Facts
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Subcategory
Hiking Sandals
Made of lightweight materials. They don't have much top-of-the-foot coverage so they're mostly suitable for well-maintained trails and summer hikes. Also useful for crossing rivers and streams. They come in open and closed-toe designs. See the best hiking sandals.
Hiking Shoes
The low-cut equivalent of hiking boots. Comfort is paramount in the creation of these shoes so they often have flexible materials. Generally used for day hikes. See hiking shoes.
Hiking Boots
Mid to high-cut models designed for more aggressive hikes and backpacking. See hiking boots.
Mountaineering Boots
Specialized footwear. Often insulated and used in technical routes, ice climbing or expeditions. See mountaineering boots.
Good to know
For hikes that won't last for more than a day, go with hiking sandals or hiking shoes. Tackling trails with greater challenges will require hiking boots or mountaineering boots.
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Use
Day Hiking
Shoes or boots for hikes that only last for half a day. Flexibility and lightness are the highlights of these kinds of footwear. See the best day hiking shoes and the best day hiking boots.
Backpacking
For multi-day trips with a heavy pack. Manufacturers emphasize durability and support in the creation of backpacking boots. See backpacking boots
Speed Hiking
Designed for users who want to cover a greater distance by going fast, usually with a light pack. See speed hiking shoes.
Winter Hiking
Boots that grant insulation to the user during hikes. See winter hiking boots.
Multi-sport
Mainly sandals. Aside from hiking they can be used for other purposes such as water activities. See multi-sport hiking sandals.
Good to know
Casual hikers can choose day hiking footwear or multi-sport sandals. More info here.
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Cut
Low
Shoes with a cuff that goes below the ankle. See low-cut hiking shoes.
Mid
Boots with an ankle-height cuff. They provide extra ankle support. See mid-cut hiking boots and mid-cut mountaineering boots.
High
Boots with a cuff that goes above the ankle. In the case of insulated ones, they may reach the calf. Also grants extra ankle support. See high-cut hiking boots and high-cut mountaineering boots.
Good to know
Generally, for trails that are easy to tackle, go with low-cut shoes. Go mid to high if there are more trail obstacles.
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Price$120
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Feature
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WeightMen: 15ozWomen: 9.7oz
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WidthMen: NormalWomen: Normal
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Special editions
Summary
We spent 7.4 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what hikers think:
7 reasons to buy
- The majority was pleased with how comfortable the pair was.
- Its waterproof Gore-Tex membrane was efficient, according to many satisfied users.
- Several wearers appreciated the excellent traction provided by the outsole on various trails.
- The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX was fairly a good option to wear as an everyday shoe, as observed by a few owners.
- More than a handful would recommend this low-cut hiking shoe. They were zealous in getting another pair.
- These hikers were relatively light, as testified by some wearers.
- A professional blogger thought it was a piece of cake getting his Hedgehog Fastpack GTXs cleaned up.
4 reasons not to buy
- A significant number of those who purchased the shoes were disappointed with the insoles. They said it had very minimal arch support and to one’s frustration, he even felt like walking on cardboard.
- These day hiking shoes were a bit narrow, according to some male reviewers.
- A couple of users were disheartened with the sizing. They had to get a half to a full size bigger.
- Its prolonged break-in period garnered the ire of a few reviewers.
Bottom line
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX is a day hiking shoe that offers a lightweight and grippy ride. Amplifying its good points are its comfort and excellent waterproofing. On the flipside, its lack of support and drawn-out break-in phase tarnished its somewhat unparalleled reputation in the outdoor footwear game. Overall, The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX can still work in a variety of outdoor conditions but would require adjustments from the user's end.
Rankings
Expert Reviews
Experts are hikers, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
89 / 100 based on 4 expert reviews
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Is the Hedgehog best for fastpacking? We’d say no. But the shoe is very nicely made and actually has a wider appeal to the general hiking crowd with a light feel, good underfoot support, and Gore-Tex waterproofing.
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A great shoe for fast and light hiking.
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My personal conclusion is that for a walk on a day that is not too wet, over ground that is not very demanding, with nothing more than a day pack I will definitely wear these shoes in the future.
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I am not great at climbing up semi-steep hills or rocks, but these shoes give me the power of a (clumsy) baby mountain goat, and the ability to be able to climb things I wouldn’t have been able to in sneakers.
Updates to The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX
- This low-cut day hiking shoe from The North Face features the Vibram rubber outsole. The synergic effect of this rubber and the strategically patterned lugs results in an optimal mix of traction, long-term durability and wear-resistance.
- The dual-density compression-molded EVA midsole provides cushioning. The TPU Cradle heel-stability and Cradle Guide technologies work together to promote an anatomically correct stride. Carefully placed inside the shoe is a TPU shank that adds stiffness and support.
- The upper of this footgear is PU-coated leather with TPU welt. This assembly adds structure and durability to the pair. The mesh panels along with the waterproof Gore-Tex Extended Comfort maintain a breathable environment. Its lace-up closure is armed with rustproof hardware and a pull loop at the heel.
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX size and fit
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX tailors to men and women and is available in whole and half sizes. It is offered in medium width. These day hiking shoes generally run true to size. With the help of a traditional lace-up closure, the laces maintain a snug fit. Likewise, it prevents unwanted slipping inside the shoes.
Outsole
The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX uses a durable Vibram rubber outsole. It features a strategic lug pattern to give hikers a stable footing. The proprietary rubber compound is designed with an intricate network of protrusions that bites into different types of surfaces including wet and dry ones. It renders grip upon contact and prevents slippage.
Midsole
The brand-patented Cradle Guide and TPU Cradle heel-stability technologies power the midsole of the Hedgehog Fastpack GTX. It uses a full-length dual-density, compression-molded EVA foam. This technology assists the foot through the whole gait cycle—from impact to toe-off. With the initial impact, the TPU Cradle heel stabilizer guides and supports the heel. It also buffers against unwanted banging into wobbly trails. The TPU shank, together with a firmer-density EVA midfoot, assists in the fluid transition which promotes pronation. This mechanism renders the last phase—the final toe-off—a smooth and a more natural stride.
Upper
The upper of the Hedgehog Fastpack GTX uses a mix of mesh panels and PU-coated leather which balances durability and breathability. Its TPU quarter weld creates a crisscross pattern that maintains the structural integrity of this day hiking shoe. The rustproof hardware—metal hooks and eyelets—ensure that this pair surpasses corrosions every time it gets wet.
Facilitating the thorough removal of moist and heat inside The North Face Hedgehog Fastpack GTX is the Gore-Tex Extended Comfort. It is a non-insulated lining that upholds a good exchange of ventilation in and out of the shoes. Likewise, it takes care of the waterproofing.
Further to the construction of the upper, this hiking shoe has a solid toe and heel box that protects against rocky roads. The pull loop at the heel area assists for an easier on and off while the padded tongue and collar deliver comfort.
Additional Info
- The North Face recommends cleaning shoes after use to avoid dirt and mud getting stuck in the fabric. Do not machine wash. Instead, clean the footgear with hot water, rag and cleansing agent. Air dry and stuff the shoes with paper to facilitate drying.
- When not in use, place it in a cool, dry storage.
