The North Face

Hedgehog FUTURELIGHT Hiking Shoe - Men's

decent shoe but not waterproof

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

9

Height:

5' 9"

Weight:

190

I finally got around the trying out the Hedgehog Futurelight on a week of hiking in mixed weather and terrain between 2200m-4000m. The shoes fit comfortably for my feet. Although the shoes doe relax a bit requiring tighter lacing, it hasn't been necessary to go down half size from normal. The MAJOR complaint I have is that the shoes are not waterproof despite the Futurelight membrane. TNF seems to have chosen to piece together and sew the membrane without seam taping or using a unisock liner like goretex does, or that is what it looks like from the inside and the fact that my feet got soaked. Plus, the membrane does not extend far up the tongue. The futurlight made the shoe feel like you were wearing a plastic bag over your feet, creating a suction then pressurized as you walk. This was more apparent in hotter temps, which is something I haven't experienced with goretex lined shoes. Feet felt comfortable, though, in 90F with a light weight hiking sock (Darntough). The shoes did a pretty good job in side slopes and rocky terrain without feeling sketchy on descents or ascents. The lugs did not provide enough grip in clay mud so did slip, but most shoes have difficulty in clay mud, but the overall tread pattern and Vibram Megagrip tracked well. The ripple tread on toe and heel felt secure ascending and descending steep grades. Even though I liked the shoes, I simply wouldn't buy the shoes again because the Futurelight fails keeping feet dry in the toe box, which is where water leaked through.

good shoe except not waterproof

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I finally got around the trying out the Hedgehog Futurelight on a week of hiking in mixed weather and terrain between 2200m-4000m. The shoes fit comfortably for my feet. Although the shoes doe relax a bit requiring tighter lacing, it hasn't been necessary to go down half size from normal. The MAJOR complaint I have is that the shoes are not waterproof despite the Futurelight membrane. TNF seems to have chosen to piece together and sew the membrane without seam taping or using a unisock liner like goretex does, or that is what it looks like from the inside and the fact that my feet got soaked. Plus, the membrane does not extend far up the tongue. The futurlight made the shoe feel like you were wearing a plastic bag over your feet, creating a suction then pressurized as you walk. This was more apparent in hotter temps, which is something I haven't experienced with goretex lined shoes. Feet felt comfortable, though, in 90F with a light weight hiking sock (Darntough). The shoes did a pretty good job in side slopes and rocky terrain without feeling sketchy on descents or ascents. The lugs did not provide enough grip in clay mud so did slip, but most shoes have difficulty in clay mud, but the overall tread pattern and Vibram Megagrip tracked well. The ripple tread on toe and heel felt secure ascending and descending steep grades. Even though I liked the shoes, I simply wouldn't buy the shoes again because the Futurelight fails keeping feet dry in the toe box, which is where water leaked through.

Ripped so fast

I bought these shoes from Backcountry. I barely used it in the month of buying it and I bought it because it’s from a branded company and it ripped so fast.

Bought them again

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Most my age of 79 aren't seeking proper "gear", just a lightweight comfortable shoe. These Lites, and their earlier model, are very comfortable, very supportive, while offering nonslip protection in slippery weather.

Great shoe so far

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I haven't had these shoes on a long hike yet but so far I'm very happy with them. The fit is excellent and true to size. The construction seems very good and the changes in design and materials since my last pair of North Face hiking shoes (which I was also very happy with) seem to address some of the weak spots on those older shoes. Although they are still getting worn in, I expect to use and enjoy these shoes for a long time to come.

Greta Shoes, but...

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I was happy until they started to break

Mesh tears very quickly.

I have the mid height version. Purchased March 28, mesh tore on April 11 so I got not even 2 weeks out of them. Put maybe 60 km's on them, terrible shoe.

Great hiking and golf shoe

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The companies only fault is not advertising as golf shoe. Have used Hedgehog for 10+ years on golf course as I am frequently walking early morning with wet grass.

Mesh on these shoes failed...again

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] The mesh on these shoes failed in the bend by the toe area after light use. Seen this same complaint with others. Same thing happen with my last pair but did not happen nearly as quickly.

Great purchase.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] A good fitting and comfortable shoe is worth the price. Great for hiking and walking. I would definitely recommend the shoe to my friends and family. The shoe would be a great gift for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.