The North Face Summit Series Vectiv Sky 2 Multi Tester Review: Ready to Rip! 10 Comparisons

The North Face Vectiv Sky 2 ($200)

Introduction

Reed: The Summit Collection VECTIV Sky 2, the quick and lightweight path runner/racer within the Vectiv collection presents key updates to its predecessor.  

The lug top will increase to 5mm (from 3.5 mm within the Sky 1). It drops a full ounce (28g) in weight as its midsole strikes from a mix of EVA and nitrogen infused TPU to all nitrogen TPU Dream foam whereas the higher can also be lighter. 

Designed to be the lightest race shoe within the VECTIV lineup, the Sky 2 sports activities a redesigned carbon plate and light-weight higher with simply sufficient TPU foam to cowl the plate. Sub-ultra path racers, this one’s for you!

Execs:

Very mild at 8.3 oz / 235g US9 and on the similar time substantial underfoot: Sam, Jen, Renee, Mike P.

28g / 1 oz drop in weight from prior model: Sam,Mike P.

Carbon plating designed for path: propulsive with out being overly inflexible and springy, versatile on the entrance and stabilizing at midfoot: Sam, Reed, Jen, Renee, Mike P.

Dense supercritical foam cushioning is reactive, and really protecting for a comparatively low stack shoe: Sam, Reed, Jen, Renee, Mike P.

Very safe foothold permits confidence on path: Reed, Sam, Jen, Renee, Mike P.

Elevated lug depth and single piece outsole extends v2 to extra technical terrain: Sam, Mike P.

Surprisingly easy driving on agency easy surfaces for a 5mm lug shoe: Sam, Reed, Jen, Renee, Mike P.

Higher lateral stability than most plated path sneakers: Jen, Reed, Mike P.Could possibly be the highest brief distance racer available on the market: Mike P.

Cons:

Most comparable sneakers 

Vectiv Sky 1 (Sam)

VJ MAXx2 (Sam)

NNormal Kjerag (Reed, Jen)

Brooks Catamount Agil (Mike P)

Merrell Lengthy Sky 2/Skyfire 2 – mixed (Mike P)

Salomon Pulsar Professional (Reed)

Salomon Pulsar SG (Jen)

Please discover the testers full run bios on the finish of the article after Comparisons.

Stats

Spec Weight: males’s 8.3 oz / 235g US9

  Pattern Weight: males’s 7.7 oz / 220g US8.5 (Prior Model: 8.73 oz / 248g US8.5) 

      8.7 oz / 248g US 10,

                                      9.3 oz / 263 g US11,

                                      7.21 oz / 204g US males’s 6.5, ladies’s 8

Measured Approximate Full Stack Top: 28mm heel / 22mm forefoot (US M10)

Midsole + Outsole Stack Top (not together with sockliner):  

v2 25mm heel / 19mm forefoot ( 6mm drop spec) 

v1 : 23mm heel / 17mm forefoot ( 4mm drop spec) 

Platform Width: 85 mm heel / 65 mm midfoot / 110mm forefoot (unchanged from v1)

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Reed: Earlier than even slipping them on, the Sky 2 have an in-hand really feel that screams RACING at you. I’d credit score that to the load, the colorway, and the texture of the ethereal however structured higher. 

On the foot they’re roomier than you’d suppose however safe snugly and simply on my slender toes. I don’t even get a lot bunching within the forefoot which is typical for me in any racing shoe. What’s notable for my slender foot is that the midfoot matches snugly with no additional materials in any respect bulging out from the facet. 

Wiggling my toes round, it looks like I’d perhaps really feel the medial winglet of the carbon plate within the forefoot (spoiler alert – I can’t really feel it). One factor I do really feel straight away is the heel collar – it’s stiff and excessive, hitting my ankle bone instantly. You possibly can’t assist however fear about one thing like that, particularly for me who perhaps as soon as in my life has had a problem with a shoe hitting my ankle bone. 

The heel collar has a considerate quantity of construction to it however isn’t inflexible. There’s a puffy heel cushion wrapping across the again of the heel – hopefully sufficient to maintain heels from slipping. 

