Summary

We spent 7.7 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what hikers think:

7 reasons to buy

  • A gear critic lauded the lightness of the Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX despite being a mid-rise boot. 
  • Its comfortable build was appreciated by the majority.
  • A considerable number of owners testified to its breathability.
  • The boot was jampacked with astonishing technologies at a pretty affordable price, exclaimed by an impressed professional reviewer.
  • According to some wearers and experts, the waterproofing of the Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX from The North Face was efficient.
  • The precise fit of this speed hiking boot was praised by several users.
  • Plenty of customers noted that its sticky outsole gave them confidence on the trails.

2 reasons not to buy

  • A product tester found it difficult to keep the tension in the laces.
  • Less than a handful of online buyers commented that it lacked underfoot support.

Bottom line

The North Face seems to succeed in taking speed hikers to more miles outdoors with the Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX. Its strong points include lightness, comfort, and breathability which all contributed in achieving a superb trail performance. Of course, there are still a couple of reported flaws. In summary, getting a pair of the TNF Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX surely won’t break the bank; getting a new set of supportive insole can maximize its potential.

Facts

Rankings

A top 4% best hiking shoe
A popular pick
It has never been more popular than this July

Expert Reviews

97 / 100 based on 4 expert reviews

  • 100 / 100 | The Big Outside | | Level 3 expert

    So I took these boots on a four-day, roughly 30-mile family backpacking trip in August in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains—and they aced every test.

  • 100 / 100 | Gear Junkie | | Level 2 expert

    This hiking boot wears more like a sneaker instead of a hardy hiking boot.

  • 92 / 100 | Gear Institute | | Level 1 expert

    These boots are most applicable to light-and-fast trail missions, or those on long hikes who need a bit more ankle support but don’t want to sacrifice weight for support.

  • 90 / 100 | Feed the Habit | | Level 1 expert

    If you’re looking for an ultralight boot, look no further – this one is exceptionally good. It’s light, comfortable and durable and it looks insanely cool.

  • First look | Shop Zappos |

  • First look | Shop Zappos |

Become an expert

  • From The North Face Ultra Series, the third version of the Ultra Fastpack Mid GTX is designed for those who want to go light and fast on the trails. This iteration has an updated overall look, especially on the upper, while keeping its weight at a minimum. It still comes with a Gore-Tex lining for waterproofing.
  • Previously employed with the brand-owned Ultra Protect Cradle technology, this successor wears the FastFoam midsole system which optimizes energy return for fatigue reduction. On the other hand, it is still equipped with a durable Vibram Megagrip outsole. Its facade is updated to be more responsive on the trails.

The North Face Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX caters to male and female day hikers with a standard-width foot. It is offered in full and half sizes. It relatively runs true to size. A customized fit is achieved through its lace-up closure.

The North Face Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX wears a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole. It offers grip on most types of terrain, whether wet or dry. The grooves in between its abrasion-resistant lugs prevent muck build-up to maintain the sole’s traction.

This mid-top speed hiking shoe comes with the brand-owned FastFoam midsole system which includes a dual-density EVA foam. This feature amplifies ground sensitivity and energy return. Comfort is multiplied through the incorporation of an Ortholite footbed.

Support comes from the ESS midfoot shank. This element keeps the foot steady while giving a decent amount of underfoot flexibility. A heel cup is added to stabilize the foot.

Featuring a TPU-coated woven mesh upper, the Ultra Fastpack III Mid GTX offers protection while keeping its flexibility. Inside is a Gore-Tex lining which prevents water intrusion and expels moisture out. A TPU toe cap is added to shield the foot against accidental bumps.

The supplementary features of the upper are designed to maintain the shoe’s lightness. One of these attributes include its welded eyestay and quarter underlay which enhances the shoe’s durability. Its closure system employs combination eyelets, primarily webbing loops. A pull tab is added at the top of its padded tongue and at the heel area to assist during on and off.

  • This Ultra Fastpack III silhouette also comes in a low-cut GTX variant and woven versions.
Author
Paul Ronto
Paul Ronto

Paul loves adventure. Over the past 20 years, he has climbed, hiked, and ran all over the world. He’s summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races. He has worked in the outdoor industry as a whitewater and hunting guide, gear tester, copywriter, and outfitting specialist at places like The National Outdoor Leadership School, No Barriers USA, and Sierra Trading Post. He has been quoted in NYMag, NBCNews, and Business Insider to name a few.

paul@runrepeat.com