Personal Information

Product Information

Manufacturer:
Year of Manufacture:	2005
Country Manufactured:	China
Homepage:	www.thenorthface.com/
Listed Weight:	14 oz (395 g) per shoe @ Men’s Size 9
Measured Weight:	15 oz (425 g) per shoe @ Men’s Size 10.5
MSRP:	$109.00 USD

Product Data (Owner’s Interpretation)

The North Face’s website categorizes these shoes under their “Multi-Sport and Trail Running” label and described in their own words as a “hard core trail running shoe.” Many of the listed features are adorned to all shoes such as heel and forefoot cushioning and a rubber outsole, but there are some particulars that I feel set these trail runners apart from their competitors. Firstly, there is a silver agent implanted in the footbed to ensure that there is no bacterial growth, thus keeping them stench-free. Secondly, they have multiple lacing loops so one can change the laces based on the amount of support and roll control needed on a certain trip, and lastly the Gore-Tex that will ‘keep you dry’ when you step into a puddle.

General Observations and Comments

After having two pairs of The North Face’s Ultra 102s, I decided it was time to spend the extra ten dollars and purchase their Gore-Tex XCR model. Though the Industry Blue/Goldenrod color I bought had me querying the employee whether he was positive that he had grabbed the men’s shoe, and was different from my old Black/Yellow trail runners, the new color seemed to grow on me after a few days of wearing them around.

One thing I really liked initially is that I could wear ankle socks with them, and that in doing this, I felt like I was wearing a pair of running shoes. Many a time my shoes received comments like, “I bet those don’t make it through the next five days.” But when we stopped to tape up for hotspots, and eventually blisters, I could feel an evil grin spread across the front of my shoes.

I’ve put these shoes to hell and back, and they show no signs of quitting.

Field conditions

Temperature: 35F (2 C) – 75F (24 C)

Weather: Sunny and Partly Cloudy, trifles of rain at night

Elevation: 1,450 ft (440 m) – 6,300 ft (1920 m)

Total Distance: 60 mi (96 km)

Temperature: 32F (0 C) – 80F (27 C)

Weather: Mostly cloudy, with a few days of sun, trifles of rain at night

Elevation: 3,600 ft (1,100 m) - 8,100 ft (2470 m)

Total Distance: 50 mi (80 km)

Field Observations

From the Appalachian Trail to Jotunheimen Nasjonalpark (Norway), these trail runners have endured through a vast array of terrain.

On the AT, the difference was surprising while running downhill. I’ve never felt so fleet of foot while on the trail as I did the first time I went down a hill with my new shoes. The weather on the trip was sunny and partly cloudy, with a few droplets of rain here and there during the nights. Unfortunately (fortunately at the time), I didn’t get a chance to test out these shoes while wet this time around, but dry they offered suitable traction, and apt cushioning. Personally, I like to feel what I’m stepping on, and these shoes gave that to me while still offering enough traction. The cushioning feels like a regular running shoe, except it doesn’t wear out after running on it 20 times as most of mine have.

Now, across the Atlantic Ocean to Jotunheimen, “Land of the Giants.” This was my first time abroad, so I didn’t know what to expect, so I brought my trail runners along, and I was rudely awakened to the sight of Jotunheimen covered in snow, in July. So, not having any alternative, I strapped on my trail runners, and made my way up Galdhøpiggen. By the time we got back, my shoes were completely soaked through. But even though water squished out with every step, they still offered suitable traction and cushion, when I was out of the snow. My gaiters gave way after the first day on Galdhøpiggen, so I was left with wet boots for the rest of the trip. After fording through rivers, and walking through the snow for seven days, my feet didn’t have any blisters on them, though they did look rather humorous in their shriveled state. My only complaints would have to be that my toes hurt after doing kicking steps, but I wasn’t expecting to be comfortable in them while doing kicking steps and that the laces had begun to fray to the point where I was scared to tie them.

After 8 months these shoes have mild abrasions in the Gore-Tex part of the shoe, and as an estimate have about a year left in them.

Conclusion

Things I like:

• Multiple Lacing Eyelets
• Lightweight
• Comfortable
• Just about everything...

Things I dislike:

• Not completely waterproof
• Laces aren't very strong

In closing, I wouldn’t think twice about getting a fourth pair of TNF Trail Runners. They’ve gone beyond their calling many a time, and stood to tell the tale.