Field tested – 21/10/2024

When I received The North Face VECTIV™ Exploris 2 Mid FUTURELIGHT™ Leather Boots the day before our departure for the Swiss Alps, I was both excited and hesitant. Could these boots, with no break-in period, really perform on the intense Haute Route trek? Though I didn’t wear them for the full 14-day hike (I stuck to my tried-and-true boots for the most technical sections), I put them to the test on day hikes before and after our trek, as well as on some of the less technical days during our journey. After covering rugged terrain and variable conditions, here’s what I found.

First Impressions: Style Meets Performance

Right out of the box, the taupe green/asphalt grey color immediately caught my eye. I was drawn to these boots because of their modern, sleek look, blending an urban aesthetic with the technical features of a hiking boot. Unlike the bulky appearance of traditional hiking footwear, these boots look more like a stylish city shoe, yet they delivered top-notch performance on the trail. This versatile design is perfect for those who want a boot that transitions easily from the mountains to casual days in town.

Comfort & Fit: Out-of-the-Box Ready

One of the standout features of the VECTIV Exploris 2 boots is their VECTIV 2.0 rockered midsole, designed to propel you forward with every step. Initially, I chuckled at this claim (I mean, what a bonus), but when I first put them on, I genuinely felt like I was walking faster. Combined with the Superfoam cushioning, this midsole structure absorbs impact and reduces foot fatigue, making long days on your feet far more comfortable. The rockered midsole features a forked heel and forefoot with a TPU plate that enhances lateral stability, allowing the boots to tackle uneven terrain with ease.

Additionally, the boots are built on an updated D-width last, making them suitable for a broader range of foot shapes. This wider fit, along with the premium EVA foam midsole, makes the boots comfortable from the first step. The midsole also features a 2 mm greater stack height compared to previous versions, providing additional cushioning and shock absorption.

Performance on the Trail

Though I didn’t use these boots for the entire 14-day Haute Route trek, they saw plenty of action during day hikes and on less technical segments of the journey. Here’s how they performed across various trail conditions:

Grip & Traction: The SurfaceCTRL™ rubber outsole was a key asset on the trail. Equipped with 4 mm lugs, the outsole provided excellent traction across different surfaces, from slick rocks to muddy paths and occasional snow. Whether scrambling over loose rocks or navigating damp roots, the boots delivered reliable grip.
Waterproofing: While no boot is completely waterproof, the FUTURELIGHT™ membrane in the VECTIV Exploris 2 came close. Even after several hours hiking in rainy weather, my feet stayed completely dry, a testament to the membrane’s breathability and waterproofing abilities. The breathable-waterproof FUTURELIGHT™ membrane excelled at keeping water out while preventing sweat buildup inside, an essential feature for multi-day treks in unpredictable weather, especially for someone like me who often has sweaty feet.
Support & Stability: One of the most impressive elements of the VECTIV Exploris 2 boots is the balance between weight and stability. The mid-cut design provides excellent ankle support without feeling overly restrictive, even with a moderately heavy pack. The VECTIV 2.0 technology, combined with the broader platform below the foot, ensures that the boots maintain inherent stability, especially on uneven or rocky terrain. While I noticed a slight reduction in foot protection when crossing jagged rocks compared to bulkier boots, the lightweight design more than compensated in terms of comfort and reduced fatigue.

Lightweight Design: Balancing Comfort and Durability

At 458 grams per shoe, the VECTIV Exploris 2 boots strike a good balance between weight and durability. They feel lighter than traditional hiking boots, making them an ideal choice for those looking to minimise pack weight without sacrificing waterproofing or comfort. However, I did notice some wear on the outsole after about a month of use, especially in high-wear areas and the toe-box, likely due to the grippy SurfaceCTRL™ rubber compound. The lightweight design and softer materials seem to come with the trade-off of slightly reduced longevity on more aggressive terrain. So, if you enjoy tackling rocky scrambles, just be mindful of this trade-off.

Versatility: Trail to Town, No Problem

One of the biggest advantages of the VECTIV Exploris 2 boots is their versatility. With a sleek, modern design and durable construction, these boots look just as good strolling through city streets as they do trekking across mountain trails. During the Haute Route trek, they often served as my evening shoes when I hadn’t been wearing them that day. The leather upper adds an aesthetic edge while still providing the ruggedness needed for outdoor adventures. If you’re someone who splits time between urban environments and hiking trails, these boots offer the perfect mix of style and function.

Drawbacks: A Little Something to Consider

One aspect of the VECTIV Exploris 2 boots that I found less favorable was the little diamond-shaped gap in the sole. When traversing through mud, this feature created a suction effect, making it feel like my foot was sticking to the ground, accompanied by an annoying squelching sound. While this issue is relatively minor in the grand scheme of things, it does detract from the overall feeling of stability in slippery conditions, and it’s certainly something I wish had been addressed in the design.

Additionally, the streamlined collar and generous midsole cushioning, while enhancing comfort, may lead to reduced stability compared to traditional hiking boots, especially on technical terrain or when carrying a heavy load. Although the leather upper offers some ruggedness, it doesn’t provide the same level of durability and protection as a more robust leather boot. After a month of heavy use, I also noticed some wear on the rubber outsole and toe-box, which could be a concern for those tackling aggressive terrains frequently. These considerations are worth noting for anyone evaluating the boots for more demanding hikes.

A Well-Balanced Boot for Multi-Day Treks and Day Hikes

The North Face VECTIV™ Exploris 2 Mid FUTURELIGHT™ Leather Boots excel where it matters most—comfort, waterproofing, grip, and breathability. Straight out of the box, they’re ready to tackle a variety of terrains, offering reliable performance on both day hikes and less technical segments of multi-day treks. While they may not withstand extreme rock scrambling or be fully ‘waterproof’ during deep water crossings, they’re an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight, stylish boot that performs well across diverse conditions.

If you’re looking for a boot that can transition seamlessly from the trail to the city, the VECTIV Exploris 2 delivers a great blend of modern design and outdoor performance.

Technical Specifications

Details:

VECTIV 2.0 technology: Propulsive TPU plate for lateral stability and a rockered midsole for forward propulsion.
SurfaceCTRL™ rubber outsole: Durable rubber with 4 mm lugs for excellent traction on various surfaces.
Leather upper: Sourced from Leather Working Group-certified tanneries.
FUTURELIGHT™ membrane: Breathable and waterproof for protection in wet conditions.
D-width last: Accommodates a wide range of foot shapes for a more comfortable fit.
Midsole: Made with premium EVA foam and a 2 mm greater stack height compared to previous models.
Platform: Broader base for inherent stability on uneven terrain.

Weight: 458g per shoe.