The gusseted tongue is a skinny neoprene-ish cloth with a skinny overlay to guard towards lace chunk and has a butterfly form to keep away from biting into the instep. 

Jen: As Reed talked about, a shoe this light-weight and this neon is able to rip. It’s one of many lightest path sneakers I’ve run, on a par with the NNormal Kjerag and Salomon Pulsar SG2. What units the Sky 2 other than these sneakers is the full-length VECTIV 3.0 carbon-fiber propulsion plate, giving it a firmness underfoot that’s instantly noticeable. 

Out of the field, the match was true-to-size and ideal for my slender midfoot. In contrast to Reed, I by no means had any issues with the heel collar – in truth, I cherished the stiff, breathable mesh higher. 

The forefoot has simply the correct quantity of room to permit pure toe splay with out slipping round. I particularly appreciated the built-in winged tongue, which helps lock down the match and stays securely in place. 

Sam: Undoubtedly a race sort higher right here. 

The mesh is skinny, fairly stiff,  non-stretch and really properly ventilated, and I count on properly draining as properly. In comparison with the kind of “chainmail” 3d higher mesh of v1, it’s thinner and smoother in really feel though this isn’t a smooth mesh.

Lace up is impeccable and straightforward to lock in given the ridged laces. Small pads underneath the tongue on the lace tie space present a contact of padding and we’ve a gusset tongue. All work collectively to actually lock the midfoot to the platform.

The now extra standard lighter and airer tongue design differs from v1’s neoprene like multi function piece tongue and gusset “bootie” building which even prolonged again in direction of the heel with the rear black higher panel very closed mesh which together made the shoe fairly heat. 

Twin underlays run in parallel from the underside entrance fringe of the heel counter curving upwards in direction of the entrance of the shoe on each the lateral and medial facet for some additional help

On the minus facet, the brand new ankle collars building is extra inflexible. I feel that is because of the stiff rolled high fringe of the collars.  Whereas I didn’t have any massive points, I might really feel its stiffness at my ankles on the lateral facet as Reed and Renee additionally be aware and extra so on extra uneven terrain.

The heel counter is now semi inflexible whereas in v1 it was very inflexible down low because the carbon exterior cup is now eliminated. I feel the bit extra give it supplies helps with agility in technical terrain 

The toe field is decently broad and as Reed says there may be sufficient toe splay with out maintain being compromised. It’s barely decrease quantity than v1 however clearly safer. 

The toe bumper space, the white proven above, may be very stiff because it rises vertically and positively protecting with extra construction than v1’s. 

The small carbon entrance wings are a bit of decrease and go unnoticed on the run as they did in v1 for me.

I used to be true to dimension with no points for my narrower to medium quantity toes.

In conclusion the Vectiv Sky 2 has a race and efficiency oriented higher that’s adequately snug and lighter and extra breathable than the first variations. 

Renee: The main points are lined above. For sizing, I like to recommend true to dimension. The shoe is unisex sizing, so the 6.5 is equal to a ladies’s 8. If between half sizes, go together with the half dimension up.

The toe field is roomy and broad, however my little toe appreciates additional house. Like different reviewers, I’ve low quantity toes, not essentially slender however fairly common, with a necessity for a slender heel maintain. Total, the higher is race-ready safe whereas being snug. I needed to pull the laces tight and had bunching of the tongue. Famous however not a efficiency issue. 

I used the additional eyelet and the laces sit wellon my foot because of the notched, winged tongue. Not a lot of a problem for consolation as a result of I wore wool socks on every run and couldn’t really feel it.

When it comes to the heel collar, I did really feel it for just a few miles of 1 run. On single observe with ice (very slender single observe), I needed to run with my foot at an angle at instances, and the lateral heel collar rubbed my ankle. As soon as returning to a wider path, no points. As seen within the photograph above, my ankle usually sits properly above the heel collar. 

Mike P (US 10.0): Once I first noticed the shoe at TRE, I used to be instantly impressed. The burden drop was talked about, however in hand the light-weight really feel may be very putting. You possibly can inform that every little thing has been dialed in to realize such an enormous weight reduction, and I knew instantly this has the potential to be a high brief distance racer, earlier than even getting them on my toes.

