boosting your confidence with each step. Combined with the Futurelight™ membrane, these shoes are ready for unpredictable weather, keeping your feet dry during sudden downpours or when crossing shallow streams without sacrificing breathability during strenuous activity. The customizable lacing ensures a snug fit, critical for preventing blisters and maintaining control on steep descents.
Lacing: Utilize the double row of perforated eyelets to achieve a custom fit. Start lacing from the toes upwards, ensuring even tension across your foot. Experiment with different lacing patterns (e.g., heel lock lacing) to secure your heel and prevent slippage, especially on descents.
Break-in Period: While comfortable out of the box, it's recommended to wear your new shoes on short walks or errands before attempting a long hike. This allows the shoes to mold to your feet and prevents discomfort on the trail.
Terrain: Ideal for varied hiking trails, including dirt paths, rocky terrain, and mixed surfaces. The stability features are particularly beneficial on uneven ground.
Weather: Suitable for all-weather hiking, thanks to the Futurelight™ waterproof membrane.
Socks: Pair with moisture-wicking hiking socks to maximize comfort and breathability, and to prevent blisters. Consider sock thickness when evaluating fit.
Cleaning: After use, remove loose dirt with a soft brush or damp cloth. For tougher grime, use a specialized footwear cleaner designed for waterproof materials.
Drying: Allow shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or sunlight, as this can damage materials and adhesives. You can stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture and help maintain shape.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Waterproofing: Periodically reapply a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment suitable for Futurelight™ garments to maintain water repellency, especially after cleaning.