Rugged, laceless, protective, comfortable, innovative
In the vast wilderness where the line between civilization and chaos blurs, every piece of gear becomes a lifeline. The North Face has always understood this, weaving together the threads of functionality and form, delivering products that don't just promise adventure but demand it. Their latest offering, the Summit Series Offtrail TR Shoes, are not just a pair of hiking shoes—they're a commitment to the kind of trails that make your pulse quicken and your breath catch.
These shoes are built for those who see a trail not as a path but as a challenge, a gauntlet thrown down by the earth itself. There's something thrilling about a shoe that lets you slip past the usual laces, instead offering a Boa fit system that allows you to adjust on the fly. Three straps, ready to tighten or loosen as the terrain dictates, give you a sense of control, even when the path is anything but predictable. That’s the kind of thing that turns a good day on the trail into a great one.
The Offtrail TR’s design speaks to the harmony between strength and flexibility. The upper, crafted from Matryx with Kevlar reinforcements, ensures your feet are armored against whatever the wild throws at them. There’s a protective toe cap that feels less like a feature and more like a promise—that when you misstep, your foot won’t pay the price. And then there’s the integrated gaiter, an almost invisible barrier that keeps out debris, letting you focus on the journey instead of the annoyance of a stray pebble in your shoe.
Underneath, these shoes are like a guardian watching your every step. The high-rebound EVA midsole cushions your foot with precision, offering just the right amount of give where it counts—18mm in the heel, 12mm in the forefoot. Below that, a Skycore rock guard stands ready, shielding your feet from the sharp edges of reality. And when the ground turns against you, the Surface CTRL rubber outsole with its 7mm lugs ensures you’re not just walking on it, you’re gripping it, wrestling control from the earth itself.
At 12.52 ounces, these shoes won’t weigh you down. They’re light enough to let you dance across boulders, yet rugged enough to take the beating that comes with chasing the horizon. The colorway—a bold yellow and black—feels as unapologetic as the shoes themselves, a nod to those who know that blending in isn’t the goal.
Priced at $199, these are not just shoes, but an investment in the kind of adventure that doesn’t have a map. They’re for those who don’t just walk the trail—they conquer it. If you’re the type who measures the success of a hike by the dirt under your nails and the miles under your feet, then these are the shoes you’ve been waiting for.
Pros:
- Laceless Boa Fit System: Offers easy on-the-fly adjustments, providing a customizable fit that can adapt to changing trail conditions.
- Matryx and Kevlar Uppers: Durable and protective, these materials offer excellent foot protection against rough terrain and debris.
- Integrated Gaiter: Keeps out debris, allowing for a more focused and uninterrupted trail experience.
- High-Rebound EVA Midsole: Provides excellent cushioning with 18mm in the heel and 12mm in the forefoot, enhancing comfort over long distances.
- Skycore Rock Guard: Offers additional protection for the forefoot, reducing the impact of sharp rocks and uneven surfaces.
- Surface CTRL Rubber Outsole: The 7mm lugs provide superior grip and traction, making the shoes reliable on various challenging terrains.
- Lightweight Design: At 12.52 ounces, the shoes are light enough to avoid fatigue, ideal for fast-paced trail running or long hikes.
Cons:
- Limited Color Options: Currently only available in a yellow and black colorway, which might not appeal to all users.
- Price: At $199, the shoes are relatively expensive, potentially limiting accessibility for more budget-conscious hikers.
- Specificity: Designed for technical trails and challenging terrains, they may be overkill for casual hikers or less demanding environments.
- Laceless Design: While innovative, some users may prefer the traditional lacing system for a more personalized fit.
- New Technology Adoption: The Boa Fit System, while advantageous, might require an adjustment period for those used to conventional laces.
$199