I did select a US 10.0, a half dimension up from true-to-size for me, which has been working for me in TNF. They’ve historically had toeboxes on the sharp facet, however I’ve seen an enormous enchancment in that space with the Professional 2 and now this Sky 2. 

Match is kind of roomy for me in my US 10 – I’ve obtained a legit thumbs width up entrance, which may be regarding if a shoe doesn’t match properly.  This one does.

That is maybe probably the greatest becoming uppers, particularly for a light-weight path shoe, of any I can consider.  The width throughout the forefoot is simply completely broad – sufficient in order that I really feel like I can really feel and seize the bottom with the ball of my foot. I get no problems with rigidity or rubbing anyplace up entrance. Midfoot maintain is nearly as good as any shoe – and I can actually squeeze the midfoot lacing tremendous tight with out squeezing the forefoot. That is simply excellent in my ebook. 

The excessive, inflexible ankle collar that others have talked about additionally struck me as a direct crimson flag. My coronary heart really sank once I put them on for the primary time, anticipating a minor element to derail an in any other case superior shoe. It’s only a inflexible piping alongside the highest fringe of the ankle space. Usually this spells doom for delicate ankles but it surely has not been a problem for me. 

I feel what saves it’s the good, smooth ring of inside bolstering that serves to maintain the heel locked in. It appears to me like that padding provides a little bit of buffer and retains the inflexible higher edge from urgent into the foot. This inflexible ankle collar nonetheless may transform a problem for delicate ankles, but it surely’s been high quality for me, and I’m usually delicate to that. Disaster averted..

Midsole & Platform

Sam: The midsole is an all supercritical Nitrogen infused TPU “Dream” foam. The Sky 1 had an EVA outer service with a drop in of the identical Dream foam that now makes up your complete midsole of the Sky 2. 

The lighter, extra energetic foam now making up your complete midsole contributes to an enormous 1 oz / 28g drop in weight, and this regardless of the enhance in outsole lug top from 3.5 mm to 5mm, rubber being the heaviest materials in a shoe. The rise in lug top of about  1.5 mm strikes the stack top up the identical, all different components remaining the identical.

The froth really feel is dense and secure and on the similar time energetic with a fast vitality return. It’s, for instance, firmer than the VJ MAXx2 supercritical EVA foam. The froth density isn’t a drawback because it contributes to the shoe’s stability and loads of entrance safety. 

This isn’t a “smooth” or “bouncy” midsole and for its meant quick shorter extra technical trails functions it shouldn’t be. But, I even ran on an indoor observe and located loads of cushioning  with the massive 5mm lugs not as current as I might need anticipated.

The Sky features a redesigned carbon fiber plate. The rear very stiff wrap across the heel carbon component is eradicated, an excellent factor because it made the rear of the counter a bit too stiff for me. Upfront, the carbon wings are about the identical size if a bit decrease and have offered no points. 

The plate supplies energetic propulsion, safety and a few stability particularly famous on the mid foot. The brand new platform is barely extra versatile than the prior with particularly famous a bit extra pronounced entrance flex, for climbing. I for positive want some flex in a path shoe and particularly a plated one to permit for steep grade climbing, agility, and a variety of paces. Overly stiff and springy plated sneakers aren’t for me and the Sky 2 isn’t overly springy.

Reed: Including onto Sam’s feedback, I agree that the midsole feels energetic compared to different short-distance path racing sneakers. You wouldn’t need an excessive amount of midsole compression otherwise you’d lose lateral stability on technical terrain. This isn’t actually useful for the terrain I frequent, however once I ran some onerous intervals on path I did really feel extra in management than I’d in a extra cushioned path shoe. The bottom safety felt higher than a few of its rivals though not sufficient for me personally to make use of for two+ hours except you have been working on softer terrain. We’ve had no current rain in California so my trails have been hard-packed and even icy within the mornings. It’s necessary that I be aware that to have the ability to get in sufficient testing miles on this shoe, I needed to swap out the skinny insoles for a thicker pair to assist raise my heel up. My proper ankle bone hit the ankle collar of the shoe. I hoped it will grow to be much less stiff with some miles however 30ish miles thus far hasn’t been sufficient. I’ve not had this challenge (that I can bear in mind) in another shoe earlier than however the insole swap and a few tape has fastened the difficulty for me.

