The North Face Ultra 105 GTX XCR

Summary

Good stiff soled running shoe. Decent traction.

This is my third pair of these shoes. I have worn them trail running, hiking, trekking, and as everyday shoes. They are decent shoes, but the uppers have worn out on the forefoot wear they flex, and the rubber sole separates from the rest of the sole too soon.

I wore these on a three day 15,000' climb of Mt. Meru hoping that they would be enought support. They weren't quite enough support for such an aggressive trek.

They fit well, which is why I've gone through three pairs of them.

They are waterproof which has been good for running, especially off trail in grasses where shoes would normally soak through.

Traction is decent.

Since they are Gortex lined they tend to be warm in the summer.

They are good shoes, but I will probably look at something different the next time around.  I might keep a pair on had for wet runs off trail.

Summary

Great hiking and running shoe!

admittedly, bought this half a size smaller than my usual size. hence initially, fit was a bit tight. but after break-in, it fits my feet very well. hugs the sides and leaves enough room in the toebox.

there was no chafing before and after break-in.

being a low-cut shoe, ankle support during hiking may be missed. but for running, it's great. also allows for more foot ventilation for hiking in the tropics.

the gore-tex works well for light to moderate rains. there's a good amount of leather to lend durability to the shoe. scuff marks don't show much, nor do they cause significant damage.

the ultra-tac outsole, with its lug pattern, gives excellent traction on dry outdoor surfaces. i sometimes slip using it on wet surfaces, but overall this shoe had the best outsole i've had.

shoelace eyes for wide and narrow feet are available. the shoelace length is ideal for the wide configuration.

gusseted tongue helps very much in preventing stuff from entering the shoe.

there's a reflector on the heel. this can be obscured on muddy trips, but otherwise it's a nice touch.

bought it a year ago. have used it on 2 hiking trips and everyday commuting.

I got into trail running years ago or cross-country as I knew it for the joy of it because running marathons got a little too crowded and the gear-heads took over. Anyway I got myself a pair of Montrail Highlanders. After two months of wearing I hated them; frequent heel and toe pain.

I began shopping around and went into an EMS nearby and they were having their Spring used sale and I found the North Face Ultra GTX XCR size 11, which was used but in really good shape.

Now keep in mind that I wear a size 12 and have hardwear in each feet from my time in the service (FMF Corpsman) but the NF trail-runners fit me like a gloves and give lots of toe-box room which I needed, added that I am flat footed and 6"1" and 170.

I did a 5 mile run two weeks later after purchase, no pain or swelling or fiction spots. And I just came back from the Bahamas where I did a three mile trail and beach run — lots of rocky/sharp limestone and water hole; my feet were dry and comfortable and I wore them all day without sox.

I would highly recommend this shoe to anyone. They do run big, but the Gore-tex, roomy toe-box and comfort are outstanding.