Details
Brand
The North Face
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Traction
Key Features
• TPU mesh upper• 2-layer Gore Tex• TPU toe caps• XtraFoam midsole with EVA perimeter• Vibram XS Trek Sole feature has 4mm biting lugs
Upper
The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex has a synthetic mesh upper to allow air flow into the shoe. The seamless, welded TPU geometric quarter panel was created for support and breathability. The TPU welded synthetic toe cap also adds protection against toe stubs and debris. It is also seamless to avoid fraying of any threads. The collar lining features the FlashDry technology The North Face has developed to keep feet cool and dry. And inside the shoe is the Ortho-Lite footbed for arch support and overall comfort. The Gore Tex lining is added just under the mesh upper as an impenetrable barrier against wind and water without sacrificing breathability. It features a 2-layer construction for a lighter, softer feel.
Midsole
Over rocky terrain with sticks, hills and surprise roots sticking out of the ground, you need a midsole that will flex with your footfall and absorb the assault the outsole is taking. The XtraFoam midsole The North Face is using in the Endurus Hike Gore Tex is a very flexible, soft midsole that covers toe to heel. They have also added a firmer EVA foam around the outsole for additional stability and support. Within the midsole, the rock plate, called the ESS Snake Plate by The North Face, protects from forefoot to midfoot for torsional rigidity and protection from rocks.
Outsole
The outsole of The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex shoe is a thicker Vibram VS Trek sole which combines over 70 years of experience in sport-specific design to create the rubber compound that provides a superior grip, extreme durability, and solid traction. The individual 4mm lug design grips lose trails and terrain well. The design of the rubber outsole is such that it is still flexible to reduce foot fatigue while grippy enough to make boulder fields and glaciers easily traversable.
Breathability
Breathability is extremely important for a good hiking shoe. With the amount of mileage on the average hike well over 10 miles, you want your feet to stay cool and dry while still protected from the elements. The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex has created a comfortable, breathable shoe with a mesh upper that is still supportive enough for an average hike and breathable even with the Gore Tex lining. The diamond cutouts in the upper provide needed air flow into and over the foot, helping to evaporate any excess moisture while the FlashDry collar lining holds moisture away from the skin, keeping the foot cool as well. The lighter, 2-layer construction of the Gore Tex liner keeps the foot cooler and more comfortable.
Comfort
Hiking through a mountain, 10 miles away from civilization, the last thing you want to worry about is your feet getting tired and uncomfortable because your shoes didn’t hold up. The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex is an excessively comfortable hiking shoe. From the XtraFoam midsole making the ride soft and cushiony to the breathable synthetic mesh upper letting the air flow into the shoe and over your foot, cooling any moisture almost immediately, there is very little to worry about. Even the added rock plate is just from forefoot to midfoot, protecting from rocks and providing just the right amount of support on uneven terrain. The shoe has just the right amount of flexibility in the outsole and midsole to traverse rougher terrain without being unforgiving and difficult.
Style
The style of the North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex is functional with a flare of color. The base color is gray but you can find an accent of teal, orange, pink, purple, or black. With that said, the shoe is still nice-looking. A solid color with one accent throughout shows the consistency that is The North Face. They didn’t want to take any attention away from the functionality of the shoe. They did make the functionality stylish. The North Face logo is whichever accent color you have chosen. The diamond cutout designs also feature the accent color and the FlashDry collar lining and tongue lining features the same accent color. The laces, while functionally innovative with a smooth, stretchy material, are also your chosen color, accenting the gray. The North Face logo sits on the outside of the toe cap. The Endurus Hike Gore Tex is an attractive, functional hiking shoe.