Jen: As Sam and Reed talked about, the Sky 2 is agency and quick. Power return is great on a hard-packed path when you can open up your stride. I discovered that the carbon plate and agency nitrogen-TPU midsole have been pleasantly protecting towards sharp rocks underfoot, particularly compared to the equally light-weight however unplated Kjerag and Pulsar SG. Like Sam, I anticipated the lugs to be considerably uncomfortable on onerous surfaces however that didn’t transform the case. 

Carbon-plated sneakers at all times deliver up questions of stability on technical trails, and I discovered the Sky 2 to outperform different plated path sneakers I’ve tried in that regard. Maybe it’s the decrease stack top, maybe it’s the improved flex that Sam famous compared to v1, however I skilled much less tippiness than with the Hoka Tecton X3 or Adidas Agravic Pace Extremely. The stack top feels nearly excellent in that regard: not so excessive that you just worry to your ankles, however with sufficient safety to race a path half marathon or 30k. 

Renee: What so as to add? My fellow reviewers cowl the small print. I’ll concur that the midsole is agency, but it surely’s not harsh by any means. When you have a runnable stretch of path, the shoe is quick and controllable.

The bottom really feel is nice and fairly stunning for a plated shoe. I don’t thoughts it for slower efforts, particularly when tempo is proscribed by terrain (i.e. dodging ice, roots, or just being sluggish on steep ascents/descents). I query whether or not or not I might use the shoe for a 50k as I’m getting slower with every passing day. Shorter distances, you wager. If you happen to want consolation underfoot, the Sky 2 isn’t it, but it surely’s not meant for that goal. Even at my sluggish paces, the Sky 2 is enjoyable. 

Mike P: Backside line – the flavour of Dream foam within the Sky 2 (nitrogen TPU) is very dynamic, particularly with the forked carbon plate within the combine. I don’t know if it is the identical composition as the froth within the Professional 2, however I wouldn’t be stunned whether it is – simply much less of it after all. Others have talked about the time period “agency” of their descriptions, however I really feel like that offers off an pointless detrimental connotation. 

That is actually a low to the bottom, quick, racing shoe. Some “firmness” is simply a part of the package deal by default. However when you’re going to be this near the bottom, with a carbon plate in between, I’d say this is likely one of the higher if not the perfect feeling foams you possibly can have underfoot. 

Sitting on high of the Dream foam is a forked carbon fiber plate – there are three sections underneath the forefoot which come collectively on the rear/ball of the foot after which it continues full size by way of the heel. There are “wings” which wrap alongside the entrance edges, however I don’t really feel these in any respect. There isn’t a sense of stress from the sides of these wings into the sting of the foot, as within the Professional 2 mannequin. The plate have to be fairly versatile as I can simply flex the shoe in hand. Extra on that within the journey part beneath..

Fast be aware on stack top, I used to be positively informed totally different numbers at TRE, so I could have given incorrect info in my put up (I had 31mm).  I simply did a fast measurement and obtained 28 mm on the heel. It’s a bit tough to measure although because of the Vectiv rocker on the heel. I needed to tilt the shoe again onto the rear rocker to measure the width at the place the middle of the heel can be.

Outsole

Sam: The outsole goes from 3.5mm lugs to massive 5mm lugs. My path working to this point has been on very onerous packed snow and I discovered the traction excellent. As I say above, I used to be stunned {that a} run on an indoor observe didn’t have me dreading or over noticing the 5mm lugs.

I’ll hold the massive lugs as they for positive grip when their depth is required and aren’t overbearing when issues are smoother. That is uncommon in my expertise when lugs go to 5mm and past so going up from the prior 3.5 mm is a win for me.

I additionally be aware the outsole (regardless of entrance and rear shade distinction is now a single piece with extra midfoot protection, and even with that, plus the extra lug top the shoe loses weight, rubber being the heaviest materials in a shoe. What’s to not like!

