Article by Mike Postaski and Jeff Valliere
The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 ($160)
Introduction
Mike P: The Vectiv Enduris 4 slots in as a companion training shoe to the top of the line racing model, the Pro 3. BREAKING NEWS - Seth Ruhling just won Black Canyon 100k (one of the most competitive US trail races) in the Enduris 4, NOT the Pro !!!
I started to formulate thoughts on the Enduris before the Black Canyon race, and honestly that result does blow my mind. In my mind, It’s indicative of one or possibly two factors: 1) pros can pretty much race in anything and crush! 2) The Enduris 4 is really that good of a shoe. Maybe a little bit of both.. Jeff and I dig in..
Pros:
Solid and stable ground platform Mike P/Jeff V
Vectiv rocker seems to want to just cruise along steadily Mike P/Jeff V
Wide, comfortable toe box Mike P/Jeff V
Not as much pressure at the toes from the front rocker as in the Pro model Mike P/Jeff V
Outsole rubber seems solid and more durable than Pro Mike P/Jeff V
Cons:
Rocker setup may not be for everyone Mike P
Less flexible due to rocker setup Mike P
Some arch pressure, although not as much as Pro Mike P
Most comparable shoes
Brooks Caldera 8 Mike P/Jeff V
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx Mike P
Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide Mike P/Jeff V
Summit Vectiv Pro Mike P/Jeff V
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 10.25 oz / 291g
Sample Weight: men’s 10 oz / 284g US8.5 , 10.9 oz / 308g US 10.0
Stack Height: men’s 41mm heel / 35mm forefoot (6mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 95mm heel / 75mm midfoot / 115mm forefoot
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Mike P: I went with my usual US 10.0 for the Enduris - I actually received this shoe at TRE (The Running Event) during their group run. I got to chat a bit with Rob Krar and Zach Miller, which was cool. My true-to-size is 9.5, but I find that due to TNF shoes usually having a rockered design, I like to have some extra space at the front of the toebox. I also have the Pro 2 in a US 10 and they were fine for a100k race.
Foothold and security is excellent - the forefoot area is nice and wide, leading to a slight taper up front, but not too much so no issues there in my US 10. Perhaps with a 9.5 I might feel a bit squeezed in the toes. The hold around the midfoot is probably the best part of the shoe. It really feels strapped to the bottom of the foot, especially with the slight contouring under the arch.
This is something I talked about during my A/B/C test and also early in my Shoe Q & A- due to the front/rear rocker, when your foot lands, the front and rear can sink a bit, pushing the center/arch area up. (This may be easier explained in those videos). Some may find this uncomfortable, but I do like a bit of arch support, so it works for me.
The heel area is a somewhat standard setup - nice padding around the interior, no funny business, no rigid areas around the collar. It just works well - I find no discomfort or heel slippage at all. My favorite kind of heel area - one that I don’t notice.
I do seem to get some small sand and dirt finding its way into the shoe. I think it may be the heel area which is slightly flared out. Minor issue, but something I’ve noticed.
Jeff V: Mike describes the components of the upper quite well. I reviewed the original Enduris 4 years ago, but somehow missed out on the 2nd and 3rd iterations. I liked the original Enduris at the time, but was comparing to the original carbon plated Vectiv, which I really had trouble with, so in comparison (performance and price) the Enduris was a much more practical and friendly choice.
The Enduris 4 is much much better, very modern and up to date, not super light, but a reasonable weight for all of the cushion, protection and performance that they offer. Stepping into them, I am impressed with how cushy and comfortable and the rocker is noticed immediately.
Fit for me is true to size in my usual US10 and I am encouraged how they manage to provide excellent generous room in the forefoot that one would need for long distances, while balancing with a very secure and super comfortable fit.
Contributing to the great midfoot fit are the ridged laces (crinkle cut as I call them), that securely snug up positively, one and done first try lacing, without relieving desired tension or feeling overly tight with just enough give.
While I have a narrow, low volume foot, I appreciate a bit of extra wiggle room in a shoe which is intended for longer distances, but only if reasonable security can be achieved and TNF really nails it here and feel there is no compromise in any way. Sure, if I were planning to go all out on a very technical route, I may pick a more slim, race fit lighter shoe, but that is not what this shoe is made for. If you find yourself in technical terrain though, I do not feel as though I really have to slow down though or exercise extra care, as they perform impressively, keeping my foot in place and the shoe under control.
