Description of The North Face Ultra 104 GTX XCR Trail Running Shoe - Men's:
All this “multi-sport shoe” stuff can be confusing. We'll level with you—The North Face Men's Ultra 104 GTX XCR Trail Running Shoes are totally legit running shoes. But the Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane, burly outsole, and supportive midsole also take this shoe into light hiking and approach territory. The Ultra 104 Shoe's forefoot plate winds back and forth between the medial and lateral sides of your foot. Unlike solid plates, this woven plate allows your foot to bend and flex while still providing rigidity. Torque control supports low arches for optimal pronation guidance on your runs and climbing approaches.
Bottom Line: Trail runs, light hikes, and rock-climbing approaches.
Picked these up to be more of a fast hiker rather than a trail runner, but I was very surprised after running in them. The 105 is more agile than it looks. It won't be my first choice for more moderate terrain, but for burly trails the support and protection is great. All around I think this shoe fits very well.
This trail shoe rocks! The constructed outsole and midsole really takes this running shoe? into light-hiking territory. Everything that is said in the description is true. Very comfortable, the vivid color scheme with reflective markers - cool, and with one-of-a-kind colored lacing. The lacing is based on mountaineering boots and it also features the "catches" instead of the eyelets, so you will have to adjust them to get your desired fit. I would not suggest to wear these above the 70-degree mark, XCR gets warm. And the shoe-size is actually a little roomier - perhap compensating your selected socks, so I would also suggest, not to order a half-size down. Other than that, I think they're really worth buying - Just like the quote from ROBOCOP, "I'd buy that for a dollar!"
I got these shoes before going to europe figuring it would be nice to have some that were waterproof while I was traveling. Sadly, after under 2 months of owning them water started leaking through the material and my feet were soaked whenever it was the lightest bit wet outside. They did a better job keeping the water in than keeping it out, so I spent the majority of my backpacking with wet feet.
