The North Face Summit Series VECTIV Sky 2 Trail Shoe
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Summit Series VECTIV™ Sky 2 Shoes
Footwear · Ultra-Light Trail Racing
Lighter. Faster. Further. The Summit Series VECTIV™ Sky 2 are the lightest trail-racing shoes in the VECTIV™ line. They have full-length VECTIV™ 3.0 carbon-fiber propulsion plates along with proprietary DREAM nitrogen-TPU midsoles and SURFACE CTRL™ high-traction outsoles for top-level performance on any terrain whether you're training or racing.
VECTIV™ 3.0 Carbon-Fiber Propulsion Plate
Full-length VECTIV 3.0 midsole technology features a 3D carbon-fiber plate with a forked forefoot and heel — the fork geometry is race-tuned for forward propulsion AND lateral support, delivering enhanced stability on varied trail terrain; the same plate tech used in TNF's podium-level racing shoes
Lightest Shoes in the VECTIV™ Line
At 8.4 oz / 238 g (½ pair), the Sky 2 is the lightest trail-racing shoe in the entire VECTIV line — tuned for race day where every gram affects pace over dozens of miles; the upper, midsole, and outsole are all engineered to minimize weight without sacrificing the propulsion or stability the platform is known for
DREAM Nitrogen-TPU Midsole
Full-length ultralight DREAM nitrogen-TPU midsole — supercritical-foam technology delivers high energy return, reduced weight, and increased longevity compared to standard EVA midsole foams; the nitrogen-infused TPU maintains its rebound characteristics longer over the life of the shoe than traditional EVA, which goes "dead" after 300-500 miles
Rockered Midsole Geometry
Rockered midsole geometry engineered to create long-lasting forward propulsion — the rockered shape rolls the foot from heel-strike to toe-off efficiently, reducing calf fatigue over the long stride counts of ultra-distance efforts
25 mm Heel Stack / 6 mm Offset
25 mm heel stack height (midsole + outsole) with a 6 mm heel/toe offset — lower stack than max-stack training shoes (which often run 35-40 mm) for better ground feel and proprioception on technical terrain; the 6 mm offset is more efficient than 8-12 mm options for athletes with a midfoot-to-forefoot strike pattern
Lightweight Seamless Upper
Lightweight, seamless upper with mapped venting zones is both secure and highly breathable — strategic venting at the highest-heat zones (toebox, midfoot) reduces moisture buildup during high-output efforts; the seamless construction eliminates sewn-seam pressure points that cause discomfort over ultra-distance runs
Improved Heel Fit vs. Sky 1
Offers a better heel fit than the Summit VECTIV Sky — the heel collar and Achilles notch are refined from the previous generation to lock the heel in place during technical terrain without pressure points or slippage
Integrated Tongue Wings
Integrated tongue wings increase heel and midfoot lockdown for a precise fit on technical terrain — the wings extend from the tongue to bridge the gap between the upper and the lacing, eliminating the lateral foot movement that causes blisters on long descents and sidehill sections
SURFACE CTRL™ Rubber Outsole
Durable SURFACE CTRL™ rubber outsole optimized for weight and versatility, made with 10% rubber from smallholder farmers committed to agroforestry principles and regenerative agricultural practices — the compound balances grip, longevity, and minimal weight for racing
5 mm Lugs for Technical Terrain
5 mm lugs are designed for racing on technical terrain — deeper than the 3.5 mm lugs on the VECTIV Pro 3, the Sky 2's lugs bite into loose rock, roots, and softer trail surfaces while still allowing efficient stride turnover at race pace; the lug pattern is tuned for traction during the lateral braking forces of steep descents
Unisex Sizing
Unisex sizing — refer to the size guide for men's/women's conversions; one product fits both, simplifying team and inventory decisions for athletes and stores
Use
Type
Ultra-Light Trail Racing Shoes
Activity
Ultra-Distance Trail Racing · Skyrunning · Technical Mountain Terrain · Mountain Marathons
Fit
Race-precision (improved heel lockdown over Sky 1)
Gender
Unisex
Sizing & Dimensions
Sizes
3.5–13, 14 (refer to size guide for men's/women's conversions)
Approx Weight (½ pair)
8.4 oz (238 g) — lightest shoe in the VECTIV line
Heel Stack Height
25 mm (midsole + outsole)
Heel/Toe Offset
6 mm
Sole Unit
Midsole
Full-length DREAM nitrogen-TPU foam
Plate System
VECTIV™ 3.0 full-length 3D carbon-fiber plate with forked forefoot and heel (race-tuned for propulsion + lateral support)
Rocker Geometry
Rockered midsole geometry for long-lasting forward propulsion
Outsole Compound
SURFACE CTRL™ rubber (10% from smallholder farmers, agroforestry-sourced)
Lug Depth
5 mm (designed for racing on technical terrain)
Upper
Upper Construction
Lightweight, seamless upper with mapped venting zones
Heel Fit
Improved over Summit VECTIV Sky (refined collar and Achilles notch)
Internal Support
Integrated tongue wings for heel and midfoot lockdown
Technology
VECTIV™ 3.0
The North Face carbon-plate propulsion technology — full-length 3D plate with forked forefoot and heel
DREAM Foam
Nitrogen-TPU supercritical-foam midsole technology for high energy return, reduced weight, increased longevity
SURFACE CTRL™
The North Face outsole rubber compound optimized for weight, versatility, and traction on varied trail terrain
Sustainability
Rubber Sourcing
10% of outsole rubber from smallholder farmers practicing agroforestry and regenerative agriculture
Cleaning After Trail Runs
Remove loose dirt from the upper and outsole with a soft brush after each run. For mud, rinse under cold running water while brushing the 5 mm lugs — focus on the SURFACE CTRL™ outsole to prevent compacted dirt from reducing traction. Do not machine wash — the agitation and spin cycle damage the VECTIV™ 3.0 carbon-fiber plate, the DREAM nitrogen-TPU midsole, and the seamless upper construction. For the lightest shoe in the VECTIV line, the carbon plate's structural integrity is critical to performance.