Midsole & Platform
Mike P: The Enduris 4 does have a plate, but it’s not carbon like the Pro model. This gives it a more forgiving, although less dynamic feel. The Pro 2 likely must also use a softer, more energetic Dream foam in order to work with the carbon plate. The Pro 2 feels softer and pop-ier. The Enduris 4’s supercritical Dream foam feels less bouncy for sure, and seems to work to keep the smooth Vectiv roll going, as opposed to trying to pop the foot of the ground.
The foam itself is a Nitrogen-infused TPU, but again, it seems like a different formulation than the Pro. The stack comes in at a healthy 38/32mm, which is high, but on the run it doesn’t feel like a tall shoe. The ground platform is quite wide- especially under the forefoot - I measured 119mm which is in the upper range compared to other cruiser shoes.
I think it’s a combination of the very secure fit, and the wide platform that makes it feel closer to the ground than the stack would suggest. But of course the stack is still there, and the TPU plate is still there, so it’s a very protective shoe. I didn’t notice any sharp points getting through to the bottom of the shoe.
Jeff V: I agree with Mike 100% in his description here. I find the Enduris 4 be not quite as bouncy and propulsive as the Vectiv Pro 2, but it is a bit more forgiving in feel and overall a softer, less energetic ride. That is not a criticism though, as the more forgiving feel is very appealing to me for all but the most fast paced running and is more appropriate I think for most runners and certainly as a long distance shoe/all day adventure shoe, or daily trainer.
Despite the high stack, as Mike mentions and I agree, the wide platform really helps with stability, as well as the TPU plate adding protection and structure, without the more rigid feel of the carbon plate in the Pro 2.
Combined with the rockered design the Enduris 4 really just wants to easily roll along easily for mile after mile. The generous stack and softness of the foam is very forgiving and leaves my legs feeling fresh, especially on long downhills.
Outsole
Mike P: I can’t say for sure until I get some long term miles in, but the Surface Control rubber on this model seems to be improved, at least compared to the Pro 2 which I ran a lot over the summer/fall. There are definitely more lugs here in the Enduris 4 - and they’re in a more standard chevron-type shape. More rubber on the ground, which will probably lead to less abrasion at the edges and more durability.
Grip and traction has not been an issue across varied terrain. 4mm lugs are a safe bet here, increased from 3.5mm in V3. Due to the limited flex of the shoe, it may not be the grippiest in rocky and technical terrain, but that comes with the territory.
I’ve been running in a lot of soft ground conditions, snow, and even ice, due to the winter season of my testing. But I do get the impression that the rubber has been improved somehow.
Jeff V:
I find the outsole to provide excellent grip overall in the majority of conditions, loose dirt, steep off trail (to a degree), snow, mud, etc… not the best, but certainly the level of traction is solid and in line with the intention and purpose of the shoe.
I did find that in wet, mixed conditions on a steep, technical mountain trail with intermittent snow, ice, puddles and slabby rock with wooden erosion bars, had me questioning wet traction. I did not have any true slips or close calls, but my intuition had me going a little extra cautious. This was my 2nd lap on the same peak that I had just run in the Salomon S/Lab Ultraglide and I had not nearly as much trepidation.
I think with regards traction, the Enduris 4 excels in dry, less technical to moderate terrain, which is appropriate and in line with the overall purpose of the shoe.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Mike P: The Enduris is a total revamp of the previous version: stack is increased by 2mm, lug depth is increased, stability enhanced, all while dropping 20g in spec weight. I love knocking out long distance miles in this shoe. I mentioned this in one of my videos - the shoe just seems to want to lock into a certain stride/pace, and when you find it, the miles just tick, tick, tick away.
Compared to previous TNF/Vectiv models (not the Pro 2), I find the Vectiv setup a lot less intrusive. I remember trying one of the original black/white Vectiv models, and I found the round-ish feel underfoot very off putting. They seem to have adjusted that in their current model lineup, including the Enduris here. There’s more contact under the middle of the foot, hence more stability, and also, I’d say a more efficient ride.
If you take a look at the plate setup, you can see that it’s a combo plate/cage design with varying forks in the front and rear. I didn’t notice excessive tippiness on the run, although it is still a high stack, mostly inflexible shoe, so keep that in mind. But for me it strikes a good balance of the plate giving a nice efficient roll while allowing at least a little bit of feel side to side.
In technical and steep terrain, I find the shoe manageable, for its stack height and class. I could get through steep sections with some rocks and uneven spots, as long as I paid attention - remember, you have a very wide forefoot base and high stack, so you need to keep track of your foot placements. But if you could find the right spots, maybe slow down a little bit in extreme areas, you’ll reap the benefits when it moderates or smooths out.
