User Review: The North Face Plasma XCR Boa

The North Face Plasma XCR Boa
Above: The current Plasma XCR Boa, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed December 13, 2006 by Callaway

Rating: rated 5 of 5 stars
Materials: Gore-tex
Use: day hikes, day to day wear
Break-in Period: none
Weight: Light almost running shoe weight.
Price Paid: $109

For a light trail shoe that has all the bells and whistles this one does it, it's not cheap but you kind of get what you pay for. It was my first exposure to the Boa lacing system and whoever designed this system has really done a great job and I can see why they are becoming so popular. It took a little getting used to but if you vary in socks from heavy to light weight socks it allows you to dial the tightness of the boot around your foot unlike any lacing system I've ever had. They are made up of mutiple micro strands of steel cable wrapped in a steel cable with a polycoating around the lace similar to tiny bridge cables very light and plyable and theyt won't come untied. It's great if you just want to pull them on to go out for more wood or let the dog out just slide them on and out the door you go.

I would caution when ordering not only this shoe but others in the North Face line they seem to run one full size smaller than you would take in a New Balance or other shoe. Construction is what you would expect in an over $100 shoe, no hit and miss stiches and a very agressive vibram sole that though unmarking is an attractor for dirt and mud but seems to self clean fairly well.

All in all a very sound shoe for those not needing a heavy mountain or climbing boot but a lightweight Gore-tex all purpose day hiker you can get multiple seasons out of with ease.

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Plasma XCR Boa at 2 online stores:

StoreProduct DescriptionPrice

Backcountry.com
2 purchase options:		Plasma XCR Boa Shoes - Women's$89.97Buy Now
Plasma XCR Boa Shoe - Men's$112.46Buy Now

Sierra Trading Post
2 purchase options:		Plasma Hiking Boots With Boa (r) - For Men$109.95Buy Now
Plasma Trail Shoes - Waterproof Gore-tex (r) Lacing - For Women$109.95Buy Now

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