Our verdict

73
Decent!

If the only thing trail enthusiasts need in hiking gear is loads of comfort, then they can forget about everything else and get the Monroe Low right away. Fortunately, this affordable Northside product delivers more—it is also a force of nature in the aesthetics and pricing categories.

Pros

  • Astonishingly comfortable
  • Budget-friendly
  • Adorable cute design
  • Grippy outsole

Cons

  • Non-durable upper
  • Measly cushioning
  • Restrictive toe room

Who should buy the Northside Monroe Low

The Northside Monroe Low’s excellent qualities make owning one sound like a great idea. It is a solid option if you:

  • Prefer a competent companion for trail adventures and routinely outdoor activities alike. 
  • Prefer a hiking shoe that provides ample breathability in warm conditions.
  • Prefer a hiking shoe that produces adequate grip over various types of terrain.

Northside Monroe Low logo

Excellent traction on tricky surfaces

The Monroe Low grants enough surface traction on tricky surfaces, be they wet or dry, with its hardwearing rubber outsole. Built into it are multi-sided lugs that enhance its slip and skid resistance, ideal for when the terrain gets challengingly slippery. It has a cupped design, making the foundations of the shoe sturdier as a result.

Northside Monroe Low outsole

Northside Monroe Low outsole 1.0

Comfortable and stable cushioning

This Northside hiker is armed with a hardy midsole that offers stability and cushioning. Wearers experienced sufficient shock mitigation during landings thanks to its overall stocky build.

Northside Monroe Low midsole

Removable and washable insole

The amount of comfort it provides is bolstered by the Monroe Low’s EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) insole. This additional underfoot component is both removable and washable.

Northside Monroe Low insole

Protect the forefoot against stubby and abrasive hazards

Wearing the Monroe Low means being seen in its low-top upper made of suede leather and breathable nylon mesh. It has a liner that wicks away moisture. Its front end features a toe guard that protects the forefoot against stubby and abrasive hazards. Its rear end, on the other hand, comes with a heel stabilizer that grants added support. Both sides of its tongue are sealed, keeping the shoe’s interior free of debris.

Northside Monroe Low upper

Easy to wear

The footwear’s front closure is made up of synthetic lace and combination eyelets. A pull tab on its heel helps hikers put on or remove the shoe quicker.

Northside Monroe Low loop