Unearth The Voyage
Ready to upgrade your trail game for 2025? I combed through the newest releases, pro reviews, and real trail feedback to find the North Face boots that actually deliver. From wet alpine scree to fast desert miles, these picks balance waterproofing, grip, and all day comfort. Dive in to see which boot matches your terrain, pace, and budget.
1. The North Face Offtrail Hike LT Mid GORE-TEX
These feel purpose built for technical days when the weather cannot decide. The PFAS free Gore Tex liner locks out slush and creek crossings while staying surprisingly breathable on steep climbs. A supportive mid cut and firm heel counter keep ankles confident on off camber rock.
Underfoot, the rugged outsole bites into wet roots and crumbly talus with equal confidence. Cushioning is moderate, tuned for stability rather than plushness. If your routes include scree, mud, and mixed ice in one push, these boots hit a sweet spot.
2. The North Face VECTIV Exploris 2 Mid Futurelight
Long mileage days demand a boot that rolls with you. The VECTIV Exploris 2 Mid uses a rocker platform that subtly propels each step, reducing fatigue over varied terrain. Futurelight keeps feet dry without that clammy sauna feel on humid climbs.
Traction is reliable on sandy slabs and damp forest loam, with lugs that clear mud quickly. Fit runs secure through the midfoot while leaving toes room to splay. If you crave an energetic feel on backpacking routes or national park linkups, this is a winner.
3. The North Face Hedgehog 3 Waterproof Hiking Boot
The Hedgehog 3 is the dependable daily driver you do not baby. A DryVent membrane delivers waterproofing for misty mornings and surprise showers, while the cushioning feels kind to arches on long, rolling trails. The protective toe cap shrugs off scree bumps and roots.
Outsole traction is confidence boosting on slick boardwalks and dusty switchbacks. Fit is true with moderate volume, making it versatile for many foot shapes. If you want one boot to handle weekend hikes, shoulder season outings, and occasional backpacking, this classic earns its keep.
4. The North Face VECTIV Fastpack Mid Futurelight
Speed hikers and light packers will love the Fastpack Mid. It feels like a trail runner with ankle coverage, delivering quick transitions thanks to the VECTIV rocker platform. Futurelight handles passing showers and shallow crossings without bogging you down.
Grip favors dry rock and hardpack, still holding its own when trails turn tacky. The collar is minimally padded yet supportive, keeping the weight low for all day comfort. Choose this when your plan is big mileage before lunch and summit snacks by noon.
5. The North Face Snowfuse Winter Boot
When temps plunge and sidewalks turn to rinks, the Snowfuse keeps adventures rolling. Waterproof suede blocks slush seepage while 200 gram Heatseeker insulation traps warmth without bulk. The TNF Winter Grip outsole maintains traction on packed snow and frosty trailheads.
They feel cozy right away, perfect for snowshoe approaches, dog walks, and hut trips. Not a technical mountaineering boot, but ideal for winter hiking and around town missions. If your forecast flips between flurries and thaw, these balance warmth, grip, and value nicely.
6. The North Face Back-To-Berkeley IV Textile WP
Heritage looks meet modern function in the Back To Berkeley IV Textile WP. The waterproof membrane keeps rain out during city commutes and leaf strewn park loops. A cushioned midsole and padded collar deliver all day comfort without the bulk of a classic hiker.
Traction is dependable on damp sidewalks and gravel, with a lug pattern that stays quiet indoors. Materials feature recycled content, appealing to eco minded travelers. For those wanting one boot for office to overlook, this stylish workhorse handles changing plans and changing weather.
7. The North Face Summit Breithorn Futurelight
High routes demand protection without overkill. The Summit Breithorn Futurelight brings alpine focused waterproof breathability in a surprisingly agile package. Supportive uppers and a firm platform inspire trust when edging across shattered limestone and mixed spring conditions.
It is overbuilt for casual park rambles, but perfect for ambitious scrambles and light mountaineering objectives. Traction excels on rock and consolidated snow, and the fit secures the heel for precise footwork. If your weekends lead above treeline, this boot answers with confidence and control.
8. The North Face Ultra 112 Mid Waterproof
The Ultra 112 Mid brings runner like agility with real protection. A rockered platform smooths cadence over choppy singletrack, while the waterproof upper shields from dew soaked grass and puddles. The toe bumper and sidewalls shrug off sharp scree and trail debris without feeling clunky.
Grip is assertive on dry granite and damp pine needles. Fit runs slightly generous, great for swelling feet on long days. If you bounce between fast day hikes and light backpacking, this boot offers a lively ride that stays stable when the pace surges.
9. The North Face Activist FUTURELIGHT Mid
For mixed days that start downtown and end at a viewpoint, the Activist FUTURELIGHT Mid fits right in. The lightweight upper breathes well while Futurelight blocks surprise showers. It feels nimble underfoot, encouraging spontaneous detours onto dirt when the mood strikes.
Lug geometry favors hardpack and light mud, with enough bite for park stairs and slick bridges. The style leans modern and minimal, pairing easily with travel kits. If versatility matters and you value a quick, casual stride, this boot makes everyday adventures feel effortless.
