Few brands have fused the worlds of everyday wear and the outdoors like The North Face. Founded in 1966, the Colorado-based firm has some of the most recognizable branding in the space and more ubiquity in the closets of Americans than the products of most non-hiking companies.
While its most popular products are perhaps its superb backpacks and jackets, The North Face does have some impressive options when it comes to footwear, such as its insulated outdoor-friendly ThermoBall Traction Mule or its town-to-trail Ultra shoes. For the newest addition to its Summit Series, TNF debuts its laceless Offtrail TR hiking shoes.
a Brief Intro to the Summit Series
Debuting in 2000, The North Face’s Summit Series is the brand’s technical-focused outdoor line. Spanning an array of products such as clothing, gear, shoes, and even tents, the collection was originally aimed at climbers and mountaineers — and still is to a large degree — but has evolved and expanded a bit over the years. While a lot of TNF’s catalog can be applied, as we said, to your everyday wardrobe, the gear in the Summit Series is purpose-built and rather specific.
The North Face Summit Series Offtrail TR Shoes Basics
Joining the likes of the super-rugged Breithorn FUTURELIGHT Boots and the Cragstone Pro technical scramblers, the Offtrail TR Shoes are designed for moving quickly (and safely) out in the wilderness, whether you’re trail running or venturing down more challenging paths.
Equipped with a laceless system and a triple-strap Boa system dial for fine-tuning your fit throughout the day, the shoes sport an integrated gaiter to keep out debris up top. Along with the protective toe cap in the front, the three-strap construction is designed to protect your feet in the process with a Matryx forefoot, Kevlar reinforcements, and a high-tenacity ripstop rear quarter.
For comfort, you get a high-rebound EVA midsole with 18mm of heel cushioning and 12mm of forefoot cushioning. This covers a lightweight Skycore rock guard underneath for protecting your foot against any trail hazards. Underneath is a Surface CTRL rubber outsole with 7mm lugs for superior grip and traction.
Spec Sheet
Uppers: Matryx with Kevlar reinforcements
Outsole: Surface CTRL Rubber
Lug Height: 7mm
Use: Trail Running, Technical Trails
Laces: Laceless with Boa Li2 Dial
Weight: 12.52oz
Pricing & Availability
As of right now, the shoes are only available in the yellow and black colorway shown above, which is quintessential of The North Face. Priced at $199, the Summit Series Offtrail TR Shoes are now available from the brand’s website.
Recap
The North Face Summit Series Offtrail TR Shoes
TNF’s latest technical hiking shoes feature a laceless design with an integrated gaiter and Boa fit system. Meant for challenging trails and trail running, these Summit Series shoes also sport Matryx and Kevlar uppers.