Reed: I haven’t confronted circumstances that basically put the outsole to the take a look at, however on some steep descents I run usually I might discover the impact of the 5mm lugs in comparison with most sneakers I put on with 3-4mm lugs.

Jen: The outsole was well-suited to hard-packed singletrack and rocky sections, much less so to moist rock. 5 mm lugs are vital, however don’t let that dissuade you from attempting the shoe: as I discussed beforehand, they don’t really feel too deep. I look ahead to testing the traction in muddier circumstances after the subsequent rainstorm. 

Renee: I agree with my friends right here. Given the agency midsole, lugs, and stack, one would suppose the shoe can be uncomfortable on onerous surfaces. It’s not. The plate and responsiveness issue ion something packed and flat or rolling means quick for this shoe. 

I ran on snow, gravel, dust, and ice. I can’t account for moist rock, however on single observe, the ice was a bit dicey (not a fault of the outsole: ice is icy!). The 5mm lugs have been helpful on debris-covered trails they usually did not get in the way in which when dodging roots.  

Once you want the 5mm lugs, they work. Once you don’t want them, they appear to vanish, partially due to the midsole really feel.

The uncovered midsole underfoot permits for flex as does the segmentation on the outer lugs. This flex retains the shoe controllable. I actually solely seen the plate when working quick sections. When it comes to safety, the uncovered midsole may restrict use for these working solely on rocky terrain, however as a race shoe, that uncovered part is critical. 

Mike P: I completely love that they went to a full 5mm with the lugs on this one. So many sneakers keep on with the usual 3.5-4mm, and I see all of the instances in feedback folks wishing and hoping for deeper lugs. The truth that they have been in a position to ship right here, and nonetheless reduce a lot weight may be very spectacular. 

I’m an enormous fan of the lug sample too – no nonsense, no humorous formed lugs (Professional 2).. Simply straight chevrons, and various them too. The truth that the sample is so dense additionally picks up some slack and provides some safety with the shoe being so near the bottom.  The density additionally eradicated the cleat-like really feel of some deeper-lugged sneakers. I feel they did hit a candy spot right here with this setup.

The flexibleness of the shoe (extra on that beneath) additionally helps the shoe grip properly – an enormous enchancment over the stiffer Sky 1.  With the climate being as it’s, I’ve solely been in a position to get moist just a few instances, as moist rocks are icy rocks in the intervening time, so I’ve been extra on the cautious facet. The rubber does really feel cheesy although, and grip and traction has been wonderful in all of the circumstances I’ve tried – together with a fairly muddy first run. 

Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions

Reed: I’ve a smooth spot in my coronary heart for path racing sneakers, and though I don’t suppose the Vectiv Sky 2 completely matches my wants, I might see it being a 50k race-day sneakers for greater than half of my native coaching group who run the identical trails. The higher is implausible and the journey isn’t “tremendous” for each path however is extraordinarily succesful for its meant use case. Reed’s Rating: 9.15/  10

Journey 9.5, Match 9.0 (-1 for ankle collar). Worth 8.0 (value on the upper finish and sturdiness untested), Fashion 10😊😊😊😊

Jen: When Reed says it could possibly be a 50k race-day shoe for the oldsters he trains with, he’s most likely speaking about me. That is my type of shoe: mild, energetic, and extra protecting than the opposite sneakers I’ve raced a 50k in just lately. My solely questions are about what terrain it’s finest suited to, since I haven’t examined it within the mountains or mud but. I’d advocate the Sky 2 to runners racing sub-ultra distances as much as 50k on trails, particularly these with narrow-volume toes who don’t thoughts a barely firmer journey.

Jen’s Rating: 9.7 /10

Journey: 9.5, Match: 10, Worth 9, Fashion 10. 

😊😊😊😊😊

Renee: I’m mediocre, so when Reed talks about runners utilizing the shoe for a 50k, he isn’t speaking about me. I’d should be in higher form and working a quick 50k (lower than 5 hours, path terrain dependent). That’s to not say the Sky 2 isn’t snug. It’s. 

