This guide is for outdoor enthusiasts seeking lightweight, protective, and weather-resistant footwear for fast-paced hiking and trail activities. The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight shoes offer advanced waterproofing and breathability, combined with a responsive VECTIV sole unit for optimal energy return and stability. While exceptional on varied terrain, users should ensure proper lacing and sock choice for maximum comfort on longer excursions.
FUTURELIGHT Membrane: An advanced waterproof and breathable technology that keeps your feet dry from both external moisture and internal perspiration, adapting to your activity level.
VECTIV Technology: Engineered to maximize energy on the trail, this system combines a 3D VECTIV plate underfoot, rocker midsole geometry, and SurfaceCTRL grip outsole to deliver propulsion and stability.
Double Perforation Eyelet Row: Allows for precise and customizable lacing tension, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit tailored to your foot shape and activity.
Molded Spandex Collar: Provides a snug, comfortable fit around the ankle, helping to prevent debris entry and reduce chafing, enhancing overall comfort on the trail.
Molded TPU Protective Toe Cap and Seamless Fender: Offers robust protection against rocks, roots, and other trail hazards, safeguarding your feet without adding unnecessary bulk or seams that could cause irritation.
Superior Weather Protection: The FUTURELIGHT membrane provides reliable waterproofing while maintaining breathability, ideal for variable conditions.
Enhanced Energy Return: VECTIV technology aids in forward propulsion, reducing fatigue during long hikes.
Precise & Secure Fit: Advanced lacing system and molded collar ensure your feet stay comfortably locked in.
Durable Foot Protection: Protective toe cap and fender shield against impacts on rugged trails.
Lightweight Design: Engineered for fast-paced activity, reducing overall shoe weight without sacrificing protection.
Specific Sizing: Like many specialized trail shoes, fit can be particular; trying them on is recommended.
Waterproofing Maintenance: Requires proper care to maintain the integrity of the FUTURELIGHT membrane.
Break-in Period: While comfortable, some users might find a slight break-in period beneficial for optimal comfort on longer hikes.
Superior Weather Protection: The FUTURELIGHT membrane provides reliable waterproofing while maintaining breathability, ideal for variable conditions.
Enhanced Energy Return: VECTIV technology aids in forward propulsion, reducing fatigue during long hikes.
Precise & Secure Fit: Advanced lacing system and molded collar ensure your feet stay comfortably locked in.
Durable Foot Protection: Protective toe cap and fender shield against impacts on rugged trails.
Lightweight Design: Engineered for fast-paced activity, reducing overall shoe weight without sacrificing protection.
Specific Sizing: Like many specialized trail shoes, fit can be particular; trying them on is recommended.
Waterproofing Maintenance: Requires proper care to maintain the integrity of the FUTURELIGHT membrane.
Break-in Period: While comfortable, some users might find a slight break-in period beneficial for optimal comfort on longer hikes.
The North Face Vectiv Fastpack Futurelight shoes are engineered for those who move quickly and efficiently over diverse terrain. The FUTURELIGHT membrane is a standout feature, making these shoes an excellent choice for navigating wet trails, crossing streams, or hiking in light rain. Unlike traditional waterproof membranes, FUTURELIGHT's nanospun structure allows for dynamic breathability, meaning it expels more heat and moisture as your activity level increases, keeping your feet comfortable, not clammy.
Underfoot, the VECTIV technology shines. The 3D plate provides stability and helps prevent twists, especially on uneven ground, while the rocker midsole geometry promotes a natural forward roll, making each step feel more efficient and less strenuous. This translates to less fatigue over longer distances or during sustained uphill climbs. The SurfaceCTRL rubber outsole offers reliable traction across a variety of surfaces, from loose gravel to muddy paths, enhancing confidence with every stride.
The molded TPU toe cap and seamless fender are crucial for protection. When you're moving fast, incidental contact with rocks and roots is common. These features absorb impact and prevent abrasions, extending the life of the shoe and protecting your feet. The precise lacing system allows you to customize the fit, which is vital for preventing hotspots or blisters on long days out. Whether you're on a multi-day fastpacking trip or an afternoon trail run, these shoes are built to support agile movement and provide comfort in challenging environments.
First Fit: Wear your preferred hiking socks when trying on the shoes. Ensure there's about a thumb's width space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe, and that your heel feels secure without excessive slipping.
Lacing: Utilize the double perforation eyelet row to achieve a customized fit. Start lacing from the bottom, applying even tension. If you experience pressure points, try adjusting the tension in specific sections or exploring different lacing techniques (e.g., skip an eyelet over a high instep).
Initial Wear: Wear the shoes for short periods around the house or on local walks before embarking on longer trails to allow them to conform to your feet.
Terrain: Ideal for varied terrain including dirt trails, rocky paths, light scree, and muddy conditions.
Socks: Best paired with moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool hiking socks to maximize the breathability of the FUTURELIGHT membrane and prevent blisters.
Activities: Perfect for fast hiking, trail walking, speed hiking, and light backpacking where agility and weather protection are key.
Cleaning: After use, remove any loose dirt or debris with a soft brush. For stubborn mud, gently wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap. Do not use harsh detergents or bleach, as these can damage the FUTURELIGHT membrane and other materials.
Drying: Allow the shoes to air dry naturally at room temperature. Avoid direct heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight, which can cause materials to warp or crack. You can stuff them with newspaper to absorb moisture and help maintain shape, changing the paper periodically.
Storage: Store your shoes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight when not in use. Ensure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mildew and odor.
Membrane Care: To maintain the water repellency and breathability of the FUTURELIGHT membrane, periodically clean and treat the outer fabric with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) spray specifically designed for breathable waterproof footwear.