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Infinite Winning Potential
It takes more than just raw speed and endurance to win the biggest trail races on the SA Calendar . A runner also needs shoes that can not only handle the rough terrain , but also provide the best in cushioning , support , grip protection and comfort , and the North Face Vectiv Infinite shoes clearly do just that . After all , top trailer Johardt van Heerden wore them as he won the Hout Bay Trail Challenge ( 40km ) in very wet conditions in September , as well as the Otter African Trail ( 42km ) and the Cape Town Trail Marathon ( 46km ) in October . We asked him to share his thoughts on the shoe .
The North Face Vective Infinite offers a combination of a decently cushioned shoe that one could train and race in …
“ All my training and racing this year has been in the Vective Infinite . I use them as a daily tar to trail shoe on my normal training runs , but I also use them on more technical terrain on Table Mountain and in the Jonkershoek Valley , and I am very happy with how they perform , even on more technical terrain .”
The Infinite ’ s midsole features two layers of different density EVA blown rubber , a thinner , firmer ( black ) upper layer for support and a thicker , softer ( white ) lower layer for cushioning and shock absorption . The shoe has an aggressively rockered ( rounded ) midsole and full-length VECTIVE 3D plate made from PeBax , both of which are designed to push you onto your forefoot quicker and give you extra propulsion on toe-off …
“ The Infinite is a well cushioned shoe with a firm but responsive ride because of the plate , but that does reduce the flexibility of the shoe , which you have to get used to . The rounded midsole definitely does help you to roll through your gate , and the extra protection helps me with confidence to blast through technical terrain . I have also noticed the ease of transition from the midfoot stance to toe-off on flat ground and downhills .
The VECTIVE 3D plate also features prominent wrap-up tabs in the heel and both sides of the forefoot , designed to help keep the foot ideally placed on top of the midsole when the trail gets gnarlier and your feet have to work harder at exaggerated angles …
“ I ’ ve never had any problems on technical , faster descents , but have noticed that my feet and ankles are in really good condition and less fatigued after long runs or races on technical terrain , so this technology might play a part in this .”
The butterfly-shaped lugs on the SurfaceCTRL outsole look like they can handle any terrain ...
“ The Infinite works really well on dry , non-technical trails , and I enjoy their grip , even on rocks . I raced the Hout Bay Trail Challenge in very wet conditions and on technical trails , and was also really happy with how they performed on very wet and technical trails on Table Mountain .”
The upper is made from Matryx , a kevlar-woven hydrophobic material that allows good ventilation to keep your feet cool while also allowing water to escape easily …
Images : Courtesy The North Face
“ The upper is one of the things that excites me most about the shoe . It is really durable , and fantastic quality , and does not simply rip or tear . I also have not experienced any blisters or hot-spots in the shoe . Overall , I am really happy about the shoe and I definitely think this is a massive step in the right direction for The North Face . If you are looking for a really good day-to-day trainer and ultra-racer , look no further , as this shoe will not disappoint . At 309g , for a men ’ s size 9 UK , it is quite light for an ultra shoe , and light enough to still be quick and nimble on the marathon distance . The shoe will give 49 you plenty of miles and is really durable , which makes it a good buy .”