The North Face is really on a roll recently - after finding their shoes lackluster for a long time, the last three models I’ve tested (Pro 2, Sky 2, Enduris 4) have all been fantastic and are staying in my rotation. Could the Enduris 4 even be a racing shoe? I was thinking initially that it could be a high value trainer/racer for those that don’t like the more aggressive carbon setups. I guess Seth Ruhling verified that idea, and then some..
Mike P’s Score: 9.48 / 10
Ride: 9.5 - Stable smooth and efficient, tad heavy still?
Fit: 9.5 - Excellent foothold, no fuss heel area, no toe pressure points
Value: 10 - Mileage hog, racer even for top pros ???
Style: 9.5 - Blue is ok, but love that gray
Traction: 9 - Good for the design, but rocker, less flex may hinder grip in some areas
Rock Protection: 9.5 - Nothing really noticeable
Smiles 😊😊😊😊😊
Jeff V: Agreed with Mike, again, and on all points. I think the Enduris 4 is the best shoe that TNF has made to date, at least of those that I have tested.
While I really like the Pro 2, it is a shoe that requires some speed, intention and purpose for it to shine, whereas the Enduris 4 is just easy going, easy rolling, enjoyable, accommodating, solid and predictable.
While they do not necessarily feel notably light, fast or in speedster territory, Seth Ruhling certainly bucked against that by winning Black Canyon in them, so if you are a fast runner, the Enduris 4 has proven that it can rise to the occasion. For most everyone else, they are a top notch long distance shoe with amazing comfort, fit, an easy transition to them and pretty good traction.
As Mike says, they are not ideal for technical trails, but they seem pretty well planted and secure, so I have very little hesitation running through technical terrain with a bit of care due to the over size of the shoe. It's not the most nimble). The North Face, as Mike notes, had struggled for some time to make a legit shoe, much less a line of shoes and I strongly feel that they have certainly caught up to the competition, if not surpassed many.
Jeff V’s Score: 9.4 / 10
Ride: 9.5 - Very smooth and easy transition
Fit: 9.5 - Very accommodating, yet secure and one of the best forefoot lockdowns out there
Value: 10 - Very well rounded, versatile shoe for most terrain, daily training and even racing
Style: 9.5 - Subtle styling, perhaps a bit understated and very classy looking
Traction: 8.5 - good in the dry and for intended use on moderate to less technical terrain, but perhaps a bit sub par in the wet.
Rock Protection: 9.5
Smiles 😊😊😊😊😊
8 Comparisons
TNF Vectiv Pro 2 (RTR Review)
Mike P (10.0): Described above, the Pro model is a half ounce lighter, its foam is more dynamic and works with the carbon plate to give a more responsive and faster ride. The carbon plate does feel stiffer than the Enduris’ TPU setup, and the Pro rocker is more aggressive. I especially notice it at the front, pushing up under the toes. The Enduris does seem to have a touch more “give” all around, seemingly allowing the foot to relax more, with less pressure under the midfoot arch. I’d generally say the Enduris 4 is the training shoe out of this pair, but after Black Canyon who knows? Comfort and smoothness may win out in the long haul over pure, energetic speed.
Jeff V: I find the Enduris to be much more forgiving and overall more pleasurable to run in, which, I think if I were running an ultra event, would be an advantage to me. The Pro 2 is lighter and more performance oriented, but I think you really have to be putting in a high end effort to squeeze all of the performance out of them
Altra Experience Wild (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): Another cushioned trail trainer option here - the Altra is a lot more flexible, with no discernible rocker setup. Your foot is left to its own devices which is Altra’s style. The 4mm drop Wild is much lighter, almost a full ounce in my size, but feels more squishy underfoot and less protective over long miles. I’ve actually tried a TPU insole and liked that setup for a bit more protection. Both are good options, but will appeal to different runners.
Jeff V: Similar experience to Mike. I find the Altra to be a fine option for longer, slower runs and despite being lighter, they have less of a performance vibe to them than the Enduris.
Brooks Caldera 8 (RTR Review)
Mike P (10.0): The Caldera matches the Enduris 4 in terms of on-the-ground platform up front, but the Caldera maintains it through the midfoot and the heel. It just has a massive footprint, and could be unwieldy for some. It’s also slightly heavier and the ride feels flatter - less support under the arch and no rolling rocker like the Enduris. It has a more spacious upper, and will likely accommodate wider and higher volume feet - although you can tighten them up and get good security even if you have a narrower foot. I was able to run quicker than expected in them, but I feel like the Enduris ride is more efficient overall. More details in my full A/B/C test.
