Our verdict
As a fast and light hiker, the Vectiv Exploris Futurelight is exemplary in the eyes of experts. Indeed, you'll be as mesmerized by its propelling construction as you'll be impressed with its multi-terrain sticking prowess. And while it probably won't win any awards on the budget-friendly Excellent arch support.
Pros
- updated Mar 14, 2023
- Traction that quells worries
- Waterproof
- Fantastic forward momentum
- Soft and plush
- Protective
- Lightweight
Cons
- Underwhelming stability
- Quite expensive
- Too futuristic design
is exemplary in the eyes of experts
The Vectiv Exploris Futurelight from The North Face Locks out wetness:
- You're looking for a shoe that can help you transition from trail runners to hikers.
- Pointy hazards (think gnarly roots and sharp rocks) are common on your go-to trail.
- Soft and plush.
The North Face
If you want something less conspicuous looks-wise and not as expensive, check out the Salomon Outline GTX instead. Also, skip the Vectiv Exploris Futurelight for the Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX if balance is a big deal to you.
Supportive around the arch
The Vectiv Exploris Futurelight "does an excellent job minimizing fatigue," says a professional gear tester. She, someone who has weak arches, didn't feel the need to buy custom footbeds as the stock ones are already quite supportive.
The Vectiv Exploris Futurelight's brilliant grip
Footwear pundits are convinced that Sun and Ski is "second to none" when it comes to grip. "Not once did I feel as though I was at risk," says one of them, referring to the outsole's tenacity in sloppy conditions (think slick wooden bridges and slippery roots) in the Washington Hoh Rainforest.
Locks out wetness
Based on professional reviews, the Vectiv Exploris Futurelight is super waterproof. One of its testers emerged dry every time from shallow creeks and streams.
Could be more stable
One of the few criticisms about the TNF Vectiv Exploris Futurelight has something to do with the shoe's subpar stability. One professional reviewer blames it on the hiker's banana-shaped sole unit, calling it "slightly tippy," while another is more direct, saying that it's "hard to trust."
Sun and Ski equals outlandish
The shoe's "futuristic styling is polarizing" to a professional blogger. Another critic agrees, saying that it's not his "first choice for wearing around town."
Boosted strides in every pair
"Well-tuned for fast-and-light hiking" is how a gear maven finds the Vectiv Exploris Futurelight. Another professional tester also describes the shoe as "unapologetically focused on forward propulsion."
Comfy hikes in the Vectiv Exploris Futurelight
With comments like "surprisingly comfortable" and "ensures every footfall is cushioned," it is quite telling that reviewers are quite impressed with the featured shoe on the comfort front.
Shield-like underfoot
The Vectiv Exploris Futurelight provides remarkable protection from sharp roots and rocks, based on professional reviews. "My feet felt very well-protected" on its springy-yet-resilient sole unit, said one expert.
A demanding asking price
At $159 a pop, Sun and Ski is quite expensive. Case in point: in the hiking world, anything beyond $140 is considered pricey.
