The North Face 2025 Fall Shoe Guide

Choosing the right running shoe is crucial for comfort, performance, and injury prevention. As the seasons change, it’s an excellent time to evaluate your current footwear and consider an upgrade. Our team of experienced runners has put the latest models to the test to help you find the perfect pair for your autumn miles.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the top running shoes available this fall. We cover the rigorous testing process our team undertook and explain why investing in quality footwear is one of the best decisions you can make for your running journey. You will find clear, structured information to help you select a shoe that aligns with your specific needs.

Why Invest in a Quality Running Shoe This Fall?

A good pair of running shoes is more than just a piece of gear; it's a vital tool that directly impacts your experience on the road or trail. As temperatures cool and conditions change, having the right shoe becomes even more important. Quality footwear provides essential support, cushioning, and stability, which helps reduce the risk of common running-related injuries.

Furthermore, a well-designed shoe enhances your performance. Modern shoe technology is engineered to improve energy return, promote a natural stride, and provide a comfortable ride, allowing you to run longer and more efficiently. Investing in yourself and your running means equipping your feet with the support they need to carry you through every mile. Your feet will thank you for it.

Why Trust Us?

ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts, including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure that the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature highly rated products.

Asics | Astral | Brooks | CEP | Craft | Diadora | Hoka | Kane | KURU | La Sportiva | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Salomon | Saucony | Scarpa | Skechers | Speedland | The North Face | Under Armour | Velous

The North Face Vective Pro 3

The North Face Vective Pro 3 is a high-performance trail shoe built for speed and precision. Featuring a carbon-fiber plate for propulsion and a lightweight midsole for responsive cushioning, this shoe is perfect for competitive trail runners. The SurfaceCTRL outsole provides exceptional grip on technical terrain, while the breathable upper ensures a secure fit. Whether you're racing or training, the Vective Pro 3 is designed to help you perform at your best.

I fell in love with this shoe the moment I put it on. My feet will be happy snuggling into this shoe for hours on the trail.

First Impressions:

Everything TNF claims this shoe to be is felt from the first time putting my foot in the shoe. Stability, cushion, lightweight and breathability are noticeable before I even hit the trails.

My first thought pulling the Summit VECTIV Pro 3 out of the box was, "This is a lot of shoe!" Given its high-stack design, it has an imposing, yet surprisingly sleek, race-ready look. The aggressive rocker profile is immediately visible. The overall impression is one of maximum protection and forward-focused speed.

Things We Liked:

The cushion of this shoe provides hours of comfort. While I want to save it for my longest runs, I want to wear it as a daily shoe because it's so comfortable.

My favorite feature is how the shoe makes a fast, high-stack, carbon-plated ride feel confidently secure on unpredictable trail terrain. An experience that isn't terrifying to run in off-road.

Areas for Improvement:

The heel provides a nice bit of cushion around the Achilles, however I find that I get a little slipping in the heel. Friction hasn't been an issue but I haven't found the perfect lace adjustment.

The stabilizing carbon plate wings dig into the edge of your forefoot/pinky toes on off-camber and technical downhills. This make is uncomfortable on long trail runs and leads to pain in the forefoot.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love the Summit Series North Face VECTIV 3 Pro Race Edition—it’s become my go-to trail shoe for long trail runs. The cushioning strikes the perfect balance between softness and responsiveness, keeping my legs feeling fresh even after hours on technical terrain. Its stability and grippy sole give me the confidence to charge through rocky descents and tight switchbacks without hesitation. Plus, the breathable upper keeps my feet cool and comfortable, even on hot, high-mileage days. It’s a shoe that makes every mile feel strong, supported, and inspired. I was hesitant to wear a white trail shoe, but the mesh outsole cleans easily keeping my shoes looking fresh and new, something I never expected from a white shoe. And the Flora Alpina design makes for a gorgeous shoe!

Specs:

• Drop: 6mm
• Weight: 10.3 oz
• Price: $250
• Category: Neutral
• Type: Running - Trail
• Fit: True to Size
• Ideal for: Speed, Long Distance, Race, Trail

Buy:

Our Comprehensive Testing Process

To bring you this guide, our expert team, comprised of seasoned runners and footwear specialists, conducted extensive testing on a wide array of shoes. We are committed to providing reliable and unbiased recommendations based on real-world performance.

Each pair of shoes was subjected to a minimum of 20 miles of running across varied terrains, from city pavements to park trails. Our testers meticulously evaluated each shoe based on a set of key criteria to ensure a thorough and balanced assessment.

Key Evaluation Criteria:

• Comfort: We assessed the initial feel and long-run comfort, noting any pressure points or areas of discomfort.
• Fit: Testers evaluated how the shoe conformed to the foot, including the security of the heel, the width of the toebox, and the overall lockdown.
• Weight: We considered the physical weight of the shoe and how it felt during a run—whether it felt light and nimble or heavy and cumbersome.
• Breathability: The upper materials were tested for airflow to determine how well they managed heat and moisture during a run.
• Flexibility: We analyzed the shoe's flexibility in the forefoot and its overall ability to move naturally with the runner's stride.
• Overall Ride: This is a comprehensive assessment of the shoe's performance. It includes the quality of the cushioning, the smoothness of the heel-to-toe transition, and the general feeling of the shoe in motion.

Asics | Astral | Brooks | CEP | Craft | Diadora | Hoka | Kane | KURU | La Sportiva | Merrell | New Balance | Nike | Reebok | Roll Recovery | Salomon | Saucony | Scarpa | Skechers | Speedland | The North Face | Under Armour | Velous