(from thenorthface.com) The Ultra Gore-Tex® XCR® is a waterproof, breathable trail runner for all-weather conditions.
Features: # Abrasion resistant synthetic mudguard # AgION™ anti microbial lining # Breathable sandwich mesh upper and tongue # De coupled heel # Extended Roll Control™ medial heel wedge # Heel & Forefoot X-2™ cushioning # Injection molded TPU shank insert # Northotic™ ergonomically designed multidensity footbed with AgION™ anti microbial top sheet # Reinforced toe cap and heel # Scree gaiter attachments Dual density EVA midsole # TNF Trail Grip™ rubber outsole # Waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex® XCR® trail runner for all weather conditions. Gore-Tex® XCR® waterproof, breathable membrane upper |
Reviews | bewencher | Untitled Review | | 
Voted 5/5 | I've been wearing these all summer for all of my hikes (primarily 4,000 footers in New England) and have yet to find a reason to change. The wide laces make them very adjustable for a variety of widths. It's also easy to lace them up tighter than other shoes. These also make great gaters (in summer and winter weight) that are really easy to attach to the shoes by way of elastic loops on the shoes themselves and clips on the gaters. The grips on the soles of them are really durable and have yet to show much (if any) wear on them. The Gore-Tex also comes in handy when having to cross rivers, streams, or mud because you don't have to be overly cautious about getting your feet wet. I'm hoping that North Face will still be making these (or something like them) when I finally wear these out because I won't want to wear anything else. | | Posted Aug 25, 2005 11:52 am | | The Defiant One | Ultra 103 XCR | | 
Hasn't voted | I must say that I've been very impressed with these shoes.
If you've read my other reviews, you know that I am a bargain hunter, so I only paid $50 for these at TNF Outlet.
I hesitate, but only for a split-second, to say that these are the best trail running/approach shoes I've ever owned. I have had more than 2 dozen pairs of trail runners and these are the best of them all. The grip is superb and the shoe is more stable than most, but not the best ever. I found the "Northotic" that came with them to be quite a good "stock" liner. (I usually upgrade with superfeet, but haven't with these shoes).
They're more breathable than other gore-tex trail runners I've owned so they don't make my feet sweat like crazy when it isn't chilly.
They have these little attachments for TNF gaiters. I've used them with both summer gaiters and the waterproof variety.
Both are great for keeping out debris, and the waterproof ones do shed water, but on a stream crossing, my feet got a little wet because they don't seal up quite perfectly.
Apart from that, they've kept my feet dry and have superior traction in mud or wet conditions.
My girlfriend has a pair as well (different colors thank goodness-we don't like to match too much) and we both frequently put down 30 miles of running/hiking in a day with these shoes with limited suffering.
My feet are long and narrow, but wide at the front. I wish the toe-box were 1-2 mm wider, but that's just a fit issue with me.
With most other shoes, I tend to get foot-bruise after long days on rugged terrain, but it's much better in these shoes.
Cons: The North Face shoes almost always run small. I bought a full size larger than I normally would. Not a real problem if you're trying these on in a store, but important if you're deal-hunting online. I don't know why they can't get their sizing right.
Bottom line:
I've got these shoes on my feet if i'm not wearing boots. and I've got 4 extra new pairs stashed in my closet in case TNF does something stupid and stops making them.
TNF really hit the mark with this shoe. | | Posted Apr 27, 2007 4:34 pm |
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