Reviews by User: Travis Liles (9)

This is a great shoe for those looking for a lighter weight shoe. It's got great tread and is low to the ground for those fast trail runs. The cushioning would be in the middle, its not super cushioned, but its not a racing flat either. It has a nice snug fit as well as good padding around the ankle. It's flexible in the forefoot and gives a good feel of the trail without feeling too exposed to rocks and roots. If you like the fit on Montrail shoes but want something a little lighter, this is the way to go

I've wore these for some solid training runs and when my feet were destroyed for the last 20 miles of the McNaughton 100. When my feet were wet and mushy from 20+ hours of running in the muck and crossing streams these shoes locked my foot in place and kept the friction way down. These things are crazy stable for as light as they are. The fit is really secure. I have a narrow heel and a wide forefoot and after messing with the lacing a little I was able to lock my heel in and still let my toes wiggle. They drain well except for at the toe where there is some extra protective material on the sides or the very protective toe cap. It's not a deal breaker, but it does hold a little more water than I would like. The bottoms are light, but protective against roots and rocks. The traction is also way better than it looks. I thought they gripped very well in mud as well as on the packed down dirt single track and grassy areas. Lastly, the medial posting (which you can’t see in the pictures) is a plus for a runner that is not neutral, like me. If you are trying to compare this shoe to another... I would say its like a combo of the Montrail Highlander and the Continental Divide

This is an all around great hat. It's thin fleece, about 100 weight that fits snug. I have a small head (7-1/4 fitted hat) and this hat fits well but not tight and there is plenty of room left for someone with a larger noggin.

This is a very well vented shoe. That is the first thing I noticed when I put these on. Lots of mesh, so if your run has a lot of sand it’s going to get in your shoe, but if your run has lots or stream crossings these things are going to drain well. Very aggressive tread on the bottom. Large lugs that dig in well. Lots of cushioning too that feels good, but not overly mushy. Lastly as stated above a large toe box that lets your toes wiggle.

The good - large toe box, well cushioned, moderate protection, hugs the foot well, good traction on lots of different surfaces, and a wide stable base. The bad - a bit clunky feeling, a wider heel then other trail shoes I have tried from North Face, Montrail, and La Sportiva. Overall this is a great training and race shoe for someone looking for a middle of the road combination of weight, support, cushion, and pronation control. It's just the right amount of everything for the long haul without being too stiff or too flexible. There is a fair amount of cushioning that could feel a little mushy but not so much that I feel vulnerable to rolling my ankles. I've ran everything from a rough all day affair 50k with lots of loose gravel, large rocks, and roots to a sub 4 hour marathon (somewhat fast for me) on well groomed rolling prairie trails.

This shoe is alright. I'm glad they did not leave the exposed spot in the middle of the forefoot like the first Arnuva 50. It's lower to the ground than something like the Montrail Hardrock and its not super heavy, but by no means is it light. It's wide and stable and has a good amount of cushioning. This shoes is at least a half size too big. Overall it's ok, but I would not turn to this as my go to shoe for an ultra distance run.

I've got 200+ miles on these shoes. My terrain has varied from road, gravel, dirt trail, mud, and even ice (with the assistance of a traction device) and they have done great. I would say the only place where these shoes might not perform well is on very hard varied terrain for a long distance since they are not a hard-core stability shoe. Light-weight, with some stability, and a pretty cushioned ride, make this a great mixed terrain shoe. Add the BOA lacing system (at first seemed gimmicky and now I love)which greatly allows for adjusting fit quickly and you've got a great comfortable fit. I've run 2 50k's in these with no blisters. I'll buy another pair when these wear out.

I have this one as well as the Optimus Mesh. This one seems to be a big lighter and a less boxy fit. I wear it when a tank top is not enough, but long sleeves are too much.

This is a great addition to any collection. It works well by its' self or as a top layer over a long sleeve shirt. It breaths well and allows for non-restrictive movement. It fits a little big. I ordered a small and it’s a bit bigger then I am used to, but most The North Face clothes seem to be that way.