Details
Brand
The North Face
Breathability
7.9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Trail
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Vibram® XS Trek outsole• Bathtub-style EVA compound and OrthoLite® midsole• CRADLE heel-stability technology• FlashDry™ material in the upper• ESS Snake Plate in midsole
Upper
The flexible, padded upper of the Endurus TR offers step-in comfort and a snug fit after lace-up. With North Face’s CRADLE heel stabilizer that keeps the foot secure in the chamber and a TPU geo quarter panel that provides great support to the upper, the Endurus ER also uses FlashDry™ material in its collar lining to keep the runner’s feet cool and dry. Even though the Endurance TR is a relatively heavy-duty shoe, the seamless welded-suede upper is dotted with open mesh vents for breathability. Its sausage-style flex laces fasten securely after lace-up while its padded, gusseted tongue sits comfortably against the foot. In addition, a TPU toe cap protects the toe from hard surfaces a runner may come into contact with during a run on the trail.
Midsole
The Endurus TR features an outstanding cushioning system in its midsole, known as a “bathtub” style that features a firm compound around its perimeter with the interior filled with a soft EVA compound. Its OrthoLite® footbed provides excellent comfort and EVA padding forms the bathtub-style midsole, with 31mm cushioning in the heel and 25mm in the midfoot that mirrors the shoe’s 6mm drop that increases overall stability. In addition, a midfoot-to-forefoot ESS Snake Plate is fitted into the midsole to protect the foot from rocks and other hazards on the trail and adds torsional stiffness without interfering with the cushioning.
Outsole
The Endurance TR’s outsole is built to tackle the toughest terrain. Its Vibram® rubber XS Trek outsole is durable and long-lasting, while the outsole is covered with offset 3.5mm lugs that offer excellent grip and traction on sloppy trails and slick surfaces without getting in the way while running on a more traditional surface. Whether the runner needs traction on dirt or rocks or is looking for a little more surface grip on asphalt and pavement, the outsole of the Endurance TR is versatile enough to negotiate varying conditions.
Breathability
Although its upper is made of seamlessly welded suede, which isn’t the most breathable material, there are numerous perforations that expose the mesh underneath the overlays, which act as ventilation for the shoe. As a result, the Endurance TR is actually quite breathable for a more heavyweight trail runner, and many reviewers have noted how pleasantly surprised they were at how well their foot felt cool and dry during a run, even on hot days.
Comfort
One of the best features of the Endurus TR is the excellent step-in comfort it provides. Its outsole is made of durable Vibram® rubber that’s outfitted with 3.5mm lugs for excellent surface grip and control while its flexible and seamless welded suede upper is padded to keep the arch and sides of the foot comfortable through a long run, while its gusseted tongue and heel lock secure the foot in the foot chamber. The bathtub-style design of the midsole has a thick EVA padding that runs from the heel to the forefoot that ranges from 31mm in the heel to 25mm in the midfoot for stability and comfort and an OrthoLite® footbed for superior cushioning.
Style
The North Face has always had a reputation for its durable, heavy-duty outdoor products. Ranging from outerwear, coats, shoes, and equipment like backpacks and sleeping bags, North Face’s overall aesthetic seems to choose function over style. And while The North Face Endurus TR is a relatively stylish shoe, with its welded suede upper and chunky outsole, it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing trail runner on the market. Coming in three color combinations, yellow and gray, orange and gray, and black and gray, these aren’t shoes that make a fashion statement but they perform well on rough terrain and keep your feet comfortable throughout a long run. But you’ll be glad you picked function over form when you’re 40 miles out on the trail and encounter tricky topography. It’s what the shoe can do, after all, not what it looks like that counts.
Durability
The North Face has an outstanding reputation for the durability of the goods it produces, and the Endurus TR holds this reputation up spectacularly. Simply put, the Endurance TR is a shoe built to last. Its Vibram® XS Trek outsole is made to negotiate steep slopes and rocky inclines and will retain its tenacious grip even after heavy use. Its seamless upper with welded suede and TPU geo quarter panel provides superior support to the upper, and its comfy midsole, which includes an OrthoLite® footbed, EVA compound midsole, and ESS Snake Plate to help protect against rocks and other hazardous elements, is comprised of long-lasting materials.
Protection
Loaded with features to keep your feet safe during long, hard-charging treks on the trail, the Endurus SR features a TPU toe cap that protects the toe during a run from hard, unforgiving surfaces. It also has an ESS Snake Plate fitted into the midsole, a plastic rock shield that prevents sharp and hard materials from injuring the bottom of the runner’s foot. In addition, its thick rubber outsole and EVA compound midsole absorbs the shock of footfall and from impact of the foot on hard surfaces.
Responsiveness
The 3.5mm lugs that dot its outsole provide great grip and excellent traction on a variety of terrains and topographies, allowing the runner to negotiate tricky trails and steep inclines. Its EVA and OrthoLite® bathtub-style midsole also allows the runner to feel comfortable but in control, while its CRADLE heel-stability technology keeps the foot firmly in place.
Support
The OrthoLite® midsole provides standard arch support for neutral runners in the Endurance TR. However, runners who suffer from underpronation or fallen arches may want to consider further insole support with the Endurus TR.
Terrain
Made to tackle the toughest terrain, from steep inclines to rocky roads, hard cracked dirt or the asphalt streets of your town, the Endurus TR is a trail runner first and foremost that can easily transition to standard running surfaces.
Price
The North Face puts out a great product, but quality like North Face provides comes at a cost. The Endurus TR is a relatively pricey trail runner, but for the amount of features it offers, the tech that’s loaded into it, its comfort level, and its performance, this is an investment in a trail running shoe that won’t let you down when you’re in a clutch and that sort of security is priceless.
Drop
At 6mm, the drop of the Endurus TR is slightly lower than average, which provides a little relief for runners who tend to overpronate. But this is not a corrective shoe, only offering a lower drop for further stability.
Stability
The Endurus TR has a 6mm drop, which is lower than the average drop for a shoe. Interestingly, the EVA compound that comprises the midsole also has a 6mm drop, with 31mm of cushioning present in the heel and 25mm of cushioning in the midfoot, which provides some further stability. However, this is not specifically a stability shoe.
Flexibility
The upper of the Endurus TR is pleasantly flexible, offering a secure fit after lace-up. Its plush midsole, with a double layer of EVA compound and OrthoLite® footbed, also offers some give and flexibility, although some runners have mentioned that it feels a little too firm on the underside of their foot.
Traction
The tenacious 3.5mm lugs that populate the outsole of the Endurus TR provides superior traction across the spectrum of surfaces a runner may encounter on the trail, rocks, inclines, slopes, dirt, and uneven topographies are easy to negotiate thanks to the sticky grip the outsole of the Endurus TR offers.
Bottom Line
The North Face Endurus TR is an overall trail runner that’s made for long-distance hauls. Built for comfort, durability, and performance, the Endurus TR is a trail runner made to hit the hard surfaces and uneven topographies of nature and keep the runner going for miles and miles. Although not built for speed, it’s built to last, whether going on a long-distance 40-mile trek through the mountains or looking for extra traction and cushioning while training for a marathon. Think of the Endurus TR like a tank on the outside outfitted with comfortable couches and velvet tapestry on the inside. It will keep your feet safe and roll over hard terrain while its plush interior and well-ventilated upper provides the sort of comfort needed when traversing challenging paths. It may not be the most stylish shoe or the lightest, but it makes up for both by being reliable and durable instead. While a bit pricey, this is an investment in a trail runner that will keep you moving, comfortable, and protect you every step of the way.