Jeff V: Kind of a toss up for me, as I am really partial to the Caldera, but the Enduris 4 is really close. The Caldera is a bulky shoe, but I have learned to tame its bulk reasonably well on technical trails (definitely not their forte though) and I really sync with the fit, ride and cushioning for full days on my feet. While not a nimble shoe, the Enduris is a little more pared down mid and aft, which can help some in technical terrain. Both have great fit and are accommodating, while providing great foothold.
Hoka Mafate Speed 4 (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): The MS4 is softer underfoot, unplated, and gives more contouring over uneven terrain. It’s a more rugged and technically oriented shoe, but it can feel a bit sluggish in runnable terrain. The outsole and soft midsole soak up impact, but also soak up efficiency a bit. The softness can feel good though when you want that type of feel. This model is totally changing in version 5 though, so if you like it, try to stock up.
Jeff V: For me, the Enduris tops the Mafate Speed 4 in all ways, except for traction. The Enduris is much more stable, comfortable, responsive and efficient.
Hoka Tecton X 3 (RTR Review)
Mike P (10.0): The X 3 has gobs of PEBA underfoot - a softer feel, yet is still efficient and quick with its dual parallel carbon plates. It’s over one full ounce lighter than the Enduris which is helpful for me as a lighter runner. The Matryx upper is great, but the Endurs 4 actually has a more secure hold (of course at a greater weight cost). I’d say the Hoka’s Vibram MegaGrip is more reliable, but perhaps the new TNF outsole is somewhat closer. Major difference in price here - the X 3 is $115 more!
Merrell MTL Adapt Matryx (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): Similar style of shoe here with some key differences. See my full A/B/C test for full details. The Adapt is lighter, and also narrower - giving a more agile feel. Underfoot, there’s a rocker up front, but not so much in the rear. This gives the feel of the heel being higher and a higher drop even though both are listed at 6mm. Both have great arch support, although the Adapt’s may be less intrusive due to the heel also being higher. The Adapt is a fun shoe, since it feels so nimble relative to its height. Edge in stability goes to the Enduris 4 with its wider base. It also feels more efficient, but it’s heavier. Runner’s choice based on feel here.
Salomon S/LAB Ultra Glide (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): Still in the middle of testing this one - both shoes come in at the exact same weight, although I’m a bit snug in a US 9.5 with the Salomon. The Ultra Glide may feel closer to the Merrell Adapt- due to similar stack and on-the-ground profiles. The Salomon foam feels softer, with a less apparent rocker. I’m still working out how its concave spheres feel underfoot - more to come on this one.
Jeff V: Both are excellent shoes, but I favor the Enduris in many ways, especially for longer runs due to their more accommodating upper and spacious toe box, plus they are a little lighter and combined with the rocker, are easier to roll along the miles over the long haul. The Enduris is also nearly half the price and comparatively is a super value. The Enduris struggles a bit with wet traction, where the S/Lab UG excels in the traction department.
Topo Ultraventure (RTR Review)
Mike P (10.0): A big cruiser, but one strictly for smoother, moderate terrain. Although it has a nice midfoot hold, it’s very wide upfront and overall the foothold is not as good in the Ultraventure as the Enduris 4. It has plenty of cushion, the ride is smooth, but perhaps is not as efficient as the Enduris with its rocker/plate setup. If you just want cushion, with less ride interference, the Ultraventure is a top pick. The Enduris will give a bit more back though, and can handle more varied terrain as well.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
Mike Postaski currently focuses on long mountainous ultras - anywhere from 50K up to his favorite - 100M. 5'10", 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker - he typically averages 70 mpw (mostly on trails), ramping up to 100+ mpw during race buildups. A recent 2:39 road marathoner, his easy running pace ranges from 7:30 - 9:00/mi. From 2022-23 Mike has won the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M trail ultras, winning the Scout 50M in 2024. He also set a CR of 123.74M at the Pulse Endurance Runs 24H and completed the Boise Trails Challenge on foot in 3 days 13 hours, besting the previous record by 7 hours. Mike's shoe preferences lean towards firmer, dense cushioning, and shoes with narrower profiles. He prefers extra forefoot space, especially for long ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe boxes.
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
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