Verdict from 4 experts and 5 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Nearly everyone who has used The North Face Safien GTX attests to its top-notch comfort level.
- It's ridiculously lightweight, which makes hiking or walking a breeze, according to most reviewers.
- Several avid hikers are pleased by the protective elements of the shoe, such as the rubber toe cap, mudguard, and heel cap.
- According to some, the Safien GTX is super versatile.
- Lots of users have given it five stars for its stylish look.
- It makes an excellent wet-weather hiking shoe, note a few customers.
2 reasons not to buy
- A couple of hikers say it wears out quickly.
- The sole does not bite well into loose terrain and has less grip on wet or slippery surfaces, according to an expert review.
Bottom line
A great shoe for light hiking on well-maintained trails, the Safien GTX from North Face gets high marks for being super comfortable. Despite being a low-top hiker, it doesn't fall short on protective features that make anyone's trips to the trails safe and enjoyable. And since it's a Goretex shoe, the Safien should keep your foot dry and warm amidst rain, slush or even a bit of snow.
This shoe is truly one-of-a-kind and is best suited for hikers who will be sticking mostly to on-trail adventures.
Tip: see the best hiking shoes.
Expert reviews:
- 90/100 by The Big Outside
- 71/100 by OutdoorGearLab
- 90/100 by Running Malaysia
Video reviews
Good to know
-This max-comfort hiker from North Face has a TPU-coated mesh upper that is breathable and offers good resistance to abrasion. Inside is a Goretex membrane that offers protection against water intrusion.
-For its cushioning system, this shoe features the XtraFoam midsole system which is made of dual-density EVA foam that offers superior comfort, shock absorption, and energy return.
-Another interesting technology used in The North Face Safien GTX men's shoes is the proprietary EXTS outsole traction system which works well on dry ground.
The North Face Safien GTX hiking shoes are a low-top model with a moldable upper that creates a "glove-like" fit. It is quite roomy in the toe area and snug in the midfoot to prevent the foot from slipping forward. The heel cup, despite being firm, is also a bit roomy.
Like most hiking shoes, this features a traditional lace-up closure for easy adjustment of the fit.
This hiking shoe is equipped with a propriety outsole technology. It's made with two rubber compounds that, according to North Face, provide traction on wet and dry terrain. It has shallow, multi-directional lugs and a unique hobnail structure that does not only create a better grip but also keeps debris and sediments from getting stuck in between.
The FastFoam midsole is another element unique to many North Face models. It's a compression-molded EVA midsole that is less prone to abrasion and deformation. It's relatively thick to provide a good amount of cushioning and underfoot comfort. Nonetheless, it remains lightweight, which allows the wearer to survive long hours of walking without feeling tired.
This shoe also comes with a removable Ortholite footbed that is highly breathable and offers odor control.
The Safien GTX has a TPU-coated mesh upper with synthetic collar and overlays that resist abrasion and help keep the feet stay cool. It features a gusseted mesh tongue for keeping the debris out, a standard lacing system, and an integrated molded toe cap, mudguard, and heel for added protection. Furthermore, this shoe has the CRADLE™ heel-stability technology that works by absorbing impact and promoting a smooth transition.
How Safien GTX compares