I had enjoyable with the shoe working strides at sub 5-minute mile paces (positive, just for 40 seconds) and at 15-minute mile paces slugging up steep inclines. Many runners might put on the shoe for a 50k, and it’s for positive a stable possibility for something shorter. Quick runners, sluggish runners, it’s an excellent shoe finest for many who like some floor really feel in a light-weight shoe.

The flex underneath the midfoot is nice, which is probably going why the journey is easy on packed/onerous surfaces. The management and safety can also be nice, which is why it’s nimble and enjoyable on single observe. On rolling terrain, I’d doubtless want extra consolation underneath my forefoot for an extremely distance, however I’ll stress that I’m a midpack runner on tough terrain. 

Renee’s Rating: 9.4/10 

Journey: 9.5 (enjoyable, simply maybe restricted distance for some runners)

Match: 9/10 (potential heel collar irritation on lateral facet)

Worth: 9/10 (typical race shoe value, however nonetheless expensive)

Traction: 9.5/10 (questionable moist traction given the lug depth, though good for free/smooth terrain)

Fashion: 10/10 

😊😊😊😊😊

Sam: Gentle, energetic, protecting, multi terrain versatile and with deep traction when wanted, however not in the way in which in any other case, the Vectiv Sky 2 is one finely tuned shorter distances path runner and racer. I say runner as my typical path run is about an hour and I’ve at all times gravitated to lighter and extra agile sneakers when transferring alongside. Vectiv Sky 2 is simply such a shoe! Why not have quick enjoyable on shorter runs I say.

The North Face is to be recommended for going all supercritical TPU foam in v2, which even with the deeper 5mm lugs, brings the load down 28g to a mere 8.3 oz / 235g US9.

I particularly just like the multi dimensional carbon plate. Sure, multi dimensional in form but additionally in perform in several elements of the shoe offering loads of each mid foot stability and in an enormous plus for me entrance flexibility . 

So far as I’m involved, totally inflexible carbon plated path sneakers aren’t the way in which to go in path sneakers. Right here, the TNF’s plate delivers agility, safety, stability and propulsion with wonderful flexibility, important on climbs and dare I say additionally for slower paces akin to mine. I additionally like that the plate and geometry isn’t overly “springy” at slower paces because the Catamount Agil,  VJ MAXx2 and even plateless Agravic Pace are for me, and this with a carbon plate and never plastic or with fiberglass content material because the others have.

The higher is for positive streamlined however snug and really safe. Sure, that high ankle edge could possibly be softened a bit.

The Vectiv Sky 2 is cutting-edge in shorter distance mild and speedy, though, not like many in its class, all out pace isn’t required to get pleasure from them which is an enormous constructive for me, they usually even dealt with the street properly. Sure, at $200, their pricing is up there however for his or her mild weight, versatility, vitality  (and enjoyable), and I count on good sturdiness, they’re an honest worth. 

Sam’s Rating: 9.4 /10

Deductions for want to melt ankle collars high edges, want for a contact extra stack top of cushion and pricing. 

😊😊😊😊

Mike P: I’m extraordinarily excessive on the Vectiv Sky 2 – I feel this might presumably be the perfect shoe available on the market (when it comes out) for shorter, sooner, agile, and vertical efforts. Actually there aren’t too many choices so far as pure racers in that class nowadays, as stack heights proceed to rise.

28/22mm (by my measurement), with a dynamic TPU supercritical midsole foam, and versatile carbon plate can be a nice and trendy setup for quick path racing nowadays. 

The forked plate is very versatile – it permits nice floor really feel which is considerably surprising primarily based on previous experiences with full size plates. The plate itself additionally sits fairly near the foot – straight underneath the insole and strobel board. However surprisingly it doesn’t really feel tremendous harsh both, maybe one thing to do with its composite design, and never a full stiffer fiber weave.

The match of the shoe is so dialed in – I just lately put it up towards different high sneakers for my path race this previous weekend (Catamount 4 and norda 005), and the Sky 2 positively had essentially the most safe and dialed match.  For any state of affairs the place you want to be totally locked in – the Sky 2 will probably be your shoe.  I’m considering, twisty, turny, rocky, steep ups & downs, persistently all through a course. For among the forested trails that I ran on a current journey out to Oregon, Sky 2 can be so good there. 

