Ultra Running Magazine
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe
    • Renew
    • Gift Subscription
  • Magazine
    • All Issues
    • Purchase Back Issues
    • Find a Retailer
    • Become a Retailer
  • Articles
    • Reviews
    • Training & Racing
    • Health & Nutrition
    • Race Reports
    • News and Notes
    • Ultra Running 101
    • Podcast
    • Weekly Newsletter
    • UltraRunners of the Year
  • Training Plans
  • Race Calendar
    • Upcoming Races
    • By State
    • Map View
    • Stats
      • Finishes
      • Top Performances
      • Biggest Races
    • Race Director
      • Register
      • Login
  • Results
    • Latest Results
    • Runner Search
    • All Time List
  • Shop
    • Back Issues
    • Digital Back Issues
    • Hats
    • Stickers
    • Odds and Ends
    • Cart
  • About
    • About UR
    • Columnists
    • Staff
    • Statement on Racism
    • Change of Address
    • Editorial Submissions
    • Contact
      • Advertise
    • Ambassadors
  • 0
Subscribe

First Look: North Face Ultra Vertical

Donald Buraglio 06/12/2017
Donald Buraglio 06/12/2017
Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge.

The North Face Ultra Vertical is an offshoot of the company’s Ultra MT trail runner, with an aggressive outsole, high breathability in the upper, and a nice blend of cushioning and protection through the midsole.

Features:

  • Weight: 10.7 oz
  • Stack heights: 20mm heel / 14mm forefoot
  •  6mm heel-toe drop
  • High resilience EVA in top layer of midsole for stability
  • Cushioned EVA in bottom layer of midsole for comfort
  • Forefoot Snake Plate for rock protection
  • Vibram Megagrip outsole with directional 5mm lugs
  • Reinforced toe offers protection
  • FlashDry moisture wicking ankle collar
  • Three color options
  • MSRP $120

We’ve logged extensive vertical mileage through the spring in advance of upcoming mountain ultras this summer, and the Ultra Vertical has become one of our favorites for steep training. One standout feature is the aggressive outsole with multidirectional 5mm lugs to help you grip ascents and control your speed and direction when descending.

The upper is very airy and ventilates well without letting too much grit through it. The entire shoe dries very efficiently after water immersion, and the ankle collar rides comfortably on full-day outings. Tightness and fit can be nicely customized with the welded suede tongue and lacing system, with thin TPU overlays looped into the laces to keep the fit secure on irregular terrain.

The underfoot achieves a great blend of comfort and protection. A forefoot Snake Plate helps disperse impact in the front foot, while thicker EVA foam in the heel area cushions the rearfoot landing. The overall platform is fairly low to the ground for stability, and the 6mm offset is the sweet spot between accommodating forefoot strikers but allowing you to push the pace with increased heel impact.

The North Face Ultra Vertical is available now online and in stores.

FacebookTwitterEmail
Donald Buraglio

Donald is a physical therapist, California native, barefoot aficionado, and father of three with more than 25 years of experience in endurance sports. He was a collegiate rower at UCLA, then dabbled in marathons and Ironman-distance triathlons before falling in love with ultras in the early 2000s. His favorite locations to run include Marin County, CA, and the Sierra Nevada mountains, and he loves exploring America's National Parks. When he's not training for ultramarathons, he enjoys hiking or slacklining with his family in Monterey County, CA.

You may also like

What’s Up in Ultra This Weekend — January...

01/26/2023

Review: Winter Glove Roundup

01/25/2023

Ultra Weekend Recap — January 22

01/22/2023

Rebecca Joyner

01/20/2023

What’s Up in Ultra This Weekend — January...

01/18/2023

Peterman and Dauwalter named 2022 UltraRunners of the...

01/18/2023

Herron and Walmsley named #2 2022 UltraRunners of...

01/17/2023

Jones and Hogan named #3 2022 UltraRunners of...

01/16/2023

Ultra Weekend Recap — January 15

01/15/2023

Review: Winter Running Jackets

01/15/2023

Weekly Newsletter

A roundup of the week's content and race results. Sent every Thursday.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Podcast

  • Rebecca Joyner

  • Carilyn Johnson

  • Ultra Shorts: What’s the Issue w/ Editor Amy Clark

  • Craig Thornley

  • Ultra Shorts: What’s the Issue w/ Editor Amy Clark

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Spotify

Back To Top
Ultra Running Magazine
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe
    • Renew
    • Gift Subscription
  • Magazine
    • All Issues
    • Purchase Back Issues
    • Find a Retailer
    • Become a Retailer
  • Articles
    • Reviews
    • Training & Racing
    • Health & Nutrition
    • Race Reports
    • News and Notes
    • Ultra Running 101
    • Podcast
    • Weekly Newsletter
    • UltraRunners of the Year
  • Training Plans
  • Race Calendar
    • Upcoming Races
    • By State
    • Map View
    • Stats
      • Finishes
      • Top Performances
      • Biggest Races
    • Race Director
      • Register
      • Login
  • Results
    • Latest Results
    • Runner Search
    • All Time List
  • Shop
    • Back Issues
    • Digital Back Issues
    • Hats
    • Stickers
    • Odds and Ends
    • Cart
  • About
    • About UR
    • Columnists
    • Staff
    • Statement on Racism
    • Change of Address
    • Editorial Submissions
    • Contact
      • Advertise
    • Ambassadors

Shopping Cart

Close

No products in the cart.

Close