# Protective Trail Shoe Styles The North Face Vectiv Exploris Futurelight Shoe is Abrasion-Resistant By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2022-05-04 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vectiv-exploris-futurelight References: [blessthisstuff](https://www.blessthisstuff.com/stuff/wear/footwear/the-north-face-vectiv-exploris-futurelight-leather-shoes/) & [thenorthface](https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/mens-vectiv-exploris-futurelight-leather-shoes-nf0a5g3b?variationId=AUV) The [North Face](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-north-face-summit-series-vectiv-sky-shoes) Vectiv Exploris Futurelight shoe is a footwear style created with off-road exploration in mind to support the needs of avid adventurers. The shoe boasts a sleek construction with an [abrasion-resistant upper](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trail-running) that's [integrated with Kevlar](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huckberry-x-danner-n45-low-hiking-sneaker) to further enhance its resistance to damage on a trail. The 3D Vectiv plate inside the shoe is crafted out of carbon fiber to give it a lightweight yet inherently rigid design. The protective design of the shoe is offset with leather to make the style ready for wear in the city. The North Face Vectiv Exploris Futurelight shoe delivers support for optimized propulsion and stability, while the rocker outsole works to reduce downhill tibial impact. The shoe comes in three styles to choose from, which are each priced at $169. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 52% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Off-road Footwear:** Opportunity for footwear companies to innovate and integrate protective materials to create durable shoes for off-road exploration. - **Lightweight Carbon Fiber Design:** Opportunity for companies to experiment with carbon fiber and other lightweight materials to create structural designs that provide support and protection for outdoor activities. - **3D Printing Technology:** Opportunities for shoe manufacturers to leverage 3D printing technology to create complex designs that offer both protection and comfort for rugged outdoor activities. ### Where This Applies - **Outdoor Gear and Apparel:** The North Face's protective trail shoe serves as an example of how the outdoor gear and apparel industry can integrate protective technology into their products to create more durable and versatile designs. - **Sporting Goods and Equipment:** The protective features of The North Face's trail shoe can be applied to other sporting goods and equipment, such as hiking and climbing gear, to improve their resistance to wear and tear during outdoor activities. - **Fashion and Lifestyle Footwear:** The incorporation of protective elements into the design of The North Face's trail shoe shows opportunity for other fashion and lifestyle footwear brands to explore ways to make their products more resilient without sacrificing style or comfort. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Trail Racing Shoe Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-north-face-summit-series-vectiv-sky-shoes.md) - [Kevlar-Constructed Trail Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naglev-veloce.md) - [Protective Hiker Boot Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-north-face-glenclyffe-zip-boots.md) - [Performance Trail Hiking Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offtrail-hike.md) - [Off-Road Military-Grade Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summit-offtrail-tr.md) - [Ultra-Stable Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-north-face-altamesa-300-shoes.md) - [Winterized Hiking Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-north-face-offtrail-hike-goretex-shoes.md) - [Experimental Lace-Free Trail Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/offtrail-running-shoe.md) - [Tactical Kevlar Trail Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salewa-wildfire-nxt-goretex.md)