REVIEW: The North Face Offtrail Hike GTX
The North Face Offtrail Hike GORE-TEX Shoes – Trail-Tested in the Ozarks
I picked up the Offtrail Hike GORE-TEX shoes from The North Face right before heading out to the Ozarks for a long weekend of hiking and fishing. I knew I’d be hitting rocky ridgelines, muddy creek beds, and some good old unpredictable backcountry weather, so I wanted something waterproof and grippy that could handle whatever the trail threw at me. On day two, I stepped into a mud bog up to my ankle and was stoked when my feet stayed dry. That GORE-TEX membrane did its job well. I ended up doing over 20 miles in these over the course of three days, and while my legs were toast, my feet were actually feelin’ alright.
Design & Aesthetics – Rugged Look That Works
★★★★☆
The Offtrail Hike shoes have a beefy, rugged look that just kind of screams, “I’m ready for whatever.” The pair I went with was the Khaki Stone/Silver Grey colorway, and it looks better in person than online. I like that it’s neutral without being boring, and it hides dirt really well. There’s also a Black color option if you wanna keep it super low key. The design is a bit chunkier than what I’m used to in a hiking shoe, but it doesn’t look goofy or oversized. That EXTS™ traction outsole is visibly aggressive and it definitely gives the whole shoe a serious hiking vibe. Not something you’d wear to a wedding, but definitely something you’d wear to stomp through a riverbed.
Functionality – Traction, Stability, and Waterproofing
★★★★★
Where these shoes really shine is in performance. The GORE-TEX waterproofing is no joke. I crossed shallow streams, got caught in a surprise downpour, and even hiked through early morning dew and not once did my socks get wet. The midsole has a great balance of cushioning and firmness thanks to the lightweight EVA foam. What really stood out to me though was the stability the shoe’s rocker geometry actually helped with fatigue over time and gave me a smoother stride, especially on those long descents. I never slipped once, even going down wet limestone. The EXTS™ traction system was probably my favorite feature of the whole shoe. It just digs in and holds no matter what you’re walking on.
Durability – Built to Get Banged Up
★★★★☆
After three solid days of hard hiking, these shoes barely showed any signs of wear. The upper is made with a mix of durable synthetics and mesh, and it’s reinforced in high-wear areas. I scraped ’em on rocks, kicked a few roots (oops), and dragged them through brush, and they held up great. The rubber toe cap gave my toes a little extra protection on the rocky parts of the trail, which I definitely appreciated. Only reason I’m knocking off a star is that the laces started to fray just a bit after the trip. Not a huge deal, but for a shoe at this price point, I expected them to be just a bit tougher.
Value – Worth It if You’re Out There Often
★★★★☆
At $185, these aren’t your budget hiking shoes. But if you’re serious about getting out on the trail, especially in wet or rugged conditions, I think they’re worth the price. The waterproofing, grip, and durability are right up there with more expensive models from other brands. You’re getting that solid North Face build, plus features like the GORE-TEX membrane, EXTS™ outsole, and that comfortable EVA midsole. I wouldn’t say they’re a steal, but I’d still call them a good value if you’re using them regularly. If you’re only doing a casual hike a couple of times a year, maybe look for something a little cheaper.
Final Thoughts – A Solid Hiking Shoe for Serious Trails
★★★★☆
Overall, I was pretty impressed with the Offtrail Hike GORE-TEX shoes. They were comfortable, totally waterproof, and had some of the best traction I’ve used in a hiking shoe. The design is a little bulky, and the laces could be better, but those are small gripes in the big picture. If you’re heading out into wet, rocky, or just plain unpredictable terrain, I’d say these are a solid bet. I’d recommend them to folks who hike regularly and want something tougher than a lightweight trail runner but not quite as much as a full boot.
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