After years of not running in a trail shoe from The North Face, we’re back for our second review this quarter. This time, we’re taking a look at the VECTIV Enduris 4—one of four updated shoes in the VECTIV 3.0 lineup. This collection covers everything from race-ready trail speedsters (Summit VECTIV Pro 3) to more versatile daily runners, which is exactly where the Enduris 4 fits in.
The VECTIV 3.0 technology promises a mix of stability, propulsion, and all-day comfort, making these shoes a compelling option for everyday trail runners. The lineup was recently put to the test at TransGranCanaria, so The North Face is clearly confident in its latest updates.
The Enduris 4 is designed for those of us who want a comfortable, reliable trail shoe that can handle long miles without feeling too aggressive or overly technical. It’s not trying to be an elite race-day shoe, and that’s exactly why it works—it’s made for runners who want performance without sacrificing comfort. The Enduris line has become The North Face’s flagship in this category, and with some key updates, it might just bring even more runners into the fold.
Looks
At first glance, the Enduris 4 doesn’t look much different from the previous version. It’s got that standard trail shoe look—nothing flashy, but nothing that’ll turn you off either. The colorways are pretty simple, which works if you’re not into loud designs.
Construction and Fit
It might look simple and straightforward, but The North Face made some solid updates under the hood. The lacing system has been tweaked with serrated laces that hold well, and the tongue is semi-gusseted for a more secure fit. They also added 2mm of stack height for a little extra cushion.
As for fit, it feels good overall. The heel has noticeably more cushion than the forefoot, which isn’t a bad thing—just something to be aware of, especially if you’re a heel striker.
Specs
- Stack Height: 32 mm (heel), 26 mm (forefoot)
- Drop: 6 mm
- Weight: 10.1 oz (US Men’s 9)
Upper
The new seamless Dual-Warp upper is lightweight, breathable, and durable. The overlays provide some extra structure without making the shoe feel stiff, and the wide-ish base helps with stability. It’s also made with 57% recycled materials, which is a nice touch.
Midsole
The VECTIV 3.0 Stability Plate is a key feature of the midsole, but unlike some plated trail shoes, it doesn’t run the full length. Instead, it stops at the midfoot, which creates a noticeable difference in feel between the heel and forefoot. The heel is softer and more cushioned, while the mid and forefoot feel a bit firmer.
This setup helps with stability on uneven terrain and reduces the chance of feeling too wobbly on technical sections. That said, if you tend to get heel blisters or prefer a more uniform cushioning feel, this is something to keep in mind.
The biggest change in the midsole is the switch from EVA foam to The North Face’s supercritical TPU Dream foam (Nitrogen-TPU). We saw this same material in the Altamesa 500, and it’s been getting a lot of love from runners for its blend of softness, bounce, and durability. It’s cushioned without feeling overly squishy, and it delivers good energy return without making the shoe feel unstable.
Another bonus is the rocker-shaped design, which helps with forward propulsion over a variety of surfaces. If you haven’t tried this new Dream midsole yet, it might be time to give it a shot—there’s a reason it’s getting great feedback.
Outsole
The Surface Ctrl outsole is solid. The lugs are 4mm deep, positioned at different angles for better grip on uneven terrain. Whether you’re on dry dirt, mud, or rocky sections, traction holds up well. Plus, the outsole is made with 20% rubber from smallholder farmers committed to sustainable practices—always nice to see.
The North Face might not be the first name you think of when it comes to trail running, but they’re making a strong case with the Enduris 4. It’s comfortable, stable, and has just the right mix of cushion and responsiveness. If you need a reliable daily trail shoe that can handle long miles without being too bulky, this one’s worth considering.