Shorter, sky-running sort occasions, or Golden Path sort terrain can be superb terrain as properly. I’m unsure who’s on the TNF roster for that collection, however I’d count on to see the Sky 2 on many runners in these occasions.  Improbable pace shoe from The North Face right here – high choose within the class. TNF is on fireplace in the intervening time! 

Mike P’s Rating:  9.8 / 10

Journey: 10 – Dynamic, quick, versatile, nice floor really feel

Match: 9.5 – Tremendous dialed, one of the safe matches out. Why the inflexible collar edge?

Worth: 9.5 – Tremendous shoe for the speedster class, excessive value, however price it

Fashion: 10 – sweeeeeeeet look

Traction: 10 – 5mm lugs are a standout characteristic nowadays

Rock Safety: 10 – Plate + 5mm lugs assist, wonderful for this vary of stack/flexibility

Smiles 😊😊😊😊😊

10 Comparisons

The North Face Vectiv Sky 1 (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (9.5): I actually didn’t like Sky 1 – this new model is a whole turnaround for me. Sky 1 actually did really feel “agency” – there was the identical supercritical TPU foam as in v2 however slightly below the forefoot, but it surely wasn’t that noticeable. The shoe general simply felt tall (though it’s really decrease stack than v2)  and stiff. I assumed it was hazardous as a result of that nature- and positively stayed away from technical terrain in it.  Sky 2 is completely totally different – I really feel far more related to the bottom and secure, a lot faster and dynamic with the froth/plate, and far more secure. Throw in 5mm lugs, and it’s only a full 100% enchancment over V1. 

The North Face  Vectiv Professional 2 (RTR Evaluate)

Mike P (10.0): Love the Vectiv Professional 2 as properly – that’s 2 in a row for me from TNF. I ran Kodiak 100K in these they usually have been nice. Clearly they’re a a lot larger stack full supershoe for the 50M+ distance, ideally 100K – 100M. In that regard, there’s extra foam, a softer really feel, but the identical dynamic plate impulse and rockered Vectiv setup. The Vectiv rocker feels extra obvious within the Professional 2 although. Within the Sky 2 it’s there, however the shoe is so versatile that the “Vectiv roll” facet doesn’t overpower every little thing else. The Sky 2 is kind of a dialed down, extra versatile supershoe for shorter distances.

Nnormal Kjerag (RTR Evaluate) 

Reed: M10 Kjerag vs M11 Sky 2 (Kjerag runs lengthy). The Kjerag journey is a little more dulled (on goal) and it feels agile though a bit missing in floor safety. I’d take the Kjerag for a VK however the Sky 2 for most likely anything. 

Jen:  W8.5 in each. I discover the Kjerag to be decrease to the bottom with maximal floor really feel and way more flexion given the shortage of plate. 

Mike P (9.5): I name the Kjerag true to dimension, with a large spacious forefoot in my US 9.5. I really initially had a ten.0 but it surely was HUGE, and I needed to ship it again. I wish to just like the Kjerag, but it surely’s simply too minimal for me, and sure for many runners. It’s an old style shoe for runners like Kilian with toes of metal, however most others want a bit extra. I’d truthfully take the Sky 2 in just about any state of affairs over the Kjerag. I feel NNormal realized that it’s a bit too minimal for mere mortals – they’re going up 2.5mm and going to TPE foam in V2. 

Terrex Agravic Pace (RTR Evaluate)

Sam: The Agravic Pace is about the identical weight, larger stacked at 34/28 and fewer agile. Its rocker geometry and narrower heel touchdown provides it a extra springy, much less secure journey than the extra versatile and propulsive Sky 2. It’s extra cushioned.

Hoka Tecton X 1 (RTR Evaluate) 

Reed: Not really comparable sneakers right here however each have comparable matches with versatile plates. Larger lugs in Sky 2 and extra cushion within the Tecton. As anticipated the Tecton would carry out higher on gentle/reasonable terrain over 2+ hours however the Sky 2 would have the sting in rougher circumstances or terrain.