Durability
Hiking shoes are expected to be durable. You are putting them through terrain that is not ordinarily accessed and you need them to stand up to the challenge. The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex is a cross between a trail runner and a hiking shoe so it does feature the increased durability needed in a hiking shoe, though not so much that it can’t be worn for a trail run. Around the perimeter of the XtraFoam midsole, the firmer density EVA foam provides extra stability and a thicker foam to absorb the impact of rocks, sticks, and debris on the trail. The Vibram XS Trek sole features rubber designed for durable, multi-terrain traction with 4mm biting lugs that grab the earth for support and traction. The synthetic mesh upper with Gore Tex lining has small enough cutouts that won’t catch on external debris and tear. This shoe is great for lighter hikes but may take a beating on longer hikes with variable terrain and heavy packs.
Protection
The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex is a protective shoe. From the Vibram XS Trek Sole rubber on the outsole to the EVA foam around the perimeter of the midsole, the shoe is trying to absorb the shock of your movements and the uneven terrain. The toe cap is protecting you from any unpredicted obstacles that could hurt your feet on the trail. The TPU mesh upper holds your foot into the heel stability technology, keeping your entire foot stable and supported and the gusseted tongue keeps dirt and debris away from your feet, avoiding abrasions and rubbing.
Responsiveness
With an XtraFoam midsole that is thicker than most hiking or trail running shoes, there isn’t a lot of responsiveness to the North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex. Even the EVA foam around the perimeter is more for stability than redistributing energy. All of the work is going into cushioning and not so much returning the energy as absorbing it. This shoe is a more cushioned, soft ride.
Support
The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex has support in a few places. The synthetic TPU mesh on the upper is a thicker construct and, paired with the Gore Tex liner, has a layered support that also holds the foot in place. The heel cup seats the heel deeper into the midsole, securing it to the base of the shoe so limited movement is allowed, securing the foot and protecting from injury. Thicker EVA foam surrounding the XtraFoam midsole provides a steadier base and keeps the foot set into the inner foam base.
Terrain
The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex is a combination trail runner and hiking shoe. This makes it good for a diverse terrain while limiting it to lighter trails and shorter trail runs. With the 4mm lugs, it does have great traction but it’s just not built for the more challenging hikes.
Price
The North Face products can never be considered cheap and the North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex is anything but. Given the technology and innovation that is included in the design, you wouldn’t expect it to be. This shoe is right in line, price-wise, with similar shoes in the genre and is actually a deal for the comfort and technology that is employed.
Drop
We weren’t able to locate a measurement on the drop of The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex. Based on pictures only, the toe is situated above where the heel ends, looking like an average drop. Though not a natural ride, this shoe does have a thicker midsole than most and is designed for hiking so you should expect an average drop.
Stability
The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex has stability built into the upper via the TPU mesh, TPU heel, and toe cap. The moderately padded heel collar holds the Achilles in place and down into the heel cup for stability. The XtraFoam midsole is surrounded with a stronger, more durable EVA foam for added stability and to keep the foot in the base of the shoe. With the full upper and midsole devoted to holding the foot in place, this shoe is a pretty stable option.
Flexibility
For a shoe that follows the design of both a trail running shoe and a hiking shoe, The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex is surprisingly flexible. The mesh upper flexes along the natural forefoot line while the XtraFoam midsole and Vibram XS Trek sole rubber outsole follow the same natural flex. With additional flex grooves built into the outsole and center groove that allows the weight to shift to different areas of the base, this shoe is extremely flexible to a diverse terrain. The rock plate does add torsional rigidity through the forefoot to midfoot but that doesn’t take away from the flex of the base.
Traction
The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex is a combination trail shoe/hiking shoe. The 4mm biting rubber lugs on the outsole provide a decent amount of grip while the Vibram XS Trek sole holds the ground close, with no concern toward loose rocks, dirt or other debris.
Bottom Line
The North Face has put their experience and knowledge together to create a cross between a trail running shoe and a hiking shoe. The North Face Endurus Hike Gore Tex uses all of the technology possible in an incredibly comfortable, soft, waterproof shoe. They’ve used a quality rubber on the perfect outsole for trails and hikes combined. This shoe is the crossover you need for both activities.