Drying
Air dry at room temperature away from direct heat or sunlight. Remove the insole and loosen the laces to allow airflow through the mapped venting zones in the upper. Do not tumble dry or place near a radiator — heat above 40°C/104°F degrades the DREAM nitrogen-TPU midsole (reduces rebound), softens the carbon-fiber plate bonding, and damages the SURFACE CTRL™ rubber outsole. Do not leave in a hot car for the same reasons.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Loosely lace the shoes or stuff with paper to maintain the shape of the seamless upper and the integrated tongue wings. Do not store compressed in a stuff sack for long periods — the DREAM nitrogen-TPU midsole can take a temporary compression set if left packed tight for weeks at a time. The Sky 2's low 8.4 oz weight is achieved partly through the minimal midsole stack (25 mm); protect the midsole geometry by not over-compressing.
Outsole Lug Care
Clear mud and debris from the 5 mm lugs with a stiff brush or old toothbrush after each run — debris in the lugs reduces grip and accelerates wear in unintended patterns. The 5 mm lugs are deeper than the VECTIV Pro 3's 3.5 mm lugs, so they hold onto mud more aggressively; a brush with stiffer bristles is worth keeping in your trail-running kit. Inspect the lugs periodically for wear patterns; rotate left/right to extend overall life if heel wear is uneven.
VECTIV™ 3.0 Carbon-Plate Care
The VECTIV™ 3.0 full-length 3D carbon-fiber plate with forked forefoot and heel is the structural heart of the shoe — the fork geometry delivers the race-tuned propulsion AND lateral support that distinguishes the Sky 2 from non-plated competitors. Avoid prolonged heat exposure (radiators, hot cars, saunas) — heat above 60°C/140°F can weaken the plate/midsole bond. If the plate starts to feel loose or makes a clicking sound against the midsole, the midsole foam has worn through and the plate is no longer supported — the shoe is at end-of-life.
DREAM Midsole Foam Care
DREAM nitrogen-TPU foam is more durable than standard EVA but it's still susceptible to compression set over many hundreds of miles. Track your mileage — at 8.4 oz / 238 g per half-pair, the Sky 2 is built for race day, not daily training. Most athletes rotate a training shoe with a race shoe; expect 200-400 miles of meaningful race-day performance before the foam's rebound characteristics degrade enough to warrant replacement. If the shoes feel "flat" or you've noticed increased leg fatigue at distances that used to feel manageable, the foam is likely worn out.
Mapped Venting Zones Care
The lightweight seamless upper has mapped venting zones at the highest-heat areas (toebox, midfoot) — these vents are designed to release moisture vapor during high-output efforts. Rinse with fresh water after running on salt or chlorinated surfaces — salt crystals and chlorine dry out the mesh fibers and reduce the venting effectiveness. If the upper feels like it's holding more heat than it used to, the vents may be clogged with body-oil residue; hand-wash with a tiny amount of mild technical cleaner, then rinse thoroughly.
Integrated Tongue Wings
The integrated tongue wings extend from the tongue to bridge the gap between the upper and the lacing — this is the critical feature for heel and midfoot lockdown on technical terrain. Don't overtighten the laces at the top eyelets — this compresses the tongue wings against the ankle tendons and can cause discomfort on long descents. If you feel the wings digging in, loosen the top eyelet and re-lace using the runner's loop technique.
Race-Day Prep
For race day, lace the shoes a notch tighter than training runs to lock the foot in place during high-intensity efforts. Test the lacing system on a shake-out run the week before — never race in untested footwear. The Sky 2 is built for racing on technical terrain; if you're racing on smooth, hard-packed surfaces, the VECTIV Pro 3 (with 3.5 mm lugs) is a better match. Apply body glide or trail-running-specific anti-chafe balm to the heel collar, the tongue wings, and the inside of the toebox before long ultras.
Replacement Indicators
Replace the Sky 2 when any of these are true: (1) the midsole foam feels flat or "dead" compared to a new pair, (2) the SURFACE CTRL™ outsole 5 mm lugs are worn smooth in the high-impact zones (heel, lateral forefoot), (3) the seamless upper has visible abrasion, (4) the VECTIV™ 3.0 carbon-fiber plate starts to flex differently than when new or makes a clicking sound against the midsole, (5) you can feel rocks and roots through the midsole that you couldn't feel before. At 8.4 oz, this shoe is purpose-built for race day — don't expect daily training mileage from it.
Storage (Off-Season)
For off-season storage, clean the shoes thoroughly, remove the insoles, and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Stuff with paper or use a shoe tree to maintain the shape of the seamless upper and the integrated tongue wings. Avoid plastic bags or airtight containers — the DREAM nitrogen-TPU midsole can off-gas slightly when new, and trapping that moisture in an airtight container can promote mildew on the insole and odor in the upper.
Shipping Policy
Components:
All component items (wheels, drivetrains, suspension, brakes, etc.) ship within 2-5 business days of purchase.
Bicycles:
Complete bikes typically ship within 2–3 weeks due to build, tuning, and inspection times. You will receive tracking information as soon as your order is ready to ship.
Riding Gear & Apparel:
Riding gear and apparel orders (helmets, jerseys, gloves, etc.) ship within 2-5 business days.
Returns & Exchanges:
If you received the wrong size or wish to exchange an item, it must be returned in original condition—unused, uninstalled, and with all packaging intact.
For full details, please see our Refund Policy before initiating a return.