Mike P (10.0): Not likely comparable – Tecton is a real 100M shoe, whereas the Sky 2 is a brief distance speedster. Something the place you’ll should be agile particularly at larger speeds, the Sky 2 can be higher. After all for longer, slower distances the Tecton will shield extra and be extra environment friendly.

Brooks Catamount Agil (RTR Evaluate)

Renee: The Agil is best for shorter distances and is extra suited to VK races. The Sky 2 has a extra various use for distance and terrain. Sadly, the overlay throughout the toe field of the Agil hit my toes, so higher consolation factors goes to the Sky 2. Sizing is comparable. 

Mike P (9.5): Actually, I feel the Sky 2 is only a higher model of the Agil, and I actually just like the Agil. However its SkyVault plate feels a bit stiffer compared – not as propulsive and positively not as versatile.  The froth additionally feels firmer compared, and never fairly as dynamic. Each uppers have a wonderful match and lockdown, however there’s a bit extra forefoot width within the Sky 2, which I want. I do want that Sky 2 might steal the Agil’s knit ankle collar although.

 

Brooks Catamount 4 (RTR Evaluate)

Renee: Initially, these appeared like comparable sneakers. After just a few runs, it’s clear that the Sky 2 is supposed for sooner paces with a bit extra floor really feel. At longer distances, the Catamount 4 is best for me because of its stack underneath the forefoot. Sizing is comparable.  

Mike P (10.0): As Renee calls out – noticeable distinction in stack underfoot with the Cat 4. It’s sooner and extra environment friendly in additional broad open and runnable terrain. Additionally reasonable, prolonged descents can be favorable to the Cat with its added cushion. However something brief, tremendous quick, and twisty would completely favor the Sky 2.

Hoka Zinal (RTR Evaluate)

Sam: The Zinal is firmer with much less dynamic foam (EVA) however  is significantly lighter at 7.4 oz US9 with an analogous 5mm lug depth outsole. It’s a quick shoe however much less versatile by way of distance, vitality return and propulsion (no plate) in comparison with the Sky 2. TNF was clearly aiming on the Zinal as a competitor within the shorter distance sport and outdoes Hoka right here. Whereas the Sky 2 is $20 extra it’s clearly a extra technologically superior shoe and a extra performant one,

Merrell MTL Skyfire 2 Matryx (RTR Evaluate)

Renee: The Lengthy Sky 2 might be the extra acceptable comparability, however I don’t have it. I’ll add that the higher of the Skyfire 2 is a bit tighter and safer. The lugs are extra spaced and the shoe is lighter and with much less cushion. The Sky 2 has extra underfoot for distances and is extra runnable on onerous surfaces. For VK efforts, the Skyfire has the sting. For every little thing else, the Sky 2. Sizing is comparable. 

Mike P (9.5): Lengthy Sky 2 / Skyfire 2 Matryx (RTR Evaluate): I’ve each Merrell sneakers in a 9.5, they usually each do have a snugger, narrower match. However because of the nature of the Matryx uppers, I’ve no downside with foothold in these. The Sky 2 appears to me like a mashup of these two sneakers – then throwing in a carbon plate. The Sky 2 has the pliability and floor really feel of the Lengthy Sky – however the Lengthy Sky is only a bit extra “loosely versatile” with much less impulse (no plate).  The Skyfire 2 does have a rockplate, but it surely doesn’t propel just like the Sky 2’s and the Skyfire feels fairly agency underfoot. So take the smooth really feel of the Lengthy Sky, the firm-ish journey of the Skyfire, throw in a versatile plate- and you’ve got the Sky 2. I do have to notice that I discover the heel of each Merrell sneakers to be a weak level – they’re overly vertical and stiff, main me to fret about utilizing them for longer stuff. The Sky 2 heel is significantly better, though I want Sky 2’s higher materials was extra closed just like the Matryx higher to maintain out particles.

Salomon Pulsar SG Tender Floor (RTR Evaluate)

Jen: The SG model of the Pulsar looks like a completely totally different shoe to me, which is why I checklist it individually right here. Equally mild and grippy, however once more with extra floor really feel than the VECTIV Sky 2 and a tighter match. My guess is that the Pulsar SG outperforms the Sky 2 in mud, with the Sky 2 is best suited to agency and rocky trails.