THE NORTH FACE - Men's Hedgehog Fastpack Shoes - Waterproof Hiking & Outdoor Trekking Shoes

Product Information

Highly abrasion and water-resistant, over 70 years of outerwear knowledge and experience have gone into this design. This means the brand has sourced factories who have passed an audit, so their worker rights, environmental impact and social compliance is up to scratch. Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit.

As we sit in dusty, windswept Ulgii, one of Mongolia’s westernmost cities, and await our delayed flight back to the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Further, we’ve found the Ultra’s insole provides a more secure hold and the shoe’s slightly beefed-up construction gets the edge in overall stability. The Hedgehog Fastpack hiking shoe, from The North Face, is suitable for many difficult terrains like rocky slopes. The outsole is constructed from Vibram rubber which offers durable protection on rocky terrain and grip on wet, snowy and even icy conditions. The upper material will start to absorb moisture after a while, but it does dry reasonably well thanks to the thin construction.Compared with the Hedgehog, the two shoes are nearly identical in weight but the Ultra has better protection and cushioning underfoot. The Ortholite® insoles maintain their cushioning power over the long term and the durable Vibram® XS Trek outer soles deliver the optimal balance of traction and durability without adding unnecessary weight or bulk. My experience has been similar to nearly every GTX shoe and boot I’ve tested: the Hedgehog does a fine job repelling light rain, dewy grass, and the occasional stream dunk. We tested this shoe alongside the Fastpack and found it to be the better option in just about every way. All told, I think the level of stability is completely sufficient for most hiking and light backpacking trips, but those who prioritize a stiffer construction should check out a shoe like the Adidas Terrex Swift R2.

I also don’t love the inclusion of metal grommets on the lacing system as those are prone to popping out as the miles add up, but I haven’t had any problems with mine. And while I can understand the Hedgehog’s appeal, particularly for those with flat feet, it disappointed overall due to consistent issues with foot soreness.And as touched on above, the Vibram outsole is holding up very well and should have a long lifespan. The North Face products are high quality, long lasting, and have classic designs, so you can enjoy your purchases for years to come.

Flat and cheap insole lacks the sculpted and comfortable fit that comes with competitors like the Merrell Moab 2, Oboz Sawtooth II, and Salomon X Ultra 3. This shoe has been around for more than a decade (the latest “2” was released a couple years ago), and is a proven choice for day hikes and short backpacking adventures. ounces on our scale (The North Face lists them at 1 pound 14 ounces), which lands right in the middle of the waterproof hiking shoe market. Just like the hedgehog, these walking shoes benefit from a long, pointy frontal snout, they have great climbing abilities, and will let your feet hibernate in PU-coated, abrasion-resistant comfort. Ortholite® OrthoLite® foam footbeds are lightweight and breathable, and feature built-in moisture management and antimicrobial action.

On everything from hikes in Patagonia to long days hauling a 30-pound load in Washington’s Cascade Range, I consistently dealt with foot soreness.

North Face themselves apart with the Hedgehog Fastpack by using technology to deliver a hiking shoe like no other, in tailored models for both men and women. The rubber toe cap does a decent job absorbing a direct hit, but, as I found, if you catch one from the side or just off-center, the protection is limited. But considering this shoe is intended for fast-paced hiking (hence the “Fastpack” name), the weight isn’t all that impressive. When you're adventuring over rocky, uneven terrain, there's nothing more essential than long-term support. Low-top hiking shoes aren’t known for their stiff and supportive constructions, but the Hedgehog Fastpack provides more stability than most.The shoe was a little stiff out of the box, its sparse padding offered noticeably less cushioning than many modern designs, and the cheap-feeling insole was flat and provided essentially zero arch support (this can of course be a positive for those with flat feet). due to the extreme heat he has issues with his feet swelling and says that these are roomy and comfortable for all day wear.